Review: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar - Kady Cross

Author: Kady Cross
Series: Steampunk Chronicles #2
Pages: 416
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 5/22/12
ISBN-10: 0373210531

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In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

This series has solidified my love of the steam punk genre. There is something about these books don't intimidate me like most other steam punks do. I'm not sure what it is that has me hooked but I am.


Finley and the gang are an awesome group of characters. They remind me of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen which I loved. Finley is my kinda girl she will run off half coked to try to help the people she cares about. She is also pretty kick ass, if I was in a tight spot and needed some muscle I would call her. Griffin, Emily, Sam and jasper all have there own strengths an weaknesses and they all work so well together. Part of what makes them so special is that they are like a family and all care about each other.


This story picked up where the other ended, the gang is coming from London to America to help jasper. It isn't until they get there that they find out that jasper isn't with the police. From there they enter a world of scientists, gangs, social events, and criminals. There is always something happening here. It was impossible to get bored with this book. My favorite part though was getting to know jasper, and his past. I was also happy to find out who the chick on the cover was and where this clockwork collar came into play.


This was definitely a great installment in this series, and really as long as these books keep coming out I will keep reading them. This is a great intro into the team punk genre and I would suggest these books to anyone who is on the fence with it. I give this one 4 stars!

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne Review (Book 0.5)

The Girl in the Steel Corset Review (Book 01)

Review: The Treachery of Beautiful Things - Ruth Frances Long

Publisher: Dial Books
Page Length: 363 pages
Release Date: August 16th 2012
Rating: YA 14+

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The trees swallowed her brother whole, and Jenny was there to see it. Now seventeen, she revisits the woods where Tom was taken, resolving to say good-bye at last. Instead, she's lured into the trees, where she finds strange and dangerous creatures who seem to consider her the threat. Among them is Jack, mercurial and magnetic, with secrets of his own. Determined to find her brother, with or without Jack's help, Jenny struggles to navigate a faerie world where stunning beauty masks some of the most treacherous evils, and she's faced with a choice between salvation or sacrifice--and not just her own.

I am a sucker for a good fairy story, and even more so when they take place in faerie. This was a beautifully woven story from start to finish. One of my favorite things about they fey is they are beautiful but so dangerous and I think that truly came through in this story. I also love that every authors take on the fey is different. The realm as it was described here was a beautiful place, yet no matter where you looked there was some hidden danger.


Jenny, Jack, and Puck were all so awesome. Jack and Puck did there best to help Jenny even though they were bound to others. And Jenny, so amazingly stubborn. She was awesome she never backed down even when the opportunity to escape was in her grasp. She refused to abandon anyone and always seemed to look for the good in others even though there betrayals were screaming at her.


This was a complex story that was well written and captivated me from the start. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of a good story about the fey. I hope that you will give this a chance and that you enjoy it as much as I have. I give this one 4 stars!

Review: The Raft - S.A. Bodeen

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: August 21st 2012
Page Length: 231 pages

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Robie is an experienced traveler. She’s taken the flight from Honolulu to the Midway Atoll, a group of Pacific islands where her parents live, many times. When she has to get to Midway in a hurry after a visit with her aunt in Hawaii, she gets on the next cargo flight at the last minute. She knows the pilot, but on this flight, there’s a new co-pilot named Max. All systems are go until a storm hits during the flight. The only passenger, Robie doesn’t panic until the engine suddenly cuts out and Max shouts at her to put on a life jacket. They are over miles of Pacific Ocean. She sees Max struggle with a raft.

And then . . . she’s in the water. Fighting for her life. Max pulls her onto the raft, and that’s when the real terror begins. They have no water. Their only food is a bag of Skittles. There are sharks. There is an island. But there’s no sign of help on the way.

I didn't expect to like this book really, but to my surprise I really did. Robbie wasn't how I thought she would be before I started this book, I kind of expected her to be kind of tough, but really she was kind of a wuss. I can get that though she is young and all, so in a way it worked for her. Once the real meat of the story gets rolling her wuss status started to drive me nuts, until I realized that she really was being strong and tough. She might have argued about doing something but in the end it got done.

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time she was in the raft. I prayed for rain and other miracles. I was scared for her. I couldn't imagine being in her situation as scared as I was as just a reader I don't think I could Handel being in that situation. It took me a little bit just about up to the reveal to figure out her coping mechanism. I was shocked and not shocked all at the same time. 

Watching her struggle to make fires, and find water or food I just sat here crossing my fingers. I wanted her to survive so bad. I wanted her to do things that go against morals and normal thinking. I just wanted her to live. Once the shark was introduced into the story every time the water was mentioned my heart was in my throat. Sharks creep me out on a normal day, it's even worse when I'm reading. Survival novel. In the end when the last page was turned I truly enjoyed this book. I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Obsidian - Jennifer L. Armentrout

Reading level: Ages 15 and up
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Entangled Teen; 2 edition (May 8, 2012)

 Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don't kill him first, that is.

I went into this not expecting much. I thought it might just be really corny. I couldn't be more wrong

Listening to Katy talk about her blog made me smile. A main character who was like me, a big gushy book nered, how could I not love it? When we first meet Dameoon I kinda wanted to punch him. But I quickly fell in love with his sister Dee. And watching Dee and Katy grow closer as friends was nice even though Daemon never lets an opportunity go by to tell Katy that her and Dee shouldn't be friends. I also loved the love/hate between Katy and Daemon. I loved the scenes with them, the tension and feelings really came through. Now lets get to the part you all want to hear about...the Aliens...yeah I know, I feared for the worst too, but I enjoyed the Alien aspect, and the powers we begin to see them demonstrate. 

The story really never seemed to slow down once it got started, and kept me reading cause I just had to know what would happen next. I gave this one 4 stars, and really guys go give this a read if you haven't already!

Review: Something Deadly This Way Comes - Kim Harrison

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (May 24, 2011)

Technically dead 17-year-old Madison must choose between reclaiming her body and continuing as Dark Timekeeper, struggling in the war between Light and Dark reapers while trying to change the rules.

I adore this series! Madison is stubborn, driven and determined. Madison is trying to settle into her role and the Dark Time Keeper. But she doesn't believe in the system. She doesn't want to reap people, she believes that people can change. She spends this book trying to prove she can do it, but things just seem to spiral further out of control. Things start to turn around when she get the Light Time Keeper's apprentice involved. they learn that light and dark working together can achieve what they want. The only problem is getting the powers that be and the other reapers to listen. 

Madison, Barnabus, and Nakita are great characters, they all have there strengths and weaknesses and what makes them so great together is that they balance each other out. While one might be head strong and willing to just leap without looking another is all about planning things about. It works for them. I also think that this addition to the story really showed off the growth of all of them.

I think that this is a fresh new series and it has me hooked,. I give this one 4 stars and strong suggest you guys give these books a try. 

Review: Silence - Becca Fitzpatrick

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (October 4, 2011)

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

The only good part of waiting so long to read book 2, was it allowed me to start this one immediately. Silence starts right where book to left off. Nora has been found but months later and with no memory. Its no just the kidnapping that she can't remember its almost a years worth of time she is missing. Nora can't help but feel that people are hiding things from her. 

There was so much to this story, Nora is trying to put her life and memory back together. she gets some help from and old "friend" and makes a new ally I guess would be the best word. One of my favorite things about this book was watching Patch and Nora reconnect. like the previous installment this one kept me turning the pages. There was action, adventure, romance, twists and turns. I really enjoyed this book and enjoyed getting caught up with this series. I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (October 19, 2010)

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.
Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.
Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperately searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts. 

It took me a long time to read this book and I have no clue why, All the things I loved about Hush, Hush were present in this book. Great writing, a good story, and great characters. I do want to say though that I wanted to kick Nora, how could she break up with Patch?!? Once that happened we still saw Patch but he was more on the sideline. Nora starts to get angrier and angrier and pusing Patch further and further away when she realises he is haning out with Marcie. I loved the addition of Scott. He was strange and kinda creepy but I liked him, although I'm not sure I was supposed to. 

This book really hooked me, once I started I couldn't stop. The plot kept moving at a good pace and just when I thought I had it all figured out the twist knocked me on my butt. Actually a few things that were revealed kinda knocked me on my butt. This book didn't pull any punches it just layed it all out on the line and left us trying to figure out how to pick up the peices. I strongly urge you guys to read this seres! I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Destined - P.C & Kristin Cast

Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (October 25, 2011)

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet—which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx’s gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together—if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father’s shadow...
But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia’s handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there’s the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more—or possibly less—than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there’s something strangely familiar about him...
Will Neferet’s true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox’s humanity in time to protect him—and everyone—from his own fate? Find out what’s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Once again we are back in Tulsa. It seems like so much happens in such a short time in these books. Zoey found out her mother was murdered, the gang is still grieveing over Jack's death. Dragon refuses to accept Rephaim even though Nyx has forgiven him and giving him the gift of a human body at night, but during the day he turns into a bird. stevie Ray will take what she can get though and stands stead fast at his side. Kalona however seems to be truly upset at having let Rephim go to live his life with Steve Rae. The Twins for the first time in this whole series are not acting very twin like. We learn a little about Shaunee's family and past. My opinion of Erin was cast in a very shallow, negative light. I still love Stark though, he just makes me melt. 

Neferet is as evil, depraved, and creepy as ever. The real shocker for me was Aurox/Heath. I liked how they handled him, in the last book I had my doubts at how this story line would play out. Overall I enjoyed this addition to the series. I finally feel like we might be seeing character growth. Hopefully that continues into the next book. I know some people are giving up on thsi series, but I'm not read to walk away yet. I give this one 4 stars.

Review: Nightshade:The Poison Diaries 2 - Maryrose Wood

Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (October 25, 2011)

 A dark, gothic tale of romance… and murder. The latest book in the grippingly dark series, The Poison Diaries. Our heroine, Jessamine, has lost her faith in the men she loved, and her innocence as well. She turns to the dark side and plots to kill her father, using his own poisons, before becoming an assassin, a poisoner for hire. Can she recover from her heartache and reunite with her true love, Weed? Find out in this thrilling story where poisons, darkness and horror are a part of everyday life, and love is the only cure.

My Thoughts...

When we find Jessamine in this book she is not the same girl we left in the last book. She has lost her faith in men, and had her innocence taken away. Jessamine gets her revenge against her father and urns to the dark side. She becomes and  assassin for hire and loses herself to he lure of the poisons. Weed spends his time desperately trying to find Jessamine, but all the plants tell him is hey can't find her. 

This novel turns into an intense race to see if Weed can save Jessamine before she destroys herself, and if Jessamine can forgive Weed for the things she thinks he has done. 

I loved this, it was much darker than the first book and Jessamine was pretty rocking even though she was kind of evilish. Weed was still Weed and I really loved him. I can't wait for more in this series cause I can't wait to see where this goes next. I know this wasn't the most detailed review but it is hard to talk in too much detail without giving away one of the things that makes this book so awesome. I'm giving this one 4 stars and I highly suggest you guys read this book!

Review: The Poison Diaries - Marywoodrose Wood

Reading level:  Ages 13 and up
Paperback:  304 pages
Publisher:  Balzer + Bray; Reprint edition (June 21, 2011)

A dark, gothic tale of romance... and murder. In the right dose, everything is a poison. Jessamine has spent her whole life in a cottage close to her father's apothecary garden, surrounded by medicinal plants and herbs that could kill her -- although her father has never allowed her into the most dangerous part of the grounds... the poison garden. And so she's never had reason to be afraid -- until now. Because now a newcomer has come to live with the family, a quiet but strangely attractive orphan boy named Weed. Though Weed doesn't say much in words, he has an instant talent for the apothecary's trade, seeming to possess a close bond with the plants of the garden. Soon, he and Jessamine also share a close bond. But little does Jessamine know that passion can be just as poisonous as the deadliest plants in the garden -- for behind Weed's instinctive way in the garden is a terrible secret.

My Thoughts...

Jessamine has spent her life living in an isolated cottage with her father. Her father is a respected Apothecary, he has spent a lot of time teaching her about the amazing power of plants. One day a man delivers a boy to the apothecary's house. The boys name is Weed. It doesn't take long for Jessamine or her father to realise that Weed isn't a normal boy. As we move through the book we watch Jessamine and Weed start to fall in love. Jessamine's father at one point takes them into the one garden that has been forbidden to Jessamine her whole life. From there the story erupts into betrayal, heart break, lies and touch decisions. 

This story is rather sweet and romantic when you look at Jessamine and Weed, but when you add in her father everything takes on a more sinister look. I really enjoyed this story and the end of this book blew me away. I had my suspicions but I wasn't 100% sure until it was laid out for me. I would recommend his book to everyone I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Pure - Julianna Baggot

Hardcover:  448 pages
Publisher:  Grand Central Publishing (February 8, 2012)
Language:  English

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . . Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.
Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . . There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.
When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

My Thoughts...

To say that this book didn't creep me out would be a lie, but while yes it was, it was still pretty great. On one side of life you have Pressia who is a wretch she lives outside the dome and has a doll head fused to her hand. On the other side you have Partridge who does live in the dome, is getting an education and has access to medicine and comforts the wretches can only dream of. When Partridge decides to escape the dome in search of his mother he has no clue how this will effect the lives of many. From the girl who was the last person to see him before the escape to Pressia herself. When these two meet it starts them on a journey that will forever change them.

Now lets take a second and look at our characters. Pressia is a survivor, she wants to take care of her grandfather and survive. After meeting Partridge things become more complicated she is thrust into situations she doesn't understand but still manages to survive. Partridge can barley remember life outside the dome, before the detonations, but is willing to brave the unknown to find the truth about his mother. I loved both these characters they really came to life for me. 

The world we enter in this book is creepy with all the fusions, and mutations, but they added a realness to the setting and story. I can't wait to see where we will go next with this story, but I can't wait to be creeped out and enthralled all at the same time. I give this one 4 stars and a huge recommendation  to all dystopain fans.

Review: Deadly Cool - Gemma Halliday

• Reading level:
 Ages 13 and up

• Paperback:
 320 pages

• Publisher:
 HarperTeen (October 11, 2011)

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool. 
But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

My Thoughts...

This was a cute, sometimes creepy mystery. I enjoyed this one. I really found i to be a cute easy read. Hartley  is having a rough day...first she finds out her boyfriend is cheating with the head of the chastity club, then when she goes to confront him she finds said "miss chastity" dead in his closet. From there she walks down a path that has her tripping over dead bodies, making spooky midnight meeting with informants, all because while her ex may be a jerk, he isn't a killer. There were parts to this that did creep me out, and I was surprised by the resolution. But the biggest thing for me was, I fell in love with Hartley. She was awesome and while afraid she pushed through because deep down she truly believed her ex was innocent. I also might be a little in love with Chase! I really want to see what kind of trouble Hartley can get into next. I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Eve - Anna Garvey

• Reading level:
 Ages 13 and up

• Hardcover:
 336 pages

• Publisher:
 HarperCollins (October 4, 2011)

The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her. 
Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

My Thoughts...

I knew I wanted to read this but I was still a little apprehensive. I was however quite pleased at the end. Eve ended up being a very strong character even though the way she was raised should have made her weak. She overcame her fears, and really grew as a person. But she also made mistakes and at times I wanted to smack her. Arden was pretty awesome too, I really want a friend like Arden. Caleb made me smile. He was pretty awesome. This book had plenty of action and adventure, and kept me flipping the pages. The one thing I hope we get to see in the next book is a little more of WHY the world is set up the way it is. I just kinda feel like we walked into it but never really heard about how it ended up this way. I'll cross my fingers. But until then I give this one 4 stars!

Review: A Beautiful Dark - Jocelyn Davies

• Reading level:
 Ages 13 and up

• Hardcover:
 400 pages

• Publisher:
 HarperTeen (September 27, 2011)

On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites;like fire and ice;Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.
In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can't help falling for, and Devin, who she can't stay away from, the consequences of Skye's choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

My Thoughts...

This book was pretty good from start to finish. My only complaint was the ending, I'm not a huge fan of a cliff hanger. Skye was a pretty cool character, she seemed to be very non accepting of the things going on around her. All while trying to learn to accept it. In the end though I feel she did accept everything and that she made the right choice. Asher and Devin were both hott hott hott. While I liked both of them for different reasons I am firmly team Asher. He is more my type of guy. The story here kept me flipping the pages, but I would have liked some resolution, the cliff hanger ending has me wanting more, but at the same time I would have liked a nice neat resolved story. Either way the story was great and this book was well worth the read. I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Fateful - Claudia Gray

• Reading level:
 Ages 14 and up

• Hardcover:
 336 pages

• Publisher:
 HarperTeen (September 13, 2011)

Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.
Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .
Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.
In Fateful, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray delivers paranormal adventure, dark suspense, and alluring romance set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic’s first—and last—voyage.

My Thoughts...

This book was oddly enchanting. I read this book because I had to see how this was going to work. I loved Tess, who never gave up and who tried to the end to help people that didn't care if she lived or died. She also spent a lot of time try8ing to talk herself out of caring for a many solely based on station. While I understand why, it upset me to no end. Just about ever aspect of Tess's servant life upset me. I loved that this was set on the Titanic, it is something everyone knows and was rather well done. The only thing that I was disappointed about was that I didn't feel enough time was dedicated to the sinking of the ship. But all in all I really enjoyed it. Great characters, story, and setting. There was drama, danger, love, and excitement, just enough of everything to make it great. I hope all of you give it a try. I give this one 4 stars!

Review: As I Wake - Elizabeth Scott

• Reading level:
 Ages 14 and up

• Hardcover:
 224 pages

• Publisher:
 Dutton Juvenile (September 15, 2011)

Ava is welcomed home from the hospital by a doting mother, lively friends, and a crush finally beginning to show interest. There's only one problem: Ava can't remember any of them - and can't shake the eerie feeling that she's not who they say she is.
Ava struggles to break through her amnesiac haze as she goes through the motions of high-school life, but the memories that surface take place in a very different world, where Ava and familiar-faced friends are under constant scrutiny and no one can be trusted. Ava doesn't know what to make of these visions, or of the boy who is at the center of them all, until he reappears in her life and offers answers . . . but only in exchange for her trust.

 My Thoughts...

I have never read anything by Elizabeth Scott, and usually I'm looking for books with paranormal creatures in them, but this was very very good. I spent a good part of this book very confused, but I feel that it was ok since Ava our main character was confused as well. She wakes up and doesn't know who or where she is, she remembers nothing. As the story continues Ava starts to remember things but they aren't of the place that she is now. She is either dreaming or remembering an alternate life. This was a compelling read, it kept me turning the pages to see if Ava remembered anything new. Ava while seeming to spend a great deal of the book confused was very likable and very easy to feel for. I really enjoyed uncovering Ava's past and watching her try to navigate the present. I give this one 4 stars and urge everyone to go pick it up!

Review: Sleight - Jennifer Sommersby

• Paperback:
 328 pages

• Publisher:
 CreateSpace (March 30, 2011)

• Language:
 English

Her mom is dead.Ghosts follow her around.Her best friend is an elephant.And she’s about to meet the biggest game changer of all: a boy. With a secret.
When circus-dwelling Gemma Flannery learns she will be attending public school for the first time in her seventeen years, little does she know that fitting in with her 12th-grade classmates will be the least of her concerns. A pro at hiding her knack for seeing the dead (“shades”), Gemma is grieving the recent suicide of her mentally ill mother, a process eased by the introduction of her first real love interest, the charming and painfully handsome Henry Dmitri, who is harboring his own collection of dangerous secrets. Together, they will be presented with a frightening challenge: to assume their roles as heirs to a 3000-year-old magical text, the AVRAKEDAVRA, a book the über-rich, sleight-of-being master Lucian Dmitri would do anything to get his hands on. As each terrifying layer in her new reality melts away, Gemma unearths truths that her quiet, nomadic life with the Cinzio Traveling Players is not at all what she’d always cherished. Gemma and Henry must rely on each other to stop Lucian’s diabolical plotting that will bring the world to its tired, scab-riddled knees, and are sent on the flight of their young lives, to save themselves, their families, and the world from the darkest kind of destruction.
Let the chase begin.

My Thoughts...

Wow how have I not read tons of raving reviews for this book? The fact that I really hadn't hear much about this book had me little wary. But WOW! This was an action packed story. Gemma is a newly orphaned circus child. She has spend most of her life with her aunt and 2 uncles at the circus because her mother was mentally ill. We start off at Gemma's mothers funeral, and soon move to Washington where the circus is scheduled to stay for quite a few months which is strange enough since they only spend a week in any one place.  To make things even stranger all the circus kids will start attending public school while the circus is in Washington.  This is an idea that doesn't excite Gemma. She starts school and meets Henry the son of the man who is funding the circuses extended stay in Washington.  From there Gemma and Henry are sent on terrifying, exciting, adventure. There is love, self discovery, shocking revelations, and matters of destiny at play in this adventure. Once the action starts it doesn't let up until the end. Both Gemma and Henry are very enjoyable characters. The back drop of the circus and the circus life really added to this story. I loved it! The secondary characters in Gemma's side of the story were also likable for the most part. I can't say the same for Henry's side of the story. The addition of the magical aspect was pretty cool too. I don't want to really get involved in the story here since there is such an intense story, I don't want to accidentally give something away. I give this one 4 stars and urge all of you to go pick up this book! 

Review: Dead Rules - Randy Russell

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• Reading level:
 Ages 13 and up

• Hardcover:
 384 pages

• Publisher:
 HarperTeen (June 21, 2011)

Till death Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever. Do But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch. Us Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life—or death—story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon. Part But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true—no matter what rules she has to break.

My Thoughts...

When I first started this book I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, but by the end I was fully engrossed. This is a pretty fresh perspective on what happens after death. I liked the caste system that was set up, The Virgins, Greys, Risers, and Sliders. They all fit into the world and each served some sort of purpose. At first Jana's obsession with her boyfriend just about drove me crazy! It annoyed me that she would overlook Mars for Michael, and as the story unfolded it just got worse. I found it quite cool to learn the stories  of every ones deaths, by far Beatris was my favorite. That just isn't something you read about every day. While I could appreciate all of Jana's roommates and even liked some, Arva made me want to scream. I loved reading about Jana interacting with the sliders, It showed that there was more to them than Arva would have you believe. I loved this story as it unfolded, and the ending was great! I am so looking forward to more from these characters! I give this one 4 stars!

Review: Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions

• Reading level:
 Ages 13 and up

• Paperback:
 464 pages

• Publisher:
 HarperCollins (September 20, 2011)

A journey may take hundreds of miles, or it may cover the distance between duty and desire.Sixteen of today’s hottest writers of paranormal tales weave stories on a common theme of journeying. Authors such as Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine, and Melissa Marr return to the beloved worlds of their bestselling series, while others, like Claudia Gray, Kami Garcia, and Margaret Stohl, create new land-scapes and characters. But whether they’re writing about vampires, faeries, angels, or other magical beings, each author explores the strength and resilience of the human heart.Suspenseful, funny, or romantic, the stories in Enthralled will leave you moved.

My Thoughts...

I always put anthology's on my TBR pile or wishlist but I usually never read them. I find I usually have trouble getting into short stories.  This however was pretty awesome.  I only skipped a few stories and that was only because I hadn't read the series that the stories were apart of. So lets go down the list of stories here.

Giovanni's Farewell by Claudia Gray

    I would love, love, love to read more about Cairo and Ravenna. This was a great story about learning to deal with changes and new powers.

Senic Route - Carrie Ryan

     I haven't read the Dark and Hallow Places yet so I was worried this might be a bit spoilery but it wasn't at all. It was actually a great look at two sisters trying to survive and copy in a crazy world.

Red Run - Kami Garcia

     This was my favorite story in this collection.  I would love to see this get turned into a full length novel. This had the feel of the TV show supernatural and I absolutely LOVED it.

Niederwald - Rachel Vincent

     This was a nice peak into Sabine's head. I adore this series and was so happy to get to look through Sabine's eyes. And I am crossing my fingers that something I hope happens in this series actually does happen.

A Mortal Winter King - Melissa Marr

     I haven't read Darkest Mercy yet so I probably should have skipped this one but it was good even though I haven't read the last book yet. 

Facing Facts - Kelley Armstrong

     I loved getting another look at Chloe and the gang. I loved this series and this totally has me wanting to read The Gathering.

Leaving - Ally Condie

     This was great and again I would love to see this turned into a full length novel because I really want to see where this story would go.

At The Late Night Double Feature - Jessica Verday

     I really liked this one! Yet another one I that I would love to see come out as a full length novel. This was cute, funny, and absolutely wonderful.

Automatic - Rachel Caine

     I love the Morganville Vampires series although I am a book behind right now, but this was a good look at Michael. It was really really good!

Review: Cold Kiss - Amy Garvey

• Reading level:
 Ages 13 and up

• Hardcover:
 304 pages

• Publisher:
 HarperTeen (September 20, 2011)

It was a beautiful, warm summer day, the day Danny died.Suddenly Wren was alone and shattered. In a heartbroken fury, armed with dark incantations and a secret power, Wren decides that what she wants—what she must do—is to bring Danny back.But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy Wren fell in love with. His touch is icy; his skin, smooth and stiff as marble; his chest, cruelly silent when Wren rests her head against it.Wren must keep Danny a secret, hiding him away, visiting him at night, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school, and Wren realizes that somehow, inexplicably, he can sense the powers that lie within her—and that he knows what she has done. And now Gabriel wants to help make things right.But Wren alone has to undo what she has wrought—even if it means breaking her heart all over again.

My Thoughts...

I really enjoyed this story. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting but it was still pretty awesome! Wren grew up watching her Mom, Aunt, and Grandma make things happen. Not things you would expect, changing the color of flowers, making pretty color lights  dance around the room when she was upset. Then one day it all went away. Her father left, her Grandmother died, and her mom stopped talking to her Aunt, and tried to hid her powers. Then Wren developed powers too. Only her Mom still ignored them, everything Wren learned she learned on her own or in secret talks with her Aunt. Wren eventually meets Danny and falls in love, they were happy until Wren got a phone call that Danny was dead. Wren grieved until she decided to bring Danny back, because she couldn't live without him. The only problem is Danny came back different. Pale, cold, hard and just not the same. Wren still trys to make it work for them but eventually it just doesn't work anymore. This was a good story about love, boundaries, limits and letting go, and moving on. I really liked Wren, she knows she was wrong but trys so hard to fix things. Her mom I wasn't a fan of though. I secretly hope there is another book just to see if her mom ever gives her the answers she wants and needs. Danny made me sad. I wanted to like him but it is hard to like a shell of a person. All in all this was a good story. I wouldn't mind seeing more of Wren! I give this one 4 stars!