Author: Steve Russo
Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Young Adult
Release: April, 2011
Rating: 5/5
Description: Searching for real answers about life—helpful answers that you can really trust? God’s Answers 4 UR Life responds to 125 everyday life issues from popular Bible versions. With relevant topics that include body mod, consequences, depression, eating disorders, music, purpose, and more, you’ll find just the answers you’re seeking as well as relevant life application sections written by popular youth speaker and ministry leader Steve Russo.
Review: I enjoyed reading God's Answers 4 UR Life. Each topic is alphabetized, which makes it easier to find. Each topic is short and sweet with simple language...language that won't go over the head of the youth reading it. Mr. Russo adds what he thinks on the topic (without being too preachy or judgmental) then adds what God has to say through scriptures. Although it's geared more towards youth, anyone can benefit from reading it, no matter where you are in your spiritual walk.
Author: Patricia Briggs
Genre: Urban Fantasy; Graphic Novel
Release: March, 2011
Rating: 3.5/5
Description: Mercy Thompson inhabits two worlds without truly belonging to either. To the human inhabitants of the Tri-Cities she's an oddity, a female mechanic operating her own garage. To the town's darker residents, werewolves, vampires, and fae, she's a walker, a last-of-her-kind magical being with the power to become a coyote. Mercy warily straddles the fine line dividing our everyday world from that darker dimension... 'till a boy, mauled by vicious werewolves and forever changed by the attack and on the run from those who committed the crime, appears at her door. Now her two worlds are about to collide! Outnumbered and out-muscled, can Mercy possibly save the boy... or even herself?
Review: Mercy Thompson is a one-of-a-kind shapeshifter who can shift into a coyote. She's also a car mechanic who has her own shop. When Mac, a runaway werewolf shows up on her doorstep, Mercy takes him in. Eventually, she saves him from thuggish wolves, killing one of the wolves in the process. Afterwards, she hands Mac over to Adam, the local Alpha wolf. One night, Mercy finds Mac dead and Adam wounded, causing her to search for who's responsible.
What I Didn't Like- Mercy is half Native American, so I'd think the artist would make her skin color a little browner.
Sometimes, it was hard to tell the difference between some of the male characters. It tripped me up when I thought the character portrayed was someone only to find that he was someone else.
The extra chapter at the end. Tho I'm glad I got a look at how Mac came to be, the writing just didn't catch me. And the illustration wasn't on the same level as the illustration throughout the novel.
What I Liked
Author: Parker Blue
Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA, Paranormal
Release: March, 2011
Rating: 5/5
Description: 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.
Author: Parker Blue
Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA, Paranormal
Release: March, 2011
Rating: 4/5
Description: 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
Author: Bonnie Edwards
Genre: Erotica; Romance
Release: January, 2011
Rating: 2.5/5
Description:
An unlikely Cinderella…When hardworking single mom Jaye Sinns meets younger playboy Alexander Carmichael, the sexual chemistry between them is undeniable. So Jaye gives in to temptation and allows him to whisk her away for her first-ever vacation. Two glorious weeks of no inhibitions, no strings and no responsibilities.A charming prince of a guy…Life with Alex is every woman’s fantasy—sizzling sex in the back of a limo, on a private plane, in exotic settings. But it’s not enough to fulfill a woman like Jaye for long. No matter how hot the sex is.A happy ending?Alex is soon craving more than Jaye’s body: he wants her love and admiration, too. For the first time in his life, he can’t buy the thing he desires most; and now he must decide if he’s willing to work at being the kind of man that Jaye needs, and give her the happily-ever-after she deserves.Review:What I Didn't Like- The ending felt rushed. It was a happy ending and there was closure...it just felt rushed.
- It had a Cinderella premise, but was kind of predictable. Typical rich man meets and falls for poor girl...not much to set it apart.
- The fact that Jaye was kind of quick to leave with a guy sh
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/27/2011
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Release Date: September 27, 2011
Series: Trilogy TBA
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
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Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?
Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a rich, imaginative tale of magic and monsters, war and heartbreak. The world-building in this novel is breathtaking, the backstory a tapestry woven with strands of legend and otherworldly secrets.
Laini Taylor's style is beautiful and intelligent, bewitching in its elegant flair. The pacing is perfect with never a dull moment, whether the intensity comes from the heat of battle, the awe of discovery or the mystery of Taylor's monsters.
Laini Taylor's imagination knows no bounds. This is the most creative, original story I have ever read.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a book that cannot be easily defined. It is a long history of war and senseless hate, otherworldly races and ancient magic. It is a fantasy and a tragedy and a romance. It is all these things and more. The descriptions are lush and vivid, the characters terrifying and oddly compelling, the lines between good and evil hopelessly blurred. It is a tale of self-discovery and irrepressible love, a coming-of-age story like no other.
Karou is such a compelling heroine, the kind of girl that shouldn't be crossed. She is quirky and mysterious -- from her naturally blue hair to her bullet-scarred belly -- a complex character who is alive and engaging from page one. Her mental life runs deep as she struggles with a lifelong sense of emptiness, and the constant frustration of vague answers from the only family she's ever known. Karou is smart and skilled, and she knows there's more to the story than she's been told. She is fearless when she needs to be, but vulnerable at heart. It's impossible not to fall in love with this one-of-a-ki
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/15/2011
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Release Date: September 6, 2011
Series: Standalone
Publisher: HarperTeen
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Laurel is just a typical teen, studying for the SATs, worrying about French homework, talking about boys with her best friend Megan -- until suddenly, she isn't. Her world falls apart in one fell swoop, starting with the knock of a policeman at her front door. In the wake of her family's death, Laurel must rebuild from the rubble of Before, and learn to start living in the After.
In
The Beginning of After,
Jennifer Castle explores what it means to survive. Though there are many such stories in the young adult genre, this novel stands out. It examines not just the grief, but the process of learning to live again when nothing will ever be the same. Laurel is understandably a mess, and it's impossible not to cry for her as she makes it through each day on trial and error -- going back to school, breaking down at a party, staying in bed for a week, rescuing strays and almost giving up altogether. Castle's portrayal of Laurel's struggle as she figures out how to carry on is heartbreakingly raw and honest. There are ups and downs and setbacks, people who try to help but only make things worse, and those few crystallized moments where the light at the end of the tunnel briefly illuminates the darkness.
It is inspiring to see Laurel's remaining family and friends rally around her, even as she pushes them away in her depression. Unlike many YA novels, Laurel's grandmother is a steady and necessary presence in the story. She is an amazing, compassionate woman who drops everything to care for the orphaned granddaughter she fiercely loves, their twin grief making the sense of loss all the more resonant and devastating. Her presence reminds Laurel that she isn't the only one who lost her family that day, and she isn't completely alone in the aftermath. Without each other, I don't believe either of them could have survived.
The relationship between Laurel and her best friend Megan starts off strong. The girls have been best friends forever and Meg is the first one there in the wake of the accident. I was hopeful that she would be a grounding force in the novel, staying at Laurel's side through it all. Unfortunately, Megan lets her own problems make her bitter toward her best friend, whose tragedy she can't even begin to comprehend. She (understandably) doesn't know what to say or do to help Laurel, but trying would have been enough. Instead she seems rather petulant, a poor friend when Laurel needs her the most.
David is an even bigger mess than Laurel, his mother dead and his father in a coma from the accident that killed Laurel's family. He comes and goes, seeming to care for no one but himself. Yet, he's the only one who can even begin to fathom what Laurel's feeling
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/3/2011
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Release Date: August 30, 2011
Series: The Fury Trilogy #1
Publisher: Simon Pulse
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Emily and Chase aren't bad people -- they've just made a few mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes, right? A little remorse and everything will be fine. Unfortunately, some acts can't be taken back -- and three beautiful, mysterious girls are here to make sure they pay. As Emily and Chase are about to learn, sometimes sorry just isn't enough.
Fury alternates between two teens, Emily and Chase, and carefully sketches in the details of their ordinary, every day lives. It is surprising to discover that the mythological beings are not the main characters of this novel -- instead, they hover on the fringe, leaving the focus on the remarkably human and flawed leads.
Elizabeth Miles brings her cast to life, making them seem more like people than characters. The inhabitants of Ascension are not extraordinary, and that's what makes them so authentic. They are imperfect and not all that likable -- but that seems to be the point. Emily is naive and shallow, not to mention a terrible friend, and Chase seems petty and insecure. Their off-putting personalities make sense in the context of the novel, yet it also makes it difficult to invest in their fates. Miles' skill at humanizing her characters is impressive, but they would be more rounded with a few admirable traits as well.
Em and Chase are not the most despicable people in town by a long shot, yet they're the unfortunate souls singled out for vengeance. The fact that the avenging girls are not the protagonists adds to their mystique, but it also obscures the method to their madness. The first half of the novel drags, as it's impossible to tell what transgression Chase committed or what punishment Emily is receiving for her own crimes. Crucial backstory isn't introduced until late in the novel, leaving readers feeling confused for an agonizing length of time. Yet, though Emily's story line is clearest at the outset, Chase's plot ends up being the strongest as he moves inexorably toward his fate. Though neither is endearing, Chase has the most complexity -- from his love-and-hate relationship with a childhood friend, to his attempt to rise above his socioeconomic status -- readers will feel sorry for him as his punishment progresses (even if he seems to be determinedly walking into the trap).
The calculating and manipulative powers of their tormentors are made starkly and terrifyingly clear as the novel spirals toward its devastating conclusion. Miles lays a strong groundwork for her mythology, immersing readers in the fear and uncertainty of a
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
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Bridget Liu is just a typical teen -- when she's not banishing demons, that is. As if hearing the voices of hellspawn isn't bad enough, her mysterious new powers appeared not long after her father's brutal murder. All Bridget wants is to reclaim her normal life, one without exorcisms or murder trials, visits from the Vatican or annoyingly persistent sons of the local police sergeant. Unfortunately for Bridget, that's not going to happen anytime soon -- because the forces of Hell have a message for her, and they'll stop at nothing till she heeds their call.
In
Possess, debut author
Gretchen McNeil blends ancient legend with unearthly horror to create a striking demonic mythology -- a fresh look at the other side of the angel coin. Bridget's adventures in exorcism are spine-tingling, and every chilling encounter will leave readers trembling -- especially the particularly hair-raising scene in a doll shop (shudder). Her strange new powers and a string of unnerving warnings from demonic messengers give the novel a streak of mystery, and readers will eagerly piece together the puzzle -- trying to stay one step ahead of Bridget as she learns the truth about the legions of Hell.
Bridget is an admirably independent heroine, determined to fight her own battles and carry her own crosses. Though she's more than a little damaged by the loss of her father and the discovery of her alarming new abilities, her flaws give her an honest, raw edge that will resonate with readers. Many of her relationships are rough around the edges, but the mutual adoration between Bridget and her little brother Sammy jumps off the page. Bridget is like a mother to Sammy, and her never-ending patience with his 8-year-old antics is endearing -- showing a softer side to balance her usual tough-as-nails veneer. Bridget tends to be one of the guys, and I would have loved to see more attention given to her best friend Hector, who is the perfect storm of sass and snark and insecurity.
This paranormal horror story is part murder mystery, part romance -- but unfortunately, the romance falls a little flat. Matt is a nice enough guy, if a little cliche -- the All-American, popular jock who falls for the school outsider. Yet, his constant "caretaker" attitude is cringe-inducing, especially since Bridget can clearly hold her own (probably better than Matt can). The fact that Bridget finds his overbearing behavior appealing is rather disappointing after her robust determination to remain a lone wolf. If ever there was a heroine who didn't need a hero, it's Bridget Liu. There is something not quite right about Matt -- but only time will tell if this is intentional foreshadowing by the author, or just a lackluster love interest.
Possess is a dark and edgy paranormal thriller, and McNeil doesn't shy away from creepy blood rituals or crazed demonic victims. There are clearly unknown depths to explore in this eerie new world, and readers will be eager for more of its infernal history and lore.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.This novel hits shelves today! Click here to purchase Possess by Gretchen McNeil.Part of the
8 Comments on Review: Possess by Gretchen McNeil, last added: 8/25/2011
Elizabeth Valchar's life is just beginning. Rich and pretty and popular -- she has it all. But it's all cut tragically short on the night of her 18th birthday, when Liz awakens to find her own body floating in the frigid water beside her family's yacht. Liz has no idea how she died -- or even how she lived -- until Alex Berg, a boy she barely knew in life until his own tragic death just a year before, arrives to be her guide. As they piece together what cruel twist of fate cut her perfect life short, Liz begins to discover that nothing is what it seems in the tiny town of Noank -- and something unspeakable had been eating her alive long before that fateful night.
In
Between,
Jessica Warman writes a scandalous tale of tragedy and betrayal, death and ruined lives. A foreboding air hangs over the novel, an atmosphere heavy with secrets and pain. It is clear from page one that something terrible has been a long time coming in the sleepy town of Noank; the only question is what tragic chain of events led them here. The ultimate mystery of how Liz died tickles at the reader's mind from start to finish -- the nagging sensation of suspicion with no proof. However, though the mystery of Liz's death is shadowy, the other big mystery of the novel is fairly obvious from the beginning.
Warman's take on the afterlife is intriguing, and an effective narrative technique for introducing readers to Liz before her death, and the childhood traumas that made her what she is. Liz and her afterlife tour guide Alex merely have to blink to go back in time, to watch their own memories from the outside -- seeing things they may have missed or been too young to understand the first time around. The ability to distance themselves from their own lives is a thought-provoking concept, and provides many heartbreaking revelations for Liz throughout the novel.
The afterlife connection between Liz and her lifelong (living) boyfriend Richie is also an unusual -- almost paranormal -- addition, and gives the novel its only real emotional depth. Liz and Richie's relationship wasn't perfect (far from it), but it had withstood the test of time despite their young age, and made it painfully clear that the two teens were meant to be. They made stupid mistakes, as humans are wont to do, but they had an air of innocence and devotion about them that was endearing to witness, and made Liz's loss more profound.
With this one exception, however, the characters are horribly off-putting. They all feel so flat, their little intrigues and ugly secrets sordid -- like a soap opera. It was hard to relate to either them or their behavior. The town is populated with the rich and privileged, and the adults behave as badly as their spoiled children. Liz and her crew are the top of the totem pole -- obsessed with makeup and weight loss and popularity. Their teachers would never dare to question this elite group of miscreants, and they generally get away with being nightmarish human beings. It's unfathomable that anyone, no matter their age, could be so insipid and shallow. All their drama seems overwrought and superficial, their affairs and betrayals trite.
Thankfully, the secrets that finally begin to surface near the end of the novel carry more weight, giving Liz some much-needed humanity and making her a more sympathetic character. Though this kind of afterlife journey is nothing new in young adult fiction,
Between adds the extra flair of a murder mystery to keep readers turning the page.
Rating:
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I've heard so many good things about this one - I would LOVE to read it! And great question too!
If I were a chimaera I would still want to have a human head but I think it would be neat to have the eyes and wings of an owl.
Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
herbookself at gmail dot com
Excited to read this book!
If I was a chimaera I would want to have the head of a human bu the body of a white tiger and beautiful snowy owl wings. My face would also have whiskers and a tigers nose and beautiful long black hair to contrast all the beautiful white.
sarabara081(at)aol(dot)com
If I were a chimera, I'd probably look much as I do now, since medical chimeras (one fetus being absorbed by the other and yet the DNA lives on) aren't that uncommon. :P
However, if we're talking of more fantastic chimeras, I'd love to have white angel wings, fangs, cat eyes, and a long cat tail. Purrmeow!
jazriyah(at)gmail(dot)com
Oi, seeing all these reviews have got me mighty excited to read this! People especially seem to love Karou, who sounds beyond awesome, and Laini Taylor's writing, which sounds exquisite. This is the first I'm hearing of Karou's chimaera family but it sounds absolutely fascinating!
If I were a chimaera, I would have wings, of course! And eyes of an animal that can see well in the dark, like a cat. Maybe a cat's nose as well so I could smell better. Basically, I would want features that enhanced my senses beyond simple human senses.
ayleejaine(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow, great review--it was very descriptive, which I like. I have heard nothing but great things about this book!
I'd enter your giveaway, but I'm so darn eager to read this book that I know I'll be going to the bookstore soon to acquire it (especially since I get paid tomorrow, hehe). Happy reading! =)
If I were a Chimera, I'd like to have the head of a tiger, dragon and a snake. Weird combination, I know, but it seems so perfect :)haha! I'd be unstoppable!
This is such a good idea (asking bloggers to answer a question to enter the giveaway). You get a lot more feedback, plus you get to read all these creative answers :) Either way, count me in! I'm an old follower.
Diana
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If I were a chimaera, I would have scaly golden skin and a wolf's head, with black-feathered wings and a lizard tail... basically my D&D character crossed with a dire wolf and a crow ;D Thanks for this opportunity to win! frootjoos at gmail dot com
Wow. This is different, yet SO cool! If I were a chimera, I'd have the body of a cheetah, eyes of an owl, beautiful white wings, and a breastplate of impenetrable scales.
Can't wait to read this book! It sounds awesome! Thanks for the giveaway! :)
♥ Cameo
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Please do not enter me in this giveaway. I just wanted to say that I just read this book in 2 days. It was fantastic. I was reading on different blogs and all the reviews were 5 star for this book. I agree completely. I was captivated from the beginning to the end. What a phenomenal read =) Thanks for sharing your review.
I think I would have the head of an eagle and the body of a cat, but with wings too. Fast, sleek and can fly.
I really want to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway, from your review this sounds awesome and I want to read it even more.
crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com
I'm glad you put the definition in there, or I would totally had to look that up. If I had to give up my human parts, I think I would choose to be a black panther from the neck down, with folding wings of dragonfly. But a human head, because otherwise that could be awkward. :)
Thanks for the great giveaway.
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Awesome Giveaway!!! Sign me up!
sarinana0309(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hello. This is a wonderful question! I would have wings that were big enough for flight, the body of a horse, for fast running, and the eyes of a cat, for good eyesight and seeing in the dark. My eyes would be green on the left and blue on the right. I would still have a human upper body, but my hair would be made from feathers, bright red and they would match the feathers on my wings.
My email is [email protected]
I posted about this givaway on my facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=882995541
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this novel. It looks great.
I would be a snow leapard, german shepherd, goldfish, and eagle (rooting for flying and swimming!). Can I say interlaced with diamonds? Thank you for this awesome giveaway, I would love to own a copy! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
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facebooked: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100000547840483
Hit Google +1 for you too!
I would want a bird beak and wings for sure! I would still want to have hands though, so the wings can't interfere with that!
+1 spread here http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/145764-review-daughter-of-smoke-and-bone-by-laini-taylor-giveaway
thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com
I haven't gotten to Daughter of Smoke and Bone yet. Thank you for your wonderful review.
Issa sounds pretty cool. I think I'd be part big cat, though: the tail and ears, nose, and eyes of a black panther but otherwise be human.
I shared on Twitter @lexisjen.
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Thanks!
This books sounds amazing! Your review is so detailed and I am excited for a chance to read this.
I would be a white tiger with white wings, a tail of a Hydrophis Belcheri and a steel breastplate.
marcee dot rodgers at gmail dot com
I follow you via GFC:)
marcee dot rodgers at gmail dot com
I shared on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/MERodgers/status/119550049444302848
marcee dot rodgers at gmail dot com
I shared on FB
http://www.facebook.com/marcee.rodgers/posts/280263831991266
marcee dot rodgers at gmail dot com
I +1'd
https://profiles.google.com/111443356326000211746/plusones
marcee dot rodgers at gmail dot com
If I were a chimaera, I would want a human head with hair that changes color spontaneously and I'd have large bronze wings and eagle claws.
klamber1 at unca dot edu