Imaginary Reads

Review - Breaking Beautiful

2012-05-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Breaking Beautiful

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Jennifer Shaw Wolf has debuted with a heartbreakingly beautiful novel about love, death, and forgiveness. At first, it seems as though Allie just lost the perfect relationship. Allie and Trip were the perfect couple, and she was the golden girl who caught the heart of the local hottie as soon as she moved into town. Allie's despair appears to arise out of her heartache over losing Trip. However, mysteries and questions arise when Allie begins trying to live again and demons from her past come back to haunt her.

Allie is a bit of a weak heroine. Blake and her twin brother Andrew are forever looking after her, and her inability to stand up for herself puts the two boys through a number of difficult decisions. Even Andrew's girlfriend Caitlyn, a girl filled with vitality and a wild sense for fashion, has to step in for Allie at times to give her the push to stand up for herself. Nevertheless, I appreciate Allie as a character because all girls have a little bit of Allie in them--the desire to be loved, yet feeling unworthy of love; the desire to stand up for herself, yet lacking the confidence; and the desire to give back to loved ones, yet worrying that she'll hurt them instead.

There are different kinds of heroines in the world, and Allie expresses the characteristics of a girl who wants to love and be loved. She has made bad decisions in her lives, placing the ones who truly care about her in jeopardy. In the process, she has hurt, she has been hurt, and she has found love in the process: in romance, in family, and in friendship. Allie is surrounded by a cast of wonderful characters and a family that loves her, and she is threatened by some despicable villains. I am confused as to the intentions of the new detective in town, but overall he appears to be the kind of guy who gets his job done. Breaking Beautiful is the kind of book that you want to love, filled as it is with characters you want to cheer for, characters that you want to scold, and, yes, even characters that you want to hate.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

I'm back!

2012-05-28T09:23:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posts. I caught a bug last week and couldn't concentrate long enough on my computer to write a decent post. On the bright side, I have done a fair bit of reading in that time and will be posting more often this week!

Guest Review - Grave Mercy

2012-05-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Escaping from the brutality of an arranged marriage, seventeen- year- old Ismae finds sanctuary at the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts – and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as an handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must be willing to take the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany, where she must pose as mistress to the darkly mysterious Gavriel Duval , who has fallen under a cloud of suspicion. Once there, she finds herself woefully underprepared – not only for the deadly games of love and intrigue, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

When I first picked this book up from the local library, I was a little skeptical about how predictable the plot line would be and if I could really connect with any of the characters. However, I was quite mistaken, I soon fell in love with Ismae and especially the ruggedly handsome Gavriel and his dysfunctional family. Grave Mercy is all told from Ismae’s point of view and is as much about her personal growth as it is about saving the kingdom. Coming from a father and then a husband that beat her because of what she was and escaping to a female order of assassins trained to kill “bad” men, only solidifies Ismae’s hatred of men. Then Ismae and Gavriel are unwillingly thrown together to save Brittany and its Duchess, challenging her misconceptions about her world. Ismae’s narrative has wonderful depth as you see her struggle to find out what truly is right. However this is only one facet of the dark mysterious adventure that is Grave Mercy. I highly enjoyed this book, and it’s fast paced narrative kept me hooked. I would tell you more about the story, but I don’t want to spoil this addictively gripping book for anyone interested.

Guest Review by Christy S.

Rview - Keep Holding On

2012-05-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Keep Holding On

A romantic and empowering book about bullying

Noelle's life is all about survival. Even her best friend doesn't know how much she gets bullied, or the ways her mom neglects her. Noelle's kept so much about her life a secret for so long that when her longtime crush Julian Porter starts paying attention to her, she's terrified. Surely it's safer to stay hidden than to risk the pain of a broken heart. But when the antagonism of her classmates takes a dramatic turn, Noelle realizes it's time to stand up for herself--and for the love that keeps her holding on.

Noelle is a quiet teenager in the process of finding herself. Because of various issues from her home troubles to bullying at school, she feels undeserving of anything good in her life. She's afraid that if she starts wanting more, then it'll all be taken away from her. Noelle is the girl that readers want to support because so many of her fears are ones that we've all gone through and because she's a good girl who has been played with by external factors.

I do feel that the story moves rather quickly. While the story eventualy reveals everyone's secrets and inner fears, I never quite felt as though I got to know the characters. Despite Noelle's crush on him, all I know about Julian is that he wants to be an architect and that he's a nice guy who genuinely cares about her. I know about Noelle's life, but I don't know why her secret is so bad and to be ashamed about. I would have liked to see the story fleshed out more, but because it is so short, I can see how this book is geared towards younger readers.

The story wraps up beautifully. It is a bit of a perfect ending, but one that I feel is deserving in this case. This is a story that I can recommend to upper elementary school children just as much as an older teen, and I may recommend it more for the former because of the brevity of this book and definitely because of the themes of friendship, love, self identity, bullying and other teen issues.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Review - Of Poseidon

2012-05-17T07:00:00.001-04:00

Of Poseidon (Of Poseidon #1)

by Anna Banks

Publication: May 22nd, 2012 (Hardback)

Pages: 324

Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository

Galen, a Syrena prince, searches land for a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. It’s while Emma is on vacation at the beach that she meets Galen. Although their connection is immediate and powerful, Galen's not fully convinced that Emma's the one he's been looking for. That is, until a deadly encounter with a shark proves that Emma and her Gift may be the only thing that can save his kingdom. He needs her help--no matter what the risk.

I haven't read many mermaid books in the past, so I was pretty excited to read this one, especially with its gorgeous cover. The mermaid (or Syrena) lore is interesting, and I enjoyed learning more about Galen's beautiful underwater world as the story progressed.

The story is told from Emma and Galen's alternating perspectives. Emma's side is told in first person narrative while Galen's is told in third person, which threw me off at first. While I did adjust to it, it still feels weird, and I never was able to fully relate to either character. This doesn't help in a novel that is pretty character driven, from Galen's motive in approaching Emma to Emma's role as one who has inherited Poseidon's gift.

Emma is easily likable. She's funny, and she has personality. However, what there is of her is unstable at the moment. She's been voted sweetest girl and yet she can't try to get along with Galen. Her personality is constantly at odds with him, defying him, and she even attacks his sister. And when she isn't opposing him, she's wishing that he will kiss her? Then Galen. He's interested in Emma, but he orders her around, expecting her to listen to him. For someone so interested in the human world, he doesn't know much about how to communicate with the one girl who isn't trying to throw herself at him. Emma and Galen's relationship is sweet and has its fun moments, but for the most part their characters seemed juvenile to me although Emma is eighteen and Galen is older.

While there were elements that kept me from fully engaging with the story, there is potential for the plot to expand and mature. Anna Banks leaves us hanging on a cliffhanger answers many questions that have been posed over the course of the novel while opening readers to so many more, and it suggests that there is going to be more action in book two. I'll be picking it up in the hopes that it is the case!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Cover Reveal - The Program

2012-05-16T09:20:00.000-04:00

Check out the cover to Suzanne Young's new work: The Program, which is being published April 2014 by Simon Pulse. I loved A Need So Beautiful and am interested in seeing what new world she'll be bringing to us next. How about you? What do you think about The Program?

SLOANE KNOWS BETTER THAN TO CRY IN FRONT OF ANYONE. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories. Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. AND THE PROGRAM IS COMING FOR THEM.

Review - Revived

2012-05-16T07:00:00.002-04:00

Revived

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger—and more sinister—than she ever imagined.

A fun contemporary read with sci-fi elements, Revived is about the perspective that humans will take towards death when they no longer need to fear dying and what will happen when a girl who doesn't fear death must finally face the consequences of death and the potential loss of those she cares about.

I was disappointed by the lack of action as compared to what the synopsis suggests. When I heard that Daisy takes extraordinary risks, I thought that she deliberately places her life in danger/ is a daredevil of sorts. Rather, the greatest mortal risk she appears to have taken is leaving her EpiPen at home when she has a deadly allergy to bees. We never learn much about the Revive program, and the "threat" doesn't feel as sinister as the synopsis makes it out to be. It is a threat, but the suspense isn't built throughout the book. Mainly, the story seems to be about Daisy mingling with the real world for the first time.

The characters bring this book to life. Daisy is a sweet girl with a relatable, engaging voice. Being one of fourteen children in a program testing the drug Revive, she has never allowed herself to grow close to her peers for fear that they will find out about the program. Because Daisy has never feared death herself, she doesn't know what to do when faced with true death, one where someone she cares about cannot come back. It is then that she must question the moral rightness of the Revive project for the first time. What good is a world where only certain people can be brought back? Who should Revive be shared with? How will people react when they learn that their loved ones can't be brought back?

Daisy's first friends are the McKean siblings. Both siblings are gorgeous and charismatic. Daisy has conflicts over her yearning for Matt, as he happens to be the older brother of her new best girlfriend Audrey, her only girl friend. Their relationship is very real and sweet. They don't know what to do with each other at first because of Audrey, and when they do grow closer, it is bittersweet--filled with tears, frustration, and mutual empathy. My one problem with their relationship is how quickly Daisy shares her secret with Matt. While she does second-guess sharing with him, it takes one moment with him for her to throw her fears away and tell--all after years of never growing close to anyone for fear they will find out.

Revived is a an entertaining and emotionally charged read that I finished in one sitting. I would recommend this to those who would enjoy a contemporary read with sci-fi elements. This may not be your kind of read if you're looking for heavy action.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Epic Deals

2012-05-15T12:05:00.001-04:00

Check out these Epic Deals that HarperTEEN is offering ebook format at $2.99 for a limited time!

Review - I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

2012-05-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1)

by Ally Carter

5 Stars: Keeper
Publication: April 25th, 2006
Pages: 284
Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Publisher: Hyperion
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N

Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?

Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.

I can't believe it took me until now to read this book. While I typically don't read lighthearted contemporary books, I really enjoy the ones that I do like, and this book falls in that category. In general, spy books aren't associated with laughs and quirks, but Cammie is a fifteen-year-old spy with a crush on a normal boy. When she begins using her studies to help her pursuit of love and happiness, it's hard for the atmosphere to stay dark and somber.

With Cammie starting her sophomore year, her life undergoes many changes. There is a hot new teacher, a bitchy new girl enters her class, and someone--a hot, sweet normal boy--notices her, breaking her chameleon cover. At times, Cammie acts like the young teenager that she is. She stresses over her appearance, her mind keeps straying to Josh (hot boy), and she doesn't want to like Macey (bitchy new girl). However, she is very real with the way she struggles to deal with normal teenage problems even as she attends a school for genius girls training to be government agents.

Cammie is surrounded by a wonderful group of friends whose personalities compliment one another. Liz is the bookworm genius, who wants to classify everything and has trouble dealing with normal problems, as she wants to break it down until she understands what makes things work the way they do. Bex is a fearsome opponent, strong in combat and always open to the fight. Then there is Macey, who proves that one doesn't need to train from the seventh grade to be a good spy--or a good friend--and that first impressions are just that, not permanent records.

I enjoyed watching Cammie bungle through her first relationship with a guy--a normal guy. She may be a skilled spy-in-training, but she is clueless when it comes to guys. I would definitely recommend this book to those looking for fun, light-hearted read, especially to those looking for a series of fun-lighthearted reads, as this is but the first book in the Gallagher Girls series. I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of the books and continuing to follow Cammie's adventures!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Review - The Immortal Rules

2012-05-09T03:00:00.000-04:00

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn’t easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for

Looking back at 2012, I'll probably remember this as the book that surprised me the most. After reading The Iron Knight, I had high expectations for Julie Kagawa's next work, and she surpassed my expectations so much that I immediately wanted to reread the book, and then go around telling everyone to read this amazing book.

As with the fey in the Iron Fey series, Kagawa brings her own twists to vampire mythology in the Blood of Eden series. One of my favorite aspects of the novel--besides everything else from the awesome characters to setting to plot--was learning about the vampires: their culture, social hierarchy, weaknesses, and other general characteristics. I also enjoyed meeting vampires themselves, especially Kanin. Allie's creator is mysterious and alluring from her first meeting with him. I just may have an unhealthy attraction to him.

Allie is an amazing character with great strength. She could live in relative ease if she registered herself and gave blood, but she chooses to risk starvation, never knowing where she'll find her next meal, rather than take a vampire's mark. She chooses to be a survivor. And she probably would have lived her days as a human had she not chosen to care about anyone else, but she does. That's what makes her so perfectly human even after she rises from death as a vampire, hoping for more time to try and make a change in the world. Despite betrayals, Allie never stops trusting in humans. Because of this humanity, Allie's heart will be broken time after time over the course of this novel, and I can see this happening more often as the series progress.

From start to beginning, Kagawa never ceased to wow me. Just when one matter seems to be resolved, something else comes along. There is always something brewing, and I was never bored. The writing is beautiful and filled with vivid imagery, the various subplots all very interesting in their own ways. The romance doesn't take away from the plot and is realistically portrayed, as the two must face their individual fears and desires while challenging their beliefs. This books is about a girl facing the monster that she has became--was willing to become in order to live--and what she will do with her life now.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Review - Boston Jane Trilogy

2012-05-08T03:00:00.000-04:00

Boston Jane Trilogy
(#1 An Adeventure, #2 Wilderness Days, #3 The Claim)

Sixteen-year-old Jane Peck has ventured to the unknown wilds of the Northwest to wed her childhood idol, William Baldt. But her impeccable training at Miss Hepplewhite's Young Ladies Academy in Philadelphia is hardly preparation for the colorful characters and crude life that await her in Washington Territory.

Thrown upon her wits in the wild, Jane must determine for herself whether she is truly proper Miss Jane Peck of Philadelphia, faultless young lady and fiancee, or Boston Jane, as the Chinook dub her, fearless and loyal woman of the frontier.

An exciting new novel from Jennifer L. Holm, author of the Newbery Honor Book "Our Only May Amelia."

After recently reading Bright Young Things, I felt a hankering to read more historical fiction, so I went and checked out the Luxe series and Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen in addition to an old favorite trilogy of mine: Boston Jane. Happily, I am as much in love with this series as when I first read it back in the day.

In fact, it was a refreshing break from the darker reads that have been flooding the YA market nowadays. Boston Jane's spunk and attitude lighten the atmosphere, as she attempts to find a balance between her survival instincts and her desire to be a lady. The romance is sweet and far from the focus of the plot despite Jane's engagement being the reason for her arrival in the Washington Territory whereas most YA books nowadays are filled with passionate love scenes.

The trilogy follows Jane as she struggles between her desire to present herself as a lady and the growing desire within herself to be the spunky girl that her father took pride in, the girl that a certain sailor finds attractive. Her misadventures are a delight to follow, first as she grows into life surrounded by Indians and rowdy men, and then as she fights to protect those that she cares about and learns to open her heart to another man.

Boston Jane is about being yourself and opening your heart to those who care about you. It is about taking responsibility and seizing chances, rather than depending on luck or others to help you. It is about the comradery that forms in an environment where man cannot survive alone. I would definitely recommend this book to middle-grade readers and for older historical-fiction readers looking for a light read.

Review - Insurgent

2012-05-07T03:00:00.000-04:00

Insurgent (Divergent #2)

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Insurgent lived up to my expectations. In fact, it's my favorite dyostopian read of 2012, and I have a hard time picturing it dethroned. Picking up where Divergent left us, Insurgent takes us into the homes of the various factions, giving us glimpses into their lifestyles, their natures, and how different people react to various threats. Overlooming it all is the secret that Marcus is keeping, the secret that spurs Jeanine into motion, the secret that Tris is determined to uncover.

Tris is haunted by the events that brought Divergent to a close. She has lost close friends and family, and she is burdened with the guilt of killing Will. However, there is little time to mourn, as there is still a battle to fight. Instead of hiding out and waiting for an opening to attack, Tris and her friends make the opportunities for themselves to fight. They are active fugitives, and with each move they make--together and separately--the ante ups and secrets threaten to overturn everything they thought they knew about their society. Such as, what were the Abnegation leaders willing to die for?

Veronica Roth is an amazing plot builder with a writing style that brings the world and characters to life. Insurgent is a complex world in which new characters come, go, stay; and old characters return, change, and go. There is an abundance of subplots and twists. I no longer know how to view certain characters or where the story will take us. I absolutely cannot wait to read book three!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Review - Sweet Evil

2012-05-06T03:00:00.000-04:00

Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy #1)

What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences? This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Sweet Evil has it all: romance, danger, unique abilities, and a sweet heroine with spunk. If the cover were to make her appear a tad bit shorter, you'd have the perfect image of Anna right there. She has been raised innocent of the evils of drugs, alcohol, and bad boys--until two things: Kaidan and a party. Then Anna learns that she is part demon--and, even more unbelievable, also part angel. Because of her blood, she has important missions to fulfill.

I love this novel for its plot. There are so very many books on angels and demons out there, and Sweet Evil shines with its unique take on the kind. The way the Nephilim work on humans is interesting, and exposure to this world presents a real danger in Anna's life after years of a sheltered life. Then there are the characters. Kaidan promises lust and danger, but he doesn't want to hurt Anna. He has a wonderful, kind personality. The many sides to Kaidan are so entertwined that I honestly can't think of him as a mere bad boy hiding a tender heart. He's Kaidan the sarcastic, the witty, the kind, the dangerous.

The writing does have room for improvement. The events don't flow together as well as it might have in places, and there are a fair amount of instances where I would have liked details to be further eloborated upon or otherwise spread out so there isn't a paragraph stuck in the middle of a scene with but two lines describing something like how a couple characters are dressed. That was my biggest concern. Plotwise, this book doesn't lack for story or interesting characters. Sweet Evil has much potential to expand Anna's world, and I am looking forward to seeing how things will work out for Anna, Kaidan, and their fellow Nephilim friends.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Review - Masque of the Red Death

2012-05-05T03:00:00.000-04:00

Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1)

by Bethany Griffin

5 stars: Recommended
Publication: April 24, 2012
Pages: 320
Author: Website | Twitter
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population, and those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery makeup . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club, and Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find not just something to live for, but something to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

Masque of the Red Death is haunting and despairingly beautiful. From the first words, Griffin ensnared me in the waking dream that is Araby's life: nights in an exclusive club, a safe place to live, and a good friend. However, this lies in the midst of a decaying world. The first chapters are devoid of feeling. Araby loses herself in the debauchery that has overtaken the upperclass, as they seek to drown out the horrors of their dying civilization by clubbing every night. As the story progresses, Araby comes out of the coccoon where she has been silently grieving, and she grows into the role of the strong young woman that has been lying dormant within her.

The writing makes this novel the gem that it is. Without it, the characters wouldn't have as much personality, and the world building wouldn't have been as torn and beautiful as it is. Griffin's words capture the heartbreak that Araby goes through as she struggles with survivor's guilt over her twin brother's death and as Will and Elliott spin her around, shaking her heart, wondering who to trust. This is a love triangle without the, "I love this guy for this, but oh... that guy...." that a lot of girls go through in YA lit these days. It does not overtake the essence of the plot. Speaking of which, I would think that I had the plot figured out, but Griffin continued to surprise me with plot twists, leaving me as lost as Araby is at the end.

The world is broken, most notably with contrasting images of light and dark. Araby and Finn. Will and Elliott. Hope and despair. Debauchery and the slums. Masque of the Red Death is filled with grotesque images, but there is also beauty to be found in the dying world. The characters bewitched me with their scandalous actions that belie the purity and strength of their hearts. At the end, I couldn't believe that it was over already. Needless to say, I cannot wait for book two.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

One more day!

2012-05-04T08:57:00.001-04:00

Today, I will have my last exam. I will read and read and read and review this weekend. Starting next week, the blog should be working to catch up with its schedule.

That's all for now. I look forward to working on the blog again and hearing back from you on the books that I review!

On another note, I will also be looking at the design again to tweak it. If you've been having problem loading pages, reading, anything... please let me know, and I'll look at those first.

Dear Reader: Christy Stewart

2012-04-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Christy Stewart is a first year college student from Missouri. She is double majoring in History and Anthropology and wants to be an Archaeologist. When is isn't studying, she loves to read... a lot and cook.

What are some of your favorite recent reads?
Some of my favorite recent reads would include Mastiff, Out of Sight Out of Time and Uncommon Criminals (all of which are apart of different series), and Graceling (!!!!). I feel bad because I usually read more, but life has become a little... busy.

I LOVE Mastiff too! How do you find out about books that you read?
Recommendations from friends and what looks good at the store/library/online.

I haven't had a friend recommend a bad read myself. Where do you get the books you read?
I go to the library and buy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble ( I am slightly addicted to Barnes and Noble, we have been bff's forever ).

I agree. If they provided house and board, I could live at B&N. As it is, I've been dealing with Amazon more because I don't have much time to leave campus. Who are your favorite authors?
I love Tamora Pierce, Ally Carter, Sarah Dessen.. just to name a few.

You just named a couple of my favorite authors. I've been a Tamora Pierce fangirl for almost as long as I can remember, and I've just been getting into Sarah Dessen novels this past year. Favorite genres?
I like a little bit of fantasy, some mystery (not murder though), adventure, dystopic novels and a splash of romance.

Romance does give most any book a little bit of color, though some are strong enough to go without. Is there anything you'd like to see more in YA books?
I would love to see more strong women and less love obsessed ones (dont get me wrong I love a good romance, I just dont want it to be the only storyline)

What future publications are you looking forward to?
I am really looking forward to the last Gallagher Girls book, usually I am looking forward to reading more books but I am slightly preoccupied with school so I have not been keeping up with book series.

Thanks for joining us here today, Christy!

Four is Free

2012-04-26T08:21:00.001-04:00

If you haven't heard already, Four is Free! We now have a short story from Four's POV (yes, this IS Divergent's Four we're talking about). Read it now here!

Book Review: Two Crafty Criminals

2012-04-26T03:00:00.009-04:00

Two Crafty Criminals!: and how they were Captured by the Daring Detectives of the New Cut Gang
by Philip Pullman

5 stars: Recommended
Publication: May 8, 2012 (Hardback)
Pages: 256
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf BFYR (imprint of Random House Children's Books)
Buy it: Amazon Hardcopy | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository

Benny Kaminsky and Thunderbolt Dobney lead a rag-tag gang of neighborhood rowdies. Their territory is the New Cut on London's South Bank—a place bristling with swindlers, bookies, pickpockets, and the occasional policeman. And their aim is to solve crimes.

When counterfeit coins start showing up in their neighborhood, Thunderbolt fears his own father may be behind the crime. But his friends devise a way to trap the real culprit. Then the gang takes on the case of some stolen silver. They have just two clues—a blob of wax, and an unusually long match. But even this slippery thief is unmasked by the determined kids of the New Cut.

Filled with silly sleuthing, improbable disguises, crazy ruses, and merry mayhem, these stories are action-packed romps from one of the best storytellers ever—Philip Pullman.

This is literally a book about two criminals, as told in two different stories. And it has been a joy to read about the children of the New Cut Gang and their adventures. The two primary characters are Benny, the leader, and Thunderbolt, a smart kid nicknamed as such after he knocked down a member of another gang.

The members of the New Cut Gang have distinct, merry personalities. The key characters all take a turn at telling their part of the story as needed for the plot to move forward, and it was a pleasure getting to know all of them from Benny and his hyper-active imagination to Thunderbolt's timid nature to the twins and their cleverness.

In fact, each member of the gang is a bit too clever for their own good. They get no amusement from school and instead spend their time searching for adventure. When cases pop up that spark their interest, they will go to all lengths of trouble getting involved, solving detective cases to protect the innocent and getting mixed up in a case of "love phobia" to win a bet.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the misadventures of the New Cut Gang. While told in a different style than Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, the fact remains that Pullman is a brilliant storyteller. Two Crafty Criminals has humor, odd heros, and action. I highly recommend reading it if you're looking for a fun read.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Dear Reader: Kelly Kiser

2012-04-20T00:00:00.002-04:00

Kelly Kiser is a first year student on the pre-med track majoring in Biology and Spanish. She loves to dance, listen to music, and she always have time for an interesting conversation, no matter how busy life gets.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading in general?

So far, I have devoted my time to catching up on the classics because history has proved them to be valuable and well-written. However, I also enjoy a lot of contemporary novels by authors such as Huxely and Vonnegut and comedies by authors like Tina Fey.

I love classics myself, though I haven't made time to read one recently because I'm easily sidetracked by books, and classics are too dense for me to devote much time to when I have several projects going on at once. What are some of your favorite recent reads?
Excellent books I have recently read include Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol, Rosencrantz and Guildernstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard, and Bossypants by Tina Fey.

How do you find out about books that you read?
I ask friends, family, and mentors what they read. Reading the same literature as the people around me helps me better understand them.

I like to ask friends for recommendations too. In fact, I might just out Bossypants this summer. I've heard good things about Tina Fey but have yet to read a book by her. Do you follow any authors, publishers, or other book-related sites? What kind of content do you look for?
I listen to book reviews on NPR. I like content that goes beyond summarizing plot and analyzes the deeper cultural value of a work.

What would you like to see more prevalent in YA books?
More sentence variety, better grammar, and increased use of literary devices would strengthen the genre as an enduring force. A lot of authors make the mistake of assuming their writing has to be simplistic for young adults to appreciate it. They underestimate us! The only component necessary for YA books to be YA books is a mentality to which young adults can relate.

I agree that one shouldn't underestimate YA readers! What future publications are you looking forward to?
I am so excited to read JK Rowling's new comedy, The Casual Vacancy!

Thanks for interviewing with us, Kelly!

A general note to our readers: If any of you would like to be interviewed or know someone who would like to be interviewed for our "Dear Readers" column, please email us and/or have your friends email us at this email address!

Short Hiatus

2012-04-18T08:29:00.001-04:00

Hey all,

It's the end of the semester, and my professors are all piling projects and papers on us. I'm going to be taking a short hiatus of sorts. I'll probably make a couple of posts here and there, but mostly I won't be around much until early May, after finals.

The Selection Blog Tour

2012-04-17T00:00:00.005-04:00

The Selection (The Selection #1)

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Character Interview
Prince Maxon

Royalty drops by Imaginary Reads today as we interview with Prince Maxon for the Selection blog tour!

Going into the Selection, did you have any ideas of what you were looking for in a bride candidate? Have your ideals changed since the Selection started?
I know this will sound silly, since I ought to be a bit more confident, but I’m hoping that they just like me. It’s a bit of an awkward situation, only being allowed to ever date these specific girls, so I’m hoping that I can make a connection with a few of them, after that… well, then it gets complicated.

Which girls made the strongest impressions on you after you first talked to them?
Celeste is a very gutsy girl, and I like that. So many of them are simply warm, and that alone is something I value.There is one girl, America. I’m not sure I can talk about our first conversation right now, save to say it was memorable.

Do you have any advice for girls on the best way to win your heart?
Don’t be who you think I want you to be. I want to know your thoughts and opinions, and I only have a short time to learn them, so please be honest with me.

That's great advice for girls everywhere. What are your favorite pastimes?
Mainly hunting and photography. We have an extensive forest behind the palace, and it’s full of deer. And when my thoughts are a bit too scattered, I like the focus hunting requires. I think that’s also why I enjoy photography.

In your opinion, what are the top three most important things for a guy to remember in conducting himself like a prince?
One, manners always count! It’s important to treat women with kindness and respect. Two, it’s better to be silent than stupid.

And three (perhaps this is vain but) style is key. Always put your best foot forward.

Is there somewhere in particular that you would like to visit in the kingdom that you haven't been to before?
I rarely have time to even set foot outside the palace, but I hear we already live in the most pleasant part of the kingdom anyway. Beautiful flora, excellent weather. I certainly can’t complain about life in Angeles. But I’d love to see the east coast.

What traits do you admire the most in your parents?
My father is one of the most determined men in the world. I hope that I can have half his conviction when it’s my turn to lead. And my mother is kind and graceful. I love her heart for other people. I hope that one of the girls here will have those same qualities; I think those make her an excellent queen and mother.

Review

From the moment I saw the cover and the synopsis, I fell in love, and the story itself wowed me. Kiera Cass has constructed a beautifully broken world. On the surface, the kingdom is a gorgeous place with strong, benevolent rulers. However, the kingdom has a caste system of sorts where it is possible for a girl to marry up but which is a fairly rare event in itself. No one wants to move down. This plays an integral role in the novel as it impacts the actions of some key characters.

As much as America doesn't care for the caste system, her mother constantly encourages her to think about marrying up and nags at her to enter the Selection for the good of the family. America is a strong, real character. She thinks for herself and doesn't let societal conventions bias the way she looks at others. I feel that she would make a good leader in most any situation, and indeed she proves herself when the occasion presents itself. Vibrant and emotional, America will appeal to the female heart with her broken heart and strong will to make the most of her life as a participant in the Selection.

From America's first meeting with Prince Maxon, I knew there was going to be something special between them. Both are dealing with their own problems and their friendship gives them a place where they can find peace and get a grip on reality. With each other, they don't have to hide anything. They know where they stand with each other--unlike with America and Aspen. Well into the Selection, Aspen does something that I don't approve of at all. You'll know what I mean when you read about it. If Aspen was right for America, would he do such a thing? I'm all for Maxon. He is an amazing guy.

There is much, much more to The Selection than the Selection itself. There are politics of course and rebel groups with very different purposes in attacking the castle. While book one focuses mainly on the beginning of the Selection, book two promises to hold more action. America's heart is going to face more turmoil as well. I absolutely cannot wait to read book two!!

The next stop on The Selection tour will be held at One Page at a Time tomorrow with the Top 10 (Ways to Meet the Man of Your Dreams) + Review. Don't forget to check it out!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Review - Croak

2012-04-16T03:00:00.000-04:00

Croak (Croak #1)

Sixteen-year-old Lex Bartleby has sucker-punched her last classmate. Fed up with her punkish, wild behavior, her parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape. But Uncle Mort’s true occupation is much dirtier than that of shoveling manure.

He’s a Grim Reaper. And he’s going to teach her the family business.

Lex quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated entirely by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. Along with her infuriating yet intriguing partner Driggs and a rockstar crew of fellow Grim apprentices, Lex is soon zapping her Targets like a natural born Killer.

Yet her innate ability morphs into an unchecked desire for justice—or is it vengeance?—whenever she’s forced to Kill a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again. So when people start to die—that is, people who aren’t supposed to be dying, people who have committed grievous crimes against the innocent—Lex’s curiosity is piqued. Her obsession grows as the bodies pile up, and a troubling question begins to swirl through her mind: if she succeeds in tracking down the murderer, will she stop the carnage—or will she ditch Croak and join in?

A must read for fans of the supernatural. This is a fun, different read that had me hankering for a little of the Grim business in my life. (Truthfully, I think that I would very much want to run away from the dead, but that's the beauty of books. You get to experience what you can't in reality.) The town of Croak is wonderfully constructed. I love it all around from the the names of places to their rules for dealing with tourists to the occupants themselves.

The characters are a bundle of fun, wit, and quirks. Lex is a teenage delinquent with a hyperactive imagination that I admire. She comes up with the most brilliant, funny scenarios. It's hard to believe that she has a hard time dealing with the anger broiling somewhere within her, yet that is the reason she's shipped to Uncle Mort. I did not see Uncle Mort coming. Not his attire or the way he proves to be a danger stranger that can be good for troubled kids like Lex and her fellow reaper misfit Driggs.

Croak is a fun, fast-paced read. It is filled with detailed imagery and passages that will have you laughing outright. Nevertheless, there are also times where the characters get serious--must get serious. Romance brews as Lex and Driggs team up to find out who is behind the mysterious deaths taking place.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Book Review - Two Moon Princess

2012-04-13T03:00:00.002-04:00

Two Moon Princess

by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

3 Stars: A Good Read
Publication: April 1, 2007 (Paperback)
Pages: 3823
Author: Website
Publisher: Tanglewood Press
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depository

A Spanish Princess.
An American Boy.
A King set on revenge.

An unrequited love
and a disturbing family secret
bring a World to the brink of War.

In this coming-of-age story set in a medieval kingdom, Andrea is a headstrong princess longing to be a knight who finds her way to modern-day California. But her accidental return to her family's kingdom and a disastrous romance brings war, along with her discovery of some dark family secrets. Readers will love this mix of traditional fantasy elements with unique twists and will identify with Andrea and her difficult choices between duty and desire.

Like many girls, Andrea doesn't want to act like a girly girl. She yearns to be a knight whereas her parents expect her to act like the fourth princess that she is. It is when she crosses over to our world that she finally feels as though she is somewhere she belongs; only, she returns too early and to a home more unfamiliar to her than before, for her actions have become the catalyst for war.

The characters aren't all nice. There are many misunderstandings that could have been resolved if only characters opened up and said what was really on their mind; however, real life isn't easy. When I became frustrated with characters, I asked myself how I would have acted in their positions, and I couldn't hate them as much as I wanted. There is romance. It is sweet; it is bitter. Andreas has her heart broken a couple times.

Two Moon Princess is a coming-of-age story. It is unique and intriguing. It is about growing out of childhood dreams and realizing who you really want to become. War opens Andrea to the brutal reality of knighthood, and she learns more about what she wants to do with her life over the course of the novel. I recommend this for tweens, who will be able to relate to Andrea's struggles relating to her self-identity and getting the people around her to see her for who she really is.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Review - Goddess Interrupted

2012-04-12T03:00:00.000-04:00

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2)

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans. As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person whom she would really rather not meet. Henry's first wife, Persephone.

The Goddess Test wasn't my favorite parafantasy read last year, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I read Goddess Interrupted. Happily, there is more action, twists, and thrills in this book than the first. Just as soon as Kate has one issue resolved, a new problems pop up. Aimee Carter takes readers on a roller coaster ride with many sharp twists and turns with an ending that leaves you breathless and ready to line up for more.

That being said, the action was the most interesting part for me, and while I do appreciate good action and plotting, I have to like the characters to really get into the novel. I found it hard to relate to Kate in book one, and that hasn't changed. She pines for Henry and comes back to him despite his need to push her away and treat her coldly after all they've gone through together in book one. It is understandable as perhaps he is afraid to commit to another girl after Persephone, not wanting to hurt either of them yet doing so in the process. I wanted to like Henry with his broken heart and all, but he really could have treated Kate better. She's done so much for him.

I do like Carter's take on Greek mythology. While I'm more into otherworldly fantasies, I love the modern twist on the Greek gods and goddesses. Kate and Henry have a complex relationship that solidifies itself more in this book, something that really needed to happen before they can move on, and other characters are further developed in this book. If interested, The Goddess Legacy (#2.5) and The Goddess Inheritance (#3) will be coming out in installment this year, so be on the lookout for that. There is also a #1.5 The Goddess Hunt if you hadn't heard about it earlier like me.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.

Series Review: Demon Underground

2012-04-11T03:00:00.000-04:00

Books in the series: Bite Me (#1), Try Me (#2), Fang Me (#3)
3 Stars: A Good Read
Author: Parker Blue
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books

Title: Bite Me
Pages: 229
Buy it: Amazon, B&N, Book Depository

An edgy book for teens that spans the gap between YA and adult fiction. Life after high school is tough enough without having to go 15 rounds with your inner demon. Val Shapiro is just your ordinary, part-demon, teenaged vampire hunter with a Texas drawl. And a pet hellhound named Fang. Soon enough she finds herself deep in the underbelly of the city, discovering the secrets of the Demon Underground and fighting to save those she loves. Whether they love her back or not.

Title: Try Me
Publication: February 19th 2010 (Paperback)
Pages: 218
Buy it: Amazon, B&N, Book Depository

This part-demon teen vampire fighter and her faithful terrier hellhound are once again patrolling the dark city streets of San Antonio, Texas. Val's hunky human partner, Detective Dan Sullivan, is giving her the cold shoulder since she beheaded his vampire ex-fiancée. Vamp leader Alejandro is struggling to keep the peace between vamps, demons and humans. The mucho powerful Encyclopedia Magicka has been stolen, someone in the Demon Underground is poisoning vamps, and Val's inner lust demon, Lola, is getting very restless since Val's now partnered with sexy Shade, the shadow demon with the blond good looks of an angel.

The second book in Parker Blue's Demon Underground urban fantasy series plunges readers deeper into a heady world of passion, friendship, intrigue and mystery.

Title: Fang Me
Publication: June 1, 2011 (Paperback)
Pages: 330
Buy it: Amazon, B&N, Book Depository

The vampires want it. The demons want it too. And someone is willing to kill Val for it.

Val and Fang have to find the powerful Encyclopedia Magicka before either of San Antonio's warring underworld factions locate it, or the consequences will be deadly for the entire city.

As usual, Val's vampire enemies (they still call her The Slayer,) want her dead, and even some of her fellow demons may be less than trustworthy, since they'd like to grab the legendary book of spells before she does. Val has a personal claim to the Encyclopedia--her demon father left it to her when he died--but someone stole it recently. Where did the thief hide it?

Battling vamps and dodging demons, Val struggles to unravel the mystery. At the same time, she's fighting her attraction to sweet, sexy Shade, her favorite incubus. Rumor has it that Val will lose her half-demon, vampire-fighting powers if she gives herself to him.

With a crowd of vamps and demons out to trick her or kill her, it's not a good time for her to risk her job as the city's best vampire hunter by falling in love. The stakes are high--and aimed right at her heart. But Lola, Val's hungry little lust demon, doesn't like being denied. Will Lola finally get her way?

Val Shapiro is as kickass as her name. She doesn’t let Lola, as she nicknames the succubus within her, direct her life, and she isn’t afraid to take action, especially to protect her family even after all they’ve done to mess up her life. Despite the tough kid attitude, she loves her family, and she’s emotional at heart. There is romantic tension between Val and a couple of hot guys, though she leans towards a one man kind of girl. Val is a caring person despite her tough-girl attitude. She isn't the kind of person to use her powers to create a harem.

The characters are well-rounded as a whole. There are characters that you love to hate and characters that you want to love. The tension between demons and vampires is well played and adds to the plot when Val finds herself working with the vampire Alejandro and his group who claim to want to live in peace with humans. Like Val, I wanted to believe in Alejandro's cause; yet, I was never quite sure whether or not to trust him.

The series does a great job of filling in the reader on events from and which take place since the last book without being overly redundant. From the first page, I empathized with Val, and the only times I found myself disagreeing with her were times when she's mistreated by people she cares about and she doesn't hate them back. I would definitely recommend this series for the older teen and above audience looking for an urban fantasy with plenty of action and mystery.

Related Posts:
Bite Me Review (review by Kris)

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. No payment was received in return for a review. The receipt of the book had no influence on the opinions expressed in my review.