Book Review: Abandon

Meg Cabot

Type:Paperback
Publisher:Point (January 2012)
Language:English

Summary: When Pierce first sees him, she thinks he is a murderer. She's right about one thing—he does take lives. But not in the way she ever imagined. Pierce is drawn to the dark stranger even as she tries to uncover the mystery surrounding the tragic death of someone close to her. As she gets closer to the truth—and the stranger—unexpected secrets are revealed, even in her own heart.

-Amazon.com

I had been longing to read this book and finally I got a copy, but I’m actually really sad. I loved the concept of this book. I mean an old tale spun for a new generation, awesome! But I hated Pierce as a character; she was vapid, idiotic, insensitive, shallow, boring person. She's everything I hate in a character. No backbone, changing loyalties, and just this carelessness that I HATE! She is portrayed as being someone who is not materialistic, yet she does and say stuff which makes her exactly so. When she gets into trouble, she says things like "You want money? Fine! My father will give it to you" .

I also didn’t like the flow of the narrative. Part of my 2012 New Year’s resolution was to finish a book not matter how much I want to throw it against the wall (I have not actually done this- I love books too much to actually, physically, harm them even if I didn’t exactly like them). So I read it out, even though I didn’t want to. I felt that the flow was off and all over the place. There were flashbacks throughout the novel, but it was hard to tell where one stopped and one started so I felt lost to most of the book.

I would not have minded the lack of a plot, if the character development was well done. However, every character is one-dimensional. I cannot remember liking a single character. I can’t really say much about John, the male interest. His character was so flat it was hardly 1-dimensional. I felt that he was meant to be this kind of bad boy hottie, but to me he was a stick drawing on a page who gets angry often, sometimes violently angry and aggressive. He even tries to keep Pierce in the underworld against her wishes. He kind of creeped me out.

I haven’t read any on Meg Cabot’s other book, but I loved the Princess Diaries movies and I hope I’ll be able to read those books soon. The premise of the book is promising and as this is a series maybe the books will get better. However, I will probably not read the next in the series mostly because I had to force myself to finish the book. The whole book wasn't terrible, but it wasn't good enough for me to want to recommend it to a friend.

Buy this Book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

About Meg Cabot:

Meg Cabot is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of books for both adults and tweens/teens. Born
and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, Meg also lived in Grenoble, France and Carmel, California (the setting for her bestselling Mediator series) before moving to New York City after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Indiana University.
After working for ten years as an assistant residence hall director at New York University (an experience from which she occasionally draws inspiration for her Heather Wells mystery series—two new books in the series will be out in 2012 and 2013), Meg wrote the Princess Diaries series, which was made into two hit movies by Disney, sold over 16 million copies, and has been translated into 38 languages. and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, Meg also lived in Grenoble, France and Carmel, California (the setting for her bestselling Mediator series) before moving to New York City after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Indiana University.

-MegCabot.com 

Book Review: Will Grayson Will Grayson

John Green and David Levithan
Reading level:Ages 14 and up
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher:Speak; Reprint edition (April 5, 2011)

Summary:
One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, Will Grayson crosses paths with . . . Will Grayson. Two teens with the same name, running in two very different circles, suddenly find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, and culminating in epic turns-of-heart and the most fabulous musical ever to grace the high school stage. Told in alternating voices from two YA superstars, this collaborative novel features a double helping of the heart and humor that have won them both legions of fans.

-Amazon.com

So far, this is the third book I’ve read by John Green and my first by David Levithan. I had mixed feelings about this book. Through the actual reading process, I loved both Wills but then I didn’t. As usual these characters are realistically crafted and easy to relate to. There were times throughout the story that I felt myself nodding in sympathy or feeling vindictive hatred for the unfortunately dead-on portrayal of selfishness and angst that's common in most high school teenagers. What I love about these characters is that they are individuals who learn life lessons and cry and hope and dissect situations to ridiculous extremes and hold grudges and appreciate love and friendship. This is the kind of book that reminds you what a coming of age tale is supposed to be.

But then there were the times when I felt like giving up. I don’t get why his is written in all lower case letters, something that actually bugged me quite a bit. “will” was the MOST stereotypical emo character I have ever read. Every cliché "emo kid" idea you could come up with is thrown in his chapters. And I do have a few emo friends, even they do not whine as much as this guy!

However, I trusted John Green as a writer so I continued to read on. After several chapter, there is a clear shift in “will’s” character and then the novel became quite enjoyable. John Green never fails to present a wonderful character who is full and enjoyable.

All in all, this was a pretty great novel. It’s not long before you are pulled into the world of the Will Graysons. You will laugh, cry, have hopes and enjoy the time you spend reading this novel.

Buy this book:    
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Find these authors:
<---  John Green



David Levithan --->

Book Review: Looking for Alaska

John Green

Reading level:Ages 14 and up
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher:Speak (December 28, 2006)

Summary: Before. Miles “Pudge” Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave “the Great Perhaps” even more (François Rabelais, poet). He heads off to the sometimes crazy and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young. She is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart. Then. . . . After. Nothing is ever the same.

-Amazon.com

I loved this book! Looking for Alaska was not what I thought it was going to be. Honestly, I didn’t even read the summery, but after reading John Green’s, An Abundance of Katharines, I had to read more. And I was not disappointed! I felt as if I was part of the novel rather than reading it. I laughed and cried! Green’s crisp voice transcends all age limits. This book deals with all the big situations that EVERYONE goes through: friendship, suffering, loss, and grief, love, hatred, and philosophy- it does so with such compassion and humor that the net impact is uplifting.

I loved the idea of “last words,” and “escaping the labyrinth of suffering”. throughout the novel I felt that I was seeking the same answers the characters were and through the author’s plot process I was not left feeling that I didn’t understand.

I was sad when the book ended- because I wanted it to go on forever. I did not want to leave this world that was so real!

This is a must read book. Even if you prefer reading paranormal romance or fantasy novels, GIVE THIS BOOK A TRY!

Where you can find John Green and his books:
Kindle  Nook     Author Website    
Youtube: VlogBrothers
Twitter: @realjohngreen
Facebook: John Green Fans
Goodreads: Fan Page

About John Green:
John Green is a New York Times bestselling author who has received numerous awards, including both the Printz Medal and a Printz Honor. John is also the cocreator (with his brother, Hank) of the popular video blog Brotherhood 2.0, which has been watched more than 30 million times by Nerdfighter fans all over the globe. John Green lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

-Amazon.com

Author Interview: Hope Collier

Hope Collier was born in Harlan County, Kentucky. Growing up in the Appalachia, she quickly learned that a good imagination — along with the ability to outrun the neighbor’s cantankerous dog — was essential to survival. Hope wrote and illustrated her first book at the age of six and never stopped writing. She now lives in central Kentucky with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets. When not spending time with her imaginary friends, you’re likely to find her stalking other writers on Twitter or searching out new ways of fitting square pegs into round holes.

                                                                                                  -From Author's Website

Where you can find Hope Collier and her books:

Author Website: Hope Collier Books

Where to buy: The Willows: Haven

Twitter: @hopecollier

Facebook: Hope Collier

Blog: A Lilliputian’s Journey to Publication

E-mail: hope@hopecollier.com

I just want to thank author Hope Collier for participating in this interview. Congrats on her success and best wishes in her future.

I hope everyone enjoys the interview.

Interview:

~When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer/ that you even liked writing

I'm not sure I ever had a moment where I just knew I wanted to be a writer. It's something I've always done. I wrote and illustrated my first book at six years old. Our teacher had them covered and bound as a surprise. I haven't stopped writing since.

~What inspires you to write?

I find inspiration in most aspects of life, but the thing that inspires me most is music! After writing, that's my favorite thing of all. It amazes me that someone can sum up an entire story in a matter of minutes.

~Are any of your characters similar to you or anyone you know?

I think all writers include a little bit of themselves and others in their characters…whether they mean to or not.  I want my characters to feel and act real. The best way to do that is by observing others.

~What made you decide to self-publish? Did you try to go the traditional route at all or did you know from the get-go you wanted to be an indie?

I'm published through a small press and couldn't be happier. I love the attention and support authors receive from smaller houses. It was nice to have a say in cover design and content. I queried a handful of agents very early on, but the more I learned about indie publishers, the more I realized that was the best fit for me.

~Do you have any other jobs at the moment or are you just focusing on your writing?

I'm a stay at home mom of two little girls, and they keep me on my toes!

~Do you enjoy writing in first or third person?

This is a tricky question. I prefer first person for the fact that I love feeling, seeing, hearing and just experiencing what the character is. However, third person is more inclusive of all characters. You get a more information when you can see every aspect. There are advantages to both, but I'd have to say I prefer first person.

~What is a must have food/drink that you must have when writing?

Sweet tea!

~Who are your favorite authors and do they affect your writing?

My favorite authors are Janet Evanovich, because she has such relatable stories and characters, and Elizabeth Isaacs because she is such an emotional and sensory writer. It truly resonates with the reader. I so strive to be that kind of story teller!

~What are your goals at the moment?

My goals for the near future are: Finish the novel due out in April, and complete the second book in THE WILLOWS series due out Fall 2012.

~What was the best and worst comment from any of your writing? How has it helped you grow as a writer?

I try not to take compliments or criticism personally. It becomes too much pressure to please a reader. The problem is, what one person might love about your writing, another may hate. I just try to write something I'd want to read myself and learn from my mistakes. Though I will say, honesty and specificity really help no matter if it's a complement or criticism.

~Will we ever get to see any of your unpublished work one day?

Geez, I hope not! It's unpublished for a reason. Haha!

~You mainly write for teens, why?

I love YA! There's just something magic about teens and the way they see the world. Everything is emotional and epic, yet there's still the newness of not having experienced everything life has to offer.

~Can you share with us a little of the work that is yet to come?

Book two of THE WILLOWS is well under way and so much fun! Everyone will get a deeper look into the mythology surrounding the world where Ashton, Gabe, and the rest live. More questions will be answered from HAVEN, and there will be a few surprises as well. I'm all about the mystery!

~Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

You guys are my heroes! I couldn't do this without the support and encouragement of the readers. I owe you all more than I can ever repay you! Thanks!

~Do you have any rituals or habits that you do when writing?

Music! Music is the drive behind my muse. It fuels my imagination and sets the stage for what's going to happen. I can't write without it.

~Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind?

See the previous question ;) My favorite bands for writing are: Luke Asher, Silversun Pickups, Florence + the Machine, Bon Iver, The Fray, Adele, Death Cab for Cutie, and Snow Patrol. I love indie, folk, and singer/songwriter bands.

~Out of every one of your novels, who is your favorite character?

Oh, wow. This is a near impossible question to answer. I think one of my favorite characters to write is Kyle. He's just so easygoing and simple, but he's genuine and heartfelt. He's the kind of person anyone would want to have as a best friend.

~Which is your all time favorite novel?

Hands down, my favorite book ever, THE LIGHT OF ASTERIA by Elizabeth Isaacs. No other novel has moved me like this one. It's a story about selfless love and heartfelt forgiveness. Not to mention the incredible characters that are so real and true to life, you forget they're not really your friends. Just an incredible story! I highly recommend it!

~Do you outline before you write?

Not typically. I'm more of a pantser when it comes to writing. I'm not sure if that's the best way to write, but I think if I plotted the entire thing, I'd pull my hair out. I like the element of surprise, even if it's from my own characters.

~If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor and why?

Elizabeth Isaacs. I love her ability to include so much information and detail without the reader ever noticing they're getting it. And her world/character building is just amazing! There's so much more to her stories than the obvious. They're steeped in meaning and significance.

~Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Free advice is worth what it costs you, but mine would be this: Write for you. Write for fun. Learn and grow, but never give up or compromise when it means something to you! Oh, and don't expect to be perfect…especially when you're just starting out.

~What are some future projects we can expect?

I actually have several projects in varying stages. I hope to have more on those as they progress, and I have a little better idea how they'll pan out. One is a ghost story and the other has more of an "earthy" feel. And of course, Book 2 of THE WILLOWS.

Random questions:

~If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want?

To pilot their indestructible aircraft! I don't want to be able to hurt myself.

~If you could be any character in fiction, whom would it be?

Hmm, this is a tough one. The first person to pop into my mind is Jo March from Little Women. She's such an incredible character…strong and non-conforming. She was always comfortable with herself and really made an impact. Plus, she was a writer.

~If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?

It'd probably something lame but functional like super-human knowledge retention. I love words and information. It would be nice to act as a walking encyclopedia as long as I wasn’t annoying!

~If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be?

Something salty, no doubt!

~When was the year you were the most happy and why?

I've never been happier or more content than I am now. My life is so beyond blessed. I couldn't ask for anything more.

~If you had to choose to fight off 1000 cats, 1000 babies, or 1000 old people, who would you fight against?

I'm going to go with 1,000 babies. They're relatively immobile and they don't have teeth. While some might say that's true of the latter, the thought of dirty diapers is less creepy on an infant. ;)

~If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

"Caution: Stumbler at Work"



Book Review: Hell Phone

William Sleator
★★★★★

Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 2007)



Nick wants a cell phone so he can talk to his girlfriend, Jen, after school, but he doesn't have a lot of money. The used phone he buys seems like a bargain, until the phone calls begin—strangers calling night and day, some begging for help, others making demands. Nick wants to get rid of the phone, but something prevents him, and, soon he finds himself committing crimes—stealing, conning . . .and killing. --- Goodreads

Surprisingly, I found this book in the Dollar Store. I’ll tell you now, if you’re thinking that “Oh, it’s from the Dollar Store, it must be bad,” I have to let you know now that this statement is not true. I’ve actually found some really amazing books there.

Now, on to the review: I really liked this book. Honestly, I thought how serious of a story that is about a phone from hell is going to be? Boy, was I wrong to judge (Remember kids, don’t judge a book by it’s cover- but sometimes the cover helps). Sleator really spun a story out of an almost wacky idea that had me terrified that my phone might ring one night and people from hell would be on the other side. I swear to you, I used to jump out of my skin when the phone rang while I was reading this book.

I really liked Nick as a character. He felt whole and real to me. There was no hide and seek with his character. He was a really sweet guy who wanted to be closer to his girlfriend and then falls into a horrible situation. I felt for his character. Sometimes I felt like I was Nick. When he was sad, I was sad. When he got angry, I got angry. There were a lot of emotions in this book, but not so much that you felt lost.

I love the twist in the last few chapters! My heart was racing and I could not stop reading. William Sleator was a horror genius! If you love horrors that hit you with an unexpected twist, you will love this novel!

William Sleator (February 13, 1945 – August 3, 2011)

Where you can find other William Sleator books:
Amazon: Author Page
Goodreads: Author Page
On this blog:

Book Review: Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

★★★★★

Hardcover:336 pages
Readig Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (November 1, 2011)

Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…Now it’s our turn. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, turning everday people into hunters, killers, crazies.

Mason's mother is dying after a terrible car accident. As he endures a last vigil at her hospital bed, his school is bombed and razed to the ground, and everyone he knows is killed. Aries survives an earthquake aftershock on a bus, and thinks the worst is over when a mysterious stranger pulls her out of the wreckage, but she’s about to discover a world changed forever. Clementine, the only survivor of an emergency town hall meeting that descends into murderous chaos, is on the run from savage strangers who used to be her friends and neighbors. And Michael witnesses a brutal road rage incident that is made much worse by the arrival of the police--who gun down the guilty party and then turn on the bystanding crowd.

Where do you go for justice when even the lawmakers have turned bad? These four teens are on the same road in a world gone mad. Struggling to survive, clinging on to love and meaning wherever it can be found, this is a journey into the heart of darkness – but also a journey to find each other and a place of safety.



WOW. WOW. WOW! Did I mention: WOW? Dark Inside was just awesome, awesome, AWESOME! 2011 has definitely been the year for dystopian novels and so far I have read some pretty amazing ones including Blood Red Road, Divergent, and The Hunger Games. But Jeyn Roberts writes a novel that is unlike any I have read so far. Told from 4 different POVs, Roberts explores the world as it falls to pieces. Unlike other dystopian novels recently, Roberts explores the during and after of the end-of-the-world situation, not just the after. Personally, I thought this was amazing (sorry for the lack of words here but it is just AMAZING!). The multiple POVs showed that there were not just one hero in this devastation, but multiple. The characters were so real and interesting I found myself dreaming about them while I was awake or asleep. I was sad when I couldn’t find time to finish and when I did get to read it I was lost in the world of Dark Inside.

First, the cover art is just brilliant. Honestly, while searching on Amazon, when I came upon the book, it was the cover art that drew me in and it was the summary and the preview that persuaded me to buy this book. I didn’t even bother to read anything about the book- call it instinct, but I just knew this book just had to be great! And I sure was right.

Of the four characters, I think Aries hasto be my favorite. I’d like to think that if I were ever in that circumstance I would be able to become the leader and worry about everyone else beside myself. She took control when there was no hope of security and tried to make the horrible situation at least half-way decent. Mason is just a really sweet guy. After loosing his mother, I really thought he would just ended up killing himself or eventually turn into a Bagger himself. He lost everything he had. After finally being able to trust people again and then having them ripped away from him was just so sad. Michael was…interesting. I felt he was one of the realest characters. Even though he was faced with the decision of dying with his group or saving himself own would have thought he would have stayed and try to find a way to beat the Bagger and save his friend Evens and the woman with her sick child, but the fact that he ran away and tried to save at least himself- well I thought that was the most human a character has ever acted. Clementine was so determined to find her brother, it was awesome to see how her mind worked in trying to travel a monster infested world when there was little hope of any survival. Roberts characters were each different and I really couldn’t pick which was more brave. These teens were throw into a world that wanted to rip them to shreds and Roberts was able to psychologically dig into each one of their subconscious that give us characters that each had different goals and feels while stuck in the same world.

I loved the idea of this evil and how the world was cleansing itself. Roberts even gave us instances where this might have actually have happened. The Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs, all leaders of their time and each fell. It is almost like Roberts is suggesting that no matter how much we grow, sometimes the world cannot take the evil and then we need to be cleansed. The idea that others turned “evil” while others were spared was so fascinating, but also it was like even though they were somewhat safe from this “evil” they too held some of it within them. I just thought the psyche of that was just brilliant!

Roberts delivery was spectacular. I never felt out of the loop and the additional view from “Nothing” lets the reader into the mind of those turned. I thought Roberts choice from the multiple POVs was spectacular and the fact that they all met up in the end was just great!

I read that there was going to be a sequel and I so hope that’s true because I am DYING to read what happened next. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE… this book! Simon & Schuster has defiantly been publishing some of the most amazing dystopian novels ever. First Blood Red Road and now Dark Inside. I am defiantly loving this year!

If you haven’t read this book yet I really have no idea what you are waiting for. Go- go get a copy now. I serious!

Where to find Jeyn Roberts:
Twitter: @JeynRoberts
Amazon: Jeyn Roberts Author Page
Facebook: Jeyn Roberts
Good Reads: Jeyn Roberts
YouTube: Dark Inside Trailer
Author Website: JeynRoberts
Simon & Schuster: Jeyn Roberts Author

Book Review: An Abundance of Katharines

John Green

★★★★★

Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Dutton Books (Imprint of Penguin Group USA)

An Abundance of Katharines tells the story of noted child prodigy Colin Singleton. Colin had dated 19 girls, all named Katharine- not Katie, or Kat, or Kitty, or Cathy, or Rynn, or Trina, or Kay, or Kate or, God forbid, Catherine. But K-A-T-H-E-R-I-N-E. And now K-19 has broken his heart. One a road trip to nowhere in particular with his Judge Judy loving, overweight best friend, Colin sets out of a mission to prove the Theorem of Underlying Katharine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, average Dumpees everwhere, and finally win him the girl.

An Abundance of Katharines has to one of the funniest, most brilliant stories I have ever read. John Green creates a cast of characters that are funny, smart, and very memorable. There is actually nothing that I didn’t love about this book- it was that good! I loved Colin, and by the end of the book I wish I knew someone like him. I liked the idea that this was not just about him proving a theorem or getting over a girl. This story really explored Colin as a person, who he was and what he wanted- which was, overall, to be remembered, to not be forgotten. Everyone wants that.

I quickly found out while I was reading this book that with it's an original concept, this was a laugh-out-loud funny story, complete with satire, and an American road trip that's unlike any road trip I ever took! I loved Colin’s view on the world and I can very much relate to his ability to not being able to talk with people. Honestly, even that is a skill I have yet to master. I also loved that I actually learned and remembered things from his novel. Some was trivial to the plot and others were bits of information that Green placed in footnotes that I thought was a most brilliant idea ever! These are things I never knew until I read this book:
1) Fetor hepaticus is a symptom of late-stage liver failure where your breath literally smells like a rotting corpse.
2) The junior senator from New Hampshire in 1873 was Bainbridge Wadleigh.
3) There is absolutely no scientific proof that drinking eight glasses of water a day will improve your health.
4) Dingleberries can be anagrammed into see inbred girl; lie breeds grin; leering debris; greed be nil, sir; be idle re. rings; ringside rebel; and residing rebel.
5) Nikola Tesla did a lot for electricity before Thomas Edison came along and stole some of his ideas, and he also loved pigeons.
6) Sitzpinkler is German slang for “wimp” which literally means “a man who sits to pee”.
7) There is a difference between a genius and a prodigy.

I think as a girl, I was hoping for a bit more romance, but being the tomboy that I am, I loved that it never overflowed with icky heartaches and over the top “love at first sight” crap. During the period of reading this book there was never a moment I was not smiling or laughing- which incidentally got me trouble for laughing in class, but who cares? I usually love just reading fantasy fiction novels, but John Green has shown me that sometimes reality is cool too.  

Hassan is the funniest, always the joker, and it was wonderful to see that not only did Colin progress as a character, but so did Hassan, and Lindsey.

Honestly, I can parttle on and on about how amazing this book it, but then I’d be giving away a lot of spoilers. In short: An Abundance of Katharines is funny, smart, and very entertaining. John Green has a very, to say the least, interesting way of writing that defiantly brings a voice to literaturethat is beyond amazing!
I cannot wait to get my hands on all his other books!

Also, click here if you would like to design the new cover for An Abundace of Katharines- ends November 21st, 2011.

DFTBA- Don't Forget To Be Awesome!


Where to find John Green:
Amazon: John Green Author Page
YouTube: The Vlog Brothers
GoodReads: John Green
Twitter: @realjohngreen
Author Website: John Green Books
Contact Info: Stalk John Green

Book Review: Hollowland

Amanda Hocking
★★★★★
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 344 KB

Nineteen-year-old Remy King is on a mission to get across the wasteland left of America to find her brother, and nothing will stand in her way - not violent marauders, a spoiled rock star, or an army of flesh-eating zombies.

I had gotten this book some time in September. I had fallen in love with Hocking’s concept and after reading the first few pages, I was hooked on this page. But with the massive amounts of homework from my AP classes I haven’t found any spare time to read lately.

Then, this weekend, I started and I could not stop. I ended up finishing the book in a day! A new record for me!(Sorry this review is so late). But enough about me.

 Hocking has a magnificent way with words. The writing is effortless and so personal, Remy and her companions come alive and are no longer words on paper.

Hollowland is the first in The Hollows series. It begins with zombies tearing down the walls and does not let up. The drive in this book follows Remy, a young girl who is searching for her younger brother, suggested to have been moved to a quarantine. Remy, determined to find him, sets off across a now zombie infest, wasteland of America in search for her brother. She encounters many fantastic and damn real events that will make you hold your breath in anticipation. Her friends are, individually, as crazy as awesome as crazy gets. Not one charcter is repeated and one can find it impossible not to love each one for who they are.
While these events happened (no, I will not tell you what they are), Remy never lost sight of her goal- which for me is a great thing because many books tend to focus on the love story more then the action and Hocking defiantly brought that action. Hocking writes through Remy’s perspective, in a voice unique and so personal, you almost wonder if the author herself has ever been in a zombie infest universe before. I felt the emotions through this book and I have to say it is definitely a new favorite of mine. And I mean look at the cover art- AMAZING!

If you love dystopian novels with powerful female characters and a lot of ass kicking mixed in, (plus a bit of romance to spice things up) you are going to love this book!

A DEFINITELY MUST READ!

Get the free Kindle version here: Hollowland

Where you can find Amanda Hocking: 
Her blog: Amanda Hocking’s Blog
Twitter: @Amanda_Hocking
Amazon: Amanda Hocking
Goodreads: Amanda Hocking

Book Review: POSSESS

Gretchen McNeil
★★★★★
Reading level:Ages 13 and up/ Young Adult
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (August 23, 2011)


After stressing over school work, I’ve found little time to read ANYTHING! But finally, after much homework and studying for mid-terms, I’VE FINISHED POSSESS!

So, this book follows 15-year-old Bridget Liu who just want to be left alone, by her mother, Matt Quinn, and the eerie voices and can suddenly hear- which are demons. And unfortunately for her, Bridget posses the power to banish them. After being enlisted by San-Francisco’s senior exorcist Monsignor Renault, she begins to come to terms with her new abilities. But then she receives a startling message from one of the demons, and one of her oldest friends is murdered, she realizes she is in farther than she thought. Now, she must unlock the secrets of the demon’s plan before it’s too late.

I have to say that there were many pros and cons to this book. Much like every book. Some things really bugged me (which I’ll get into in a sec) but I have to say this book was actually refreshing and a new twist I really enjoyed.

Let’s start with the cons (just because there isn’t much): I really didn’t care for Bridget’s attitude when she found out different aspects to her power. I mean, there was this one part, where she was freaked out that she could possibly hear angels and well as demons. It was just so baffling to her. Come on, you have to know that if you can hear DEMONS that angels are not that different. And then when Father Santos told her the story of how she came to be (meaning possessing her power and all) she just couldn’t accept it. If you could hear demons-DEMONS- why is the story of angels so hard to accept?But while those things bothered me, it’s not that bad especially when you compare it to how AWESOME the book was. I actually found that those things didn’t bother me after a while.

McNeil’s style of writing was somewhat unusual but flowed smooth and effortless. Written in third person, McNeil focuses on Bridget’s thoughts and does not stray. Bridget’s natural wit and sarcasm is utterly hilarious and fun to read. McNeil does not bore you with an abundance of description, nor does fail to bring the scene alive.

Her characters are absolutely perfect: Matt is hot and sweet, everything you want in a guy; Alexa is just evil; Bridget’s friends are comical; and the priests are like wow. McNeil’s plot flows effortlessly and even though you think you know who’s evil, she will just slap you in the face when you find out the truth. I kept guess and tripping over my own thoughts as I started to piece together the story just as Bridget did. There were points that were made that, at first, I thought she was just going to drop when she never mentioned them again, but then they came into play and it was just awesome. I literally had chills at some point in the book. I just freaked at the part with the doll shop, I mean scary, possessed dolls- crap my pant, that was horrifying!

I love McNeil’s spin on the whole fallen angels/ Nephilim, good vs. bad concept. It wasn’t that “Oh there were good ones and bad ones” she actually explained to us how they came about (and while I’d love to tell you how, you should read and fins out).

Plus, look at her cover design, is that now spooky and totally and awesomly sick! I just love it, one of the best cover arts I've ever seen!
This was a great debut novel that I am hoping will be the first in a fabulous series! A must read.

Other places to find Gretchen McNeil:
Twitter: @GertchenMcNeil
Amazon: Possess[Hardcover]
YouTube: Monday on YARebels
Facebook: Posses by Gretchen McNeil
GoodReads: Gretchen McNeil and Possess Book
Author WebSite: GretchenMcNeil

There's Only One Rule of Exorcism: The Spirits Lie

I Won A Book Contest! "POSSESS" by Gretchen McNeil

Recently, I entered a contest via http://cjredwine.blogspot.com and won a signed copy of Gretchen McNeil's novel, POSSESS.

Here are some pics:

It was sooo awesome to get this in the mail! Best Friday ever! I have already started POSSESS and I loveeee it! Will post review soon. So, keep an eye out and happy reading!


Check out Gretchen McNeil, CJRedWine and myself on twitter
@JessieKnite
@GretchenMcNeil
@CJRedWine

Book Review: The Replacement

Brenna Yovanoff

★★★★★

Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Razorbill
Mackie Doyle is The Replacement - left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. He has been raised among us. But he is not one of us. Now, he must face the dark creatures of the slag heaps from which he came and find his rightful place - in our world or theirs.

This story made me smile, laugh, and at some point, I wanted to cry. Mackie is such a beautiful character, it made my heart hurt to see his predicament. (But then there would be no story). I loved this story of dark story with its unusual characters.

Unlike other books, this one reminded me of how teenagers actually acted. Mackie and is friends are funny and creative. This story teaches us that friends are not your friends by accident, but because they choose to be. I felt like Mackie kept whining about not fitting in, but it was worth it when he realized that he does and that his friends and family are true.

There is true meaning and love between the characters. Nothing false and out of the blue about it. This was a really sweet and strange story.

Book Review: Divergent

Veronica Roth

★★★★★

Reading level: Ages 14 and up

Hardcover: 496 pages

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

　

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.          During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

  I really enjoyed this novel! After all the hype about it, I bought the book, but I really did not expect all the book had to offer. I had my doubts about it being a thrilling dystopian, but I was proven wrong. With 2011 being the year for YA dystopian novels, some have fallen short. The book lagged in places and I felt at times that I knew what was going to happen (which turned out I was right about the things I guessed on) but Ms. Roth never failed in her writing.

The characters were fun and defiantly beyond the norm in YA fiction. I loved the concept the author portrayed and it showed how afraid people can be and how power is a ruling “drug” in a sense. The was fast pace and almost impossible to put down at times. I loved the heroic and brave qualities of Tris and just all in all the fact that she was no damsel in distress. Facing one’s fears has never been more enjoyable!

Ms. Roth created a world that made it so that I was not reading a story, but living and experience. I loved this story and I can’t wait for the next installment. Let’s hope the movie is just as great!

Book Review: Blood Red Road

Moira Young

★★★★★★/5

(The Extra star for being the best book I've ever read)

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 464 pages

Publisher:Margaret K. McElderry (June 7, 2011)

At first, I did not think I would enjoy this book like I enjoyed The Hunger Games, which at the time was my leading book. The writing was defiantly not like other books with perfect grammar and quotation marks. It was a turn off for me at first. But it took only the first few pages before I was hooked. It turns out that the way it was written added to the glamour on the book. All I could think about were these characters and their journey.

Blood Red Road tells the story of Saba as she tries to get her brother back after he was kidnapped by strange men. I was a bit intrigued with the fact that this story wasn’t about forbidden love or whatever else the YA brand has been selling lately.

I’ve said this before, that some characters seem real to me. But it was unlike any I’ve ever read about before. Moira Young’s characters are smart, cunning, funny, and just plain awesome. Usually the main female lead is all love struck and a damsel in distress type. But Saba was a strong and fierce fighter who had one thing on her mind: getting back her brother. Some people would say that she went overboard with her obsession to finding him, but I felt that it gave her a sense of purpose and throughout the novel, that was her aim. She never let that stray. Jack was just delicious. He was funny and cocky and just plain sexy! (He actually reminded me of one of my characters in the novel I’m writing.) The Free Hawks were the bravest and most thrilling fighters. Ike was just hilarious and intriguing. Emmi was bold and daring. These characters were like real people. Each were dynamic and rounded characters that I instantly fell in love with.

The plot of the story was always held in front. This I especially like, because I hate when the main purpose of the story is pushed aside and then the character goes off on their little adventure to find themselves and then finish off the book in the last few pages with a bit of action and a happily ever after. This novel was not like that. The main purpose was always first and the characters grew from that. There was a bit of romance in here as well, but is didn’t get all twilight on us, which is just what I like.

Moira Young has defiantly written an amazing book! My favorite book. If I was ever so lucky to meet her I would bow at her feet. This books is just…perfect. A MUST MUST read!Now, all my life, I’ve never really found a book that was my favorite. There were defiantly those I treasure most and would read over and over, but never could I find one that was THE best. Until now. Blood Red Road is my perfect novel. It is a dystopian dream!

Book Review: Across the Universe

Beth Revis

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 416 pages

Publisher: Razorbill; (January 11, 2011)

As the spaceship Godspeed travels toward a new earth, the lives of 100 cryogenically frozen settlers hang in the balance after someone endeavors to quietly murder them. The other passengers aboard the ship have never known life outside its walls and are enslaved by the machinations of Eldest, their tyrannical leader, who divides them into three distinct classes. When Amy, a frozen settler from earth, survives being thawed in a murder attempt, she immediately bonds with Elder, Godspeed's lone teen and future leader. Amy’s individuality, her rebellion, and her fierce desire for freedom, inspire Elder to act on his own doubts and defy Eldest--his mentor and keeper--with shocking results. Eldest’s methods of twisting history and altering the lives of this captive community are a frightening echo of tyrants in our own history, and Across the Universe challenges readers to consider the impact of unchecked power, blind trust, and the ability of one dissenting voice to make a difference.

　

This story was very different from most YA novels that I’ve been reading. First: it was set on a spaceship in the future. I don’t read much sci-fi so I was a bit skeptical about this book. But it actually turns out I kinda liked it. The story started slow and the main problem of the story- trying to figure out who is killing the frozens- is pushed to the back burner as the “dystopian” aspect of the story kicks in. The author sends a lot of messages about differences and individuality. God is a fictional character to those on the ship and Sol-Earth’s history is changed to feel like Hitler was a great leader, and that all differences are bad.

The characters weren’t flat, but they weren’t my favorite. Elder is madly in love with Amy, while Amy is stuck in the past. Eldest is an evil tyrant. The entire ship is loony, and the loony ones seem to be the only normal ones. The only character I really liked was Harley.

And, maybe this was just me, but I kind of figured out most of the lot twists before the author told us in the end. I can’t say it was completely obvious, but I guessed most it…

All in all this book was rather different and I like different. Ms. Revis did an amazing job of creating a sci-fi- dystopian world. I would have liked to see more action, but it was a great book altogether. Creative and entertaining, you may experience a few nightmares of being frozen alive…

Critique Partners

Everyone needs a someone who will tell them what’s wrong with ________(enter problem here). Same is true when writing a novel! Now, I’m still just a writer. I haven’t actually finished a novel, least of all published one, but from some research I’ve done, here’s one thing I know to be true: Get A Critique Partner!

Critique partners are your best friend in writing. This might be someone who has a knowledge of writing or just someone who loves to read and can tell you what you might be doing right or wrong.

No matter what anyone tells you, your writing may be good or bad-people have different opinions. However a critique partner is that one person who can keep you on track.

It is a long and traitorous road ahead for young writers, so why not have someone to tag along?

Dear [Blank],

For those who make characters like Bella Swan: stop! Why is every female character in YA fiction seem just like Bella Swan? There is always something wrong with their appearance, when really everyone thinks they’re super hot! Or they have some stupid flaw, or that no one likes them, or they are new to town, or thay have "old souls", or they make really stupid choices, or they are really, really annoying!

Like really? Come on! Not every pubescent teenager thinks like that. Some actually think the world revolve around them-trust me, I know a few kids!

I’m just saying that maybe a character who, I don’t know, actually have a personality would be a great change from the ones I’ve been reading.

So for all you young writers, try techniques that make your characters more 3-d, rather then the flat paper kind.

Amanda Hocking and Self Publishing

For those of you who have the words "Self-Publishing" on your mind or on your Google search history, here's a video of one author who has made it BIG in both YA fiction and the self publishing world. Amanda Hocking! Gives one a second opinion on the choice-but then every story is differnet. Check it out!

Book Review: Matched

Ally Condie 　
★★★★★

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher:Dutton Juvenile
　
　
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great story that I think Ally did an amazing job of creating. I was a bit saddened by some of the characters at first. There seemed to be little character development throughout some of the book, but as the story finished off and Cassia, the heroine of the story, found her true path, the story really caught my attention.
I loved the idea of this dystopian world and the way that Cassia and Ky fell in love. It was gradual and as the story unfolds, you won’t want to put it down.

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures

Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
★★☆☆☆
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 592 pages

Publisher:Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Beautiful Creatures is the first novel in the Beautiful Creatures series. Being a lover of gothic styled love stories and a fanatic for fantasy, I thought this would be right up my ally. However, early on in the book, I realize my mistake. The authors put every cliché remake about the south in this 600 page book of ridiculous, unedited mess of a novel.
First, the characters are unreal. Ethan is not like any sixteen year old boy I have ever met- I’m sixteen, I should know what I’m talking about. He has no hormones, I swear. I’m not saying that every teenage boy is a hound dog, but he’s just lacking in that field. Lena was a bit boring. Amma could have been a good character, but failed. And every kid in Jackson High School fit every high school cliché ever written.
I was still in my “I’ll finish a book no matter what” phase when I read this book, and it may have been the reason that I stop reading a book as soon as I start to lose interest. I really tried to finish it, I did. But page after page of droning on and on I just couldn’t do it.
I have to say sorry to the authors. You have amazing fans, but I am just not one of them.

Book Review: Die for Me

Amy Plum
★★★★★
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 341
Publisher: Harper Teen 2011

I completely devoured this novel. Die for me, tells the story of a girl named Kate as she moves with her sister to Paris to live with her grandparents after her parents die. Kate is enveloped with sadness because of this, and spends most of her summer losing herself in art and novels at cafes. When she meets Vincent, a handsome and mysterious young man, she finds herself wanting to open up to love again, but there are secrets about Vincent will put her life-and her family's- in jeopardy.

The characters in this novel was a bit refreshing. Kate, although is intensely attracted to these handsome beings, she keeps knows of the danger this could mean for her life and her heart. Vincent deservingly earns the title hero, and has the looks to match.

I’ve never heard of a revenant before and after some research on the subject I loved the story even more. It was a great tale on an old folklore.
Just brilliant!