A Work of Fiction

Until Next Time

2013-04-15T12:47:00.000+10:00

As you may have gathered from the title, this is going to be my last blog post for a while and certainly the last one for A Work of Fiction. As of 05/01/2013, this blog will permanently close down.

This wasn't an easy decision for me to make. My life outside of here is demanding more and more of my attention each and every day and I have realized that I need to organize that before I can wholly commit myself to anything else, especially professionally. Nonetheless, I wanted to keep this blog going for as long as I possibly could, but all it takes is looking up the date of my last post to know it’s really struggling and that's not fair to anyone.

After almost three years, I never wanted to just give up on A Work of Fiction and in some ways that feels like what I'm doing. Yet I also feel like I've accomplished all I can here and that it's time for me to move on.

As always, there are so many people I want to thank. Not just a select amount of people – everyone! Whether I've known you for two seconds or two years, I would not be the same today without you. You have given me the confidence to be myself and the strength to never give up, which comes in very handy during those early morning, coffee-stained writing sessions.

Thank you immensely to everyone, past and present, who has supported my work here. The daily encouragement you provided me with was so inspiring and much appreciated. The kindness I have received from this amazing online community was more than I could ever imagine. I am so honored to have been a part of this tremendously talented family. I adore you all, both independently and as a whole.

Thank you to all the authors and their extraordinary publishers who extended their generosity (and their books!) to me. You are an integral part of blogs like mine all around the world. We would not be the same without you.

And finally to booklovers everywhere – thank you, thank you, thank you! You are the reason I started this blog. I can’t wait to meet more of you along my journey and swap stories and grow friendships. You rock.

So while I may be closing the book on A Work of Fiction, my story is just beginning. This is far from my final chapter and I’d like you to help me write the rest. Come say hi and talk books with me:
Goodreads | Tumblr | Facebook | Twitter

And for now, until next time, my friends.

Keeping reading,

Laura

xoxo

Rape Girl by Alina Klein

2012-11-19T15:08:00.000+11:00

<< Previously Reviewed: The Pledge
Rape Girl
by Alina Klein
Rating:
Release Date: June 5th 2012
Publisher: namelos
Genre: Young Adult >> Contemporary
Age Group: 13+
Pages: 126 (Hardcover)
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Find this Book: Amazon | Goodreads
Visit Alina's website

Valerie always wanted to be the smart girl. The pretty girl. The popular girl.

But not the rape girl.

That’s who she is now. Rape Girl. Because everyone seems to think they know the truth about what happened with Adam that day, and they don’t think Valerie’s telling it.

Before, she had a best friend, a crush, and a close-knit family. After, she has a court case, a support group, and a house full of strangers.

The real truth is, nothing will ever be the same.

Rape Girl is the compelling story of a survivor who does the right thing and suffers for it. It is also the story of a young woman’s struggle to find the strength to fight back. -Goodreads.com

	I tell you what; Rape Girl is not an easy book for me to review. But the easiest books aren’t necessarily the best books. The best books are the ones that make you feel something new, bring you to tears, teach you something and make you believe in it. They may not be the easiest books to read, but you come to realize that that’s what makes them worth it. Rape Girl was so worth it. I started reading this book a few months back on my Kindle, so I didn’t have an idea of how short it really was, even once the pages started flying by. But there is nothing mere about its contents. This is no small story. This is a big book with a brave voice that was punished for telling the truth. Valerie’s story really opened my eyes to the terrifying world of rape. I had no idea of the chaos that ensues or the ways it can shake the foundations of even the most stable relationships. But to watch Valerie slowly regain her strength was such an empowering thing for me as a young woman. The only thing I regret is the book ending. I just wanted to keep reading! Nonetheless, it really was a perfect read to me. Matched with a touching story and Klein’s thoughtful, realistic prose, Rape Girl became one of the stand-out books of the year for me as well as one I will remember to revisit often.

I tell you what; Rape Girl is not an easy book for me to review. But the easiest books aren’t necessarily the best books. The best books are the ones that make you feel something new, bring you to tears, teach you something and make you believe in it. They may not be the easiest books to read, but you come to realize that that’s what makes them worth it.

Rape Girl was so worth it.

I started reading this book a few months back on my Kindle, so I didn’t have an idea of how short it really was, even once the pages started flying by. But there is nothing mere about its contents. This is no small story. This is a big book with a brave voice that was punished for telling the truth.

Valerie’s story really opened my eyes to the terrifying world of rape. I had no idea of the chaos that ensues or the ways it can shake the foundations of even the most stable relationships. But to watch Valerie slowly regain her strength was such an empowering thing for me as a young woman.

The only thing I regret is the book ending. I just wanted to keep reading! Nonetheless, it really was a perfect read to me.

Matched with a touching story and Klein’s thoughtful, realistic prose, Rape Girl became one of the stand-out books of the year for me as well as one I will remember to revisit often.

This review is also hanging out at:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

2012-11-10T00:59:00.000+11:00

<< Previously Reviewed: Crazy

The Pledge
by Kimberly Derting
Rating:
Release Date: November 15th 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: Young Adult >> Science Fiction
Age Group: 13+
Pages: 323 (Hardcover)
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Find this Book: Amazon | Goodreads
Visit Kimberly's website

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime. -Goodreads.com

	When I decided to finally read The Pledge last year, it was partly because I was beginning to enjoy The Body Finder series and partly because THAT COVER IS AMAZING. But, honestly, I didn’t understand this book. I didn’t understand the political system (to be fair, I get that that is kinda the idea of these books, but I like to be able to grasp the basic concept of these things), I didn’t understand the country or its history, and I certainly didn’t understand Charlie and Max’s relationship. It wasn’t that the story was hard to follow; just the foundations of it were so vague. None of it made much sense to me. It could be because I was skimming so much of it, but I was only skimming because I was disinterested. There was no character I felt any connection to or particular event that stood out for me. And though the setting is a dystopia wasteland, that’s really where the similarities with that genre end. The rest, to me, was borderline fantasy. So maybe don’t go reading The Pledge expecting a dystopia fix like I did. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I anticipated, and that alone is a total let-down. I can only hope that the next book will make it easier to finish this trilogy.

When I decided to finally read The Pledge last year, it was partly because I was beginning to enjoy The Body Finder series and partly because THAT COVER IS AMAZING. But, honestly, I didn’t understand this book. I didn’t understand the political system (to be fair, I get that that is kinda the idea of these books, but I like to be able to grasp the basic concept of these things), I didn’t understand the country or its history, and I certainly didn’t understand Charlie and Max’s relationship. It wasn’t that the story was hard to follow; just the foundations of it were so vague. None of it made much sense to me.

It could be because I was skimming so much of it, but I was only skimming because I was disinterested. There was no character I felt any connection to or particular event that stood out for me. And though the setting is a dystopia wasteland, that’s really where the similarities with that genre end. The rest, to me, was borderline fantasy. So maybe don’t go reading The Pledge expecting a dystopia fix like I did.

Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I anticipated, and that alone is a total let-down. I can only hope that the next book will make it easier to finish this trilogy.

This review is also hanging out at:

Cover Reveal: RELEASE by M.R. Merrick

2012-09-29T12:19:00.001+10:00

Available December 10, 2012!

Release (The Protector #3)
by M.R. Merrick

After uniting the shifters and calling in reinforcements, Chase has to face his toughest challenge yet: learning to control his emotions. But as tensions rise and his powers grow, controlling his emotions becomes the least of his problems.

Terrorized by a multi-shifter who is hell-bent on turning him, Chase questions just how far he’s willing to go to stop his father. Meanwhile, Tiki’s virtuous nature has placed him in the middle of Vincent’s past, leaving Chase to oppose a senate of vampires and defend a demon he hates.

Trying to balance his friends, his enemies, and his inner demons, Chase is left searching for answers about the Mark, his destiny, and where he can find the next soul piece. Stopping Riley is his top priority, but as more obstacles arise, he finds himself doubting all the decisions he’s made - especially regarding Rayna.

One thing is for certain: Chase has finally realized that he doesn’t know anything. The light doesn’t always quell the darkness, the monsters don’t always stay in the shadows, and the past doesn’t always stay in the past - sometimes, the demons inside are the hardest to fight.

M.R. Merrick | Goodreads | Exiled (Protector #1) | Shift (Protector #2)

Wow! How awesome is that cover? It tells a story all on its own, just like the others, and they all fit together so nicely, which I love. I haven't had a chance to read these books yet, but they've been on my wishlist for quite a while because I've only heard the BEST things about them. Now, seeing the cover for RELEASE, I think I better hurry up and free some time in my schedule!

What do you think of the cover?

Does Absence Make the Heart Grow Fonder?

2012-09-20T10:42:00.005+10:00

After such a long time, this post probably comes as a bit of a shock, most likely because any of you who read this blog in its glory day may be wondering if I'm writing this from the grave.

Well, okay, so that's a little melodramatic, but at least it conveys my point. With the point being that I have, to my dismay, abandoned this blog in the last few months along with any chance of my once habitual weekly updates.

It was never my intention to do that. While I try as hard as I can to disconnect my personal life from everything else, it’s proved difficult with recent developments at home demanding all my attention. I never realized what a tough juggling act all this would be, but I both greatly admire and envy the many who manage it so well.

I am endeavoring to be one of those people.

I am hoping to succeed.

And I will need to be caffeinated while trying. Highly caffeinated.

It goes without saying that during this time of immense change, my reading life has suffered as a result, also. I have been forced to fall behind in my schedule, but it’s no excuse. I will continue to tie-up loose ends over the next couple of weeks and hopefully finish the review copies I still have on hand.

After that, I hope to take this blog in a new direction. One that’s more relaxed, where I don’t always have to be Laura the Reviewer, but simply The Girl Who Loves to Read. I liked her a lot better.

The book blogging community is one of the best to be in and I can’t say thank you enough to the people who have continued to support this little blog throughout the years, even while I was AWOL. Especially while I was AWOL.

There are so many readers I cannot wait to reconnect with and plenty of new voices I’m so excited to hear from. But for now, I leave you (briefly this time! I promise) with the best cliché to see a post like this out –

C'est la vie!

xo

Crazy by Amy Reed

2012-06-21T11:49:00.001+10:00

<< Previously Reviewed: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Crazy
by Amy Reed
Rating:
Release Date: June 12th 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Young Adult >> Contemporary
Age Group: 15+
Pages: 384 (Hardcover)
Available Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Find this Book: Amazon | Goodreads
Visit Amy's website

He’s falling in love—and she’s falling over the edge of sanity. From the author of Beautiful and Clean, a heartwrenching exploration of a romance marred by mental illness.
Connor knows that Izzy will never fall in love with him the way he’s fallen for her. But somehow he’s been let into her crazy, exhilarating world and become her closest confidante. But the closer they get, the more Connor realizes that Izzy’s highs are too high and her lows are too low. And the frenetic energy that makes her shine is starting to push her into a much darker place.

As Izzy’s behavior gets increasingly erratic and self-destructive, Connor gets increasingly desperate to stop her from plummeting. He knows he can’t save her from her pain... but what if no one else can? -Goodreads.com

	I’ve always loved contemporary, sometimes even more than I love any other genre. There was a time, however, when I almost gave up reading it completely. I needed more from it – a depth, intelligence and seriousness that I could only find in science fiction. I searched high and low for a contemporary that would deliver; something that would blow my mind, keep me up until the single digit hours of morning and that I would think about long after I’d turned the last page. Then I finally found it when I read CRAZY. Connor and Izzy have a bizarre and beautiful friendship. Now that their summer of being art counselors at camp has ended, they stay in touch via email. At first, the exchanges are funny and they banter back-and-forth so effortlessly, it’s impossible to deny their instant chemistry. Then things start to change. Izzy starts to experience crazy ups-and-downs that show in each one of her return letters and Connor starts to fear the worst about her unpredictable behavior, but at the same time he doesn’t want to betray Izzy’s trust by talking to someone. What follows is a touching coming of age story with a difference as Amy Reed brings to life a young girl with a mental illness and the boy who refuses to give up on her. The format of this book was wonderful. It’s easily accessible and flows neatly from start to finish. Unlike diary entries, which I find to be long and boring, reading from the perspective of the characters emails was far more compelling. It was a welcomed approach to view their very different lives. As far as main characters go, Connor and Izzy are fantastic. Their growth throughout the book is very sincere and the emotions they divulge in each of their exchanges are equal parts real and complex. It was so easy for me to sympathize and connect with both of them from the beginning and not once did my feelings waver. Once again, Reed’s unique writing style has left me speechless. It is vibrant yet somber at the same time, illuminating some of the darker paragraphs. She does not shy away from the more intense problems teens deal with today and instead tackles these issues boldly, rewarding us with stunning novels like CRAZY. So I only have one final piece of advice – if you’re feeling a little lost, like I was, looking everywhere for a powerful, heartrending read that’ll change your mind about YA contemporaries, then I suggest you go CRAZY.

I’ve always loved contemporary, sometimes even more than I love any other genre. There was a time, however, when I almost gave up reading it completely. I needed more from it – a depth, intelligence and seriousness that I could only find in science fiction. I searched high and low for a contemporary that would deliver; something that would blow my mind, keep me up until the single digit hours of morning and that I would think about long after I’d turned the last page. Then I finally found it when I read CRAZY.

Connor and Izzy have a bizarre and beautiful friendship. Now that their summer of being art counselors at camp has ended, they stay in touch via email. At first, the exchanges are funny and they banter back-and-forth so effortlessly, it’s impossible to deny their instant chemistry. Then things start to change. Izzy starts to experience crazy ups-and-downs that show in each one of her return letters and Connor starts to fear the worst about her unpredictable behavior, but at the same time he doesn’t want to betray Izzy’s trust by talking to someone. What follows is a touching coming of age story with a difference as Amy Reed brings to life a young girl with a mental illness and the boy who refuses to give up on her.

The format of this book was wonderful. It’s easily accessible and flows neatly from start to finish. Unlike diary entries, which I find to be long and boring, reading from the perspective of the characters emails was far more compelling. It was a welcomed approach to view their very different lives.

As far as main characters go, Connor and Izzy are fantastic. Their growth throughout the book is very sincere and the emotions they divulge in each of their exchanges are equal parts real and complex. It was so easy for me to sympathize and connect with both of them from the beginning and not once did my feelings waver.

Once again, Reed’s unique writing style has left me speechless. It is vibrant yet somber at the same time, illuminating some of the darker paragraphs. She does not shy away from the more intense problems teens deal with today and instead tackles these issues boldly, rewarding us with stunning novels like CRAZY.

So I only have one final piece of advice – if you’re feeling a little lost, like I was, looking everywhere for a powerful, heartrending read that’ll change your mind about YA contemporaries, then I suggest you go CRAZY.

This review is also hanging out at:

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Feature & Follow Hop (14)

2012-06-15T13:06:00.002+10:00

Q: Happy Father’s Day! Who is your favorite dad character in a book and why?

Easy – Tessa's dad from Before I Die by Jenny Downham. The book itself was perfection, but it wouldn't have been the same without her dad. He was a fantastic father figure – loving and supportive, though not without his own faults, but that, to me, just made him all the more real. He was superb until the very end.

New Release: SUFFOCATE by S.R. Johannes

2012-05-21T22:00:00.000+10:00

It is May 21st and guess what that means? S.R. Johannes’ Suffocate is out today!

Suffocate is the first novelette in THE BREATHLESS series. It is a 15,000 word young adult thriller that combines the dystopic and science fiction genres.

Here’s a little about the novelette…

For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It's a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy that affects the very air she breathes.

If those responsible find out what she knows, they won't stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.

The 2nd novella in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013.

You can purchase Suffocate for only 99 cents at:

Amazon

B&N

Also you can add it on Goodreads!

And in case you were wondering here is a bit about the author:

S.R. Johannes is author of the Amazon Bestseller Untraceable and a current nominee of the Georgia Author of the Year in the Young Adult category. After earning an MBA and working in corporate america, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She lives in Atlanta Georgia with her goldendoodle Charley (notice he is listed first :), her British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. You can find her hanging out online and visit her at srjohannes.com

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

Goodreads

Tweet about it!

“Today is the release of @srjohannes’ novelette, Suffocate! Check it out on http://bit.ly/K46PJH”

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

2012-05-16T22:43:00.001+10:00

<< Previously Reviewed: Before I Die

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
by Beth Fantaskey
Rating:
Release Date: February 1st 2009
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: Young Adult >> Paranormal
Age Group: 14+
Pages: 351 (Hardcover)
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Series: Jessica #1
Find this Book: Amazon | Goodreads
Visit Beth's website

The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction. -Goodreads.com

If you told me during the despised vampire craze that I was going to read a book about a teen vampire romance and love it, I would have laughed in your face and asked what clinic you escaped from. I’m undead serious. I would’ve even cried, “Oh, stake me now!” Get it? Undead? Vampires? Stakes? ...okay, okay! Forgive me, I’m new to this. My puns really suck, right? Yeah, I’m a real pain in the neck.

Normal teenager Jessica Packwood starts her senior year with a perfectly normal “get-a-life” plan. Lucius Vladescu is definitely not a part of that plan. But when he breezes into Jess’s life like a royal pain in the behind, claiming that she is a Romanian vampire princess and he is her betrothed, Jess realizes that she might need to devise a whole new plan…

This one really snuck up and sunk its papery fangs into me, much to my surprise. It captured me from beginning to end and, I admit, I didn’t want it to let go. It left me on the edge of my seat, anticipating until the early hours of morning what came next, and then thrown back, reeling with genuine, side-splitting laughter.

Beth Fantaskey (I know you must hear this quite a lot, but I applaud you for having such an awesome surname) is a truly lovely writer. She dug up from the ground a story I thought was doomed to remain in oh-God-please-don’t-go-there-again territory for eternity and breathed new life into it. Her cultivation of every character was unique and I grew to adore each one, even the villains, but especially Jess.

As far as heroines go, Jessica is my new favorite for this genre. She is fun and fresh and her witty narrative just made me want to read more, more, more! Although, most of all, she was real. She handled her “situation” with innocent, teenage maturity, not as some unrealistic 30-something counterpart, and made a seamless transition from average American teen to Romanian royalty. That, above all else, was what I appreciated most about her.

And we can’t forget Lucius, of course:

“Oh, can’t I keep it? It’s so boring being confined here, and I’m enjoying exploring your musical preferences.”
Here we go. “Why don’t you buy your own?”
“But yours is already loaded with the Black Eyed Peas.”
He was mocking me.
“Don’t be a jerk!”
“I like them. Honestly.” A devilish grin crossed his face. “My humps, my humps! What’s not to like?”

Comedic vampires – who knew? Of course, that’s not the best part about him. He basically melted my cold, vampire-hating heart when he described acts of chivalry as being the power women have over men. There’s also the fact that he acted like a typical male, and in a surprisingly good way. I know – I’m still in shock! He wasn’t the standard super sensitive, possessive guy that is popping up in every book these days and so he and Jess had great chemistry that only intensified over time.

So, it seems that my days of eye-rolling and heavy sighing are over now that this wonderfully intelligent, highly addictive debut has broken the drought. Yahoo! Now, to sink my teeth into that sequel…

In short, Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is guaranteed to leave you with either a bellyful of laughter, a tear at the corner of your eye, a gasp at the back of your throat, or possibly Stockholm syndrome. Hey, I’m not complaining!

This review is also hanging out at:

Rock the Drop, Eating Disorders, and Chocolate

2012-04-13T00:33:00.000+10:00

1. I know I'm a little late for this, but Happy Easter! Yay! The one time of the year where chocolate has no calories and it's socially acceptable to eat as much of it as you can until your favorite pair of skinny jeans burst in protest has been and gone. Sigh. What a shame. At least I made the most of it! After all, my Easter consisted of baking chocolate fudge cookies, hot cross cookies, Easter egg slice, fudgy chocolate cake, carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and chocolate cupcakes topped with gooey chocolate icing and mini Easter eggs. That's right, you heard me. If you're a dieter, I suggest you run. Go on; before I tie my apron strings. Now!

2. In some place I might be a little early (or perhaps a little late again) for this, but Happy Rock the Drop day! Yay! Wait. Can you even say that? Well, I guess you can now...yay! So, if you had the misfortune of having an actual rock drop on you, you can find out more information about Rock the Drop right here. Or if you're rocking the drop this year, tell me all about it! I'd love to know what awesome book you're dropping and where. Not that I'm gonna rush off and grab it, thus ruining everyone else's fun. As if! Cough, cough.

I'd love to be participating this year but I'm terrified that, in my town, my book might end up in the trash or used for - GASP - toilet paper. I wish I was kidding. It makes me physically ill, too. No, seriously. Hand me some aspirin, please!

3. Every so often I go on a Library Hiatus which, believe me, isn't as strict as it sounds. It's usually because I've (a requested too many books on Netgalley and I now need to start producing reviews like a chicken laying eggs or I'm (b up to my elbows in cupcake batter and need to continue destroying innocent peoples waistlines before I can go anywhere or I have (c recently invested in one too many books and now I can't clear a path to the nearest exit or, more than likely, all of the above.
Anyway, I didn't manage to review every single Netgalley book, set my cupcake batter aside, or even let my wallet go on vacation but that didn't stop me from creeping into the library last week. I slunk over to the Young Adult section and forced myself to only pick up three - yes, THREE - books. Of course, I couldn't just stop at that, so I wandered casually over to the non-fiction section where a beacon of light was waving to me. That beacon of light was one of the most beautiful I had ever seen, titled Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters. I read the first couple of chapters at warp speed, rejoicing. This book was like a little piece of heaven for me as my current work in progress, Caught Inside, focuses a bit on eating disorders (you can read the first chapter at Figment.com. What? Self-promotion? Me? No way!) Carrying this book around did warrant me a few weird looks as I drooled over Simple Essentials: Chocolate in the cooking section, though. It was totally worth it.
The pile of books I left with also included other awesome titles like Ten Miles Past Normal, Once Was Lost, and Such a Pretty Girl. Hello, weekend!

4. Oh! I almost forgot. In the past couple of months, I've been lucky enough to meet two fabulous YA authors who are fiercely adored around the world. You've probably heard of them - Claudia Gray and Lauren Oliver. What's that? You have heard of them? Well, of course you have! I mean, who hasn't read or heard of both Evernight and Delirium? It was such a pleasure to meet them and they both shared some really helpful insight and stories. They were also so kind and posed for a little happy snap after the chat:

5. I'm working on expanding my music library at the moment (though my iPod shudders at the thought. 1gb of storage left? Pfft!) I'm just starting to realize that my tastes include a wide range of genres now (I'm sorry, they still do not accommodate country music though. I can listen to folk music quite happily, but I draw the line at lyrics mentioning livestock, long dusty roads or motorcycles. I just can't do it.) So, when my latest search uncovered a truly gorgeous song, I just had to share it with you guys:

Yeah, you're welcome.

6. Alright, that's my cue to leave. I've got a bookshelf of chocolate goodness waiting for me. Oooh, yep. I'm serious. Don't believe me? Fine:

Okay, the quality isn't the best, but you get the picture, right? As you can see, I've already made some headway (pun intended) with that poor unfortunate bunny on the top shelf, right there under the B's. What? I couldn't help it. The rabid thing was smiling maniacally at me, basically begging to be decapitated!

Have a good day, everyone!
xox

In My Mailbox (15)

2012-04-01T12:00:00.000+10:00

In My Mailbox (abbr. IMM) is hosted

by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Bought:
Wither by Lauren DeStefano (Amazon | Goodreads)
Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr (Amazon | Goodreads)
Hereafter by Tara Hudson (Amazon | Goodreads)
Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck (Amazon | Goodreads)
Withering Tights by Louise Rennison (Amazon | Goodreads)

NetGalley:
Narc by Crissa-Jean Chappell (Amazon | Goodreads)
Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (Amazon | Goodreads)
Disharmony by Leah Giarratano (Goodreads)
The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross (Amazon | Goodreads)
The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland (Amazon | Goodreads)
Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield (Amazon | Goodreads)
The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman (Amazon | Goodreads)

Signed:
Balthazar by Claudia Gray (Amazon | Goodreads)
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (Amazon | Goodreads)
Delirium by Lauren Oliver (Amazon | Goodreads)
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (Amazon | Goodreads)

300 Followers Giveaway WINNERS!

2012-04-01T11:16:00.000+10:00

And we have our winners! Congratulations, guys! It was so much fun to host this giveaway and I thank all of you who entered. A Work of Fiction wouldn't be the same without all of you. No, seriously, I mean it. GFC and I would be very lonely.

Thanks again, everyone!
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Feature & Follow Hop (13)

2012-03-30T13:11:00.000+11:00

Q: Do you read one book at a time or do you switch back and forth between two or more?

First of all, I love this question! Secondly, it really depends how many books I read at a time. Sometimes I'll be really busy and can only read one at a time, even if I've started, like, five. Other times I can manage up to six books at a time, which can result in a catastrophic thought process, believe me. It can also get a little crazy when I mix up a range of genres all at once. Just last year I read Crazy, Sapphique, Divergent, AND Never Have I Ever around the same time. Now that was one weird combination!

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

2012-03-29T06:00:00.000+11:00

<< Previously Reviewed: Embrace

Before I Die
by Jenny Downham
Rating:
Release Date: April 29th 2010
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Genre: Young Adult >> Contemporary
Age Group: 15+
Pages: 326 (Paperback)
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audio CD
Source: Bought
Find this Book: Amazon | Goodreads

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out. -Goodreads.com

The first time I saw Before I Die was way back when it was first published in 2007. Despite securing first place on the Top Ten YA Books of the Year at that particular, well-known bookstore, I overlooked it and opted for the newest Georgia Nicholson book instead. Then I – older, more open-minded – walked into a bookstore last year on the very day they were stocking the shelves with the latest paperback release of Before I Die. It’s time to give this one a shot, I thought, buying it straight away.

Normal sixteen-year-olds would be out with their friends, taking drugs, having sex and just living. But Tessa isn’t a normal sixteen-year-old. She’s battling leukemia and has just learned that she doesn’t have long to live. So Tessa makes a list of all the things she wants to do before she dies – like taking drugs, having sex and…just living.

I was hesitant to pick up Before I Die. The plot seemed mundane, clichéd, and I didn’t think it was worth bothering with something that was probably just going to break my heart anyway. But it was the trailer for Now Is Good that encouraged me to pluck this one from my bookshelf and get stuck into it that night. After staying up until 1am, I was learning that I had every reason to bother with this book.

Tessa is a very intense character. It’s her complexity and Downham’s artistic prose that can quickly mislead a reader. I think, however, if you put yourself in her shoes, it’s easy to understand her and her strength and ultimate sacrifice. Her humor is incredibly dry too, sometimes scarily so, but it’s impossible not to laugh. She was so refreshing to read about.

The other characters were similar. They had amazing depth and very individual voices and stories of their own. Adam, beautiful Adam – do boys like him actually exist or are they only native to the UK? If so, I think I’m moving, baby! He constantly took my breath away, with his utter devotion to Tessa and the fact that even though she asked a lot of him, he never ran. And Tessa’s parents are now my favorite in YA. They kept a presence in the story, like they should, and despite having flaws, this book wouldn’t have been the same without them. I can’t forget Cal, the brother, and Zoey, the best friend, either. These two are wonderful examples of everything supporting characters should be.

But I am leaving something out – did this book break my heart? Of course it did! With a summary like that, it’s almost impossible to not hurt a little. It’s very British, very funny and very sad. It’s a combination I didn’t think could mingle and produce such an outstanding result, but it did.

It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, though. It’s a rather mature book with some quite distressing scenes and conversations. I absolutely loved it because it was natural and sincere. It doesn’t try to blend into every other bestseller, it separates itself from the scene, and I’m so glad Tessa’s beautiful story has been immortalized in the pages of a life-affirming debut.

If Before I Die doesn’t force a single tear from your eye, then you haven’t read it properly, I promise you.

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300 Followers Giveaway - LAST DAYS!

2012-03-28T23:44:00.000+11:00

Hi guys! Just a friendly reminder that my 300 Followers Giveaway is in it's last days, so go ENTER now, if you haven't already, to possibly snag some hot YA titles like Catching Jordan, Cloaked and Evernight! Oh, and don't forget - these are Kindle Edition eBooks.

Good luck everyone and happy reading!
Laura
xo

Top Ten Tuesday (2): Top Ten YA Contemporary Novels

2012-03-14T14:59:00.001+11:00

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten YA Contemporary Novels

You know that thing people say when you think you’re hungry but you are actually just thirsty? When I was a kid, I thought it was just a lure to get me to drink more water, now I use it as a metaphor for people who don’t read a lot of contemporary. There are a lot of paranormal lovers in the world and that’s great, I like paranormal too, but I believe everyone should read more YA contemporaries. See, someone might be craving the romance or excitement of a paranormal novel but you can get all that and more in contemporaries, and the best part? It’s real. Well, not real exactly, but – you know what I mean. So, next time you pick up that book with the dark cover depicting a werewolf love triangle, ask yourself – are you really hungry for lycanthropy, or are you thirsting for a summer fling with a contemp? Here’s my Top Ten YA Contemporary Novels to help you decide:

1. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson is, simply put, haunting. If you're looking for the raw, serious side of this genre, you've found it. Lia's character and Anderson's prose are ghosts you will want to haunt you forever.

2. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen will be my favorite contemporary for the rest of my life. Heck, it might even be my favorite book. No one can write for teens like Sarah does and every word she writes is deeply stirring and undeniably beautiful.

3. Crazy by Amy Reed shook me to the core. It hasn't hit the shelves yet but I can tell you that it is definitely worth the wait. Her gritty characters are some of the most memorable and her refined writing is among the best on the market.

4. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver can change your life. I guess you can debate if this really is a contemporary, but once you've read it, the genre doesn't even matter. You can classify Before I Fall as a lot of things, though the most important label is: masterpiece.

5. Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler is, so far, my contemporary book of the year. This was my very first Ockler read and it will definitely not be my last. Authenticity is this girl's middle name! Pop on your fuzzy slippers and grab a hot chocolate for this one.

6. Looking for Alaska by John Green is nothing short of extraordinary. To be honest, if you haven't heard of this one or seen it around at all, the rock you're under is heavier than you think. Its okay, I'll forgive it if you do yourself the biggest favor and buy this hilarious yet thought-provoking tear-jerker.

7. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen is my comfort read. Whenever I feel lost or lonely or sad, I'll pick up this book. Everything about it is perfection with a gorgeous romance and an unforgettable message.

8. Moonglass by Jessi Kirby was breathtaking. It's a cherished story about family and growing up that you just can't find very often anymore. There's a real girl in a real situation with real problems. This is my new annual summer read.

9. Clean by Amy Reed will grip you. This is the book that made me Amy Reed's biggest fan. It's absolutely flawless and the characters are so believable. Every moment of heartache and pain they felt was my own. A heavy topic with strong voices and Reed's signature writing style make Clean unputdownable.

10. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen is the perfect book to end this list with. When I read this book a couple of years back, I knew I loved it but it took me a while to realize just how much. I've revisited it several times since and I cry my eyes out more each time. They are the best kind of tears though. They are the kind of tears that make you realize how amazing things could be if you just give them a chance.

300 Followers Giveaway!

2012-03-05T16:15:00.000+11:00

You guys know I love you, right? I guess you haven’t been able to tell because I don’t shower you with wonderful gifts as a token of my affection. Don’t hate me, hate the faraway corner of this vast planet I live on that constantly slaps my poor, struggling student face with its high shipping costs. Actually, don’t hate anything because things are about to get a whole lot better.

While my wallet is a constant reminder of my inability to host big, shining giveaways of physical books (you know, the ones with the smooth spines and pages you can actually smell?), it doesn't limit me from eBook giveaways. Yep, you're probably thinking I'm an absolute moron for not thinking of it earlier, I know I am, but the timing never seemed more perfect now that I'm on the verge of reaching 300 followers! I'd babble on about how overwhelmed and grateful I am about this, but that's not what you guys want to hear, so I'll take my blubbering mess of a thank-you and raise you fantabulous people a...

300 Followers Giveaway!

I haven't reached that number yet, but I'm hoping it'll be any day now. But it doesn't matter whether I reach it or not, because I'll still be doing what I love and reaching the people who help me to keep doing what I love. So for that, I thought you guys deserved something extra special. How does 6 winners and 6 hot eBooks sound? Here's what you can win:

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (Amazon | Goodreads)

Cloaked by Alex Flinn (Amazon | Goodreads)

Evernight by Claudia Gray (Amazon | Goodreads)

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren (Amazon | Goodreads)

Zombies Don't Cry by Rusty Fischer (Amazon | Goodreads)

Intrinsical by Lani Woodland (Amazon | Goodreads)

There will be 6 winners. Each winner will be able to choose 1 eBook from the list above. I know the diversity of the books you wonderful people read, so I tried to mix it up a little. This contest will run from 5/03/2012 – 31/03/2012. Have fun, guys! xox

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Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

2012-03-04T13:35:00.000+11:00

<< Previously Reviewed: Tiger's Curse

Embrace
by Jessica Shirvington
Rating:
Release Date: March 6th 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult >> Paranormal
Age Group: 15+
Pages: 367 (Hardcover)
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters #1
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Find this Book: Amazon | Goodreads
Visit Jessica's Website

It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.

A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…

Look for the sequels ENTICED in September 2012 and EMBLAZE in March 2013! -Goodreads.com

To be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of angels. I’ve always seen them as fat, giggling figures featured on baby cards or the old, dusty thing you bring out every year to prop on top of the Christmas tree – I couldn’t envision them as teenagers in a mostly urban setting. So while I was still willing to give Embrace a shot, I didn’t think it would be my cup of tea. Boy, was I wrong!

Seventeen-year-old Violent Eden doesn’t feel like celebrating her birthday, and for a good reason. Who wants to rejoice the day their mother died? Yeah, that’s what I thought. But Violet’s about to discover that she’s just not another year older this time. Unraveling the truth and finding love, Violet is going to have to make the biggest decision of her life. Can she embrace her future…before it’s too late?

Everything I thought about angels – the musty smelling, baby-faced cherubs with flimsy little wings – has changed. Embrace reinvented the mythical creature we’re all familiar with and showed them in a whole new light – literally. Shirvington’s angels were refreshingly clever, witty and downright swoon-worthy! The protagonist, Violet, is no exception.

At last, I thought, a heroine with meaning! Violet’s character is genuine. Her entertaining narrative that had me laughing out loud makes her instantly likable and, most importantly, relatable. I loved that she actually had a reason to be angry, she wasn’t inexplicably moody or selfish, and that she made her emotions clear. She was girly without being wimpy and displayed such strength in the final pages that absolutely blew me away. This girl can kick some real butt, man!

But Violet isn’t the only star of this show. Remember, what’s at the heart of every good YA paranormal? A love interest, of course! And Embrace presents not one but two love interests. Yep, there’s a love triangle. Before you start rolling your eyes though, you need to know that this one has no trace of insta-love and actually makes sense. You heard me: a love triangle that makes sense. I’m still not sure whose side I’m on, either. It seems like no one can resist the charming yet manipulating presence of smoldering bad angel, Phoenix, but I can’t forget good ol’ Lincoln though, who has been there for Violet from the start. How will she choose? I guess you’ll have to find out for yourself.

For me, Embrace has everything that other YA angel stories don’t – action, mystery, humor, intelligence and, of course, a heart-fluttering romance. Being an Aussie girl, it reminded me of home too and there just aren’t enough teen books that do. My ultimate, unbiased reaction is that it surprised me, and in a great way. This is, really, an utterly addictive page-turner. I’ve found my new guilty pleasure!

This review is also hanging out at:

Cover Reveal: Reached, The Essence

2012-03-04T13:01:00.000+11:00

Reached
by Ally Condie
Expected Publication: November 13th 2012
Publisher: Dutton Childrens Books
Genre: Young Adult>>Science Fiction>>Dystopia
Series: Matched #3

The Essence

by Kimberly Derting

Expected Publication: January 1st 2013

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Genre: Young Adult>>Science Fiction>>Dystopia

Series: The Pledge #2

In My Mailbox (14)

2012-02-27T13:34:00.000+11:00

In My Mailbox (abbr. IMM) is hosted

by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Bought:
Ruthless by Sara Shepard (Amazon | Goodreads)
Two Truths and a Lie by Sara Shepard (Amazon | Goodreads)
Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala (Amazon | Goodreads)
Matched by Ally Condie (Amazon | Goodreads)
Crossed by Ally Condie (Amazon | Goodreads)

*Received:
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (Amazon | Goodreads)
Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren(Amazon | Goodreads)
A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Amazon | Goodreads)
Sylvie and the Songman by Tim Binding (Amazon | Goodreads)
Dark Life by Kat Falls (Amazon | Goodreads)
Aurelia by Anne Osterlund (Amazon | Goodreads)
Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini (Amazon | Goodreads)
100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson (Amazon | Goodreads)
Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl by N.D. Wilson (Amazon | Goodreads)
The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton (Amazon | Goodreads)
Miles from Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams (Amazon | Goodreads)
Fracture by Megan Miranda (Amazon | Goodreads)

NetGalley:

Night Beach by Kirsty Eagar (Goodreads)

The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry (Amazon | Goodreads)

Torn by Stephanie Guerra (Amazon | Goodreads)

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (Amazon | Goodreads)

The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Long (Amazon | Goodreads)

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink (Amazon | Goodreads)

*With my deepest thanks to some of the nicest, most beautiful people I know - Yearning to Read, Alison Miller, and Cambria Dillon!

Cover Reveal: Burned, The Crown of Embers, A Fractured Light

2012-02-27T12:12:00.000+11:00

Burned
by Sara Shepard
Expected Publication: December 4th 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Mystery
Series: Pretty Little Liars #12

The Crown of Embers

by Rae Carson

Expected Publication: September 18, 2012

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Series: Fire and Thorns #2

A Fractured Light

by Jocelyn Davies

Expected Publication: September 25th 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Series: A Beautiful Dark #2

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

2012-02-24T16:12:00.000+11:00

<< Previously Reviewed: Still Waters
Tiger's Curse
by Colleen Houck
Rating:
Release Date: January 11th 2011
Publisher: Sterling
Genre: Young Adult >> Fantasy >> Romance
Age Group: 13+
Pages: 402 (Hardcover)
Series: The Tiger Saga #1
Available Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook, Audio CD
Source: Library
Challenge: 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge
Find this Book: Amazon | Goodreads
Visit Colleen's Website

The last thing teenager Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing over the summer was meeting Ren, a mysterious white tiger and cursed Indian prince when she learns she alone can break the Tiger's curse, Kelsey's life is turned upside-down. The unlikely duo journeys halfway around the world to piece together an Indian prophecy, find a way to free the man trapped by a centuries-old spell, and discover the path to their true destiny. -Goodreads.com

When I crawled out from under my rock and catapulted myself into the book blogosphere last year, there was one title that floated around everywhere, hovered above my head, and whispered in my ear. Readers were choosing teams, reviewers were coaxing me to go out and buy it. But I was stuck under a pile of galleys that could fill the Great Pyramid of Giza. There was no way I could go out and buy more books, no matter how enticing the idea was! Then something wonderful happened last month. After my long library hiatus, I decided to visit, instinctively walking right over to the Young Adult section and what looked up at me with shining cobalt eyes? Tiger’s Curse.

Somehow, normal teenager Kelsey Hayes’s temporary circus job has gotten her in a bit of a pickle – a rather large, 300-year-old pickle in the form of a mesmerizing white tiger. Now what Kelsey thought would just be another summer has become the adventure of a lifetime that will see her journey to India where she must fight for the ones she loves – and for her own life.

The story behind Tiger’s Curse is new and exciting. There’s India, tigers, and curses all in a self-published Young-Adult novel – seems too good to be true, right? Well, it was, a little.
From the beginning, I was enthralled. The opening scene pulled me in right away and left me wanting to know more, making it a real page-turner and that, coupled with the beautiful cover, led me to pick up this book. The characters are real and feel real emotions that they actually – surprise – talk about! I appreciated that. Kelsey’s character appears first as dorky yet ultimately lovable. Over time, she grows, in both selflessness and courage. Though despite her redeeming qualities, I still had some hot and cold feelings toward her. We spend a lot of time with Kelsey before discovering the epic journey that lies ahead, but I don’t feel like I really got to know her, despite the many details about her Houck gives. She was so changeable and made some blatantly silly mistakes.
Ren’s character was more likeable, though I’m still not sure if I liked him more as a tiger or a man, which is a decision Kelsey is forced to make too. As a tiger, he is caring and companionable, while the man is more arrogant and fiercely protective. Nonetheless, he definitely had his swoon-worthy moments.

But there were things I found less appealing. From the first page, I was questioning whether or not this book had been edited at all. The grammatical errors were constant and vast. Each poorly structured paragraph, run-on sentence and misidentified character left me cringing and hoping nothing else came. The majority of the book read like a first draft and was an entirely unpleasant experience. It didn't help that, even with the rather fast pacing, I felt this story didn't lead anywhere in the first four or so chapters. The dialogue was also pretty juvenile at times, in spite of most of the characters being adults.

Also, there’s one thing that has arisen in many reviews I’ve read regarding incorrect information. While I don’t know a whole lot about Indian culture, a lot of disgruntled readers stated most of the information given is false. Of course, I don’t know this for sure, but it really saddens me if it is true.

All of the negatives haven’t, however, swayed my opinion on continuing the series. The romance had my heart in a flurry, the adventure (when it got around to it) had me on the edge of my seat, and with the final roar that brought Tiger’s Curse to a close still echoing throughout me, I’ll surely be reading Tiger's Quest in no time!

Memorable Quotes:

We looked at each other for a minute, not saying anything, but I could feel the air between us shift. It became thick, sultry, and tangible—like when the air changes right before a storm. I could feel its power envelop me as it brushed across my skin. Even though I couldn’t see it, I knew a storm was coming.

He seemed very pleased with himself for surviving a near-death experience. I could practically hear him chanting to himself: I overcame. I conquered. I’m a man etc etc.

“Perfect! Now we're being chased by hoards of monkeys! Perhaps you would care to name their species as we're attacked, just so I can appreciate the special traits of said monkey as it kills me!"
"At least when the monkeys are harassing you, you dont have any time to harass me!”

This review is also hanging out at:

Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne

2012-02-24T00:30:00.000+11:00

<< Previously Reviewed: Moonglass Reviewing Next: Tiger's Curse>>
Still Waters
by Emma Carlson Berne
Rating:
Release Date: December 20th 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Young Adult >> Mystery >> Thriller
Age Group: 14+
Pages: 212 (Paperback)
Available Formats: Paperback, eBook
Find this Book: Amazon | Goodreads
Visit Emma's Website

Hannah can't wait to sneak off for a romantic weekend with her boyfriend, Colin. He's leaving for college soon, and Hannah wants their trip to the lake house to be one they'll never forget.
But once Hannah and Colin get there, things start to seem a bit...off. They can't find the town on any map. The house they are staying in looks as if someone's been living there, even though it's been deserted for years. And Colin doesn't seem quite himself. As he grows more unstable, Hannah worries about Colin's dark side, and her own safety.

Nothing is as perfect as it seems, and what lies beneath may haunt her forever. -Goodreads.com

I’m not familiar with The Shining (gasp!), so I could only compare Still Waters to every other thriller I’ve read, and I believe Emma Carlson Berne separated herself from the crowd with this really enjoyable story.

Hannah has a plan – to sneak her boyfriend, Colin, away for a romantic weekend. But where are they headed? To an old, creepy lake house, of course! While this idea isn’t a particularly new and innovative one, it was definitely entertaining. Berne adds her own little touches here and there too, which keeps it exciting, while richly detailed writing made for excellent descriptions. Really, I could almost hear the floorboards creaking as Hannah crept down the halls of Pine House.

But given its length and basic premise, I had to try and accept that Still Waters was never destined to be something remarkable or groundbreaking for this genre. Nevertheless, I was still unable to lower my expectations because I’d developed some major cover-lust for this book well before its publication. A pretty girl in a creepy setting, bound to run into trouble? Hello, weekend! And that’s exactly what this book is – a quick read.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t make it exempt from the pitfalls of short stories, such as poor character building and a weak plot. Hannah’s character was aloof and felt rather empty. She had no real substance or interests aside from her boyfriend and mustering up the courage to tell him she loves him during their trip. And the discovery of the house and subsequent getaway just seemed a little too convenient. The sharp ending left me dissatisfied and questioning, too.

I wasn’t disappointed though. It was a good distraction from a boring weekend. So if you’re looking for something deliciously spooky and easy to devour, but are still on the fence about this one, I say give it a shot! Just maybe not at night. Or at least leave a light on…until morning…

This review is also hanging out at:

Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

2012-02-03T12:52:00.001+11:00

<< Previously Reviewed: Wintergirls Reviewing Next: Still Waters>>
Moonglass
by Jessi Kirby
Rating:
Release Date: May 3rd 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Genre: Young Adult >> Contemporary
Age Group: 12+
Pages: 232 (Hardcover)
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Source: Bought
Challenge: 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge
Find this Book: Amazon | Goodreads
Visit Jessi's Website

From Jessi Kirby, a debut novel about confronting the past in order to move ahead.

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.
Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.

While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.
-Goodreads.com

Phew! What a ride! Love, loss, humor, tears, boys, growing up, family, beach, and sea glass – all keywords I’d used to describe Moonglass. Sold yet?

I was lucky enough to receive my copy of Moonglass at the start of another hot, sticky Australian summer. The days were sluggish and muggy with the constant whirl of the A/C and the rooms made dark by the closed curtains. The nearest beach was a two hour drive away. I thought I was going to die or, at least, go stir-crazy. Then a savior arrived on my doorstep one morning, hidden behind the trademark brown packaging my favorite online bookseller uses. To say I was jumping up and down, singing “Hallelujah!” is a slight understatement.

Taking the advice of my idol Sarah Dessen seriously, I collapsed in the cool living room and began reading this alleged “incredible first novel”. Sarah was not wrong (is she ever?). The opening line was a beautiful wave of emotion that hit me straight away and I only emerged 232 pages later, breathless. I was instantly pulled by Kirby’s poignant writing into Anna’s ocean of struggles. This was exactly what I needed.

The characters and gorgeous setting alone were enough to make me fall head-over-heels in love. I could smell the sea breeze wafting through my sweltering house and hear Anna’s feet pounding down the sandy beach. It was all just so…real. I also appreciated how this was a real coming-of-age novel, about finding yourself and not finding love. However, the cute boys were an added bonus.

With excellent pacing and a heartrending conclusion, Jessi Kirby’s debut is one you should get your hands on ASAP. It’s a wonderful introduction to young adult or just realistic fiction in general. It helped me get through a tough summer (I swear, this country is trying to kill me) but it’s perfect for anyone who needs a little guidance through those difficult times. Definite re-read material.

This review is also hanging out at:

In My Mailbox (13)

2012-02-01T15:23:00.000+11:00

In My Mailbox (abbr. IMM) is hosted

by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Library:
Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck (Amazon | Goodreads)
Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr (Amazon | Goodreads)
Fury by Shirley Marr (Goodreads)
13 to Life by Shannon Delany (Amazon | Goodreads)
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (Amazon | Goodreads)
Entwined by Heather Dixon (Amazon | Goodreads)
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen (Amazon | Goodreads)

netGalley:
Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig (Amazon | Goodreads)
Partials by Dan Wells (Amazon | Goodreads)
The Princesses of Iowa by M. Molly Backes (Amazon | Goodreads)
Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott (Amazon | Goodreads)
The Nightmare Garden by Caitlin Kittredge (Amazon | Goodreads)
Starters by Lissa Price (Amazon | Goodreads)
Life Is But a Dream by Brian James (Amazon | Goodreads)
Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter (Amazon | Goodreads)
Ferocity Summer by Alissa Grosso (Amazon | Goodreads)