Mel lives in New Whitby, a town founded by vampires. She isn't a big fan of the Shade, where most of the vampires live. When Francis, a teen vampire, enrolls in their high school, Mel knows it will cause trouble.
The trouble comes in the way of Cathy, Mel's best friend, and vampire lover. While most of the girls in their school are enthralled by Francis, he seems to return Cathy's attention. Mel is determined to save Cathy from Francis--even when she doesn't want to be.
Not only that, but their friend Anna is also upset and wonders about her mother. Anna's dad ran off with a vampire over the summer break, and it seems to be hitting Anna and her mother hard. Anna's brought her mother's behavior to Mel's attention and Mel feels she needs to help figure out what's wrong.
On top of everything else, Mel meets Kit, a human living in Francis' home. He plans on becoming a vampire when he's 18. Mel doesn't know what to think of that--she was beginning to like Kit.
Everything soon comes to a head and Mel and her friends need to figure out what to do.
Not quite what I was expecting but still a good story. Definitely not your normal vampire book, and it's about time too!
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Monday, November 12, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Miss Beregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Just as a side note...I haven't stopped reading teen fiction! I've just been reading all sorts of other things too.
So...here's all about Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children:
Jacob has always wanted to believe his grandfather's stories about the unusual children he knew in the 1940s. The pictures he had, the stories he told, and the experiences he shared all fascinated Jacob, from a very early age. As Jacob grew older, though, he had a harder time believing stories about a girl who floated about the ground, a boy filled with bees, not to mention all the other peculiarities.
When his grandfather calls one day in a panic because he can't get into his gun cabinet, Jacob thinks he's finally lost his marbles. But when he finds his grandfather dying in the forest behind his house, he can't deny something's going on. Especially when Jacob sees a creature not far off that no one else seems to see.
Following his grandfather's directions, Jacob sets off for a remote island off the coast of Wales, to find Miss Peregrine and get the answers he seeks. What he discovers is his grandfather may not have been making up anything at all...
I did enjoy this book and story, but it wasn't at all what I was expecting. The beginning half, when Jacob is learning about the different peculiar "children", I thought this would be something along the lines of a scary freak show. This story follows a fantasy line more closely than a mystery, although it takes most of the book to realize that. It sounds, from the ending, like there is a sequel in the mix.
So...here's all about Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children:
Jacob has always wanted to believe his grandfather's stories about the unusual children he knew in the 1940s. The pictures he had, the stories he told, and the experiences he shared all fascinated Jacob, from a very early age. As Jacob grew older, though, he had a harder time believing stories about a girl who floated about the ground, a boy filled with bees, not to mention all the other peculiarities.
When his grandfather calls one day in a panic because he can't get into his gun cabinet, Jacob thinks he's finally lost his marbles. But when he finds his grandfather dying in the forest behind his house, he can't deny something's going on. Especially when Jacob sees a creature not far off that no one else seems to see.
Following his grandfather's directions, Jacob sets off for a remote island off the coast of Wales, to find Miss Peregrine and get the answers he seeks. What he discovers is his grandfather may not have been making up anything at all...
I did enjoy this book and story, but it wasn't at all what I was expecting. The beginning half, when Jacob is learning about the different peculiar "children", I thought this would be something along the lines of a scary freak show. This story follows a fantasy line more closely than a mystery, although it takes most of the book to realize that. It sounds, from the ending, like there is a sequel in the mix.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber
Natalie has been mute ever since her mother died. He lives with her father in early 20th century New York and assists him with his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When Natalie hears of the painting of Lord Denbury, she insists on seeing it. The owner, Mrs. Northe, decides to loan the painting to the museum for safekeeping, and entrusts Natalie with some knowledge she has of the paintings origins. When observing the painting one day, Natalie notices it seems to be moving. When she touches it, she's pulled into the painting. Lord Denbury is real--and trapped! She must learn about the curse in order to set Lord Denbury free.
Written in a very descriptive format, the author paints a vivid picture. Natalie's character is interesting and the story is written in a journal format from her point of view.
When Natalie hears of the painting of Lord Denbury, she insists on seeing it. The owner, Mrs. Northe, decides to loan the painting to the museum for safekeeping, and entrusts Natalie with some knowledge she has of the paintings origins. When observing the painting one day, Natalie notices it seems to be moving. When she touches it, she's pulled into the painting. Lord Denbury is real--and trapped! She must learn about the curse in order to set Lord Denbury free.
Written in a very descriptive format, the author paints a vivid picture. Natalie's character is interesting and the story is written in a journal format from her point of view.
The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Helmuth lives in Germany as the country struggles to survive the aftermath of World War I and the penalties brought by the Treaty of Versailles.
Then Hitler comes to power and before anyone realizes it, Germany is prospering. Any wrongdoing is blamed on Communists or Jews, and while Helmuth doesn't really agree, he knows to keep his mouth shut.
When his brother brings home a contraband radio that allows Helmuth the chance to hear what's really happening, he decides to take action.
This is based on the true story of Helmuth Hubener, executed at 16, for his crimes against Nazi Germany.
The author tells how she collected her story together and her sources. Very moving and easy to get into. The story flashes from Helmuth's time in prison to the events leading to his capture.
Then Hitler comes to power and before anyone realizes it, Germany is prospering. Any wrongdoing is blamed on Communists or Jews, and while Helmuth doesn't really agree, he knows to keep his mouth shut.
When his brother brings home a contraband radio that allows Helmuth the chance to hear what's really happening, he decides to take action.
This is based on the true story of Helmuth Hubener, executed at 16, for his crimes against Nazi Germany.
The author tells how she collected her story together and her sources. Very moving and easy to get into. The story flashes from Helmuth's time in prison to the events leading to his capture.
The Night She Disappeared by April Henry
Drew took the order the night Kayla disappeared. No one knew right away the intended victim was Gabie, who would have been working, had the girls not switched.
The police don't believe that, of course. They start looking for everyone who might have had a grudge against Kayla. When the guy they think did it kills himself, the case is considered closed.
But Drew and especially Gabie don't believe it. And the real kidnapper could still be waiting to catch Gabie when she least expects it.
Definitely a thriller. Henry builds the pace nicely and the point of view switches between characters. Great story and good ending. The characters all have some flaws, which makes the story more believable.
The police don't believe that, of course. They start looking for everyone who might have had a grudge against Kayla. When the guy they think did it kills himself, the case is considered closed.
But Drew and especially Gabie don't believe it. And the real kidnapper could still be waiting to catch Gabie when she least expects it.
Definitely a thriller. Henry builds the pace nicely and the point of view switches between characters. Great story and good ending. The characters all have some flaws, which makes the story more believable.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Playground by 50 Cent
Butterball winds up having to talk with a therapist twice a week after beating up Maurice, someone Butterball thought was a friend.
Butterball is not happy with his life. His mom NYC and away from his dad and he gets teased because of his weight.
Until Butterball hits Maurice. Now the popular guys are paying attention to him. They want him to beat up another guy. And home life is changing too, as Butterball begins to understand what's really going on with his mom.
A good story and thought out. Not necessarily for reluctant readers like I thought at first. There are some real issues here, and a good first teen novel for 50 Cent.
Butterball is not happy with his life. His mom NYC and away from his dad and he gets teased because of his weight.
Until Butterball hits Maurice. Now the popular guys are paying attention to him. They want him to beat up another guy. And home life is changing too, as Butterball begins to understand what's really going on with his mom.
A good story and thought out. Not necessarily for reluctant readers like I thought at first. There are some real issues here, and a good first teen novel for 50 Cent.
Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald
Sadie has been in love with her best friend Garrett since they met 2 years ago. She's just been waiting for him to feel the same.
Then Garrett gets into a writing camp and Sadie doesn't. Now she has to get a job and fill her time until Garrett comes back. When he calls her to tell her he's fallen in love with a girl at camp, Sadie knows it's time for her to get over Garrett.
It isn't easy though. Especially when she's spent the last 2 years liking everything Garrett has. Now she has to get over him AND figure out who she is.
An exceptional chick book. Funny, poignant, and enjoyable. I found details of myself in Sadie, as I'm sure most girls would.
Then Garrett gets into a writing camp and Sadie doesn't. Now she has to get a job and fill her time until Garrett comes back. When he calls her to tell her he's fallen in love with a girl at camp, Sadie knows it's time for her to get over Garrett.
It isn't easy though. Especially when she's spent the last 2 years liking everything Garrett has. Now she has to get over him AND figure out who she is.
An exceptional chick book. Funny, poignant, and enjoyable. I found details of myself in Sadie, as I'm sure most girls would.
12 Things to Do Before You Crash & Burn by James Proimos
Hercules' father dies and his mom sends him to stay with his uncle Anthony in Baltimore.
Herc is sure the two weeks at his uncle's will be boring beyond belief. The train ride looks promising when he sits by a really hot girl. When she leaves a book behind, Herc is determined to find her to return it.
His uncle also has a plan. Herc is to accomplish a task each day he's visiting, in order to keep him busy. He can't blieve it--but when he does the first task by accident and the day works out, he decides it can't hurt to try the rest.
A very short novel. The story isn't bad and there's enough to keep you entertained.
Herc is sure the two weeks at his uncle's will be boring beyond belief. The train ride looks promising when he sits by a really hot girl. When she leaves a book behind, Herc is determined to find her to return it.
His uncle also has a plan. Herc is to accomplish a task each day he's visiting, in order to keep him busy. He can't blieve it--but when he does the first task by accident and the day works out, he decides it can't hurt to try the rest.
A very short novel. The story isn't bad and there's enough to keep you entertained.
Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan
The events of Sept 11th changed things forever. For New Yorkers Claire, Jasper, and Peter, things will never be the same. Claire, when the first tower is hit, only thinks of her mom and younger brother. They aren't allowed to go home, and for Claire, the whole event has changed how see sees things.
Jasper sleeps through the whole attack. He's hungover and unsure of what's going on. He does know it's big--and he can't get away from it.
Peter actually sees everything and he feels it keenly. He was suppose to go on a date with Jasper that evening and he goes to school with Claire.
As these three are drawn together by what has happened, Levithan provides a perspective of what being in NYC during and after 9/11 was like.
A moving and short book. Claire is the most developed, or at least the one I liked the most. Told from all 3 viewpoints.
Jasper sleeps through the whole attack. He's hungover and unsure of what's going on. He does know it's big--and he can't get away from it.
Peter actually sees everything and he feels it keenly. He was suppose to go on a date with Jasper that evening and he goes to school with Claire.
As these three are drawn together by what has happened, Levithan provides a perspective of what being in NYC during and after 9/11 was like.
A moving and short book. Claire is the most developed, or at least the one I liked the most. Told from all 3 viewpoints.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Soulbound:The Legacy of Tril by Heather Brewer
I got this book from Heather Brewer (yay) as an Advanced Reader's Copy. The book is going to be published in July.
I'm not going to say a lot about it, but I will a little. Because I enjoyed it so much.
First of all...it's the first in a new series by Brewer. I'm dying to read the 2nd book. I read the 1st one this morning. Yes, this morning. I couldn't put it down, and refused to until I had it read.
The basic story is this: The main character, Kaya, lives in a world that has Barrons, Healers, and the Unskilled. The Barrons are born with a fighting 'gene'--it makes them natural fighters. They are bonded with a Healer, someone born with the healing 'gene'--and Healers can bring Barrons back from the brink of death. The Unskilled are well, people who aren't born with one of these traits. Kaya is a Healer, but she's in hiding. Her parents broke the rules when they fell in love and got married--they're both Barrons. So when Kaya is discovered, she's threatened to either learn how to become a Healer or her parents will be imprisoned or killed. So she goes to the Shadow Academy. Healers are expected to learn some about healing, mostly about why they're suppose to follow their bonded Barrons around. Kaya wants to learn how to fight, which is forbidden.
This story has it all--action, adventure, intrigue, mystery, fantasy, and romance. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. And I still can't!
So...go preorder it now. I'll wait here.
I'm not going to say a lot about it, but I will a little. Because I enjoyed it so much.
First of all...it's the first in a new series by Brewer. I'm dying to read the 2nd book. I read the 1st one this morning. Yes, this morning. I couldn't put it down, and refused to until I had it read.
The basic story is this: The main character, Kaya, lives in a world that has Barrons, Healers, and the Unskilled. The Barrons are born with a fighting 'gene'--it makes them natural fighters. They are bonded with a Healer, someone born with the healing 'gene'--and Healers can bring Barrons back from the brink of death. The Unskilled are well, people who aren't born with one of these traits. Kaya is a Healer, but she's in hiding. Her parents broke the rules when they fell in love and got married--they're both Barrons. So when Kaya is discovered, she's threatened to either learn how to become a Healer or her parents will be imprisoned or killed. So she goes to the Shadow Academy. Healers are expected to learn some about healing, mostly about why they're suppose to follow their bonded Barrons around. Kaya wants to learn how to fight, which is forbidden.
This story has it all--action, adventure, intrigue, mystery, fantasy, and romance. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. And I still can't!
So...go preorder it now. I'll wait here.
Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts
Mason's mom is in a fatal car accident, so he's at the hospital when his school is blown up. Now everyone he's ever cared about is dead.
Aries is on the bus on the way back to school when the earthquake hits. Her best friend Sara doesn't survive and a stranger, Daniel, tells her to find a place to hide. He warns her things are going to get worse.
Clementine is at an emergency town meeting with her parents, worried about her brother Heath, when two men armed with guns enter the room. Clementine's mother makes her run...before everyone is shot.
Michael is on the road with his buddy Joe when they see a driver purposefully run a motorcyclist down. When the cops come, they kill the driver. Michael and Joe hitch a ride before they're next.
Something is really wrong with the world, and as these four teens try to survive in a world that has gone completely crazy, only one thing is for sure. They won't survive long.
A great dystopia! Hard to put down yet hard to keep going. The story focuses on five people (yes, I know I only mentioned 4) and switches from story to story. The things that happen to some of the characters during the story are disturbing. But the story is hard to put down.
Aries is on the bus on the way back to school when the earthquake hits. Her best friend Sara doesn't survive and a stranger, Daniel, tells her to find a place to hide. He warns her things are going to get worse.
Clementine is at an emergency town meeting with her parents, worried about her brother Heath, when two men armed with guns enter the room. Clementine's mother makes her run...before everyone is shot.
Michael is on the road with his buddy Joe when they see a driver purposefully run a motorcyclist down. When the cops come, they kill the driver. Michael and Joe hitch a ride before they're next.
Something is really wrong with the world, and as these four teens try to survive in a world that has gone completely crazy, only one thing is for sure. They won't survive long.
A great dystopia! Hard to put down yet hard to keep going. The story focuses on five people (yes, I know I only mentioned 4) and switches from story to story. The things that happen to some of the characters during the story are disturbing. But the story is hard to put down.
The Price of Loyalty by Mike Castan
Manny starts middle school, relieved he's with his best friends Hernan and Cisco. When someone mentions they look like they're a gang during lunch one day, Manny jokes they're called the Conquistadors.
He may have meant it as a joke, but the joke gets serious fast. The guys suddenly take offense at the slightest things and dress and act alike. Manny goes along, unwilling to be a part of the group but afraid to break away.
The guys start getting into drugs, pulling pranks, and other kinds of trouble. Manny likes them less and less, but when a fight breaks out and two guys end up in the hospital, he struggles to decide the right thing to do. Should he stay loyal or should he tell the authorities what he knows?
Starts off slow, but it does get more interesting. Manny is a realistic and true character. While I'd like to believe these things are happening in middle school...reality is, they are. And middle school students will definitely relate to Manny.
He may have meant it as a joke, but the joke gets serious fast. The guys suddenly take offense at the slightest things and dress and act alike. Manny goes along, unwilling to be a part of the group but afraid to break away.
The guys start getting into drugs, pulling pranks, and other kinds of trouble. Manny likes them less and less, but when a fight breaks out and two guys end up in the hospital, he struggles to decide the right thing to do. Should he stay loyal or should he tell the authorities what he knows?
Starts off slow, but it does get more interesting. Manny is a realistic and true character. While I'd like to believe these things are happening in middle school...reality is, they are. And middle school students will definitely relate to Manny.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
Hartley doesn't want to believe the rumors, but after breaking into her boyfriend Josh's locker and finding a condom wrapper, she knows she can't deny it. He's cheating on her. Not only that, but he's cheating on her with the president of the chastity club, Courtney Cline.
After breaking into Josh's house to confront him, Hartley and her best friend Sam find Courtney's dead body--in Josh's closet. Josh is on the run and begging Hartley to help clear his name. She reluctantly agrees, and relies on the help from the school newspaper editor, Clint for help. After another dead body surfaces, Hartley begins to wonder if they're in over their heads. And if she should be helping Josh clear his name or trying to save her own life.
A good murder and suspense novel. I enjoyed the plot and sarcasm from Hartley and her friends. I did guess at who the killer was about 2/3 of the way through the book--and found out I was right!
After breaking into Josh's house to confront him, Hartley and her best friend Sam find Courtney's dead body--in Josh's closet. Josh is on the run and begging Hartley to help clear his name. She reluctantly agrees, and relies on the help from the school newspaper editor, Clint for help. After another dead body surfaces, Hartley begins to wonder if they're in over their heads. And if she should be helping Josh clear his name or trying to save her own life.
A good murder and suspense novel. I enjoyed the plot and sarcasm from Hartley and her friends. I did guess at who the killer was about 2/3 of the way through the book--and found out I was right!
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.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Princess of Las Pulgas by C. Lee McKenzie
Carlie, her mom, and her brother haven't had the best year. Carlie's dad just passed away from cancer, and not too long after, the family has to sell their home and move from Channing, a pretty well-to-do town, to Las Pulgas, which is not so well-off. Carlie goes back and forth between hating her dad and missing him like crazy. She can't wait for life to get back to "normal" and for the family to move back to Channing.
Nothing works out the way she wants though. In school, she's called 'Princess' and refuses to make friends. Her brother shuts down and then vandalizes the school. Even though she doesn't want to, Carlie starts getting pulled into the lives of her classmates--especially since they are putting on the play Othello together for a fundraiser for school and Carlie is playing the lead.
She learns that at some point, things can never go back the way they were. And maybe you wouldn't want them to.
Carlie is a believable character going through an awful experience. There are a couple of times where you just want to shake her, but they fit into what's happening in the story. Stereotypes are both broken down and used in this story. Heartwrenching at times.
Nothing works out the way she wants though. In school, she's called 'Princess' and refuses to make friends. Her brother shuts down and then vandalizes the school. Even though she doesn't want to, Carlie starts getting pulled into the lives of her classmates--especially since they are putting on the play Othello together for a fundraiser for school and Carlie is playing the lead.
She learns that at some point, things can never go back the way they were. And maybe you wouldn't want them to.
Carlie is a believable character going through an awful experience. There are a couple of times where you just want to shake her, but they fit into what's happening in the story. Stereotypes are both broken down and used in this story. Heartwrenching at times.
Prom Dates from Hell by Rosemary Clement-Moore
Just weeks from graduation, Maggie Quinn just wants to keep a low-profile and get out of Avalon High as quickly as she can. Not so easy when Stanley, a guy "lower in the high school food chain," asks her to prom. She has no intention of going. Not for anyone.
That day changes Maggie's life forever. She has a gift she's been trying to ignore, but her nightmares are back. In gym, as everyone lines up for diving, Maggie's fear of the water is paralyzing. As Karen heads up to dive off the low board, Maggie sees a shadow in the water and then Karen slips, hits her head, and falls into the water. Not long after, some other people in school are also targeted and Maggie's gift for sensing when things aren't right goes off left and right.
Someone's raised something and set a curse on people at her school. And going to prom may be the only way to set things right.
Yes, I read this book all in one setting, and I really want to read the other two. Maggie is a great character and I was laughing many times at her comments and the things that were happening in her story. Just enough of a creepy factor for me too.
That day changes Maggie's life forever. She has a gift she's been trying to ignore, but her nightmares are back. In gym, as everyone lines up for diving, Maggie's fear of the water is paralyzing. As Karen heads up to dive off the low board, Maggie sees a shadow in the water and then Karen slips, hits her head, and falls into the water. Not long after, some other people in school are also targeted and Maggie's gift for sensing when things aren't right goes off left and right.
Someone's raised something and set a curse on people at her school. And going to prom may be the only way to set things right.
Yes, I read this book all in one setting, and I really want to read the other two. Maggie is a great character and I was laughing many times at her comments and the things that were happening in her story. Just enough of a creepy factor for me too.
Audrey, wait! by Robin Benway
Audrey breaks up with her boyfriend Evan. Pretty normal, right? Wrong. Evan's a musician, and he turns their break-up into a song. Which becomes very popular. So popular, Audrey is hearing it on the radio constantly. She can't escape from it.
Meanwhile, her family's being hounded by reporters and photographers, her best friend Victoria is getting all sorts of free stuff, but Audrey just wants everything to go back to normal. She is interested in a new guy...but it's hard to understand why he'd want to put up with being followed all the time. All of this could ruin her junior year.
This was a very entertaining read. I laughed at parts, sympathized at parts, and enjoyed the whole story. Audrey is an enjoyable character, especially since every once in a while she talks to the reader.
Meanwhile, her family's being hounded by reporters and photographers, her best friend Victoria is getting all sorts of free stuff, but Audrey just wants everything to go back to normal. She is interested in a new guy...but it's hard to understand why he'd want to put up with being followed all the time. All of this could ruin her junior year.
This was a very entertaining read. I laughed at parts, sympathized at parts, and enjoyed the whole story. Audrey is an enjoyable character, especially since every once in a while she talks to the reader.
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.
Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou
In the tiny seacoast tourist town of Walfang, Will and his family live year-round selling flowers, home-baked products, and food to the seasonal crowd. Last summer tragedy struck when Will's brother went out on his boat one night. His body has never been found and Will has very dim memories of that night--for some reason he was on the beach but doesn't remember how or why.
When a hurricane is predicted for their little town, Will knows he needs to go to the harbor and help his uncle secure their boat. On his way, he runs (literally) into the most gorgeous girl he's ever met. With his truck. When he looks for her, she's gone. After heading to the docks to help his uncle, he sees her again, climbing down the rocks to the beach. He then runs into her again, this time working at the local diner his best friend Gretchen also works at. The mysterious girl's name is Asia and there is definitely something strange about her.
All Will cares about is she may know what happened to his brother. Before he can swallow the truth, he may have to save his best friend too.
I admit to liking books that take Greek mythology and twisting them to fit into today's world. This one definitely does that. The sirens from Odysseus' time make a new appearance. Will is a good main character who will hopefully be more fleshed out (along with Gretchen) when the sequel comes out.
When a hurricane is predicted for their little town, Will knows he needs to go to the harbor and help his uncle secure their boat. On his way, he runs (literally) into the most gorgeous girl he's ever met. With his truck. When he looks for her, she's gone. After heading to the docks to help his uncle, he sees her again, climbing down the rocks to the beach. He then runs into her again, this time working at the local diner his best friend Gretchen also works at. The mysterious girl's name is Asia and there is definitely something strange about her.
All Will cares about is she may know what happened to his brother. Before he can swallow the truth, he may have to save his best friend too.
I admit to liking books that take Greek mythology and twisting them to fit into today's world. This one definitely does that. The sirens from Odysseus' time make a new appearance. Will is a good main character who will hopefully be more fleshed out (along with Gretchen) when the sequel comes out.
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Kate's mom is dying and one of her last requests is to move back to where she was born. So Kate packs them both up and drives from New York to Eden, Michigan. Kate knows she's not ready for her mom to die, but knows it's going to happen soon.
Kate goes to school, not really wanting to leave her mother behind. She doesn't expect to be there very long, so figures she doesn't really need to make friends. Her first day one of the football players takes an interest in her, much to his girlfriend's annoyance. To get back at her, Ava convinces her to go to a "party" where she intends to leave Kate behind. Instead, Ava falls and dies.
To save Ava, Kate makes a deal with Henry, a strange guy who appears just around the bend. She'll do anything for Ava to be alive again. Without her knowledge, she bargains her freedom. When Henry comes to collect her, she refuses to go. With her refusal, Ava dies instantly. Horrified, Kate finds Henry and even though she can't save Ava again, bargains with him to keep her mother alive the six months she has to stay with him.
What an eye-opening experience those 6 months are...
A retelling of the Persephone myth--sort of. Kate is not Persephone but a replacement for her. The story does stretch incredibility every so often, but it doesn't get too far out of line. The sequel will be coming, and fans of romance will eat both of them up.
Kate goes to school, not really wanting to leave her mother behind. She doesn't expect to be there very long, so figures she doesn't really need to make friends. Her first day one of the football players takes an interest in her, much to his girlfriend's annoyance. To get back at her, Ava convinces her to go to a "party" where she intends to leave Kate behind. Instead, Ava falls and dies.
To save Ava, Kate makes a deal with Henry, a strange guy who appears just around the bend. She'll do anything for Ava to be alive again. Without her knowledge, she bargains her freedom. When Henry comes to collect her, she refuses to go. With her refusal, Ava dies instantly. Horrified, Kate finds Henry and even though she can't save Ava again, bargains with him to keep her mother alive the six months she has to stay with him.
What an eye-opening experience those 6 months are...
A retelling of the Persephone myth--sort of. Kate is not Persephone but a replacement for her. The story does stretch incredibility every so often, but it doesn't get too far out of line. The sequel will be coming, and fans of romance will eat both of them up.
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