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By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/29/2011
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Release Date: September 29, 2011
Series: Shades of London #1
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
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Rory Deveaux is just a typical American teen, anticipating a year of boys with accents and bizarre British customs as she settles in at her new London boarding school. But Rory's in for a lot more than she bargained for, as London finds itself in the grip of a brutal serial killer -- a man imitating the grisly murders of Jack the Ripper more than a century ago. A man no one can see. No one, that is, except Rory.
In
The Name of the Star,
Maureen Johnson's signature snappy style creates an unexpected blend of humor and horror, and readers will be surprised to find themselves laughing aloud in the midst of this gruesome nightmare. Jack the Ripper holds a morbid fascination for modern imaginations, a twisted awe at getting away with murder -- literally. Johnson strategically plays off this strange seductiveness to draw unsuspecting readers into a heart-pounding thriller laced with a deadly taste of déjà vu.
Rory is an utterly disarming heroine. With her easy southern charm, quirks and quips, her narration is delightful to read. Her fresh, light voice provides a striking counterpoint to the otherwise grim tale, and the outrageous stories she tells of her eccentric family back home will leave readers in fits of laughter. Rory is so full of life, readers will feel as though they've known her their whole lives. She's a believable blend of determination and occasional fear, optimism and wry wit. She's not perfect; sometimes she says or does dumb things, as humans are wont to do -- and her guileless, unassuming attitude makes her all the more winning. It's impossible not to cheer for Rory as she struggles with this unfathomable new world and determinedly faces off against an unstoppable, remorseless killer.
Despite her heartwarming and hilarious heroine, Johnson slices a sharp blade of terror through the novel. There is a terrible irony in the fact that the citizens of London known exactly when and where each murder will happen, but are powerless to stop it. By drawing on the sensationalism of Jack the Ripper, Johnson takes the latent fear and turns it into a bone-chilling nightmare. The horror and hopelessness increase with each grisly crime scene, and a sense of despair settles over the novel as London sits helplessly by. Readers will be on the edge of their seats with their hearts in their throats as this hair-raising thriller marches inexorably toward its terrifying conclusion.
Johnson brings each and every one of her secondary characters to life, from Rory's hilarious house mother and boisterous field hockey coach (an activity of which Rory is not a fan), to her smart and sweet crush/make-out pa
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 9/5/2011
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Release Date: September 27, 2011
Series: Mara Dyer #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
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Mara's life changes forever the day she awakes from a coma to discover her best friends are dead and her memories of the accident that killed them are gone. Something strange happened that fateful night, but no one has any answers -- except, perhaps, a beautiful boy who is just as broken as Mara herself. As Mara struggles to piece together the events that led to her friends' deaths, she's drawn into a terrifying world of nightmares and confusion, kidnappings and hallucinations. And as the bodies start piling up, Mara begins to doubt everyone and everything -- including herself.
Dark. Sexy. Hilarious. Mysterious. Heart-pounding. Hair-raising. In short, this novel is incredible. In her unforgettable debut,
Michelle Hodkin crafts a spine-tingling tale of death and desire that will leave readers clamoring for more. Mara Dyer is the best kind of heroine -- cynical and witty, biting and deeply flawed. Her struggles with insanity are enthralling, and her search for truth gripping. In her upside down world, it's impossible to tell what's real and what's just a terrible nightmare.
Mara is sharp and sassy, refusing to let anyone walk over her -- whether it be her controlling mother, the school's requisite Queen Bee, or even snarky boys with British accents and smoldering looks. Noah Shaw had me at "British accent." He is simultaneously sexy and infuriating, a bewitching combination that will leave readers (and Mara) befuddled. Though he possesses the casual arrogance of the drop-dead gorgeous, he has more than a few secrets of his own, revealing a sweet vulnerability that makes him utterly irresistible. Noah's hauteur is a mask -- one that crumbles in the face of Mara's unflinching directness. They have both met their match, and their delicious dynamic will leave readers ravenous for more.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer features some of the best flirtatious banter I've ever read. Noah and Mara are intellectual equals who can keep pace with one another's rapid-fire minds (and mouths). Their smart and snappy repartee will have readers writhing with laughter even in the midst of this psychological nightmare. The back-and-forth is constant, an unexpected contrast to the hidden horrors lurking just beneath the surface. Thankfully, Hodkin steers clear of the unbelievable love-at-first sight, instead letting their love/hate chemistry burn its way into an undeniable attraction. Noah and Mara are like fire and gasoline, and Hodkin ratchets up the sexual tension until readers are ready to explode.
It's impossible to know what's coming next in this twisting, turning thriller of a romance. Hodkin keeps the answers both Mara and readers so desperat
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 7/31/2011
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There are no strangers in the town of Near -- until now. When a ghostly boy appears outside Lexi's bedroom window and the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, the entire village is on the verge of a witch hunt. Yet, though the smoky stranger refuses to talk, Lexi's instincts tell her to trust him. To clear his name, Lexi and the stranger must go in search of a secret known only by the wind, a legend older than Near itself -- but what they find might just tear their world apart.
In
The Near Witch, debut author
Victoria Schwab creates an original, haunting fairy tale that will capture readers imaginations -- and hearts. Her lyrical prose reads like a lullaby, with a rhythm and cadence bewitching to the senses, and sets the scene for a tale of children lured from their beds to vanish across the moonlit moor. The world Schwab constructs is richly atmospheric, with its own history and customs and bedtime stories, blending a coming-of-age story with the myth and magic of folklore. The town of Near will feel as familiar as the reader's own neighborhood, its inhabitants as endearing and frustrating as family.
Lexi is everything a heroine should be, unhindered by the archaic constraints of custom or the close-minded disapproval of society. Her father raised her to be independent and maybe a little bit wild, part of the natural world around her. She is brave and compassionate, defiant and intelligent -- unwilling to sit idly by and let mistrust and panic take its course. She won me over from the start.
One of my favorite aspects of the story is Lexi's family. The love between Lexi and her family is unconditional, their faith in her unwavering. Though her mother is broken in the wake of her father's death, echoes of the strong, commanding woman she once was peek through and give readers hope that the sun will shine on them again one day. Wren is Lexi's bubbly and birdlike little sister, and Lexi's adoration of the spirited sparrow is palpable on the page. Wren is a bright spot amid the eerie, misty moor, and gives passion to Lexi's drive to save the children of Near.
Then there's Cole -- enigmatic, elusive Cole. He is the stormy center of the story, alluring Lexi (and readers) with his mystery, and winning their sympathy with his tempestuous past. Though this sounds like the same old story, it's not. There's an ethereal, untamed quality to Cole that likens him to the wind-tossed moor -- more than just a brooding, beautiful boy. He is bowed by secret trials beyond his years, an old soul to keep pace with Lexi's own spirit. Though the novel is more folklore than love story, the streak of romance gives an edge of softness to an otherwise ominous tale.
Magda and Dreska -- the gnarled, weathered witches that lurk on the outskirts of Near -- were two of the most fascinating characters in the novel, their commanding presence demanding attention even on the fringes of a scene. Their wisdom, hidden behind riddles and half-formed phrases, gave the novel its air of mystery and impugned the town's hate and fear. The rest of the village is infuriating. Their small-minded prejudice creates the drama and emotional tension that drives the plot, and will keep readers fuming with the injustice of it all. Yet, they are just one of the evils Lexi must face. Though the villain may be foreseeable, the outcome is not -- there is no promise of happily-ever-after in the town of Near, and readers will be up until the wee witching hours to discover whether justice prevails or beloved characters ta
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 7/27/2011
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When Ashline's sister rolls into town, it's rarely a good sign -- but this time Eve's more out-of-control than ever. In the aftermath of her visit, Ash leaves town to escape the tragedy she left in her wake. Blackwood Academy is supposed to be a fresh start, free from chaos and pain. Unfortunately, a mystical force has drawn Ash -- and others like her -- to this secluded school among the redwoods, and Eve may not be the nastiest thing stalking them from the imposing forest.
This debut is eerie and intense, steamy and mysterious. From page one,
Wildefire flies into action, sucking readers up in a vortex of legend and imagination.
Karsten Knight draws together strands from a smorgasbord of different mythologies, spicing things up with a few invented creatures of his own. These are not run-of-the-mill supernaturals, and their variety and scale give the novel an epic feel. The forces at play are as deadly as they are majestic -- shown in stark detail through flashbacks and visions. This tale is dark and dangerous, in a delicious, edge-of-your-seat kind of way. From the first explosive page to the final astonishing revelation, just when readers think they know where this story is taking them,
Wildefire yanks them away in another startling direction.
The high-octane energy is due in large part to Ash. Ashline Wilde is hardcore and sarcastic -- and maybe more than a little angry. Her larger-than-life personality and razor sharp repartee jump off the page and grab readers by the throat. Though she's got the typical teen drama -- cheating boyfriends and ill-timed detentions -- her family dysfunction really steals the show. When her motorcycle-riding, hell-raising, runaway sister blows through town, she stirs up more than just trouble. Ash and Eve take sibling rivalry to a whole new level, and their struggle fuels the emotional core of the novel. Though it's easy to villainize Eve, Knight takes care to show the ties that bind the two sisters -- making their choices less black and white, and Ashline's struggle more wrenching.
Unlike so many heroines, Ashline has more than a studly boyfriend on her side (though she has one of those too). The group of friends she gathers at Blackwood is diverse and dynamic -- from aloof but alluring Raja, spooky and ethereal Serena, roguish but romantic Rolfe, to nerdy but loyal Jackie. Though they may initially seem like stereotypes, the ragtag gang will steadily grow on readers as they face their demons (both real and psychological). The characters feel so alive, like real teens -- even though they're so much more.
Knight's style is effortless and unobtrusive, painting vivid scenes without getting in the way of his story. The novel's irreverent wit and brisk pace never give readers a moment's boredom, carrying them along on the smooth surface of its prose -- which stands in sharp contrast to the cosmic consequences hanging in the balance.
Wildefire will draw readers in with its otherworldly opening, pull them along through midnight monsters and would-be mercenaries, straight into surreal psychics and smoldering romance -- and leave them begging for more.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance galley of this novel from the publisher for an honest review.This novel
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 6/30/2011
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Evie has lived and worked at the International Paranormal Containment Agency since the day she was found screaming in a cemetery as a small child. As far as the Agency knows, she's the only person in the world who can see through paranormals' glamours (like the vampire's she was screaming at that day long ago), which makes her invaluable to a group determined to bag and tag every paranormal pest lurking in the human world. All Evie wants is to be normal, but with a dangerous faery for an ex-boyfriend, an invisible shape-shifter for a crush and a mermaid for a best friend -- she's about as far from normal as she can get. And once she learns the truth about who she is and where she came from, nothing will ever be normal again.
In
Paranormalcy,
Kiersten White weaves a tale that feels utterly realistic, yet fairy-tale fantastic all at the same time. Her heroine, Evie, has the most authentic teen voice I've read, and is completely lovable with her sweetness and sass. Her importance to the Agency is oddly empowering and debilitating at the same time. Evie knows how to take care of herself (courtesy of her pink taser, Tasey), but she is under the strict control and monitoring of the Agency, her home and her job -- which is frustrating for both Evie and the reader. She proves herself time and time again, yet even her mother figure, Raquel, works hard to keep her in the dark.
This is only the beginning of the Agency's questionable practices.
Paranormalcy is surprisingly rife with questions about just what makes humans special in a world populated by the supernatural, and what right we have to treat paranormals like animals. Evie also begins to feel some righteous indignation about the place she's always called home, which makes her character beautifully complex. She is surprisingly street smart, though she can be a little dense when it comes to faery commands. Evie is wonderfully vibrant and alive, as well as adorable -- especially in her relationship with Lend.
The banter between Lend and Evie is sweet and flirty -- full of the uncertainty that comes with the first stages of a crush. White allows readers to see the bond between the two teens grow, and to enjoy the lightness and thrill of infatuation. The relationship isn't rushed like so many in current YA, and watching them have fun together rather than launching into the burning passion of love is a nice change of pace which works perfectly with this bright and sparkling novel. Lend is unbelievably cute and absolutely perfect for Evie -- but not in a cheesy or annoying way. Readers will fall in love almost from the first moment they meet this unusual, vulnerable boy.
White builds a world of intricate hierarchies and complex philosophical questions of prejudice and discrimination, a serious streak that counterbalances the quips and quirks of her dazzling heroine. The descriptions are imaginative and unique, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind of creatures both familiar and foreign. This world is populated by not only the ubiquitous vampires and werewolves, but also an incredible, original mythology of water nymphs and creatures who have no name. White's eclectic menagerie and stunning imagination will leave readers in awe.
Rating: 
9 Comments on Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, last added: 7/3/2011
Sometimes life is divided into the Before, and the After. Amber knows that today is her last day Before. Before it all changes. Before nothing's the same. And she wants to spend this final day alone, at the beach with the music loud and no regrets. Her plans change, however, when she meets Cade. He seems to be there for the same reason -- living this last day before...what? Amber doesn't know his secret, and they agree not to ask. They just want to live life their way, one more time -- together. But Cade's secret might be more dangerous than Amber imagines, and she may be the only person left to stand between him and what comes After.
I honestly didn't think I could read an entire novel written in verse, but by the second or third page I'd completely forgotten about the style and was engrossed in
Lisa Schroeder's tale. It's amazing how much detail and emotion can be conveyed in such few words, but Schroeder's careful word choice makes her sparse verse as vivid as the wordiest prose. The writing is innovative and fast, and piques readers' curiosity about what terrible thing is going to happen to this girl we feel like we've known our whole lives.
Amber finds herself in an impossible situation. At first, the desperation is felt even if the cause is unclear, but Schroeder doesn't make the reader wait too long to understand the circumstances -- revealed through flashbacks in the form of letters sprinkled throughout the text. Amber is utterly sympathetic -- finally a heroine who isn't the beautiful but unnoticed underdog. She is a short and stocky rocker chick with killer taste in music. She has her quirks (like a jelly bean obsession), and a great best friend and loving little sister, who make their presence felt even if they aren't all that present in the narrative action.
Cade's pain is even more of a mystery than Amber's, but he combines it with a wry wit that it utterly beguiling. Their determination to have one last day free of sorrow and full of the little things in life -- chosen by fate and the toss of a coin -- is romantic, if bittersweet. Though their relationship is built over the course of a single day, in this story it works. They are both living the same day -- the day before everything changes -- in the same way, and it binds them in a way they can't even fully express.
This tale has an almost haunted air, the lightness tainted by their somber secrets. As readers get to know these two beautiful people, marred by circumstances beyond their control, through the lyrical lens of Schroeder's verse, their hearts will soar and break and hope and despair right alongside the two teens who just want to live life on their own terms, free from responsibility and obligation -- for just one more day.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance galley from the publisher for an honest review.This novel hits shelves today! Click here to purchase The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder.
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 5/18/2011
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In the Swampsea live the Old Ones, horrors as ancient as time. Though the villagers fear the spirits, only the witches can see them. And witches must be hanged. Briony used to roam the marshes as wolfgirl, fast and sly and friend to the dreaded swamp creatures. But that Briony's gone -- she was lost in the fire that destroyed the Old Ones' stories, when Stepmother discovered her guilt and swore never to tell Father. The new Briony holds her deadly secret close, and keeps the world at bay. Yet, things are not always what they seem, and in the Swamp lies a truth that might just set her free.
I can honestly say I've never read anything like
Chime -- I bow before
Franny Billingsley's imagination. Everything from the language to the plot to the pacing has a style and rhythm all its own in this modern day Grimm's fairy tale. It's clear that Billingsley delights in language, using it in inventive and unusual ways. Her incredible wordsmithery gives flair to this gritty tale.
Chime is an intelligent novel, with Dickensian wordplay and echoes of Shakespeare in the metaphysical musings on the immortality of literature. Yet this story is not pedantic or abstruse. The novel is earthy and intuitive, accessible to anyone who enjoys the monsters and magic that lurk in the human imagination.
This isn't a whitewashed Disney tale.
Chime is dark and grim and macabre, definitely not a bedtime story for the faint of heart. Billingsley's unflinchingly visceral descriptions will be emblazoned on readers' minds. Life isn't always rainbows and butterflies, and the rawness of the tale acknowledges that truth. Life can be cold, hard, and unfair -- and in this story, it is. Yet there's always light at the end of the tunnel, and Briony's journey out of the darkness is heartening, if harrowing.
It's difficult to pin down the novel's time period -- it is almost timeless. While the Swampsea seems colonial, the allusions are more modern, and the tale itself seems ancient. Briony imbibes this ethereal quality, both wise and naive, selfish and selfless. She lays it all on the table for the reader, and her authenticity is undeniable and bracing. Briony is an unforgettable heroine. Her crystal clear cadence sets the tone for the novel: she can be cold and cynical, yet her life is so spectacularly harsh that readers can't help but sympathize with her. Her wonderful imagination shines through in every word, from her wry use of understatement to the personification of the Swamp which permeates the tale.
Eldric, the electric boy with the lion's eyes, is also not the typical hero. He's like a cross between Henry Tilney and Prince Po -- carefree and playful, yet surprisingly worldly. Readers will fall in love with lion-boy and wolfgirl, as Billingsley shows (not tells) their spine-tingling romance. Though readers may foresee the final truth, it's impossible to tell what twisting path the novel will take to reach it -- just hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
Chime is utterly unique and brilliantly creative -- a master class effort from a phenomenal talent.
Rating: 
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By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 4/19/2011
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In Beatrice Prior's world, the future holds only five possibilities. At 16, she must pledge herself to one faction: Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), or Erudite (the intelligent). Leaving Abnegation behind means abandoning her family forever, but Beatrice has always struggled with the strict code of self-sacrifice. With the Choosing Ceremony fast approaching and a deadly secret weighing heavily on her mind, Beatrice must make the choice that will define the rest of her life. But the journey is just beginning, because her ultimate decision will take her to places she could never imagine, not even in her worst nightmares.
In
Divergent,
Veronica Roth builds an intricate world of absolutes, evoking the fine line between virtue and vice with finesse. The factions are a fascinating concept to consider, and it is staggering to imagine living such a black and white life. Their eerie, cult-like feel immediately alerts the reader that all is not well in the city of Chicago. Yet, strangely the stakes aren't as clear as I would expect in a dystopian novel. The urgency of the situation doesn't completely resonate, though it is still an intense, action-packed story.
In Beatrice (rechristened Tris), Roth creates a show-stopping heroine, the likes of which I have not seen since Katniss (
The Hunger Games) and Katsa (
Graceling). Tris is a compelling blend of strength and smarts as she navigates the hidden dangers of her rigid society. Though her fierceness and determination are awe-inspiring, she is still an utterly human heroine, struggling with her fears, her family and her first forays into friendship and romance. Her motivations are complex and sometimes conflicting, unclear even to herself. The novel invites readers to delve into the depths of her character, and search for the fountainhead of her seemingly endless fortitude. Above all, this is a tale of discovery as Tris learns the truth about herself -- what matters most and what kind of person she truly is. Her journey is riveting, a thrill ride of nonstop action that will keep readers' hearts pounding. There isn't a dull moment, and all 487 pages of this large tome fly by in the blink of an eye.
Then there's Four. Four is a fascinating hero, rivaling Tris's complexity. He is perfect in his imperfections, swinging from fierce and intimidating to tender and vulnerable -- but unlike many heroes, he is never cheesy or controlling. Four puts up a tough front to hide his deep-rooted scars from a nightmarish past, but over the course of the novel Tris breaks down his walls to reveal a sweet and soulful side that is utterly bewitching. Their attraction adds richness to an already vivid world. The dynamic of their relationship is balanced; each sees the other as invincible, and their feelings are based on both affection and mutual admiration. Their story moves at a tantalizingly slow pace, building the tension and making the romance all the more believable and delectable when it finally blossoms.
The entire spectrum of human emotion is at work to make this novel an electric experience: fear, awe, desolation, determination, love and pure unadulterated hatred. Roth shows both the best and the worst sides of human nature, brought out by the absolutist society she creates.
Divergent explores the heart of human experience, the everyday choices that make us who we are. Reader
Azalea's life is just beginning, when suddenly it's brought to a screeching halt. In the aftermath, Azalea and her sisters must retreat into mourning: no daylight, no visitors, and worst of all -- no dancing. But dancing is the only thing that makes them feel alive, and so each night they slip away to the secret sanctuary hidden behind the palace walls, and they dance. The Keeper is glad to share his forest with the beautiful, dancing girls -- but he has a secret, one the princesses may not discover until far, far too late.
Entwined's fairy tale tone immediately pulls the reader into an enchanted world and brilliantly imaginative story. The world-building in this novel is phenomenal, creating original kingdoms and secret forests of silver and starlight.
Heather Dixon weaves the formalities of yore -- dancing and curtsies and solemn vows -- into her magical world with ease, adding a unique flavor to the tale. The high fantasy feel was unexpected but welcome, a wonderful escape from reality.
The highlight of the novel is unquestionably the twelve princesses. Their relationship is heart-warming and adorable, reminding me of puppies playfully tumbling over one another. Their bond is unbreakable, and their sisterly love is palpable. The eldest sisters radiate life -- especially Azalea, the heroine. Though she is literally a fairy tale princess, she feels like a real girl with real problems, and she faces them head-on. The driving force of the story is the girls' troubled relationship with their father, the King. The family has their difficulties -- and big ones, at that -- but they evolve believably as a unit. It is refreshing to see a parent-child relationship develop and grow, rather than stagnate or be pushed aside. Though many YA novels feature absent (literally or emotionally) parents, the King was a significant presence and complex character, with a charm and charisma all his own.
Speaking of charm and charisma -- one cannot forget Lord Bradford. Bradford is quite possibly the most huggable hero ever written. The poor fellow is always slightly rumpled -- hair mussed, clothes askew. He fits perfectly in this quaint fairy tale fantasy.The romance that develops between him and the Princess Royale is endearing -- worthy of a "happily ever after." There's no love-at-first-sight, and the way Dixon sets up their relationship is cleverly plotted to avoid some dangerous waters that could undermine their love.
This novel is cute and quirky, full of the absurd yet spirited situations one might expect in a fairy tale. A few plot elements were predictable, but it in no way lessened the joy of reading this novel.
Entwined will sweep readers off their feet, straight into a world of fairy princesses and haunted castles, where everything may not be quite what it appears.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this novel from the publisher. This did not influence my review in any way.This novel hits shelves today! Click here to purchase Entwined by Heather Dixon.
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Review: Entwined by Heather Dixon, last added: 3/31/2011
Lena has had more than enough pain in her young life. After her father was arrested and her mother committed suicide -- all for love -- Lena became an outsider in her society, where love is a disease and only the cured are safe. Though love is in her genes, Lena prays the cure will secure her the simple, pain-free future she's always wanted. Unfortunately, fate has different plans. Just months before Lena loses the ability to love forever, she meets the mysterious and unusual Alex -- and falls head over heels.
In
Delirium,
Lauren Oliver constructs a layered and intricate world that will unnerve readers with its similarities to our own. At first, Lena's desire for the cure and investment in society seem superficial, but as the novel progresses readers learn more about her haunted past and come to appreciate the burdens that weigh so heavily on her mind. The relationship that blossoms between Lena and Alex is truly the highlight of the novel, capturing the sweetness and novelty of first love while blending it with a strange air of illicitness. The chemistry between them jumps off the page and makes the reader believe in their bond. Lena's butterflies and confused emotions are utterly realistic, crystallizing the universal experience of young love, when every feeling is overwhelming and foreign. Thankfully, Oliver does not spoil its simple purity in this loveless society by introducing a love triangle into the mix.
Lena's world is brought to life with beautiful imagery, though at times the descriptive metaphors seem a little heavy-handed and distract from the narrative. As the novel progresses, the horrors of a "cured" society become increasingly apparent, though they are initially hidden beneath the ordered surface. Oliver brilliantly constructs her story to draw readers into Lena's mind: the deliria at first seems bizarrely believable, but readers will slowly discover the devastating cost of the cure alongside Lena -- making her journey all the more visceral and thought-provoking. The emotions of this novel become increasingly gut-wrenching as the story propels towards its heart-stopping conclusion -- providing one of the most adrenaline-fueled endings I have ever read.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this novel from NetGalley. This did not affect my review in any way.Click here to purchase Delirium by Lauren Oliver.
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 2/18/2011
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I was considering reading this one. I definitely think I will! I don't think I picked this one up at BEA though - don't remember seeing it!
I have been DYING to read this book. However, since I'm prone to nightmares, I've opted to get it from the library first, rather than buy it and find I can't handle it.
This is sad for me, as I know Maureen has written an incredible story but I don't know if I will be able to read it.
@Steph -- You should definitely read it! It's SO much fun! They only had like 75 at BEA, I think, and you had to get a number to get one.
@Nancy -- I am a HUGE chicken, but though this one did freak me out at times, it wasn't to the point that I had to stop reading. The humor of the style sort of balances out the scary stuff, I think. I definitely recommend giving it a try!
Looking forward to reading this one - even more so after reading such a positive review - thanks.
It's great, isn't it? I really like how detailed your review is too.
I've been really iffy about this book because I'm not a big fan of serial killers. But if there's a paranormal element I might not be as scared by it. Give me ghosts and I'm okay! Real killers nonononononoono! :D But your review sounds really good, so I might have to add it to my wishlist!
Liza @ Book Crook Liza
I like the sound of the balance of light and dark - humor and horror - that goes on in this one. I'm not a big fan of blood and gore, though...is there a lot of graphic violence in this one? Or is much of it psychological or implied?
@Danya -- Oh no, definitely not gory! I think a photograph of one of Jack the Ripper's victims is described, which was kind of gross, but other than that it's really more psychological.