When Ethan was 7, he was kidnapped from his front yard, in front of his 4-year old brother Blake. Now at 16, he's made his way back home.
It hasn't been easy. He remembers living with a woman named Ellen, then being dropped off at a group home and running away. Now that he's home with his family, nothing seems familiar--not the house, his parents, or his brother. Not even Cami, his best friend from childhood. As Ethan settles back into his life, questions remain. Why can't he remember anything from the years before he was kidnapped? Why is nothing familiar? Blake, Ethan's little brother, is especially suspicious, and has a hard time accepting Ethan back into the family.
But is everything as it seems?
Good suspense and believable. Ethan tells this story, and while he's reliable, you wonder what he's hiding and why.
Showing posts with label secrets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label secrets. Show all posts
Friday, March 2, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Envy by Gregg Olson
Katelyn's body was found by her mother shortly after her death. She was electrocuted by an espresso machine in the bathtub. Everyone is shocked to hear of her death--although it wasn't unexpected.
Twins Hayley and Taylor are convinced it wasn't suicide. The twins get feelings every so often that often turn out to be true. So they decide to figure out what happened to Katelyn, and who did it. They need to be careful...they don't want someone to find out about their special talents. There is already a reporter snooping around, connecting the three girls to the bus accident that happened when the girls were 5. Every girl on that bus is now deceased...except for the twins.
As the story moves on, more and more secrets are revealed. It takes a while to really get into the story...I wasn't sure where it was going at all. The chapters are mostly short and easy to get through, although the foreshadowing at the end of most of them got old.
The author talks a lot about evil, but that doesn't really go anywhere. The story was "inspired" by the events that have surrounded the deaths of many teenagers who have been bullied or harassed on online social networks by parents of other teenagers.
Twins Hayley and Taylor are convinced it wasn't suicide. The twins get feelings every so often that often turn out to be true. So they decide to figure out what happened to Katelyn, and who did it. They need to be careful...they don't want someone to find out about their special talents. There is already a reporter snooping around, connecting the three girls to the bus accident that happened when the girls were 5. Every girl on that bus is now deceased...except for the twins.
As the story moves on, more and more secrets are revealed. It takes a while to really get into the story...I wasn't sure where it was going at all. The chapters are mostly short and easy to get through, although the foreshadowing at the end of most of them got old.
The author talks a lot about evil, but that doesn't really go anywhere. The story was "inspired" by the events that have surrounded the deaths of many teenagers who have been bullied or harassed on online social networks by parents of other teenagers.
Wake Trilogy by Lisa McMann
Once again I read a whole series before reviewing any of the books. Mostly I did this because I am often behind in my posting. This time, I couldn't wait to read all three books in the Wake trilogy, so I basically checked out all three (ok, I bought the first one) and read them all...almost in one sitting.
Wake is the first book in the series. In Wake, we learn that Janie has a unique gift. Or curse. She, against her will, gets pulled into the dreams of the people around her. So when people fall asleep and start dreaming, often Janie is right there with them. Experiencing their dreams...or nightmares. Sometimes she can pull herself out, but not often. She starts noticing Cabel and realizes she's been in his nightmares before. His especially are scary.
When she realizes something big is happening in Cabel's life, she has a decision to make--help him or stay away from him.
And without giving the ending away of Wake, I can't talk about Fade or Gone. Just that Janie's powers grow as well as her ability to control them. And she has to make a life-altering decision before the series is over.
What I liked most about the series was the characters. Janie and Cabel are well-written and realistic. Janie's abilities are odd, yes, but fit into the storyline and come across as believable. Fade especially has been hard to get out of my head, but that's because the situation Janie finds herself in is so disturbing. Highly recommended, but perhaps for older teens.
Wake is the first book in the series. In Wake, we learn that Janie has a unique gift. Or curse. She, against her will, gets pulled into the dreams of the people around her. So when people fall asleep and start dreaming, often Janie is right there with them. Experiencing their dreams...or nightmares. Sometimes she can pull herself out, but not often. She starts noticing Cabel and realizes she's been in his nightmares before. His especially are scary.
When she realizes something big is happening in Cabel's life, she has a decision to make--help him or stay away from him.
And without giving the ending away of Wake, I can't talk about Fade or Gone. Just that Janie's powers grow as well as her ability to control them. And she has to make a life-altering decision before the series is over.
What I liked most about the series was the characters. Janie and Cabel are well-written and realistic. Janie's abilities are odd, yes, but fit into the storyline and come across as believable. Fade especially has been hard to get out of my head, but that's because the situation Janie finds herself in is so disturbing. Highly recommended, but perhaps for older teens.
The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff
Daphne lives in Hell with her parents, Lilith and Lucifer. She's never left, not even to just go explore Earth. Her older brother, the only person Daphne really cares about, is gone for long periods of time, as his job is to save the souls of the Lost Ones--children of demons or angels and humans. Obie, Daphne's brother, decides he's had enough of this kind of life and choose to leave. On his way, he stumbles across Truman, a Lost One who wasn't suppose to be there. Daphne, trying to stop Obie from leaving, can't explain what draws her to Truman. Before she knows it, they're both gone.
Before long, Lilith reaches out to Daphne in a panic. Obie has gone missing and Daphne must go to Earth to find him. Determined to find him, Daphne heads to Earth and searches for the one person she's sure will know where Obie is. Truman. Only Truman has no idea how to find Obie and is on his own path of self-destruction. Can Daphne save Truman in order to save her brother?
Not as good as The Replacement, the story does grow on you. There are some elements of Percy Jackson-type quest here, as Daphne and Truman travel from Chicago to Las Vegas to find someone they aren't sure how to find, and following clues they're not completely sure of. The beginning is a little complicated but it gets more even as the story plays out. An enjoyable supernatural story with romantic overtones.
Before long, Lilith reaches out to Daphne in a panic. Obie has gone missing and Daphne must go to Earth to find him. Determined to find him, Daphne heads to Earth and searches for the one person she's sure will know where Obie is. Truman. Only Truman has no idea how to find Obie and is on his own path of self-destruction. Can Daphne save Truman in order to save her brother?
Not as good as The Replacement, the story does grow on you. There are some elements of Percy Jackson-type quest here, as Daphne and Truman travel from Chicago to Las Vegas to find someone they aren't sure how to find, and following clues they're not completely sure of. The beginning is a little complicated but it gets more even as the story plays out. An enjoyable supernatural story with romantic overtones.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
One Night that Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt
Eliza discovers her boyfriend Cooper is only dating her as an initiation to get into the 318s, a secret fraternity at their high school. Enraged, she goes online to a website her older sister set up to post about Cooper's misdeeds.
In return, the 318s steal Eliza's purple notebook. The one she writes all of her fears in. And over the course of the night, they're going to make her do the ones they think are the most embarrassing. Eliza knows she has to get the notebook back--and not let them post it online. Some of the secrets in that notebook aren't hers to share.
Nothing is the way it should be--Cooper's trying to help her, her best friends Marissa and Clarice keep disappearing, and Eliza ends up hurting everyone in her life she cares about.
But she might just learn something along the way.
A realistic story with romantic overtones. Eliza is a believable character and her story is very entertaining. There's humor and friendship here too.
In return, the 318s steal Eliza's purple notebook. The one she writes all of her fears in. And over the course of the night, they're going to make her do the ones they think are the most embarrassing. Eliza knows she has to get the notebook back--and not let them post it online. Some of the secrets in that notebook aren't hers to share.
Nothing is the way it should be--Cooper's trying to help her, her best friends Marissa and Clarice keep disappearing, and Eliza ends up hurting everyone in her life she cares about.
But she might just learn something along the way.
A realistic story with romantic overtones. Eliza is a believable character and her story is very entertaining. There's humor and friendship here too.
Monday, December 19, 2011
The Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James
Jesse, Eva, and Skandar have gone down to the Surface, which is illegal, to trade for a Pearl. Pearls come from outer space and have enough power for small cities. The mission is a success until Jesse is trapped on a roof by Cassius--a trainee in the Unified Party and enemy to the Skyships. Jesse falls but survives without a mark on him. Cassius still gets away with the Pearl, so Jesse, Eva, and Skandar return to base without the prize they went looking for.
Cassius, however, knows something happened while Jesse was hanging off that roof. He knows Jesse did something to him. Especially when he sets his entire room on fire. Madame, the real leader of the Unified Party, has a special mission. When she heads up to the Skyship, she wants Cassius to find and kidnap Jesse. She doesn't explain why, but Cassius feels honored he is chosen for such an important mission.
Until it goes badly. Jesse recognizes him and tries to escape. He's helped by his friend Avery as they jump into a ship and head for the surface. The two of them try to avoid Cassius, but at what cost?
At every turn, Jesse is learning who he can and cannot trust.
A solid beginning--it appears there may be more. There are some pacing issues, but mostly this is action-packed. Especially about halfway through the book to the end. Something is always happening and there are enough twists to keep anyone interested.
Cassius, however, knows something happened while Jesse was hanging off that roof. He knows Jesse did something to him. Especially when he sets his entire room on fire. Madame, the real leader of the Unified Party, has a special mission. When she heads up to the Skyship, she wants Cassius to find and kidnap Jesse. She doesn't explain why, but Cassius feels honored he is chosen for such an important mission.
Until it goes badly. Jesse recognizes him and tries to escape. He's helped by his friend Avery as they jump into a ship and head for the surface. The two of them try to avoid Cassius, but at what cost?
At every turn, Jesse is learning who he can and cannot trust.
A solid beginning--it appears there may be more. There are some pacing issues, but mostly this is action-packed. Especially about halfway through the book to the end. Something is always happening and there are enough twists to keep anyone interested.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
Chloe can see dead people. Or rather...their ghosts. When they realize she can see them, they do anything to get her attention--even making themselves as frightening as possible. She freaks out at school one day and gets herself sent to Lyle House.
Chloe's aunt is the reason she goes to Lyle House instead of any other home. But everything there is strange. Her roommate Liz is sent away. The staff seem to be waiting for her to do something supernatural as well. When she gets locked in the crawl space under the house, it creates stunning results--she wakes up the dead. Literally.
With the help of Simon and Derek, foster brothers who also have supernatural secrets, Chloe knows they must escape.
Not a bad start to this supernatural series. Chloe has a clear voice, most of the time.
Chloe's aunt is the reason she goes to Lyle House instead of any other home. But everything there is strange. Her roommate Liz is sent away. The staff seem to be waiting for her to do something supernatural as well. When she gets locked in the crawl space under the house, it creates stunning results--she wakes up the dead. Literally.
With the help of Simon and Derek, foster brothers who also have supernatural secrets, Chloe knows they must escape.
Not a bad start to this supernatural series. Chloe has a clear voice, most of the time.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Cat's best friend Patrick was found one morning at the gas station, tied up with a gas pump nozzle shoved down his throat. The police are placing blame on outsiders, while Patrick lies in a coma. Cat's own relationship with Patrick has been strained--she's shut him out since the awful incident she went through a few years ago. She feels partially responsible--if they had been getting along, she would have been with him that night.
Cat also doesn't believe Patrick was attacked by outsiders. In fact, she knows exactly who attacked him and left him tied up to die. Her only problem now is proving it. But her searching into Patrick's last night opens a whole can of worms involving her brother, her past, and the whole community. Until she becomes a target.
Mostly about Cat, the town, and life in the South. The ending has a slight twist to it, but not unexpected. I enjoyed the story and unraveling the mystery and secrets of the town and Cat.
Cat also doesn't believe Patrick was attacked by outsiders. In fact, she knows exactly who attacked him and left him tied up to die. Her only problem now is proving it. But her searching into Patrick's last night opens a whole can of worms involving her brother, her past, and the whole community. Until she becomes a target.
Mostly about Cat, the town, and life in the South. The ending has a slight twist to it, but not unexpected. I enjoyed the story and unraveling the mystery and secrets of the town and Cat.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Virals by Kathy Reichs
Tory Brennan is adjusting to life with her dad. Just a year ago her mother passed away and she and her dad got the shock of their lives--they learned about each other. Now Tory is living on an island off the coast of Charleston, South Caroline, with Hi, Shelton, and Ben as her only friends.
The foursome spend a lot of time on Loggerhead Island, the research institute where most of their parents work. That's where Tory finds a set of dog tags that lead them on a search to find a missing person, then a murderer. Not to mention the change it makes to all of them.
The book starts off a little slow, but picks up quickly. The science can get heavy at times, but it rarely takes away from the pace of the book. There's lots of action and adventure to go with the science. I'm waiting for the next one to come out.
The foursome spend a lot of time on Loggerhead Island, the research institute where most of their parents work. That's where Tory finds a set of dog tags that lead them on a search to find a missing person, then a murderer. Not to mention the change it makes to all of them.
The book starts off a little slow, but picks up quickly. The science can get heavy at times, but it rarely takes away from the pace of the book. There's lots of action and adventure to go with the science. I'm waiting for the next one to come out.
Siren by Tricia Rayburn
Vanessa and Jessica look forward to their summer vacation every year. They head up the coast of Maine to Winter Harbor and spend most of their time together with the two boys next door, Simon and Caleb.
But one night Jessica gets angry at her parents and jumps off their favorite cliff--and disappears, along with Caleb.
Determined to learn more about her sister and best friend's life, Nessa heads back to Maine to find and talk with Caleb. Instead, she learns far too much about the creatures inhabiting the coast, as more bodies wash up on shore.
A thriller I could not put down. Although I guessed Nessa's true identity long before she does, the mystery keeps the pages turning. This is more of a "will they stop them at some point" rather than a "will they stop it in time" thriller. Lots of action, some romance, and of course, family secrets.
But one night Jessica gets angry at her parents and jumps off their favorite cliff--and disappears, along with Caleb.
Determined to learn more about her sister and best friend's life, Nessa heads back to Maine to find and talk with Caleb. Instead, she learns far too much about the creatures inhabiting the coast, as more bodies wash up on shore.
A thriller I could not put down. Although I guessed Nessa's true identity long before she does, the mystery keeps the pages turning. This is more of a "will they stop them at some point" rather than a "will they stop it in time" thriller. Lots of action, some romance, and of course, family secrets.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Kiss Me, Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
Scarlett regrets more than anything the two wishes she made at New Year's, instead of resolutions. She'd like to have boobs and a kiss from her crush Dan McAndrew.
Her first wish comes true and makes gymnastics even harder to balance.
Her second wish also might come true when she's invited to a party only the popular kids are going to--abandoning her two best friends.
At the party she does get her second wish--she and Dan kiss. And then he dies.
Scarlett's sent to her grandmother's school--Wakefield Academy. And while she struggles to fit into a more academic school, she prays no one learns her secret.
But secrets can follow you anywhere. And when a note appears in her desk saying "It's not your fault", Scarlett is determined to catch who put it there and find out the truth to Dan's death.
Scarlett is a likable character and I enjoyed reading this first in 3. Her point of view is looking back over events, so there is some foreshadowing and her regrets over what happens comes off the page in waves. There are some anxious moments throughout, but mostly the mystery of how Dan died and how she was involved are center to the story. I can't wait to read the next one!
Her first wish comes true and makes gymnastics even harder to balance.
Her second wish also might come true when she's invited to a party only the popular kids are going to--abandoning her two best friends.
At the party she does get her second wish--she and Dan kiss. And then he dies.
Scarlett's sent to her grandmother's school--Wakefield Academy. And while she struggles to fit into a more academic school, she prays no one learns her secret.
But secrets can follow you anywhere. And when a note appears in her desk saying "It's not your fault", Scarlett is determined to catch who put it there and find out the truth to Dan's death.
Scarlett is a likable character and I enjoyed reading this first in 3. Her point of view is looking back over events, so there is some foreshadowing and her regrets over what happens comes off the page in waves. There are some anxious moments throughout, but mostly the mystery of how Dan died and how she was involved are center to the story. I can't wait to read the next one!
Payback Time by Carl Deuker
Dan wants to be a reporter. He's a senior this year, and is confident he'll be chosen editor of the school newspaper. When his classmate Alyssa is chosen instead, Dan can't believe it. Even worse, he's given sports instead of features.
Now Dan, or Mitch as everyone calls him, decides to do the best he can. He's determined to find a story worthy of his talent and along with his photographer, Kimi, he thinks he's found one in the new student Andy. Andy also plays football, although he doesn't appear in public to be any good. Catching him playing when he thinks no one is looking, Dan discovers Andy has a lot of talent.
Mitch and Kimi decide they need to expose Andy's story. What they don't realize is why Andy is so secretive.
While the story doesn't start off as a thriller, it definitely ends that way. Mitch or Dan, is a great character and narrator. There is lots of football talk--some volleyball too. But the reader could be confused by what's going on on the field if they don't know anything. Mitch and Kimi spend a lot of time following Andy around and trying to figure out his story, so sports are not the main issue. Many of the characters here are more than 2-dimensional.
Now Dan, or Mitch as everyone calls him, decides to do the best he can. He's determined to find a story worthy of his talent and along with his photographer, Kimi, he thinks he's found one in the new student Andy. Andy also plays football, although he doesn't appear in public to be any good. Catching him playing when he thinks no one is looking, Dan discovers Andy has a lot of talent.
Mitch and Kimi decide they need to expose Andy's story. What they don't realize is why Andy is so secretive.
While the story doesn't start off as a thriller, it definitely ends that way. Mitch or Dan, is a great character and narrator. There is lots of football talk--some volleyball too. But the reader could be confused by what's going on on the field if they don't know anything. Mitch and Kimi spend a lot of time following Andy around and trying to figure out his story, so sports are not the main issue. Many of the characters here are more than 2-dimensional.
Worldshaker by Richard Harland
Col (or Colbert...) lives on a city ship known as Worldshaker. It's the year 1875 and he lives on one of the Upper Decks with his parents, sister, and baby brother. Col is selected to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become the next commander.
As the successor, Col knows his actions must be above reproach. But he's already violated their basic rule by not turning in the Filthy who broke into his room. The Filthy--Riff--escaped from the officers forcing her to become a Menial and all she wants is to get back Below.
Col agrees to help her so he won't get caught. He doesn't know why he doesn't just turn her in, but he can't. They break into the lower decks and send her back Below. After she's gone, Col hopes life goes back to normal, but he can't help but think about her. And when it appears his peers are going to teach him a lesson, Col decides he needs her help to save his life.
While he realizes the danger in such a task, he doesn't realize the chain of events he'll start just by falling Below and surviving...
Action-packed and adventurous. Col is a likable, although naive, character. Riff is especially funny, but also a little naive. Col attempts to change the world and his trust in adults is frustrating and enduring at the same time. A great steampunk novel.
As the successor, Col knows his actions must be above reproach. But he's already violated their basic rule by not turning in the Filthy who broke into his room. The Filthy--Riff--escaped from the officers forcing her to become a Menial and all she wants is to get back Below.
Col agrees to help her so he won't get caught. He doesn't know why he doesn't just turn her in, but he can't. They break into the lower decks and send her back Below. After she's gone, Col hopes life goes back to normal, but he can't help but think about her. And when it appears his peers are going to teach him a lesson, Col decides he needs her help to save his life.
While he realizes the danger in such a task, he doesn't realize the chain of events he'll start just by falling Below and surviving...
Action-packed and adventurous. Col is a likable, although naive, character. Riff is especially funny, but also a little naive. Col attempts to change the world and his trust in adults is frustrating and enduring at the same time. A great steampunk novel.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Jane by April Lindner
Jane Moore is desperate for a job so she can get back into college. With her parents' deaths, she can't afford tuition.
She finds a job as a nanny to a famous rock star, Nico Rathburn. Mr. Rathburn is ready for a comeback and Jane is perfect for the job--she knows almost nothing about him or his music. She finds a place for herself taking care of his daughter and enjoying nature on her time off.
Then Mr. Rathburn returns and seems fascinated by Jane. Not happy to leave her in the background, he insists she come to the parties he throws with the band, their rehearsals, and on his walks around the grounds. Jane begins to feel in over her head, then Nico proposes.
But not everything is as it seems, and Jane can't help but feel she's missing some important information about Nico's life.
This is a modern retelling of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Told in modern English, the story has been updated to fit modern times. That makes it all the more captivating, as the imagery and plot stays the same. Fantastic retelling--I couldn't put it down!
She finds a job as a nanny to a famous rock star, Nico Rathburn. Mr. Rathburn is ready for a comeback and Jane is perfect for the job--she knows almost nothing about him or his music. She finds a place for herself taking care of his daughter and enjoying nature on her time off.
Then Mr. Rathburn returns and seems fascinated by Jane. Not happy to leave her in the background, he insists she come to the parties he throws with the band, their rehearsals, and on his walks around the grounds. Jane begins to feel in over her head, then Nico proposes.
But not everything is as it seems, and Jane can't help but feel she's missing some important information about Nico's life.
This is a modern retelling of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Told in modern English, the story has been updated to fit modern times. That makes it all the more captivating, as the imagery and plot stays the same. Fantastic retelling--I couldn't put it down!
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
Yes, this book has been out a while, but since it's more on the Juvenile side of fiction, I haven't picked it up before now.
Cassandra is an eleven-year-old survivalist. She's prepared for any--and every--thing. While spending time with her grandfathers who own an antique dealership, a box of items is delivered with an unusual briefcase inside. The briefcase is labeled "Symphony of Smells" and is filled with vials of different powders, each with a distinct smell. The box came from a magician's home, so Cassandra, with her new friend Max-Ernest, decides she needs to investigate. Once in the house, they find a secret room and a notebook with a riddle. They also meet the bad guys--Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais.
Cassandra knows the couple will be looking for her and Max-Ernest. She is proven correct when the two show up at her school. What she doesn't expect is Benjamin Blake--a classmate--disappears after Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais leave. Now Cassandra must convince Max-Ernest to help her save Benjamin from a fate they don't want to think about.
A good mystery and suspense novel, especially for the older elementary grades. This is written in the style of the Lemony Snicket books--so the narrator is extremely involved in the plot and the action. There is a lot of things going on with the plot, too much to explain here, but the book is pretty engrossing. And descriptive.
Cassandra is an eleven-year-old survivalist. She's prepared for any--and every--thing. While spending time with her grandfathers who own an antique dealership, a box of items is delivered with an unusual briefcase inside. The briefcase is labeled "Symphony of Smells" and is filled with vials of different powders, each with a distinct smell. The box came from a magician's home, so Cassandra, with her new friend Max-Ernest, decides she needs to investigate. Once in the house, they find a secret room and a notebook with a riddle. They also meet the bad guys--Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais.
Cassandra knows the couple will be looking for her and Max-Ernest. She is proven correct when the two show up at her school. What she doesn't expect is Benjamin Blake--a classmate--disappears after Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais leave. Now Cassandra must convince Max-Ernest to help her save Benjamin from a fate they don't want to think about.
A good mystery and suspense novel, especially for the older elementary grades. This is written in the style of the Lemony Snicket books--so the narrator is extremely involved in the plot and the action. There is a lot of things going on with the plot, too much to explain here, but the book is pretty engrossing. And descriptive.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Fat Vampire by Adam Rex
Doug feels a little cheated. He was accidentally turned into a vampire, doomed to spend eternity chubby and unappealing. His first few attempts to convince girls to let him bite them fail miserably, and get a vampire hunting tv show on his tail.
Sejal is an exchange student from India, in America to escape her addiction to the Internet. Doug falls for Sejal hard, but she doesn't share his feelings. He finds a willing (or semi-willing) victim, his best friend falls for Sejal's host sister Cat, and Doug himself starts to think about finding the parent of his little vampire family so he can return to normal. Although he finds being a vampire gives him a few extra quirks...almost like superpowers.
This book had good and bad moments. I did enjoy reading it, but I didn't find all of the characters completely believable. I don't think you're intended to really like Doug, and the description on the inside cover doesn't really describe the book all that well.
Sejal is an exchange student from India, in America to escape her addiction to the Internet. Doug falls for Sejal hard, but she doesn't share his feelings. He finds a willing (or semi-willing) victim, his best friend falls for Sejal's host sister Cat, and Doug himself starts to think about finding the parent of his little vampire family so he can return to normal. Although he finds being a vampire gives him a few extra quirks...almost like superpowers.
This book had good and bad moments. I did enjoy reading it, but I didn't find all of the characters completely believable. I don't think you're intended to really like Doug, and the description on the inside cover doesn't really describe the book all that well.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
Billi's father is the Master of the Knights Templar--all nine of them. They fight against the Unholy, which these days include vampires, demons, and werewolves. They battle against the darkness that constantly strives to overtake humans.
Billi is their only female. Having passed her last test, she is a full-fledged member. Then Kay, the only friend she's allowed to have, returns. Angry at him and her father, she turns to Mike, the first guy ever to show interest in her.
But Mike's interest isn't in her--it's in getting the Cursed Mirror and freeing the other dark angels cast out of heaven.
King Solomon wasn't powerful enough to destroy Michael. Can Billi and Kay?
An interesting concept and story. A little slow to begin with, but the action picks up quickly and everything comes to a head. A few inconsistencies, but overall a great book and a fantastic twist.
Billi is their only female. Having passed her last test, she is a full-fledged member. Then Kay, the only friend she's allowed to have, returns. Angry at him and her father, she turns to Mike, the first guy ever to show interest in her.
But Mike's interest isn't in her--it's in getting the Cursed Mirror and freeing the other dark angels cast out of heaven.
King Solomon wasn't powerful enough to destroy Michael. Can Billi and Kay?
An interesting concept and story. A little slow to begin with, but the action picks up quickly and everything comes to a head. A few inconsistencies, but overall a great book and a fantastic twist.
The Mark by Jen Nadol
Cassandra, or Cassie, has a gift--or a curse. She sees a mark on people the day they will die.
When she sees the mark on her grandmother, she spends most of the day trying to save her life. To no avail.
When she sees the mark on her new boyfriend after going to live with her aunt, she intervenes and saves his life. Now she's forced to show him she can really tell when people will die, but should she?
Once she convinces him, Lucas is obsessed with her cheating death by saving the ones she sees are Marked.
Will learning more about her family and her past help her decide if she can--or should--save people?
Interesting concept, not well put together. The story is entertaining, but there are a few plot developments that could have developed more effectively. On the whole, the book was an interesting read and I enjoyed that aspect of it.
When she sees the mark on her grandmother, she spends most of the day trying to save her life. To no avail.
When she sees the mark on her new boyfriend after going to live with her aunt, she intervenes and saves his life. Now she's forced to show him she can really tell when people will die, but should she?
Once she convinces him, Lucas is obsessed with her cheating death by saving the ones she sees are Marked.
Will learning more about her family and her past help her decide if she can--or should--save people?
Interesting concept, not well put together. The story is entertaining, but there are a few plot developments that could have developed more effectively. On the whole, the book was an interesting read and I enjoyed that aspect of it.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Secret Saturdays by Torrey MalDonado
Justin and his best friend Sean are tight. Justin's sure they know everything about each other, so when he catches Sean lying about his weekends, Justin doesn't know what to do. Now Sean is skipping class, avoiding homework, and hanging with some of the older guys in the neighborhood.
Justin decides he has to figure out what's going on, so he, Kyle, and Vanessa work up a plan. Meanwhile, Sean, who's never had to use his fists to fight, gets suspended for fighting. Now it's more important than ever they figure out what's going on.
A great and simple story. Told from Justin's point of view, but the story really focuses on Sean and their friendship. It's rare to find a well-written book about friendship between two guys living in the projects in New York and surviving without gangs.
Justin decides he has to figure out what's going on, so he, Kyle, and Vanessa work up a plan. Meanwhile, Sean, who's never had to use his fists to fight, gets suspended for fighting. Now it's more important than ever they figure out what's going on.
A great and simple story. Told from Justin's point of view, but the story really focuses on Sean and their friendship. It's rare to find a well-written book about friendship between two guys living in the projects in New York and surviving without gangs.
Scars by Cheryl Rainfield
Kendra was sexually abused and is still recovering years later. She doesn't remember the face of her abuser, but slowly her memories are coming back. Kendra doesn't think she has the time it'll take for her memories to return--someone's following her. And threatening her to keep silent.
All Kendra has is her art. But her artwork is getting more expressive of the trauma she's going through, trauma that she cuts to forget. Her artwork also leads her to Meghan, a girl whom Kendra can relate to. Soon she finds herself wanting to talk about everything that's happened to her. And her abuser ups the stakes to keep her quiet.
A very intense book. Kendra's pain is real and visual. Her cutting is well-described so it can be hard to read. Not reading it would be the real tragedy. This is a book everyone should read to understand what the victims of sexual abuse go through, and how inadequate most of the help for them really is. Heartbreaking, realistic, and emotional.
All Kendra has is her art. But her artwork is getting more expressive of the trauma she's going through, trauma that she cuts to forget. Her artwork also leads her to Meghan, a girl whom Kendra can relate to. Soon she finds herself wanting to talk about everything that's happened to her. And her abuser ups the stakes to keep her quiet.
A very intense book. Kendra's pain is real and visual. Her cutting is well-described so it can be hard to read. Not reading it would be the real tragedy. This is a book everyone should read to understand what the victims of sexual abuse go through, and how inadequate most of the help for them really is. Heartbreaking, realistic, and emotional.
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