Dead to You by Lisa McMann

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.

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

Ava has no memory of her life. She wakes up in a strange bed, a strange home, a strange world. All she knows is...nothing. Not even her name.


Memories start to return, but not easily, and they do not belong in the world she's living in. She doesn't remember Jane, the woman who says she's her mother. She doesn't remember her friends--well, she does, but not the same as they appear now.


There's a guy she does think is familiar--Morgan. Ava knows him better than she knows herself. He is the catalyst to bringing back her memories of another world, another time, and another place entirely.


Morgan, however, doesn't belong in this new world and risks fading away completely to find Ava and get her back.


By the time the story ended, I was enjoying it. Getting there took some time...the story is confusing from the first page. Ava is also confused for most of the story, so you're just right there along with her. An interesting premise though.

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan

Nas has reached a crisis in her 459 years of life. While out partying with other immortals like her, her best friend Incy uses magick to snap the back of their taxi driver when he gets angry. Nas, shocked and disgusted, flees to find River, another immortal she met 80 years before.

Life with River and her 'school' of immortals isn't what Nas expected at all. They grow their own food and spend their days learning how to control the good side of magick. Nas doesn't know if she can survive this type of living, but recognizes she may not have a choice. Something has to change and just maybe, this is the change she needs. And one of the other immortals on the farm--Reyn--looks familiar to her in a way she can't figure out. But he definitely draws her attention.

The longer she spends with River, the more Nas' memories come out and the most painful ones are yet to surface. Nas must accept her past, however, to move into the future.

Ok, so yes, this is a paranormal romance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story and can't wait for the next one in the series. I have serious doubts as to whether this should even be considered a 'teen' novel though--the main character may look like she's 18 or 21; she's actually much older. I enjoyed the story and the romance is there but not very strong, for the first book in the series. Highly recommended for those who like paranormal with a splash of romance.

Virgin Territory by James Lecesne

Dylan didn't want to move to Florida from New York City, but everything changes when his mom dies. The move was suppose to be temporary, but Dylan's grandmother is in a nursing home and escapes often enough that Dylan's father wants to be nearby.

Then the image of the Virgin Mary appears in a tree on the golf course Dylan works at, and everything changes. He meets Angela and the Virgin Club, where they do what they want and are willing to take the risk. Soon they're all breaking into houses and unknown to Dylan, stealing things. One thing Angela steals is the small figurine his grandmother treasures, and getting it back could be life or death for her.

I did enjoy the book, although if you're looking for more stuff with the Virgin Mary, you will be disappointed. That's the catalyst that brings everyone together, but that's almost a sidenote. A good realistic fiction. Especially with a guy as the main character.

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Deuce has lived her whole life underground in the enclave. She's also been in training to be a Huntress, someone who protects, hunts, and fights for the enclave's survival. After her naming ceremony which identifies her as an adult, Deuce is partnered with Fade, a lone Hunter from Topside. Neither is happy about it at all.

Soon that doesn't matter. The two are punished for not following direct orders by bringing a deformed outsider into the enclave. The outsider brings news--Nassau is gone, overrun by the Freaks who threaten everyone's survival. Deuce and Fade are sent to find the truth--a mission no one expects them to survive. That's only the beginning of their adventure together.

A fantastic book. Loved the characters and setting along with the plot. A lot like The Hunger Games and The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Can't wait for the sequel.

I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

John Wayne Cleaver is fascinated by serial killers. He studies them and knows what makes them tick. It's a passtime for him, but so much more. John knows he could easily become a serial killer, but he doesn't want to. So he studies them and sets up rules for himself to avoid following that path.

Then someone is murdered in their little town of Clayton. John immediately believes it's the work of a serial killer, but it takes two more deaths to convince others he knows what he's talking about. And since he knows serial killers, he feels he's the best qualified to figure out the guy's next move.

But what he finds he could never have anticipated. And in order to defeat the killer, he may have to let his own monster loose.

A little grotesque, but pretty good. John is a great narrator. I would recommend not eating at the beginning of the book--the embalming process is explained. Enough happens even when it seems like nothing is happening to keep you interested.

Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Melody and her family move from L.A. to Oregon, mostly due to Melody's asthma. She fits in at school better than she did in Oregon, but finds many of the students to be a bit strange.

Frankie's parents created her--at the ripe age of 15. She's never been outside before they announce they're sending her to school, but she doesn't understand why, if they keep telling her she's perfect, she has to cover up her green skin with makeup and wear ugly clothes.

But Frankie's not the only monster in hiding. Soon she realizes there are other monsters out there, all afraid to show their true colors. Convinced she knows better, she encourages them to step out and reveal their true selves. And causes mass panic.

Definitely a chick lit book. The characters were ok and seemed true to their natures. It's an interesting idea, and there is a sequel out now. Fans of The Clique series will definitely like this. It did remind me of the book Vamped by Lucienne Diver.

Flip by Martyn Bedford

Alex doesn't know what's happened. He wakes up but instead of his familiar bedroom, he's in a strange one. Some lady is yelling for Phillip, and the light coming into the window is all wrong. He doesn't realize at first that he's in the body of Phillip, and he's standing in Phillip's room, in his house, with his family downstairs. No clue what's happened. All he knows is his name, and the last memory he has--climbing into his window in the middle of December. Now it's June. What happened?


While trying to figure that out, Alex is forced to live Phillip's life. Go to his classes, deal with his friends and girlfriends, trying to play cricket (first time ever!), and trying to appear as if nothing is wrong. But something is wrong...horribly wrong. And Alex wants back in his own body. In the worst way.


I really enjoyed this book. Some of the vernacular was odd, but it is set in England. Alex's experiences are realistic and his character is nicely flawed. The ending wasn't totally unexpected but it was nicely executed.

Notes from a Totally Lame Vampire by Tim Collins

Nigel is a pretty average English teenage...vampire. His "parents" turned him many years ago, and existence is just not that great. He goes to school, but doesn't fit in. At home, he's the only one who doesn't have super speed or strength.

The Chloe appears--a new student at his school and all of a sudden, life is worth living. She is his reason for being--not that she would ever know. When she does realize he exists, it's mostly because he tells her he's a vampire. Family dynamics aside, Nigel is definitely learning how to be a vampire at the tender age of 100.

Told completely in journal entries, you get what the title promises. Each day is filled with more of the same...Nigel not fitting in and not having a clue. You might put the book down before you get to any of the interesting stuff, which is about 2/3 of the way in. I heard this compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I've never read it, so I couldn't say for certain.

Vampire Crush by A.M. Robinson

Sophie lives a normal life with her stepsister Caroline, her father, and her stepmother. She writes for the paper and is sure she'll be editor-in-chief when her junior year starts.

But her first assignment is not at all what she imagined it would be. There are 8 new students in school and she's asked to interview 4 of them for the paper--Vlad, Marisol, Violet, and Nevielle. Sophie notices strange behavior from all 4...a couple of them are very old-fashioned, and they look to Vlad as a leader. Thrown into the mix is her old neighbor James--tormentor extraordinaire--who is back in town and seems to know a little too much about Vlad and his group.

Sophie gets a chance to learn more for herself when she follows Vlad into the woods after school one day--more than she ever wanted to know. Now she's on a mission before Vlad bites every girl at school and stop him from finding what he believes is his ticket to acceptance in the vampire world.

Ok, so you basically know what's going to happen as the book begins. Vlad and his clan are all vampires, and they're looking for some girl who descended from a bunch of other vampires. Vlad has an evil plot to take over the vampire world...or just become part of it. Sophie and James obviously have feelings for each other, although things get complicated.

What I really enjoyed about this novel was the characters' abilities to laugh at each other and themselves. There's nothing new here besides humor. It did make all the difference.

Nomansland by Lesley Hauge

Keller is a Novice Tracker. She lives in FoundLand, a country of all women. The world has changed, and while a few items of the Old People exist, most of them are gone. The materials from the Old People must be purged from their area, to avoid the catastrophe which caused the earth's destruction so many years ago.

But Laing finds a hidden cave of forbidden items and Keller can't stay away. The more she tries to resist, the more often she risks getting caught. The more she learns about the Old People, the less she believes what she's always been told.

An interesting premise. I enjoyed the story and Keller is a likable character. A few characters were not so fleshed out, but it didn't detract from the story. Lots of questioning authority and adventure, along with human nature.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda is a freshman beginning her first year of high school, and already a social pariah. At a party before school began, she called the police, getting the party busted. Her friends pretend she doesn't exist, everyone seems to know who she is, and she is completely outcast from everything.

Her only reprieve is art class and the janitor's closet she uses to hide. She's ok with no one talking to her--then they aren't asking her what happened. Something horrible happened to her the night of the party, something she would prefer to forget. But when IT starts dating her former best friend, Melinda feels she needs to speak up. When she finally shares what happens, her best friend doesn't believe her...but not everyone has such a great opinion of IT.

A powerful and moving story about how painful things can be to talk about--especially rape. Melinda's character is believable and sympathetic, and her situation is heartbreaking.

They also made a movie out of this book--it was fabulous. Very well done--check it out if you get a chance!

Spirit Seeker by Joan Lowery Nixon

Holly's life is full of small stresses. The strain on her from her parents' marriage, school, friends, and just being a teenager.

Then Holly's father--a police detective--comes home to tell her Cody, her boyfriend, is a suspect in the murder of his parents.

Holly must race the clock in order to prove Cody's innocence--even though all the evidence points at him. And she needs to open herself up to the abilities she's tried to ignore.

Some paranormal aspects in the story. Holly is a sympathetic character, and although a lot of the situations need a heavy suspension of disbelief, the action, mystery, and solution are well done. The reader is left questioning Cody's guilt and Holly's belief right to the end.

Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney

Finn (short for Finbar) and his family just moved to New York, and not a minute too soon for Finn. He's looking forward to going to a public school (where there are girls) and getting away from his superstar twin.

Finn has some incidents to get through first. He finds out he's allergic to the sun (after a horrible trip to the beach), he gets mistaken for a vampire on the subway, and he doesn't really know how to talk to girls in the first place. Until he realizes his allergy is the key--he can pretend to be a vampire. He does some research and practices being moody, stormy, and standoffish. But the girl he ends up falling for has no time for vampires...especially pretend ones.

I liked Finn and how the book flows. He tells his story as we jump from present to past, then back again. I don't doubt that the people who do pretend to be vampires (or are convinced they are...) would be a little offended by Finn's perception of what it means to be a vampire, but the story is suppose to be amusing, and it works. Otherwise I'd find it sad that people actually believe vampires exist.

Shutout by Brendan Halpin

Amanda loves soccer--so does her best friend Lena. The two are inseparable and unstoppable on the soccer field. Until Amanda contracts Severs disease (heel pain) and can't keep up.

So when it comes down to tryouts before their freshman year of high school, Amanda's sure they'll still be playing together. But they aren't. Lena gets bumped up to varsity while Amanda's left on JV. At first, this really bothers Amanda, but she tries to shrug it off and still be Lena's best friend. Until Lena starts ignoring her. Amanda can't take it anymore and tells her off. And the friendship that lasted 6 years is over.

Amanda realizes things have to change, but didn't think it would happen so soon. Then the varsity team makes a huge mistake that costs them their rights to play and the JV needs to step up.

Amanda's a likable character and while the book is mostly about friendships and soccer, there's humor here too. The story is well-written and for someone who doesn't know a lot about soccer, I was never lost in any of the jargon (there isn't a lot). I could hardly put this book down.

Three Quarters Dead by Richard Peck

Kerry believes her life is on it’s way to the top—she’s a sophomore invited to sit with the three most popular girls in school at lunch!

And while no one questions Tonya, Kerry can’t believe her luck until she learns she’s expected to give something in return.

At first it’s just pranks, but when Tonya, Natalie, and Makenzie die in a freak car accident that could have included Kerry, she starts to wonder if they might want or need something else from her too.

It took a while for me to get into this book. Kerry narrates her tale, and while interesting, the best part of the book happens in the later half. Not a huge fan of Peck's work but the horror in this one makes it worth it...for the most part. The ending is anti-climatic, and the beginning is slow, but the middle and last half of the book are interesting enough to keep reading.

Flipped by Wedelin Van Draanen

Bryce and Juli have lived across the street from each other since the second grade. From the day they met, Juli's been a thorn in Bryce's side and Bryce has been the only one Juli wants.

Now in eighth grade, they both have to recognize some truths about themselves and each other. Bryce is forced to see behind the annoyance that is Juli, and Juli slowly realizes Bryce has never been who she thought. Just as she decides to have nothing to do with him, Bryce realizes he can't live without her.

So who do you root for?

Told in alternating voices, it's hard to dislike either character. They describe their relationship from the beginning. The story is touching, funny, sad, and joyful all at the same time. A great book.

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.

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Barnes

Bryn's family was attacked by a werewolf when she was just 4 years old. She's the only survivor.

As the only human in the pack of werewolves that saved her, Bryn finds her life difficult and complicated. She was Marked by the pack's alpha, so the rest accepted her--or were forced. She still doesn't fit in.

Bryn then learns that Callum lied to her about the rogue werewolf who attacked her family. He escaped their wrath and continued to attack humans. One such human, Chase, was rescued by the pack.

Now Bryn breaks the rules to be with Chase, which also pushes her out of the pack for good. Determined to bring down the Rogue that stole her and Chase's lives, she sets out to finish him off for good. No matter what the pack has decided.

A fantastic new story about werewolves/shapeshifters. Well-written, paced, and executed. I enjoyed reading about Bryn and Chase and learning about their world.

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Brittany and Alex can't be farther apart in appearances. Brittany is upper middle class, from the north side, and has everything. Alex is Mexican-American, belongs in a gang, and lives on the south side. Unfortunately for both of them, they are stuck as chemistry lab partners for the year.

They do have a lot in common though, as they realize. Brittany has a hard home life with a sister with cerebral palsy and parents who fight constantly. Alex lives in a tough neighborhood and the only way to save his family is to be a member of the local gang, like his dad. They both spend more time thinking about the other than they should. Their different worlds threaten to tear them apart right when they can't live without the other.

Told from both points of view, this is a fabulous love story. It reminded me a little of West Side Story, with a much better ending. Brittany and Alex fight the odds to be together. There is a lot going on here though--not just love and romance. I could barely put it down, and can't wait to read Rules of Attraction.