The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

The Unwritten Rule

by Elizabeth Scott  

He's looking at me like—well, like he wants to look at me. Like he likes what he sees, and he's smiling and his eyes are so blue, even in the faint flow of the porch light they shine, and I nod dumbly, blindly, and then grope for the door handle, telling myself to look away and yet not able to do it. "Sara," he says, softly, almost hesitantly, and my heart slam-bangs, beating hard, and this is what it's like to want someone you can't have. To want someone you shouldn't even be looking at.

Sarah and Brianna have always been friends, and it's always gone like this: guys talk to Sarah in order to get closer to Brianna. So even though Sarah met Ryan first, she's not surprised that he ends up with Brianna (even though Sarah has a massive crush on him).

The three of them hang out, and Sarah and Ryan's friendship grows until one night an innocent exchange between them leads to a moment that makes Sarah realize that Ryan might be interested in her after all. But if there's one unwritten rule, it's this: you don't mess around with a friend's boyfriend.

So Sarah tries to resist temptation. But with the three of them thrown together more and more, tension builds between Sarah and Ryan, and when they find themselves alone together at one point, they realize they just can't fight how they feel anymore...

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Yes, another Elizabeth Scott. I decided to give another one of her contemporary teen books a try. This book reminded me a lot of Emily Giffin's Something Borrowed - this is essentially the teen version of that story. I liked it and appreciated the quality - Elizabeth Scott is a talented writer, but I didn't love the subject matter. She is excellent at creating multifaceted characters - the heroine makes mistakes, terrible mistakes, but you still feel for her and want to cheer her on. Ms. Scott makes tangled tales that usually are difficult to conclude with all ends neatly tied, and this book is no exception. I wanted to shake Sarah and Brianna (especially Brianna) and Ryan and tell them all to chill out. For a short book it was emotionally wringing. I liked Stealing Heaven better, but still an enjoyable book to read once.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: none; Profanity: possibly; Lame. Sex: reference to

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Hallowed 

by Cynthia Hand 

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

In this compelling sequel to "Unearthly," Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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A great second book (following Unearthly) - many questions are answered, the mythology is fleshed out a great deal, and in general it was an extremely satisfying read. Hooray! Second books sometimes tend to slump and be mere place holders in a trilogy but this one added to the existing story rather than tore it apart. Clara is growing into herself and deals with difficult choices and decisions. I wanted to smack her brother upside the head a few times, and still do, but hopefully that will change with the next book. I still really like Angela and look forward to spending more time with her in the next book - I have a feeling there is more to discover about her.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: none; Profanity: none that I remember; Sex: fairly heavy making out

The Wild Queen by Carolyn Meyer

The Wild Queen: The Days and Nights of Mary Queen of Scots 

by Carolyn Meyer 

Mary Stuart was just five years old when she was sent to France to be raised alongside her future husband. But when the frail young king dies, eighteen-year-old Mary is stripped of her title as Queen of France and set adrift in the harsh world, alone. Determined to reign over what is rightfully hers, Mary returns to Scotland. Hopingthat a husband will help her secure the coveted English throne, she marries again, but the love and security she longs for elude her. Instead, the fiery young queen finds herself embroiled in a murder scandal that could cost her the crown. And her attempts to bargain with her formidable “sister queen,” Elizabeth I of England, could cost her her very life.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I picked up this book because I liked the cover (yes, we've already covered that I will at least preliminarily judge a book by its cover) and I've always been fascinated with Mary Queen of Scots. But why do I let myself get caught up in historical books? Especially historical books that I KNOW don't end happily. I like happy endings. I like people to stay alive and find love and reunite with friends and live happily ever after. Mary Queen of Scots does NOT live happily ever after, yet I've read a few books about her. Each book is as depressing as the last - no matter which book I read, she is still advised by untrustworthy people, lied to and betrayed. It never changes! No more! Historical fiction is great. Fiction based on depressing historical figures is not, which is why I generally avoid books about Anne Boleyn and will now attempt to avoid books about Mary Stuart. For those of you who like well written yet depressing books about real people who lived tragic lives, this book is for you.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild; Profanity: none; Sex: yes

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

The Peach Keeper

by Sarah Addison Allen  

The New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Chased the Moon welcomes you to her newest locale: Walls of Water, North Carolina, where the secrets are thicker than the fog from the town’s famous waterfalls, and the stuff of superstition is just as real as you want it to be.

It’s the dubious distinction of thirty-year-old Willa Jackson to hail from a fine old Southern family of means that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam—built by Willa’s great-great-grandfather during Walls of Water’s heyday, and once the town’s grandest home—has stood for years as a lonely monument to misfortune and scandal. And Willa herself has long strived to build a life beyond the brooding Jackson family shadow. No easy task in a town shaped by years of tradition and the well-marked boundaries of the haves and have-nots.

But Willa has lately learned that an old classmate—socialite do-gooder Paxton Osgood—of the very prominent Osgood family, has restored the Blue Ridge Madam to her former glory, with plans to open a top-flight inn. Maybe, at last, the troubled past can be laid to rest while something new and wonderful rises from its ashes. But what rises instead is a skeleton, found buried beneath the property’s lone peach tree, and certain to drag up dire consequences along with it.

For the bones—those of charismatic traveling salesman Tucker Devlin, who worked his dark charms on Walls of Water seventy-five years ago—are not all that lay hidden out of sight and mind. Long-kept secrets surrounding the troubling remains have also come to light, seemingly heralded by a spate of sudden strange occurrences throughout the town.

Now, thrust together in an unlikely friendship, united by a full-blooded mystery, Willa and Paxton must confront the dangerous passions and tragic betrayals that once bound their families—and uncover truths of the long-dead that have transcended time and defied the grave to touch the hearts and souls of the living.

Resonant with insight into the deep and lasting power of friendship, love, and tradition, The Peach Keeper is a portrait of the unshakable bonds that—in good times and bad, from one generation to the next—endure forever.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I didn't realize I had read several of Sarah Addison Allen's other books years ago until I looked her up on goodreads. No wonder I enjoyed this book so much! She is a talented writer that weaves sweet stories about love and self discoveries. There is usually a bit of the mystical threading through her books, which makes them that much better. I really liked the Peach Keeper - it's about the power of friendships and love and being happy with who you are. A cute, sweet story. Now I want to reread all of her books in order so I can catch the easter eggs in each of the books.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is an adult book, so everything is not within YA strictures. Violence: mild; Profanity: don't think so? Sex: yes, but within YA strictures even though it doesn't have to be, except for one makeout scene.

Grace by Elizabeth Scott

Grace

by Elizabeth Scott  

Grace was raised to be an Angel, a herald of death by suicide bomb. But she refuses to die for the cause, and now Grace is on the run, daring to dream of freedom. In search of a border she may never reach, she travels among malevolent soldiers on a decrepit train crawling through the desert. Accompanied by the mysterious Kerr, Grace struggles to be invisible, but the fear of discovery looms large as she recalls the history and events that delivered her uncertain fate.

Told in spare, powerful prose by acclaimed author Elizabeth Scott, this tale of a dystopian near future will haunt readers long after they’ve reached the final page.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I picked up this book the same time I picked up the last Elizabeth Scott - let's just say I had to get through a few book piles before I geared myself up to read this one. I liked it better than Living Dead Girl - still gritty and a piece of harsh realism, but better. Elizabeth Scott is a fascinating and gripping writer. I prefer her books that deal with less serious issues than pedophilia (Living Dead Girl) or cults/suicide bombings (Grace), though Grace in particular brought up a lot of interesting points about the lies told by both sides and using violence as a weapon.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: yes; Profanity: can't remember, don't think so. Sex: reference to off-scene rape, abuse, sex

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth 

by Carrie Ryan

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?
 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Ack! How in the world did I get involved in a zombie book? Ugh! It was on my "to read" list and I borrowed a digital copy from my library and started it before realized what the subject matter was. If you like zombies and shuffling death and the hopelessness and desperation born of never ending hordes of creatures who steal the humanity from your loved ones, then this is the book for you!! This was a well written book with a rich world building but just NOT my cup of tea. I hate zombies. They tend to inhabit sad and depressing books. I will probably skim the next two books to see if there are any happy endings for the characters, mostly because they are already on my kindle. But if they are like this book, they will be about heroines who are finally triumphant but sacrifice way too much to get there. Carrie Ryan is master of the undead - unfortunately it is a skill I can't fully appreciate. Now I need to find another dragon book to wash my mind of zombies ...

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: yes; Profanity: none; Sex: innuendos

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

The Blue Castle

by L.M. Montgomery

Valancy lives a drab life with her overbearing mother and prying aunt. Then a shocking diagnosis from Dr. Trent prompts her to make a fresh start. For the first time, she does and says exactly what she feels. As she expands her limited horizons, Valancy undergoes a transformation, discovering a new world of love and happiness. One of Lucy Maud Montgomery's only novels intended for an adult audience, The Blue Castle is filled with humor and romance.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This is one of my favorites of all time and probably one of my top 5 most read books - I had a good time rereading it for the millionth time a week or so ago. I fell in love with Anne of Green Gables eons ago and remember going to the book store with my mom (possibly BDaltons? Waldenbooks? This was pre-Barnes and Noble and Amazon! I'm pre-historic!) and getting the list of L.M. Montgomery books available. I saved up my money and ordered every single one. Directly from the book store. (Yes, people actually used to do that.) I can't even remember how old I was - late elementary school? Early middle school? Anyway, moving on. The Blue Castle is one of the few adult books L.M. Montgomery wrote and it is sweet and touching and darling and adorable. A very lovely, light romance. Read it! All the preciousness of Anne of Green Gables rolled into one book.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is an adult book, but could be YA or Juvenile. Violence: none; Profanity: none; Sex: none

 

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina

by Rachel Hartman

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I really really really liked this book! See, I KNEW I loved dragons. This book had one of the best dragon cultures I've ever read. I loved Seraphina and thought this was a very well written book. Great heroine, fabulous side characters, great story, fascinating world. Seraphina is the type of heroine I most enjoy - strong, determined, trying her best in difficult situations, not whiny. Ooh I hate whiny heroines. There were so many things to love about this book - read it if you love pure fantasy with a heavy dose of really excellent dragons.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderate; Profanity: none; Sex: oblique reference to such, especially as babies result

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly

by Cynthia Hand

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . . Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Angels and more angels! I liked this book better than most angel books I have read, and I think it's because the angel involved is our main character rather than a shadowy gorgeous mysterious man who enters our main characters life. I liked the created mythology Ms. Hand created and how we were able to discover the world of angels along with Clara. As much as love triangles generally frustrate me, in this case I liked how the main focus of Clara's attention was shifted off of her "dream guy". I loved Tucker and Angela and Clara's mom. This book left a lot of questions which I hope will be answered in subsequent books - I have a feeling we have only been introduced to a fraction of what is going on. The whole "my life is pre-determined and my sole focus is a certain thing" was kind of annoying and made me appreciate the ending that much more. I like the theme that we determine our own futures and hope it continues throughout the rest of the series.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild to moderate; Profanity: I don't think so; Sex: brief mention of rape

The Far West by Patricia C. Wrede

The Far West 

by Patricia C. Wrede

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia C. Wrede, the fantastic conclusion to her tale of magic on the western frontier.

Eff is an unlucky thirteenth child...but also the seventh daughter in her family. Her twin brother, Lan, is a powerful double seventh son. Her life at the edge of the Great Barrier Spell is different from anyone else's that she knows.

When the government forms an expedition to map the Far West, Eff has the opportunity to travel farther than anyone in the world. With Lan, William, Professor Torgeson, Wash, and Professor Ochiba, Eff finds that nothing on the wild frontier is as they expected. There are strange findings in their research, a long prarie winter spent in too-close quarters, and more new species, magical and otherwise, dangerous and benign, than they ever expected to find. And then spring comes, and the explorers realize how tenuous life near the Great Barrier Spell may be if they don't find a way to stop a magical flood in a hurry. Eff's unique way of viewing magic has saved the settlers time and again, but this time all of Columbia is at stake if she should fail.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I LOVED Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles - they constantly made me laugh. The three books in this series are written much differently - slower, more solemn. This book in particular (the third in the series) was particularly hard for me to get into ... I had to borrow it three times from the library before I reached the point I didn't want to put it down. I still ended up liking it, though - I liked how Eff finally came into her power and confidence. I'm not a huge fan of westerns, so that possibly is why they seemed so slow paced to me. Wrede seemed to be having fun with her alternate history, but since I'm not a history buff by any means, most of her changes went over my head. I would have liked to see more romance, though I was happy how things ended up. I also would have liked to see more of what Eff does with her vast amounts of power - we only got a taste of what a true seventh daughter of a seventh son can do. A fun (but slow!) series.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures (though it could have been classified as Juvenile literature as well). Violence: none; Profanity: none; Sex: none (slight references to flirting and "persuasive men", but that is it)

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door

by Huntley Fitzpatrick

 A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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SUCH a cute book! Adorable. I loved Samantha and Jase. I especially loved Jase's siblings and whole entire family - oh George, be still my heart! This author did a stellar job at giving us a glimpse of the chaos and love that can abound in big families. This was a sweet story of a romance between two neighbors and two teenagers discovering who they want to be in life. Heartbreaking at times and achingly tender in others. A book I will probably reread at some point. (Did I mention how much I loved Jase's family?)

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: none; Profanity: sadly yes, fairly bad, from only ONE character. Lame. Sex: yes

Sleepless by Cyn Balog

Sleepless

by Cyn Balog

Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.

But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .

Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Okay, not fabulous. The whole concept of Sandmen is a little creepy, but otherwise this was at times a cute story to read. I liked Eron and Julia, though I wanted to smack Griffin most of the time. An interesting premise.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: heavy; Profanity: possibly a bit, I don't remember; Sex: kissing but references to more

Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog

Fairy Tale

by Cyn Balog

A captivating and witty dark fantasy that will have girls lusting after it.

Morgan Sparks has always known that she and her boyfriend, Cam, are made for each other. But when Cam’s cousin Pip comes to stay with the family, Cam seems depressed. Finally Cam confesses to Morgan what’s going on: Cam is a fairy. The night he was born, fairies came down and switched him with a healthy human boy. Nobody expected Cam to live, and nobody expected his biological brother, heir to the fairy throne, to die. But both things happened, and now the fairies want Cam back to take his rightful place as Fairy King.

Even as Cam physically changes, becoming more miserable each day, he and Morgan pledge to fool the fairies and stay together forever. But by the time Cam has to decide once and for all what to do, Morgan’s no longer sure what’s best for everyone, or whether her and Cam’s love can weather an uncertain future.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This was a cute story - not one I'll probably reread, but nice to read once. I didn't love the ending, it was sad and happy and sad again all at the same time. I can't talk about what specifically bothered me without huge and grand spoilers, but despite that it was a sweet fluffy story with a great main character.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: minor; Profanity: some damns; Sex: kissing, a bit heavier in dreams

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

The Power of Six 

by Pittacus Lore, James Frey, Jobie Hughes

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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A great second book in a (hopefully) series of three. This time we have two narrators - John (from the first book) and a newcomer Marina. I loved Marina! So much better than I liked John, who still bugged me in this book. John! You are still a selfish teenage boy who should focus on saving the world instead of which girl he is attracted to. Seriously! There was also (again) a bit too much action, in which I actually had to pay attention to because vital things were happening, and the love triangles were annoying at best. But again, I loved Six, Sam, Bernie Kosar, and especially Marina. Marina! You are awesome! She's so determined to fight and make the best of the bad deck of cards she's been given. We get a few mysteries solved, a few more are presented. We also find out more about Six and some of the other "numbers". Hopefully the next book will wrap up this story in a lovely nice bow and give us a way out of the mess in which this book left us.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: heavy; Profanity: possibly a bit, I don't remember; Sex: kissing

 

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I Am Number Four 

by Pittacus Lore

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books - but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. We have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.


They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Fascinating concept and world and delivery and a fun series to read. I find it sometimes more difficult to express why I liked something rather than why I didn't, so let's get this straight - I liked it. Enough to keep reading the series and look forward to finally getting my hands on the 3rd book (please tell me the 3rd book is the last? Which I guess is proof enough that I liked but didn't adore this book. Books I adore can go on and on and on.) I loved Bernie Kosar and Six and Sam and Henri and even Sarah. John, however, kind of bugged the crap out of me. Only sometimes! In fact, I really liked him up until he makes a horribly selfish decision that causes all sorts of horrible ramifications. Frustrating! John! Get your act together! Seriously! Sometimes you can be incredibly short sighted, which isn't all that great when you are supposed to be saving the world. I'll cut him some slack because he is a teenager. Maybe.

There was also more action in this book than I prefer. So much action! Fighting those bad guys! Which means it would probably be a great book for teenage boys. My brain kind of shuts down during action sequences in books, very similar to how it shuts down when sports is on T.V. It really doesn't interest me all that much, so I start skimming while my brain computes "blah blah blah fighting ... blah blah blah shooting ... blah blah blah more fighting" until it's done. No worries, there is plenty of plot without the action, but there is still plenty (plenty!) of action. You are hereby warned.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: heavy; Profanity: yes, a bit; Sex: making out

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns

by Beth Revis

Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. It’s been three months. In that time, Amy has learned to hide who she is. Elder is trying to be the leader he’s always wanted to be. But as the ship gets more and more out of control, only one thing is certain: They have to get off the ship.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book follows where Across the Universe leaves off and is the 2nd in the series. I really like the first one - I thought it was a fresh entry in the sci-fi world. This book was just as enjoyable, with some great mind blowing plot discoveries (that I hadn't even guessed! Which is awesome!) and lovely suspense as we tried to figure out all of the mysteries on the ship. I like seeing how torn Elder is - sometimes cocky, sometimes humbly confused - I felt so bad for how his world was spiraling out of control. Rather than irritate me, the dual narrators helped to give a bigger picture to what was happening and gave us two voices to listen to rather than one. There was a little bit of relationship trouble, of course (kind of required for 2nd books, I guess) which is always a little annoying, but in general this was another fun read and I look forward to the next one! Oh WHAT will happen!

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderate; Profanity: some nonsense words that are the obvious counterpart; Sex: just kissing between main characters, but oblique references to sex and rape

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Living Dead Girl

by Elizabeth Scott 

Once upon a time, I was a little girl who disappeared. Once upon a time, my name was not Alice.

Once upon a time, I didn't know how lucky I was.


When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.

Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.

This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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My darling brother, devoted reader of this blog, called me up a few weeks ago and asked which Elizabeth Scott book he should read. I told him I hadn't read any of the ones he mentioned and he was flabbergasted, dumbfounded, and disappointed. I guess at some point on this blog I said "I have recently discovered Elizabeth Scott and look forward to devouring everything she has written" and of course he remembered and I had LET HIM DOWN! Alas. Of course I had, and still have, the intention of reading more of Elizabeth Scott, but my to-read list is extensive and I simply hadn't gotten around to it yet. So next time I went to the library I picked up whatever Elizabeth Scott books my library had (all two of them) and here we go!

So. This book. First off, do you know how many books are called "Living Dead Girl" on goodreads? Seven! Doesn't that seem like a large number? That is a lot of books with the same title, and hopefully they all aren't as depressing as this book. Ugh. This book was hard to read, and I admittedly skimmed and skipped to the end because it was so draining. The subject matter is terrible and horrible and nightmarish and I'm honestly not interested in reading about it. Yes, I know horrible things happen to people, and sometimes it's important to read about it so that you can empathize and work toward a better world, but I have a difficult time using that rationalization with fiction books. I might force myself to read something that really happened to people (they lived it, the least I can do is read it) but I don't need to read about horrible things that happened to someone imaginary. I can't advise anyone to read this book - it's about a dark and perverse world that just happens to be the one we live in. And the ending totally sucked.

 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence, Profanity, Sex: YES, all of the above. A girl is abused in every way for years.

Zombies Vs. Unicorns by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier

Zombies Vs. Unicorns

by Holly Black (Editor), Justine Larbalestier (Editor), Alaya Dawn Johnson, Maureen Johnson, Carrie Ryan, Scott Westerfeld, Meg Cabot, Garth Nix, Kathleen Duey, Margo Lanagan, Naomi Novik, Diana Peterfreund, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare

It's a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths--for good and evil--of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad-ass) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling teen authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan. This anthology will have everyone asking: Team Zombie or Team Unicorn?

(summary from goodreads.com)

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As with most anthologies, I picked this up from the library because I loved the list of authors. What an AWESOME list! I have read and loved books from several of the authors and looked forward to reading their short stories. I was also curious to know which side I would be on - it was honestly a question I have never considered, since I'm more of a dragon lover. I find Zombies fairly disgusting and have only read one book about them I enjoyed, mostly because it was based on one of my favorite books and not because it contained brain eating creatures from the dead. Unicorns - sure, they are beautiful, I can't say I'm girlie enough to love them. I would probably prefer meeting a unicorn to meeting a zombie, but wouldn't most sane people? But seriously, give me a dragon any day. 

At the end, were my preconceived notions and opinions changed, or did they stand firm in the face of awesome zombies and gorgeous yet sometimes vicious unicorns? Well ... I still think zombies are disgusting. And I still don't love unicorns. And I still prefer dragons. BUT ... several of the stories were a ton of fun to read, though it was certainly a mixed bag. What I loved most about the book was 1) the banter between Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier throughout the book and 2) the fabulous differences in each story. No author treated either unicorns or zombies in the same way, which made each story refreshing and new. What I liked least about the book was the huge disparity in appropriateness. Some stories were fine and others were a distasteful and went way beyond what I feel is appropriate for YA literature, which means my children will never ever read this book until they are no longer under my roof and I am no longer responsible for their moral decisions. Some stories were simply fabulous - Meg Cabot? Well played. SUCH a fun story. The authors I knew I would like I liked, and only one new author made me interested in reading more of her works. Some of the new authors - well, I won't touch their books with a ten foot pole. (Harsh? Perhaps. But I won't name names, so no harm done, right?)

 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: yes, moderate, lots of brain eating. Profanity: YES, ick. Sex: YES, ick.

Endlessly by Kiersten White

Endlessly

by Kiersten White 

  Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.

The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands.

So much for normal.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Endlessly is the third in a series of three books about Evie, an adorable girlie girl who I liked a lot. Seriously, she has a pink taser she calls Tasey. And it's not even annoying. These books aren't fantastically written but they are cute and since I like the heroine I can forgive a lot of things. This was my favorite book of the series - I love how Evie is happy with who she is and yes, still figuring out WHAT she is, but in general she is just a girl trying to deal with an abnormal life. I love her relationships with Lend (her boyfriend), Vivian (her sister), Raquel (her mother figure) and so many others. I found myself laughing out loud at times, which is not something I do all that often. The "curse" put on Lend and Evie for a few chapters? Totally hilarious. Her prom? So cute. I even liked annoying Jack and ruthless Reth. I love how the vampires are all manky and disgusting and the unicorns are ugly. These books are great brain candy but still have a good moral to them.Very fun reads.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: mild Profanity: none that I can remember ... Sex: just kissing

Lost Voices/Waking Storms by Sarah Porter

Lost Voices 

by Sarah Porter  

Fourteen-year-old Luce has had a tough life, but she reaches the depths of despair when she is assaulted and left on the cliffs outside of a grim, gray Alaskan fishing village. She expects to die when she tumbles into the icy waves below, but instead undergoes an astonishing transformation and becomes a mermaid. A tribe of mermaids finds Luce and welcomes her in—all of them, like her, lost girls who surrendered their humanity in the darkest moments of their lives. Luce is thrilled with her new life until she discovers the catch: the mermaids feel an uncontrollable desire to drown seafarers, using their enchanted voices to lure ships into the rocks. Luce possesses an extraordinary singing talent, which makes her important to the tribe—she may even have a shot at becoming their queen. However her struggle to retain her humanity puts her at odds with her new friends. Will Luce be pressured into committing mass murder? The first book in a trilogy, Lost Voices is a captivating and wildly original tale about finding a voice, the healing power of friendship, and the strength it takes to forgive.

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Waking Storms

by Sarah Porter  

After parting ways with her troubled mermaid tribe, Luce just wants to live peacefully on her own. But her tranquility doesn’t last long: she receives news that the tribe is on the verge of collapse and desperately needs her leadership. The tribe’s cruel queen wants Luce dead. Dorian, the boy Luce broke mermaid law to save, is determined to make her pay for her part in the murder of his family. And while the mermaids cling to the idea that humans never suspect their existence, there are suddenly ominous signs to the contrary. But when Luce and Dorian meet, they start to wonder if love can overpower the hatred they know they should feel for each other. Can Luce fulfill her rightful role as queen of the mermaids without sacrificing her forbidden romance with Dorian?

(summaries from goodreads.com)

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I picked up Waking Storms from the library shelf because I thought it looked interesting - I had previously read a mermaid story and wasn't impressed with it, and I wanted to see if it was mermaids in general that weren't terribly exciting or just that book specifically. When I started reading it I realized it was the 2nd book in a series, and I can NOT read a series out of order. Just can't do it. Thankfully my library had a digital copy of Lost Voices, so I was able to read them both in a row, which is why I decided to review them together.

Honestly, Lost Voices was disappointing. It was dark and grisly and dealt with horrible things humans do to each other, but then didn't really get lighter. No happy conclusion. I like happy conclusions! I thought Luce was finally finding acceptance and family and then it all fell apart again. It was a story about a bunch of abused girls revenging themselves on mankind in general and it was kind of depressing. The larva (both how they are formed and what generally happens to them) were frankly disturbing. I liked Luce, I liked her moral strugglings, but she was too young for me to identify with and the book didn't do much for me. If I didn't have the 2nd book waiting on my bookshelf I never would have read it.

So then I read Waking Storms, with the plan to just skim through it so I could put the series to rest and not look back. But then I loved it - what a fascinating book! Lost Voices was a really long, dark prequel to what turned out to be a great book. I loved how the mermaids were written into the real world and their culture and lifestyle explained almost every myth we hear about mermaids or sirens or similar mythological beings. I liked finally seeing the interactions between humans and mermaids, something that was very minor in the first book. Knowing an FBI agent, I had to smirk a little at the stereotypical FBI agents in the book, but then I turned out to really like one of them. (The scene where several uppity ups listen to a recording of mermaid song was frankly hilarious.) Dorian was fabulous and even his ultimate frailty turned it into a better story. The ending was heartrending and horrible but perfect and I honestly can't wait to read the third one.

So, if you want to read this series, don't give up after the first book. Or better yet, skim the first and move straight on to the second. Of even better YET, email me and I'll give you a synopsis so you can skip the first book all together.  

Lost Voices: 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: yes, moderate, some episodes of abuse and several drownings. Profanity: none. Sex: an attempted rape, mild references to worse abuse, some kissing.

Waking Storms: 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: yes, more drownings, fights Profanity: YES! NOT good words. Why, Sarah Porter, why? Sex: mild discussions, fairly heavy making out