Painted Hands

  I've always been a fan of multicultural and immigrant reads. When I read the synopsis to Jennifer Zobair's Painted Hands, it hit close to home and I knew I had to read it. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a chance to read an advanced reader's copy of the book.

Description (from the Publisher): Muslim bad girl Zainab Mir has just landed a job working for a post-feminist, Republican Senate candidate. Her best friend Amra Abbas is about to make partner at a top Boston law firm. Together they've thwarted proposal-slinging aunties, cultural expectations, and the occasional bigot to succeed in their careers. What they didn't count on? Unlikely men and geopolitical firestorms. 
    When a handsome childhood friend reappears, Amra makes choices that Zainab considers so 1950s--choices that involve the perfect "Banarasi "silk dress and a four-bedroom house in the suburbs. After hiding her long work hours during their courtship, Amra struggles to balance her demanding job and her unexpectedly traditional new husband. Zainab has her own problems. She generates controversy in the Muslim community with a suggestive magazine spread and friendship with a gay reporter. Her rising profile also inflames neo-cons like Chase Holland, the talk radio host who attacks her religion publicly but privately falls for her hard. When the political fallout from a terrorist attempt jeopardizes Zainab's job and protests surrounding a woman-led Muslim prayer service lead to violence, Amra and Zainab must decide what they're willing to risk for their principles, their friendship, and love.

Review: Marketed as The Namesake meets Sex in the City, Jennifer Zobair's debut novel Painted Hands is thankfully much of the former than the latter book. Though the story follows three different women's journeys, at its very heart, Painted Hands, is an exploration of what it means to be a Muslim woman in the post 9/11 world. Though I was drawn to the subject matter because I closely identify with the characters given my own personal background, I was also a bit concerned on how the characters would be written and how the tricky subject of religion is discussed. I'm happy to say that the book went beyond my expectations. I loved and cared for the characters so much that I compulsively read it in one sitting. 
  Zobair creates a cast of characters that give a wide ranging and for many a new look at Muslim-American culture from a female perspective. Within her story about navigating love and life while balancing Muslim religious and cultural beliefs with an American way of life, Zobair provides an array of characters covering the spectrum between devout followers of Islam and those who reject the beliefs of family and childhood.
   The story is very simple as it follows a group of friends for more than a year as they juggle careers, political differences, the trials and tribulations of love and prejudice. Zobair deftly captures the conflict all women face between the desire to be true to themselves and their own beliefs and the struggle to meet the expectations of family and friends. I think it's super important that Zobair made these women intelligent career women who think critically and logically for themselves and are assertive. While I may not agree with some of their decisions and/or actions, I felt the characters were authentic and not caricatures that I've met over and over again in other multicultural reads.
  Even though I was wrapped up in the lives of her characters, what kept me glued to the pages is how Islam is explored, defended, and supported in the book. Zobair's characters aren't afraid to raise questions and think outside of the traditional box. It gave me a lot to ponder. I also very much appreciated on how the characters varied in their devoutness to Islam without any suggestions of whether they are good or evil, which probes the reader to think about the Muslim identity.
  Painted Hands balances a story of women without overdoing it on the politics and religion. It allows readers to be exposed to the lesser known and good side of Muslim-American culture and the politics of being Muslim in America. Ultimately, I think the book shows that no matter the differences we share, we all are trying to achieve the same goals.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and sexual situations discussed. Recommended for mature teens and adults interested in exploring contemporary literature featuring Muslim protagonists.

If you like this book try: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee by Meera Syal

My Ex from Hell (Blooming Goddess #1)

  In approximately two weeks, summer is officially over and the new school year begins, which means my posts will be a bit sporadic. Sorry! I did finish a charming and light book called My Ex From Hell which is perfect for a breezy, lazy summer day. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy.

Description: Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she'd been taught the following:
a) Bad boy's presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl's brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.
   Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behavior  Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world. Literally. This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie's true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She's key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed. Plus there's also the little issue that Sophie's last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.
  Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone's would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe ... and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

Review: If you have been following my blog, you will already know that I'm a big fan of Greek Mythology. The synopsis above, which has a new take on the famous Hades and Peresphone, caught my eye. Unlike the other YA books with the similar theme, My Ex From Hell is very light and humorous which made it very easy to read and get into the story. 
  Sophie Bloom is quite the character. She is a bit ditsy, blunt, and has a lot of sass. She's just like any sixteen year-old girl; she goes to school, has her fair share of family problems, belongs in a tight group of friends, and has a knack for getting into trouble. The thing that I liked the most about Sophie was her voice- she was snarky, sarcastic, and quite often overly dramatic. She becomes alive to the reader and you feel as if she's really present telling you all the events in her life. One downside to Sophie's voice is that she can become annoying very quickly, kind of a like a summer song that you liked a few times on the radio but now it's played constantly that make you want to switch radio stations constantly (Yes, I'm talking to you "Call Me, Maybe) and make you so thankful for Pandora/satellite radio. 
  I really got a kick out of the world Tellulah created for My Ex From Hell, both the Greek mythology and boarding school aspects of it. It's not very far from the setting of Percy Jackson and other quest types of stories. I'm glad that Tellulah's decided to use other lesser known characters and places based on the Greek myths. One thing that sets My Ex From Hell apart from other Persephone books that I have heard of is that Tellulah doesn't pair off Persephone/Sophie with Hades but with Hades' son Kai. I also liked how current pop culture is brought into the story for current young adults without being too distracting.
   My Ex From Hell lost a bit of its steam somewhere in the middle. Some things felt a bit too forced and important events that I would have liked to know more about were a bit rushed. The humor was getting a bit old and I just wanted the characters to be a little bit more serious especially when their lives at stake.  If the characters weren't sixteen, the language, and mention of drinking weren't present, the book felt very much like a middle grade novel. While I enjoyed reading the book, I'm not entirely sure whether I will be picking up this series, but I will definitely will be interested in what the author is planning next.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and underage drinking. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: My Date from Hell by Tellulah Darling (Oct. 2013), Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones,

Forbidden Reads: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes

Welcome to my new feature called Forbidden Reads! Join me in celebrating your freedom to read. My goal for this soon-to be- regular monthly feature is to highlight challenged and/or banned books from each literary audience: children, YA, and adult. Not only will I be doing a review of the book, I will also include information as to where and why the book was challenged/banned. Today I'll be reviewing Chris Crutcher's controversial, hard hitting YA novel, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, which was published in 1993.

Description: Sarah Byrnes and Eric have been friends for years. When they were children, his fat and her terrible scars made them both outcasts. Later, although swimming slimmed Eric, she stayed his closest friend. Now Sarah Byrnes -- the smartest, toughest person Eric has ever known -- sits silent in a hospital. Eric must uncover the terrible secret she's hiding, before its dark currents pull them both under.

Review: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes is a heart-wrenching story of loyalty, friendship, and courage. A social outcast in junior high due to his excessive weight, narrator Eric Calhoune found a kindred spirit in Sarah Byrnes, whose face and hands were hideously disfigured in a childhood accident. Now a slim senior thanks to competitive swimming, Eric remains fiercely devoted to Sarah by standing up for her. Unlike Eric who uses physical exercise who fight his bullies, Sarah uses her sharp tongue and whit.
  For Sarah to remain silent and committed to a mental ward, is alarming to Eric. Eric is compelled to take action to help her, but quickly finds that he is in over his head. He risks their friendship by breaking his vow of secrecy and enlisting others' aid--help that comes from such unlikely quarters as a former bully, Eric's swim coach and, most surprisingly, his mother's seemingly wimpy boyfriend. Crutcher emphasizes throughout his story that none of the characters are what they appear to be on the surface.
    I really enjoyed Eric's voice. Self deprecating and humorous, Eric's voice is memorable. We applaud him for taking on a huge task of helping his friend and standing up for what he believed in. Sarah was a tough character to connect to at first. Her abrasive nature is a defense mechanism she uses to prevent anyone to see her weakness. Her emotional strength is admirable.
  Like many of Crutcher books, there are lots of other serious topics addressed from religion to abortion in Eric's philosophy elective. While the discussions are interesting, they do came across a bit heavy handed especially with very conservative characters. Though I appreciated Crutcher allowing teens to talk about important subject matter, I did feel that it slowed down an otherwise tightly paced novel. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy gritty realistic fiction with a hopeful ending.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Why it was challenged: In 2011 the Belleville (WI) School Board decided to keep a book that's required reading for high school freshmen in the curriculum despite a parent's complaint that the book was "pornography" and its language was "pervasively vulgar." Published in 1993, the novel has been read by ninth-grade students at Belleville Hish School for eight years. Source: Marshall University

Words of Caution: After reading Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, I can see why some people would want to challenge it. Topics such as emotional and physical abuse, abortion, suicide, and religion are hard topics to discuss. It's important to remember that Crutcher offers a discussion on these topics, a chance for the characters to exchange their opinions and not attacking on another nor preaching his own ideas. I really don't see how different these topics are from a class doing a debate/speech unit.
  As for the "pornography" comment, there is a small scene of Eric flipping to HBO late night and seeing, briefly describing what's going on in an Adult program, but he doesn't indulge in it. He is trying to test and make his mother's boyfriend uncomfortable. There is not much strong language in the book. In fact if you had to rate it like a movie, I think it very much lies on the PG scale. Due to the mature topics discussed in the book, I would recommend this book for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer, Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going

For Darkness Shows the Stars (For Darkness Shows the Stars #1)

  For my last challenge of 2013, I'm participating in the Classics Double Challenge hosted by One's Librarian Book Reviews. The object of this challenge is to read a classic (the term is used loosely to include fairy tales, mythologies, classics, any kind of original story) and couple it with a retelling (the original and the newer book have to relate in some way that you can define; it doesn't have to be a straight-forward retelling). My objective with this challenge is to read some classics that I've read yet.


Description (from Goodreads): It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.
   Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.   But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Review: For Darkness Shows the Stars is a retelling that does everything right. Though it superficially maintains the plot points and themes of Jane Austen's Persuasion, it goes beyond and creates a new darker, post-apocalyptic world. Some readers were not thrilled by how Peterfreund dealt with rough handled morality in the story, but I would disagree. I think her decision to narrow her focus on the society enriched my pleasure of reading Austen's original work considerably. 
  The world that Peterfreund created is very intricate and detailed. While it takes some time for the world to unfold and one to grasp the social hierarchy, I was never confused but rather engrossed. Elliot North is our heroine who happens to be a Luddite, one of the elite destined to care for the mentally Reduced remnant after human genetic engineering went catastrophically wrong. 
  Eliot is just as charming as she is in the original book. She is duty bound to her family and her society, but the more she works with the Reduced, the more she has begun to question her duty; her family seems more interested in luxurious leisure than estate management. Her people will starve without recourse to forbidden technology, and more and more Post-Reduced children are being born. 
  One of the "Posts" that we get to know intimately is that of Kai Wentworth, Eliot's secret best friend turned romantic interest. Kai is extremely intelligent and longs to explore the world outside his designated boundaries. He and Eliot both know their romance is doomed due to their social status and the gap of his disappearance has wounded our heroine deeply. Now he has returned with the fleet of Post explorers who could be the last hope for saving Elliot's heritage, but his bitterness toward Elliot may be hiding a more dangerous secret. 
  I loved how the author gave insight to Eliot and Kai's relationship by interspersing letters written by their younger selves. You can see how naturally their relationship grew and evolved unlike the Austen original which underplayed the romance and reducing it to body language and signals. His passion rubs off on Eliot and we understand where their spark comes from. Though I already knew the outcome of the story, I couldn't help but feel frustrated whenever an obstacle came in Eliot and Kai's happily ever after, which I think is a sign that the author knows how to write a romance. 
While I liked that the society was different and original but still addressed the major themes of social and class distinctions, the book still felt a bit unfinished. I would have liked to see how the issues of slavery, anti-intellectualism and fundamentalist religion play out and hopefully it will be explored more when Peterfreund revisits the world in a different angle in her companion novel, Across a Star-Swept Sea, which will be released this fall. Readers looking for a swoony romance that isn't hindered by some depth, a steady pace, and a likable heroine should definitely check this book out. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There are rumors of possible sexual situations involving a character but it's never really explored or clarified. Recommended for strong Grade 7 readers and up.

If you like this book try:

The Rules for Disappearing (Rules for Disappearing #1)

  Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you participated in the Witness Protection Program. For Meg Jones, a new process everyday: learning and becoming a new person. It's lonely, frustrating, and unnerving. Many thanks to Disney Hyperion and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review an advanced reader's copy of Ashley Elston's debut novel.

Description (from the Publisher): Shes been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia in Kentucky . . . But now that shes been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last. Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they've given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do-or see-that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all of the Suits rules-and her dads silence. If he wont help, its time she got some answers for herself. But Meg isn't counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who's too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there's only one rule that really matters-survival.

Review: Like most readers, I was initially drawn to The Rules for Disappearing because it featured a main character in a Witness Protection Program. Meg Jones and her family have been under Witness Protection for eight months and have been relocated six times. Any day the U.S. Marshals can come to their door to tell them to pack up their things and transfer them to a brand new location. The family will be given new personal histories to memorize, new names, and new appearances. They must never make a mistake. They must always stay in character.
  I had mixed feelings towards Meg. I felt terribly that she had nightmares and was always on edge and uneasy. I loved how Meg took care of her little sister who barely speaks, but her incessant blaming her father for their current situation irritated me. Whatever he's done or seen to land them in this predicament has destroyed the family forever, Mr. Jones has become the scapegoat for the family's frustration and anger. Mr. Jones didn't help the situation either by being so incredibly secretive and not really stepping in when Mrs. Jones drank. I was hoping that the author would focus a bit more on Meg's parents, but the mother is pretty much drunk whenever she appears on the page and the father appears to really try and be their for his family, but ultimately I didn't really think they were three dimensional characters.
  The novel's first half is tense and captivating, as the Jones family tries to adapt to a new home in rural Louisiana. The characters struggle under severe uncertainty and dysfunction. Their new home is dreary, they have very little money, and every bump in the night could mean trouble. Meg has set up some of her own rules that she must follow to keep her profile low: Don't make friends, don't trust anybody, don't use the Internet. Again and again, she tries to discover who is after her family and what happened last June that started this whole mess, but her father won't discuss it. Soon she starts to break her own rules when she gets closer to the truth.
  Elston then breaks the tension when Meg falls in love with a charming boy named Ethan. Their romance was sweet and slowly build throughout the book. Ethan didn't really stand out for me as a character, but he was nice and helped Meg though he had figured out that Meg was lying about her identity pretty quickly. He does help Meg confront a repressed memory, and hits the road with her to free her family for good.
  I have to say that I was disappointed when we learned why the Jones family is in the Witness Protection Program. I thought the answer was too convenient and for me, the plot loses its emotional resonance and becomes implausible, I think some readers will likely enjoy the action. Though we get answers by the end of the book, the author leaves a single unfinished story line for a very likely forthcoming sequel. While I enjoyed this book for the most part and it reminded me a lot of Lois Duncan's books that I read in junior high, I'm not entirely sure if I'll pick up the next book.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, underage drinking, and strong violence. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: Shadowlands by Kate Brian, Don't Look Behind You by Lois Duncan

The Loop

  Books about time traveling are very popular. It is very interesting to see how different authors approach the concept of time. The Loop by Shandy Lawson is very much like the movie, Groundhogs Day, where the characters relive the same day over and over until they find a way to break their loop of time. Thank you to Disney Hyperion and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of the book!

Description from the Publisher: Ben and Maggie have met, fallen in love, and died together countless times. Over the course of two pivotal day--both the best and worst of their lives--they struggle again and again to resist the pull of fate and the force of time itself. With each failure, they return to the beginning of their end, a wild road trip that brings them to the scene of their own murders and into the hands of the man who is destined to kill them.
  As time circles back on itself, events become more deeply ingrained, more inescapable for the two kids trapped inside the loop. The closer they come to breaking out, the tighter fate's clutches seem to grip them. They devise a desperate plan to break free and survive the days ahead, but what if Ben and Maggie's only shot at not dying is surviving apart?

Review: The Loop is a perfect example of a really clever premise marred by flawed execution. Ben and Maggie are two teenagers who relive their violent deaths over and over when they find themselves stuck in a time loop. Ben and Maggie have met several times, but they just don't quite remember. Both experience a very strong sense of deja vu when they accidentally bump into one another at a mall in New Orleans. Their innocent and awkwardly cute encounter leads to attempted murder, 24 hours on being on the run from authorities, an envelope full of racetrack winnings and a final showdown in a dirty storeroom, where they are shot in cold blood by the same criminal over and over for their misbegotten cash. Like many novels involving the themes of fatalism and time traveling, each time Ben and Maggie attempt to change the circumstances that lead to their demise, they are thwarted by fate, which keeps placing them in the bullets' paths. Is escape possible, or are Ben and Maggie doomed to repeat the worst day of their lives forever?
   The Loop does not lack in action. The pace is relatively quick with short chapters, however, the author doesn't seem to take time to fully develop it. We are given rash explanations of what stated the time loop. For example Ben finds out about being in a time loop by a weird psychic on the street named Steve and quickly seems to accept it. Steve, like Ben, is also part of a time loop of his own but we are never told what happens to him before and after he meets Ben. Ben and Maggie supposedly meet at the racetrack and receiver their large sum of money, however, we never see this happening. Their loop is only regulated to meeting one another and are quickly confronted by a man who basically tells them to give him the money (which seems to magically appear) or die. Big questions surrounding Ben and Maggie's time loop are either lightly touched upon or never addressed. The unimaginative answer to Ben and Maggie's time loop trouble is completely unsatisfying and frustrating.
  While I was somewhat okay with a weak plot as I didn't have any great expectations of it, I was completely disappointed with the lack of character development of our two protagonists. Since the book starts in medias res, I kept hoping for more background to flesh out Ben and Maggie. While we do get a little bit more about Maggie, I would have liked a lot more. I was never convinced that these two characters were romantically linked but they rather had been stuck together at the wrong place and wrong time. I really think that focusing on the characters a bit more would answer a lot of the questions I had the plot. For example, why are two teens at a racetrack to begin with? How did they meet and decide to place their bets together? Why was there only one person who is after them? Unfortunately by the time I finished the book, I didn't really know Ben and Maggie much better than I did at the beginning of the book. As a result, I didn't really care a whole lot about them and the book. If you're looking for a good book about time traveling, I suggest looking somewhere else.

Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: Tempest by Julie Cross, The Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher

YA Minireviews: Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) + Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)

  I have been meaning to pick up Leigh Bardugo's Grisha series ever since I read great reviews about them. I finally got the chance to do so a month ago and was lucky enough to get an advanced reader's copy of the second book ahead of time. If you are interested in a fantasy that uses Slavic and Russian lore, be sure to pick this series up. The second book in the series, Siege and Storm, will be released next month (June 4th) according to Amazon. Many thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced reader's copy of Siege and Storm via Netgalley.

Description (from the Publisher): Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

   Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

Review: At first glance, there is really nothing new to Shadow and Bone. Bardugo sets familiar tropes of fantasy such as court intrigue, magic, and characters finding dormant powers against the backdrop of a Russianesque land. In the opening passages, we are transported back in time and meet two small orphans, the handsome, competent Mal and the fragile, tiny Alina, who never seems to do anything right, who have developed a tight bond. Jumping forward present day, the story follows the two friends after they have joined the King’s First Army: Mal as a soldier-tracker and Alina as a cartographer. When placed in a life and death situation in the Shadow Fold, a mysterious, magical darkness that seethes with flesh-eating monsters, Alina discovers that she possesses a magical power that she had not known. Quickly, she is taken to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, magicians who practice the Small Science.
  My issue with Shadows and Bone is not in its worldbuilding. Bardugo's skill is demonstrated in making Ravka come to life, however, I didn't really have a good grasp of the surrounding kingdoms that posed a threat to Ravka. I also thought the story took too long for the intrigue aspect of the plot to take flight. Apart from the charismatic, enigmatic Darkling, the people of the court were very blase.
    Bardugo has engaging characters, but I didn't think they were allowed time to develop. Alina is a somewhat likable character, but she got too whiny at times for me. Her wishy-washing actions made me wonder if she was truly capable of being an important leader that she is destined to be. I thought her strong friendship with Mal was evident, but I had a hard time believing their relationship could be anything else because there was virtually no development in their romance. When they did get together, however, their romance lacked heat. There are some clever turns in the fast moving plot, however, some of them were revealed too quickly. Despite these issues, I was interested enough in Bardugo's exotic and vivid world to see what happened next.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, sexual innuendo, and strong fantasy violence. Recommended for strong Grades 7 readers and up.

If you like this book try: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Description (from the Publisher): Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.
   The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Review: Shadow and Bone reads like a coming of age story set in a fantasy world. Siege and Storm, the second book in the Grisha Trilogy, changes the tone from a bildungsroman to a political thriller. Alina and Mal are on the run. All they want is to put Ravka and the megalomaniacal Darkling far behind them. Alas, this is far easier said than done. Captured by the Darkling and forced onto a ship captained by the notorious pirate Sturmhond, they find themselves in pursuit of the second of three magical amplifiers that will make Alina powerful beyond belief--and bind her ever-closer to the ancient, evil Darkling. Sturmhond has an unexpected agenda of his own, though, and turns on the Darkling. Darkling temporarily thwarted, Alina and Mal find themselves back in Ravka's capital as part of the ailing king's younger son's attempt to find his way to the throne.
   I definitely liked Siege and Storm much more than Shadow and Bone as it fixed a lot of my issues with Shadow and Bone. Alina's voice isn't as whiny this time around. I actually felt that I understood her and her predicament much more, especially as she struggles to deflect the allure of power that she draws from her ability. The relationship between Mal gets complex without the use of a love triangle yet I was surprised to see how much these two characters have trust issues. For a couple who seem to be all about devotion, they sure are insecure about their relationship and easily jealous of other people.
  There are also some great new characters added to the mix. I absolutely loved the Sturmhound. He is incredibly talented as playing the part of a ruler and a diplomat. Though I liked Mal, I couldn't help but hope that he and Alina would get together. I thought they did have some chemistry. I really hope to see him in the final book. While there really isn't a big cliffhanger in Siege and Storm, there are some serious questions that need to be addressed: Who is Alina?  Is she Mal's lover? Prince Nikolai's pawn? Commander of the Grisha Second Army? Saint? Though the book may seem large, over 400 pages long, I had no problem speed reading through them. Scheming and action carried me until the last page. I'm really curious to see how Bardugo ends her series.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and strong fantasy violence. Recommended for strong Grade 7 readers and up.

If you like this book try: His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers, The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Clarke

Orleans

  I want to apologize for the sporadic posts on the blog in the last few days. The school year is wrapping up quickly with only a couple of weeks to go and I'm finding myself with less time. I did manage to sneak in a few reads, one of which is Sherri Smith's post-apocalyptic novel Orleans. My review of Orleans is based upon the advanced reader's copy I read provided by the publisher via Netgalley (Thank you!).

Description (from the Publisher): After a string of devastating hurricanes and a severe outbreak of Delta Fever, the Gulf Coast has been quarantined. Years later, residents of the Outer States are under the assumption that life in the Delta is all but extinct… but in reality, a new primitive society has been born.
   Fen de la Guerre is living with the O-Positive blood tribe in the Delta when they are ambushed. Left with her tribe leader’s newborn, Fen is determined to get the baby to a better life over the wall before her blood becomes tainted. Fen meets Daniel, a scientist from the Outer States who has snuck into the Delta illegally. Brought together by chance, kept together by danger, Fen and Daniel navigate the wasteland of Orleans. In the end, they are each other’s last hope for survival.

Review: I've been burnt out by the dystopian novels overload. Each story and its characters are seem to blur together if you read them one after the other. Needless to say that I was a bit worried and curious when I saw that Ms. Smith is switching gears from historical fiction (I absolutely loved her book, Flygirl, which I highly recommend) to the post-apocalyptic/science fiction genre. While I had no doubts of her writing ability, I was curious how the author was going to add something new to the current big trend of YA.
  Instead of imagining a new government gone wrong, Smith takes a real past event, the horrors of Hurricane Katrina, and magnifies it into a captivating and truly frightening future for the United States. In a series of doctrines and weather reports we learn that in Orleans, six devastating hurricanes follow Katrina's path right into the heart of the crippled Gulf Coast. On the heels of the storms came the quarantine of the entire Gulf Coast region because of Delta Fever in 2020 and the government's complete abandonment of the disease-ravaged sector a mere five years later. Now in 2056, Fen de la Guerre and others like her find themselves struggling to live in a primitive society. Due to the catastrophic epidemic, many are choosing to organize themselves into tribes by blood type (some are more valuable than others and therefore higher on the social ladder) to gain a modicum of control over the spread of Delta Fever.
 The plot begins when Fen's dear friend dies while giving birth and gives Fen the responsibility to try to get the newborn over the wall to the Outer States so she might have a better life. Meanwhile, a young scientist named Daniel sneaks across the border into Orleans to further his search for a cure for the fever. Fen and Daniel become strong, if unlikely, allies. The book is written in two perspectives but they do not switch every chapter. I found the point of views completely different. Fen's voice is immediate, first person and spoken in tenacity and admired her survival skills, reading from her point of view was a bit jarring because it is written in the dialect of the Orleans tribe. Daniel's perspective is written in third person and in perfect grammar. This is a deliberate move by the author and it is very effective in watching how Fen and Daniel grow as characters. Smith waits for her readers to develop their own preconceived notions about Fen and Daniel from their appearances and their actions as they join these characters on their harrowing journey. Slowly  their back stories are revealed with nicely timed flashbacks, which either confirmed, altered, or denied our opinions of these characters. I know that my own opinions of these two characters changed many times throughout the book, especially when it comes to identifying who is the victim.
   While the plot moves at a steady pace, it really picks up when Fen and Daniel meet and we get a hint about government conspiracy. Though there are some loose ends that remain, the richly textured world-building, the complicated relationship between Fen and Daniel, as well as the constant and varied dangers they face, will hold a lot of readers interest. The book is also rich with important, powerful, and current themes such as global warming, racism, political corruption, and the complexity of human nature which would make this book a good choice for a bookclub.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is an allusion to rape and disturbing images. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: The Ward by Jordana Frankel, Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony, or Article 5 by Kirsten Simmons

Strands of Bronze and Gold

  I haven't heard of the Bluebeard fairy tale until I ran across the name when I read the best-selling graphic novel series, Fables by Bill Willingham. From the context in which he appeared and after doing a little bit of research, I couldn't believe I'd never heard of it before. Jane Nickerson's debut novel, Strands of Bronze and Gold revisits the Bluebeard story and sets it against the backdrop of Pre-Civil War Mississippi. Please note that this review is based on the advanced reader's copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley (Thank you!)

Description (from the Publisher): When seventeen-year-old Sophia Petheram’s beloved father dies, she receives an unexpected letter. An invitation—on fine ivory paper, in bold black handwriting—from the mysterious Monsieur Bernard de Cressac, her godfather. With no money and fewer options, Sophie accepts, leaving her humble childhood home for the astonishingly lavish Wyndriven Abbey, in the heart of Mississippi.
   Sophie has always longed for a comfortable life, and she finds herself both attracted to and shocked by the charm and easy manners of her overgenerous guardian. But as she begins to piece together the mystery of his past, it’s as if, thread by thread, a silken net is tightening around her. And as she gathers stories and catches whispers of his former wives—all with hair as red as her own—in the forgotten corners of the abbey, Sophie knows she’s trapped in the passion and danger of de Cressac’s intoxicating world.

Review: Strands of Bronze and Gold is a Gothic retelling of the Bluebeard fairy tale set in Pre-Civil Mississippi. When Sophia’s father dies, she is sent from Boston to Wyndriven Abbey, the Mississippi plantation of her godfather, Monsieur Bernard de Cressac. At first Sophia is caught up with her new luxurious lifestyle- beautiful gowns, jewelry, and extravagant dinners all made simply for her. Slowly, she finds herself being attracted to Bernard as he makes her the center of his world. Soon Bernard's attention becomes claustrophobic as he refuses to let her go outside the mansion. She becomes more and more suspicious of the plantation slaves’ living and working conditions, the vine-shrouded outbuildings she is not allowed to explore, and the various treasures belonging to Bernard’s former wives, all dead, that she finds in the attic. She even feels like there are ghosts following her and trying to deliver a message which she can't unravel until it is too late. In spite of her uneasy attraction to Bernard’s increasingly romantic intentions, Sophia finds herself falling for Gideon Stone, the local minister who also has the quiet reputation among the slaves of assisting in escapes to the North and who is much more aware about Bernard's sinister background.
  Strands of Bronze and Gold is a decent read that has some strengths and weaknesses, however some of the weaknesses are hard to ignore. Nickerson does a good job in slowly building up the suspense and uneasiness surrounding Sophie. Though we can forgive her of being so swept up when she first attends Wyndriven Abbey, it really takes our heroine quite some time to figure out that there is something truly disturbing about her godfather Bernard. As our protagonist, Sophia isn't all that remarkable. Similarly, Bernard doesn't stray very far from the Bluebeard caricature. Nickerson definitely captured his wild mood swings and his lecherous looks made me shudder, but there is really no explanation of why he is a psychotic killer. I would have liked a bit more exploration with his character as well as more time spent with Sophia learning about Bernard's previous wives. Sophia's discovery along with meeting a new and dull love interest, Reverend Stone, happen all too quickly and conveniently.
  Despite all these flaws, I was truly disappointed on how the topic of slavery was addressed in the book. I can see how the author tried to draw parallels between Sophia's caged life to those of Bernard's slaves, but it didn't quite make it there. It touched the surface just like how it touched the surface about the fairy tale's theme of the fatal effects of feminine curiosity.
  Strands of Bronze and Gold is a book that is an entertaining read as long as you don't really think too much about it. Readers interested in fairy tales, a historical setting, and mystery would enjoy the book.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, sexual innuendo, allusions to domestic abuse and rape, and disturbing images. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: Bluebeard's Egg by Margaret Atwood, The Rose and The Beast: Fairy Tales Retold by Francesca Lia Block

In the Shadow of Blackbirds

  I know very little about the Spanish flu except that it killed millions of people and that it occurred during World War I. I also remember that the deadly disease killed the once human Edward Cullen and served as the climax for the second season of Downton Abbey. Cat Winter's great debut novel ties together the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, WWI shell shock, national prejudice, and spirit photography to show just how far people will believe and do almost anything in the time of desperation. This review is based on an advanced reader's copy of the book provided by the publishers and Netgalley. Thank you!

Description: In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?

Review: As soon as the book opens, we are immersed in a world cloaked with darkness and paranoia. Mary Shelly Black, named after the author of Frankenstein, is an extremely bright and likable young woman who is caught between science and spiritualism in her quest to make sense of a world overcome with war and disease in 1918 California.
  Mary Shelley's life has not been easy. She lost her mother as an infant and her father was recently arrested for alleged treason at their home in Portland, Ore. World War I is underway and those those who speak out against it, like her father, find themselves persecuted and arrested for high crimes. Mary Shelley flees to her Aunt Eva in San Diego to avoid possible fallout from the arrest and since it might be a better place to wait out the influenza epidemic that is sweeping the country. Her new home allows her to reconnect with the family of her first love, Stephen, now a soldier fighting in the war.
  I loved the relationship, though short-lived, between Mary Shelly and Stephen. Winters does a great job in showing how much they cared for one another in their brief moments together from exchanging letters, sweet memories, as well as the horror and anxiety when Stephen suddenly begins to haunt Mary Shelley.
 Winters' impeccable research is evidently shown from the popularity of spiritualism in which anxiety and fear increases as the toll from war and disease climb and sends families grasping at anything to alleviate their pain.    Some readers have commented that the plot of the book seems to mutate into different genres, but I disagree. Winters strikes just the right balance between history and ghost story, neatly capturing the period of the times, as growing scientific inquiry collided with heightened spiritualist curiosity. The pacing of the book moves quite nicely and I kept turning the pages because I had to find out why Stephen haunts Mary Shelly and whether or not he truly died under the usual circumstances. I'd definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction as well as a murder mystery with a hint of a romance.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, disturbing war images, and mentions of opium use. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey, Captivity by Deborah Noyes, We hear the dead by Dianne K. Salerni

Things I Can't Forget

  Have you ever had an epiphany where you realized that not everyone around you shares your same beliefs? That absolutes aren't applicable in real life? Welcome to Kate's conundrum. She finally has a chance to have a real relationship and real friends, but in order to have all that, she must figure out what she believes. This review is based on the advanced readers copy provided by Sourcebooks via Netgalley.

Description: Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt--with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

Review: Miranda Kenneally's latest novel in the Hundred Oaks series, Things I Can't Forget, explores one teen's struggle for self-identity and faith. Kate is spending her summer working as a counselor at a church-run camp. She's still reeling from her decision to help her best friend Emily in a desperate situation that went against her beliefs and ruined their friendship. Kate hopes that in the mountains of Tennessee, she will get a sign that God forgives her. Summer camp brings new experiences and challenges for Kate. She is constantly, unfairly singled out by the camp director for doing something wrong and she doesn't fit in with the other counselors who, according to Kate's opinion, don't act very Christian.
  Kate is a very hard person to approach and like at first. She comes across as very judgmental. She only believes in absolutes, those dictated by her church, the same church that ostracized Parker in Stealing Parker.  Kate's sheltered world view is well-drawn and believable. As a reader you realize that her provincial outlook at life is constructed by only what she has been taught and blindly followed. The crux of the book is Kate's hesitant first steps on her spiritual journey to find out what she believes in and her relationship with her faith. Though religion plays a large part in this book, it is never heavy handed. There is a wide range of people who differ in their beliefs and their relationship with God, no true way is emphasized. The  more Kate begins to understand that faith is personal to each person, the more she comes out of her shell and becomes a real person. You get to witness her developing friendships with other counselors, particularly Parker who helps her sort out her confusion on what to make of her blossoming and incredibly sweet relationship with Matt, the boy who gave Kate her first kiss years ago at camp. Kate's character growth is a testament to Kenneally's skill as a writer. I loved watching Kate grow as a person, a girl who is more self confident in herself and willing to vocalize her needs.
  In addition to Kate, Matt is a very interesting love interest. He is incredibly charming, sweet and clearly crazy about Kate, but he's also a contradiction in Kate's eyes. He attends church but has no problem drinking beer with his frat brothers. The way Matt makes Kate feel contradicts everything she's learned in church where sex is concerned. The best thing in my opinion about Matt and really all of the love interests that Kenneally has created is that they accept their girlfriends for who they are. Matt accepts and acknowledges the boundaries that Kate sets, even though he may not understand and agree. He gives her space and time to sort things out.
  Though there are other important issues only touched upon in the book such as parental abuse and gay relationships, which I would have liked to see explored more, the book never loses its focus. Kenneally has given us an honest and realistic story about a teen's exploration of her own sexuality and faith. I applaud her in taking a big step in writing about sensitive topics in a sensitive and introspective manner. As always, I thoroughly enjoy her work and I can't wait to read her next book.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, underage drinking, and strong sexual content. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: Blind Faith by Ellen Wittlinger, Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr, The Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante

The Fire Horse Girl

   Kay Honeyman's debut novel, The Fire Horse Girl, is a different kind of immigrant story. Instead of focusing on how immigrants try to assimilate to American culture, we are offered a different take of the immigrant journey where dreams and expectations are easily traded and sold in seedy places. This review is based on the advanced reader's copy I've received from the publisher via Netgalley. Thank you!

Description (from the Publisher): Jade Moon is a Fire Horse -- the worst sign in the Chinese zodiac for girls, said to make them stubborn, willful, and far too imaginative. But while her family despairs of marrying her off, she has a passionate heart and powerful dreams, and wants only to find a way to make them come true.
  Then a young man named Sterling Promise comes to their village to offer Jade Moon and her father a chance to go to America. While Sterling Promise's smooth manners couldn't be more different from her own impulsive nature, Jade Moon falls in love with him on the long voyage. But America in 1923 doesn't want to admit many Chinese, and when they are detained at Angel Island, the "Ellis Island of the West," she discovers a betrayal that destroys all her dreams. To get into America, much less survive there, Jade Moon will have to use all her stubbornness and will to break a new path . . . one as brave and dangerous as only a Fire Horse girl can imagine.

Review: Jade Moon was born in the year of the Fire Horse, a cursed year for girls. Her horoscopes dictates that she will be too bold, too brash, too stubborn, and she will bring nothing but sorrow and bad luck to her family. Jade Moon unsuccessfully tries to show her family and friends that she is not cursed, but things always go wrong. When a stranger named Sterling Promise shows up at her home in China carrying papers to America with her dead uncle's picture, a plan is hatched for Jade Moon, her father, and Sterling Promise to journey to a new country. Jade Moon is fully convinced that when she goes to America, her cursed label will be forgotten and that she, for the first time, will decide on how to live her life.
  The voyage to America is nothing like what Jade Moon imagined. It is perilous as she is being forced to spend desperate months on Angel Island waiting to be approved to enter California. She is completely taken aback on how poorly Chinese immigrants are treated. As she gathers clues, Jade Moon discovers that her father and Sterling Promise are using her for their own ends, she sets out on her own.
  I got involved with the story of Jade Moon right away. I really liked her character, but after a while I thought she became too much of a caricature. There was really no balance in her personality. She was just too stubborn, impulsive, and hot tempered, but I understood her desire to branch out on her own and make her own destiny. Sterling Promise, however, didn't really make that much of an impression on me. I never really trusted him as he keenly manipulated others to get his own way. There is a lot of potential for his character to become more. There is also hint of a romance along the lines of a love/hate one between him and Jade Moon, but it didn't really develop as much as I would have liked.
  The pace of the book is somewhat uneven. The first half of the book discusses Jade Moon's life in China and the build-up of the possible journey to America. The action stalls as we are given details on the life on Angel Island, but soon picks up when Jade Moon's path diverges from those of her father and Sterling Promises. The parts where she is forced to dress up like a boy and where no one notices for quite some time as well as get involved with the gangsters in San Francisco's Chinatown requires readers to suspend their disbelief. I wish we got to see more of Jade Moon become independent, but I did like how she grew and realized that who really wants to become is inside herself and not from what society expects from her.
  There are a lot of historical details including lots of facts of prejudice and injustice inflicted upon the immigrants on Angel Island that I was unfamiliar with before reading this story. The Fire Horse Girl is a different and refreshing take on the usual immigrant story.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and mention of brothels, prostitution, and gambling. Recommended for strong Grade 7 readers and up.

If you like this book try: Flowers in the Sky by Lynn Joseph, Thief Girl by Ingrid Lee, Learning to Fly by Paul Yee

Scent of Magic (Avry of Kazan #2)

  Scent of Magic is the second book in the Healer/Avry of Kazan series by Maria V. Snyder. Since I enjoyed the first book, I was really happy to find the second book on Netgalley. Many thanks for the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. Scent of Magic has already been released and is now available at a library/bookstore near you.

Description (from Goodreads): Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.
  Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.
  War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again.

Review: Scent of Magic picks up right where Touch of Power leaves off. Though the author does provide a good recap of what previously happened, I would still recommend reading Touch of Power to get a good sense of the characters and the world building. Avry and Kerrick are together, but their friends and enemies think she is dead. Using the advantage of her rumored death, Avry impersonates a soldier, infiltrates and teaches the High Priestess Estrid’s army how to move silently through the forest undetected while trying to get close to her estranged sister. Meanwhile, Kerrick leaves to warn his own kingdom of Tolon's threat and sets off on his own adventures.
  Scent of Magic tries hard to avoid the middle book syndrome, but doesn't quite succeed. There are tons of new characters introduced and a new game plan is set to avoid the potential catastrophe of the incredibly evil Tolon's army. Tolon as you may recall is a magician who has the ability to awaken and control the dead. The book's structure is quite strange. Each single chapter is divided into Avry's and Kerrick's point of view. Avry's parts of the story were more enjoyable because I really like her character plus we also get to spend time with our great secondary characters. (As a side note, Snyder is only of the few authors that I've read who creates fantastic secondary characters that you love just as much as you love the main leads.) Kerrick's point of view, however, didn't really have much excitement. While the author does try to put his best characteristics forward, Kerrick does absolutely nothing for me. Can you believe that I wouldn't really mind it if there was a love triangle in this series?
  In addition to the clunky structure, I felt the plot twists were a bit too convenient and easy to figure out. Instead of being completely surprised, I thought they were anticlimactic, especially with the rushed and melodramatic cliffhanger ending. Some events such as the meeting between Avry and her long lost sister happened too quickly than I would have liked. Also Tolon unfortunately changed from a formidable and unpredictable villain to a complete moron. I was really embarrassed for him.    
  While Scent of Magic is a bit disappointing, I'm still curious to see how Avry's journey ends. I do like and care for the majority of the characters enough to see this series ending. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, disturbing images, and sexual situations. Recommended for teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: The Shifter by Janice Hardy, Study series by Maria V. Snyder, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Fire by Kristin Cashore, Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Uses for Boys

   Erica Lorraine Scheidt's debut novel, Uses for Boys, is not a book that everyone will like, but I think it is important to know about. With a deceiving book cover and synopsis, book is much more serious than it appears. This review is based on the advanced readers copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley (Thank you!).

Description: Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.
   Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer.

Review: Uses for Boys is a haunting, unflinching, dark, and honest portrayal of a young girl's silent call for help. Anna Bloom and her mother are everything to each other, for a limited time. Anna observes her mother falling for one man after the next, leaving young Anna alone for extended periods of time and marrying and divorcing in a vicious cycle. Without any parental or adult guidance and observing her mother's appalling behavior, Anna begins to understand what she seems to be missing can be solved with getting boy's attention. She starts to look to boys in order to define her own self-worth, and she mistakenly equates sex with love and intimacy.
  Anna loses her virginity at age 14, and by 16, she has dropped from school and moved in with Joey, a boy she feels who take care of her and she of him. Many readers have noted their levels of uneasiness while reading the book since it has a very strong sexual content, but I think that's the very point of the book. In Uses for Boys, sex is treated without any romantic notions but it's mechanical. For Anna, having sex is equivalent to a hug or even having a deeply shared discussion. There is desperation in Anna's need for sex and in her need to mold boyfriends into the family she never had. Her loneliness is palpable and she is without a doubt lost in every sense of the word.
  Anna's voice is very clear throughout the book. She wears her emotions like piece of clothing, which she is ready to take off at the drop of a hat. Our heart aches as Anna is abandoned again and again throughout the story. We can finally breathe a sigh of relief when she does finally find her first friend and a boy who seems to really take care of her.
  Scheidt could have easily spiraled into preachy territory many times in the book especially where teen pregnancy and sexual assault are brought up, but she never does. Though the issues are serious to us, readers, they don't hold importance in the novel because Anna either can't understand their significance nor has anyone to share her concerns with.
 Though short in pages, Uses for Boys is an emotionally exhausted but hopeful read. Scheidt's spare, honest and poetic debut offers up pretty images for some decidedly ugly situation. The prose seems to be more heavy on the lyrical side yet it doesn't detract much from Anna's journey which is unfortunately very common. Uses for Boys is a book that I think most readers would enjoy reading due to its frank discussion of teen sexuality, but I found it worthwhile and it gave me lots to think about. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy hard hitting realistic fiction.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong sexual content, explicit at times, throughout the novel. There is also a scene of sexual assault. Strong language as well as underage drinking and drug use are also found in the book. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Tilt by Ellen Hopkins, Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr, Loose Girl by Kerry Cohen

Shadowlands (Shadowlands #1)

  Shadowlands is a book that has been greatly anticipated once the cover and description were revealed by the publishers. After seeing it on a few blogger's radar, I, myself, grew curious and requested an advanced copy from the publishers via Netgalley. Please note that this review is based on the review copy.

Description (from Goodreads): Rory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived… and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now that the infamous Steven Nell is on the loose, Rory must enter the witness protection with her father and sister, Darcy, leaving their friends and family without so much as a goodbye.
   Starting over in a new town with only each other is unimaginable for Rory and Darcy. They were inseparable as children, but now they can barely stand each other. As the sisters settle in to Juniper Landing, a picturesque vacation island, it seems like their new home may be just the fresh start they need. They fall in with a group of beautiful, carefree teens and spend their days surfing, partying on the beach, and hiking into endless sunsets. But just as they’re starting to feel safe again, one of their new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again?

Review: Shadowlands is an uneven mixture of teen soap opera, thriller/mystery with a "surprise twist" that should have been a shocker but instead of leaving you with a reaction of "Oh my god. What just happened?!"to "Okay. I'd like to get the hours that I spend reading this book back."
  As we open the book, our heroine is running through the woods from her attacker. Our adrenaline and fear are spiked and we breathe a sigh of relief when she finds help. We quickly learn that her name is Rory and the person chasing her is an actual serial killer that has not only been posing as Rory's math teacher and has been spying on her for months and planning his attack. The FBI assures her they will catch him, but months have passed to no avail. In the meantime, she and her family are given new identities and sent to a secret location. They arrive in Juniper Landing, an idyllic vacation island, seemingly without incident, though Rory is troubled by nightmares of the killer murdering them on the road. We are shown over and over again with dark images that something is not right with this island. Everyone is too pretty and parties like they have no care in the world. Rory senses something is wrong because people keep disappearing, and while she is sure the killer is responsible, everyone else seems suspiciously unconcerned and oblivious.
  Though I had zero expectations for the book, I was quickly drawn into the first hundred pages or so.
The author builds a strong sense of menace and the dual narrative from the serial killer himself and Rory was initially engaging, this structure loses consistency because it is dropped in the second half of the book and I wish it wasn't because that was the book's biggest strength. The characters are all stereotypical caricatures and very hard to tell them apart. For instance Rory is your typical mousy (must they always be portrayed as being a brunette?), dull, and people pleasing teen. Her sister, Darcy, is your superficial, mean girl who might under all that plastic exterior might have a tiny slither of humanity. There is a vague hint of romance in the book but it goes no where. There are so many plot improbabilities, such as the stunning ineptitude of the FBI, and plot holes that you can make a game out of picking them all out. The abrupt ending leaves most of the interesting questions unanswered, perhaps saving it for the sequel that I will not bother wasting my time to read it. I honestly can't recommend this book. If you are looking for a really good YA thriller, please look elsewhere.

Rating: 1 star

Words of Caution: The book contains language, disturbing images, and scenes of underage drinking. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like YA thrillers try: I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, the Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting, Reality Check by Peter Abrahams, Blood on My Hands by Todd Strasser

Every Day + Six Days Earlier

 Can you love someone beyond their physical appearance? I'm pretty sure most of us would hardly need to think twice before saying, "Absolutely. I'm not that superficial." I wonder if our answers would be just as strong if we met an entity like A who is destined to be someone different every day.

Description: Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
  It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

Review:  Every Day is a thoughtful, touching story that will surprise readers with its sentient literary style. It is a story that makes us question ourselves with countless "what if" questions after we finish reading. Everyone longs for human connection, especially with those that can truly see us as a whole person with our flaws and all. For the protagonist A, this desire is overwhelming and all consuming given his special circumstances. Every day, for as long as he can remember, he wakes up in a different body regardless of sex, race, sexual orientation, among other indicators that separates human from one another. He has long recognized the futility of trying to create lasting relationships, but everything changes when he meets Rhiannon, a girl who for the first time makes him want to achieve what he thought was impossible.
  A. has self-imposed policies to not to interfere too much in his "host's" life. He is mainly a visitor and observer for the day. For the most part, I thought A was a likable protagonist who doesn't wallow in self-pity or histrionic behavior, but there are times when I did want him to be a little less self absorbed. Levithan does an incredible job in retaining A.'s voice and personality consistently even though he is a different person in different circumstances. One of my favorite things about this book is how we catch a glimpse of all the lives that A. touches; each life is very different and allows us to see life through someone else's eyes. Some of the manifestations are humorous, sweet, while others are tinged with sadness and hopelessness. There is also a tension and urgency in the story from various different sources as A. struggles to become close to Rhianon every day. There is also someone who is relentlessly pursuing A. for his own dangerous reasons.
    Levithan doesn't spend much time answering how A came to be, which I'm sure would deter readers who want specific answers, but this is not what the book is about. Every Day spends more time ruminating and philosophizing about love and identity. When you say that you love someone, what makes you love them? If the object of your desire appeared less physically appealing, perhaps from a different race, religious background, or even financial background, would you love for he/she lessen? A. obviously makes some mistakes in his judgment, not unlike the ones we make daily. I think A's relationship with Rhiannon happened too quickly. While she seems like a good person, I didn't really understand what A found so fascinating about her. Perhaps that in itself makes us think that sometime we perceive a crush to be a bit more. 
    In addition to learning about A and the different life stories we are told in a daily snapshot, things become very difficult and complex as Rhiannon learns about A.'s unique circumstance. We witness how her comfort level changes each time she meets A in a different body. It's hard to fault anyone for having trouble accepting the fantastical premise, as well as the reality of living with it, because after all, a big, big part of love relies on both the thrill and the comfort we find in another person's familiar presence. Unlike other romances we've read so far, the struggle that these two have is to reconcile how to love ones essence without all the physical and superficial attachments involved. I couldn't help but wonder how Levithan would resolve this conflict but he does in a very pensive and bittersweet manner that shows how the purest form of love is perhaps when it involves some form of selflessness or self-sacrifice, depending upon how you look at it. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language, scenes of underage drinking and drug use, as well as brief discussion of sex. Recommended for strong Grade 8 readers and up.


Description: In this digital-only collection Six Earlier Days, Levithan gives readers a glimpse at a handful of the other 5993 stories yet to be told that inform how A navigates the complexities of a life lived anew each day. In Every Day, readers discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day. In Six Earlier Days, readers will discover a little bit more about how A became that someone.

Review: Six Earlier Days is a novella that follows A through some earlier days that take place before the book Every Day begins. While we still aren't given any answers as to how A exists, Six Days Earlier does provide insight on how A approaches his hosts. Unlike in Every Day, A is a bit more detached but also can't help but yearn for the connections that his hosts have. The stories of living various lives in various ages are engaging and emotive. Though you are not required to read Six Earlier Days before Every Day, I would recommend doing so as it allowed me to be a little less impatient and frustrated with A. I felt as if I understood his situation and mindset much better.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None.

If you like these books try: The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

Paper Valentine

  I had been meaning to read a book by Breena Yovanoff for quite some time, but didn't get a chance to do so until now. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley, I was able to read an advanced reader's copy of Yovanoff's latest release, Paper Valentine, a subtle book of love and death. I enjoyed the book for the most part, but I was left somewhat unsatisfied.

Description (from Goodreads): The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls. For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.
  With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.

Review: The sleepy, small-town community Hannah Wagnor grew up in used to feel safe, but now, during a record-breaking July heat wave, a serial killer is targeting young girls. Like her setting, Hannah use to be a happy go-lucky girl but she has been hiding her depression since her best friend Lillian's death six months earlier. Hannah goes through the motions of daily life with a happy, superficial outlook such as dressing in bright colors and smiling when she's filled with sadness inside. She is constantly haunted by Lillian's ghost at her side and hears Lillian's running commentary of all the choices she makes from her clothes to her classmates. As more bodies are discovered, Hannah begins to see more ghosts-those of the murdered girls and begins to feel responsible to catch the serial killer. Investigating the deaths, she begins to wonder how much she really knows about Finny Boone, the cute bad boy she's has a crush on forever but is only just beginning to understand.
  The narrative tone of Paper Valentine is very detached and numb just like our heroine. Hannah's depression is believable. Her insecurities are tangible and the realizations of how Lillian truly was as a person is startlingly and insightful. The friendship between Hannah and Lillian is what I remember the most from this book. Lillian is the leader, obsessed about finding perfection, and slowly kills herself with anorexia. Hannah is the follower, who blindly trusts Lillian and is afraid to speak openly about her own opinions and desires. With the loss of Lillian,  Hannah has also lost her own self of identity. As the story progresses, we see Hannah thaw but it is inconsistent to her actions. For instance, Hannah has always been the dependable, responsible older sister who keeps her sisters safe, a quality that I greatly admire. When she begins to embrace her emotions, however, she starts a romance with the shady, distant, and mysterious Finny Boone at the cost of leaving her younger sisters alone with a serial killer running around their town. Of course I understood that Finny isn't what he appears to be and has a painful past, but there more than enough warning bells that went off that would make Hannah think twice before running around with him in dark places alone. To say the least, I was a bit perplexed of what to make our heroine and her choices.
  Paper Valentine has an overambitious story that bounces from important and big topics such as guilt, depression, and eating disorders to child abuse, foster families, serial murder, and mean girls. The book takes on so many issues that the characters and plot remain underdeveloped. Though the book seems to be marketed as a supernatural/paranormal murder mystery, the murders just hang in the periphery of the characters. There were quite a few times while reading the book that I forgot the murders even existed. Though there are some creepy moments in the book, the murderer, once revealed, seems random and lacks real motive, and his ultimate confession to Hannah felt underwhelming and anticlimactic. It seems as if the clues to discover the murderer were far more important than any insight into the psychology of a murderer or the fate of the ghosts in the end. Though it is engrossing at times, Paper Valentine moves at a slow pace and leaves too many loose ends, too many questions unanswered.
 Paper Valentine is not my last book by the author and I do look forward to reading her earlier books as well as future releases.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and disturbing images. Recommended for Grades

If you like this book try: Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott, Velveteen by Daniel Marks,  The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Curses! Foiled Again (Foiled #2)

  I thoroughly enjoyed Yolen's first graphic novel, Foiled, and really hoped there would be a sequel since the first volume leaves you with many questions after Aliera's real destiny is revealed. I was thrilled to find the advanced reader's copy of the sequel available on Netgalley thanks to the publishers. Please note that this review is based on the advanced reader's copy.

Description (from Goodreads): Aliera Carstairs is back. This time she's got her cousin—and best friend—Caroline in tow, and the stakes are higher than ever. The realm of Seelie, the fairy kingdom of which Aliera is the hereditary defender, is under attack, and only Aliera and Caroline can set things right. Caroline, fragile and wheelchair-bound, may seem like more of a liability than an asset, but Aliera knows there's more to her quiet cousin than meets the eye.

Review: Curses! Foiled Again is a follow up to the delightful graphic novel, Foiled. It starts right where the first book ended, but there is also a great recap of what previously happened in the introduction. This volume had a grown up vibe to it. Aliera is still a really enjoyable character. She is snarky, intelligent, but as this volume shows she doesn't have all the answers. Curses! Foiled Again goes a little deeper to the fantasy realm that it briefly touched upon in the first volume. We are introduced to new characters, some which are unexpectedly helpful while others deceived and betrayed our heroine.
  I also loved that we got a chance to see how the Aliera and Avery relationship steadily develop. There are some hurt feelings between the two after Avery's real identity came out and I'm glad that Aliera took the time to see if she could trust him again. The banter between these two characters were fantastic and had me grinning throughout the entire time they appeared on the page.
  For the most part, there is enough action and humor to keep the reader occupied but there is a small lull in the middle of the book which I thought could get shorten and tightened up. The panels are very easy to read and follow. The monochromatic art style with a few bursts of color that distinguishes between the fantasy and real world that Mike Cavallaro used in the first book is continued and well used.
  Though the bigger story arc is solved and wrapped nicely in this book, the ending is open to another volume which I would gladly read since it features Aliera's sweet and mysterious cousin Caroline. I'm curious to see what Caroline's story line is and I really hope the publishers will encourage Yolen to release a third volume. I would definitely recommend this graphic novel series for those readers who want to read a graphic novel but are a bit hesitant because of its format.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is minor language and some fantasy violence.  Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: Legends of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke, Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch, Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel

The Friday Society

  After a stressful week at work and finishing a heavy yet thrilling book, I needed a time-out. I wanted my next read to be fun and light. The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress fit the bill exactly. Please note that this review is based on the advanced reader's copy of the book which I received through the publisher via Netgalley (thank you!).

Description (from Goodreads): Set in turn of the century London, The Friday Society follows the stories of three very intelligent and talented young women, all of whom are assistants to powerful men: Cora, lab assistant; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant; and Nellie, magician's assistant. The three young women's lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man. It's up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder–and the crimes they believe may be connected to it–without calling too much attention to themselves.

Review: The Friday Society is a book that celebrates girl power and highlights three strong, spunky, and charismatic characters. Each heroine has her own set of problems and back stories, which are well paced and told in some anachronistic language in the narrative voice to get to the core of the character's personality. I adored each one, but if I had to choose a favorite it would be Cora. Cora is driven by her intelligence and her passion to prove others that she is just more than a pretty face. Logical and her wonderful snarky comments continuously made me smile. To balance Cora's personality, we have Michiko--a fiercely focused samurai in training, and Nellie--the blunt, cheery, and deceptively talented, glamorous magician's apprentice. Each girl brings about a wide variety of uniqueness to the group with their special skills and talents. What I loved most about these girls is their ability to continuously disprove that they are merely stereotypical caricatures of women of their time, which is a constant theme running throughout the entire book. Ultimately, Cora, Nellie, and Michiko team up to try to free London of its newest murderer as a string of events lead them to one another. Their chemistry really flows perfectly and shines in this book.
   I'm still a newbie when it comes to the steampunk genre so I'm always have a bit trepidation when it comes to the technological details, worried that I'd get lost in the details. I appreciated that Kress blended the steampunk flair with gadgets, corsets, etc., but it also maintains a modern feel as well as the historical setting of Edwarian England.
  Like the book itself, the plot is simple yet highly entertaining. Bomb threats, a mysterious society, a man obsessed with eyes, the murders of people surrounding the girls-there is always something happening and I never got a chance to get bored. I especially loved how the girls randomly teamed up once their realized that they all shared the same goal. I also really appreciated that Kress took the time for each girl to have her spotlight in figuring out the murder mystery which allowed them to use their special skills and talent. While the resolution to mysterious may be a tad predictable and the villains to be flatter than I would have liked, I enjoyed the journey. I know past readers have commented on the lack of romance in the book and yes, it is not quite developed but it really didn't bother me because I was more focused on the girl power.
  The Friday Society is not without its flaws, but if you're in the mood for an amusing, enlivening read, this is exactly the kind of book I would recommend picking up. Although all the plot threads wrap up in the end, the book leaves with a possibility for a sequel or a promise of a series. I really hope there is one as I loved these characters and I'm more than willing to spend more time with them.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, underage drinking, a visit to an opium den, and some disturbing images. Recommended for strong Grade 8 readers and up.

If you like this book try: Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter, Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger, The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron