Review: In A Heartbeat

Okay final review of day. Enjoy:)

In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
Published: by Walker Books for Young Readers- 2/2/10
Pages: 195
Series or Standalone? Standalone.
Acquired From: Around The World Tours

Summary (from GoodReads):
When a small mistake costs sixteen-year-old Eagan her life during a figure-skating competition, she leaves many things unreconciled, including her troubled relationship with her mother. From her vantage point in the afterlife, Eagan reflects back on her memories, and what she could have done differently, through her still-beating heart.

When fourteen-year-old Amelia learns she will be getting a heart transplant, her fear and guilt battle with her joy at this new chance at life. And afterwards when she starts to feel different — dreaming about figure skating, craving grape candy —her need to learn about her donor leads her to discover and explore Eagan’s life,meeting her grieving loved ones and trying to bring the closure they all need to move on.

Told in alternating viewpoints, In a Heartbeat tells the emotional and compelling story of two girls sharing one heart.

In A Heartbeat was good, but I'm having trouble saying more than that. I think I was expecting a wonderful, heartfelt, have-me-balling-my-eyes-out book- and all I got was good.

I'm not trying to undermine the quality of the book, it was good, but I felt I had expected a lot more than I got.

I mean I'm a horribly over-emotional person, but I did not shed a tear though I fully expected to. (I mean come on, its about a heart transplant between two teens younger or a year older than myself. That definitely sounds tear worthy.) I feel as if my lack of tears comes from my lack of connection. Though even with a deep connection I still don't know if I would have cried because its not as gut-wrenching as I had anticipated.

Can I specifically pin-point my where my lack of connection came from? No. I think it was a combination of predictability and a little bit of being melo-dramatic.

In regards to characters, they were good. Again, I'm having trouble saying more than that.

Amelia. I liked her more than the other characters, including the other protagonist. Not quite sure why, but I think its because she seemed genuine.

Eagan. I liked seeing her remininces of her life. She was mostly a static character, but I think to an extent that might have been the author's point.

The Boy we come across. Yeah I forgot his name. Which in all honestly isn't that hard to do. But okay, who didn't see the ending coming as soon as we met him?

Overall, In A Heartbeat was a good/okay book, and despite all of the faults I have found in it, I truly encourage you to pick it up and decide for yourselves. (I have also seen some rave reviews for this book!) I recommend this one more so to girls.

When Hooked: Some Where in the Early Stages of Book.
Hookability: (8/10)
Writing: (9/10)
Characters: (8/10)
Plot: (8.5/10)
Originality: (9/10)
Romance: (5.5/10)
Ending: (7/10)
Remembarable: (8.5/10)
Recommendability: (8.5/10)
Enjoyability: (8/10)

Overall: (8.05/10)









(If you're a "letter person" 80/100= A-)


*To see others' reviews of this book who were a part of the Around The World Tour, go here.
**Cute cover though it is a bit cliche. Cover= 7.5/10

Want More Loretta Ellsworth? She is also the author of In Search of Mockingbird and The Shrouding Woman, which are both currently released.

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You can find Loretta Ellsworth on:
her website (http://www.lorettaellsworth.com/)
her blog (http://www.lorettaellsworth.com/journal/current.html)
or on GoodReads (where she is a member)

You can find In A Heartbeat at:
GoodReads / Borders / Barnes&Noble / Amazon / Indie

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Also, take a look at the book trailer for In A Heartbeat!

Review: The Dark Devine

So that's 3 reviews in one day from me, pretty good. One more today and than I'm calling it quits. Sad thing is that I'm still not even going to be caught up until a couple more reviews though:(

The Dark Devine by Bree Despain
Published: by Egmont USA - 12/22/09
Pages: 375
Series or Standalone? 1st in a series. (I don't know how many books are planned but I know there is a sequel.)

Summary (from GoodReads):
Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

Awesome! Yes, that is how I'm going to start of this review because this book was awesome from start to finish! It has secured a place on my "favorite debuts" and "favorite books of all times" lists.

I'm seriously at a loss here on how to review this without just saying how awesome it is every other word or giving anything away.

One thing I will say though is that I was not aware going into this book that this this was a book with supernatural aspects, which I totally think made it ten times more awesome!

Let it be known though that once you start this book you will not be able to put it down until you have read every last word! I mean homework, cooking, cleaning? Forget about it- you're going to be too hooked!

In regards to characters, Bree Despain kicks some serious butt! They were all highly developed, dynamic, and well, awesome!

Grace. Such a wonderful protagonist/ heroine. She is the right mix of courageous and strong, and yet vulnerable to be a very "real"/believable character! And that is to be seriously admired by both Grace and Despain!

Daniel. Uhm, Best Bad Boy of '09 contender right here! He is also the right mix of things; bad boy and heart throb yet seriously hot because he can be sensitive too.

Jude. All I can say is that the evolution of him was quite a thing to see. (well, read.)

Also, I shall address the "religious" aspect of the book. While I personally don't have a problem with religion being mentioned in a book (as long as its not being preached at me), I know that some do. Yes, there is a religion mentioned and it is an aspect, but it is in no way preaching or advocating one religion over another. It is however adding depth (right word?) in that it really puts it in perspective the significance of some of the character's actions because of the religion.

Oh my word, I just seriously love this book! The story is so enthralling and captivating that time is almost at a standstill. I simply can't find a flaw in it.

Overall, The Dark Devine is a simply amazing debut that is now one of my all time favorite books. I highly recommend it to all- slightly leaning more towards girls- but I think all can find enjoyment in it.

When Hooked: Immediately.
Hookability: (10/10)
Writing: (10/10)
Characters: (10/10)
Plot: (10/10)
Originality: (10/10)
Romance: (10/10)
Ending: (9.5/10)
Remembarable: (10/10)
Recommendability: (10/10)
Enjoyability: (10/10)

Overall: (9.84/10)








(If you are a "letter person" 99.5/100 = A+)*

*This is a great example of how my scoring of the aspects doesn't necessarily correlate with the overall rating. Though they usually are close.
**Also: This cover is soooo cool! I absolutely adore the purple! Cover= (9.5/10)

Want More Bree Despain? The sequel to The Dark Devine (which doesn't have a determined title yet) is set to be released 2011, I think.

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You can find Bree Despain on:
her website (http://www.breedespain.com/)
her blog (http://www.breebiesingerdespain.blogspot.com/)
her twitter (@BreeDespain)
or on GoodReads (where she is a member)

You can find The Dark Devine at:
GoodReads / Borders / Barnes&Noble / Amazon / Indie

Review: The Espressologist

After writing this review, I am seriously craving some coffee! :)

The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
Published: by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux - 10/27/09
Pages: 184
Series or Standalone? Standalone.

Summary (from GoodReads):
What’s your drink of choice? Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you’re lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it’s a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie.

Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it’s not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane’s Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee.

Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She’s the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right? With overtones of Jane Austen’s Emma and brimming with humor and heart, this sweet, frothy debut will be savored by readers.

In the time before reading The Espressologist but having heard of it, I was seriously psyched for it- I mean the synopsis sounds sounds so cool! So going into this book I had really high expectations, and I think thats where I had my problem with this book. It was in no way a bad book, it was seriously cute, but altogether it wasn't my cup of tea, or coffee rather.

I have to give Springer props for the idea though because I am seriously in love with it! Hooking people up based on their coffee orders? That is so cool, especially for a coffee addict like myself.

The Espressologist was very fast paced as you were always wanting to know what happens next. It was never that you couldn't probably tell where the book was headed, but I still wanted to see how it would all play out. And it was a quite fun, cute ride getting there.

In regards to the characters, I felt that Jane might have been the only dynamic character. Not that is necessarily a bad thing, but it might have been nice to see a bit more sides to the other characters.

Also, the whole romance-drama thing- I totally called the ending as soon as the whole drama was being foreshadowed. Which again isn't exactly a bad thing, I just usually like a book that has me guessing a bit more. Though this is probably because I have become a sort of an expert on predicting later events after the 100s of books, movies, and TV I have watched/read.

All in all, a very cute, light but fun debut. While a bit predictable, it makes up in its coffee loving awesomeness. I would recommend this to girls looking for a fun, cute, COFFEE read (or just a fun, cute read in general!) Seeing as there really is zero sexual/inappropiate content I think this could be a YA-MG crossover.

When Hooked: Early On.
Hookability: (8/10)
Writing: (9/10)
Characters: (8/10)
Plot: (8.5/10) <-- I'm torn; concept is awesome but...
Originality: (9.5/10) <-- again, concept is awesome but execution...
Romance: (7/10) <-- About that...
Ending: (8/10)
Remembarable: (7/10)
Recommendability: (7/10)
Enjoyability: (7.5/10)

Overall: (7.97/10)








(If you're a "letter person" 79.5/100 = C+)

*I ♥ the coffee heart! It makes me want some coffee too! Cover= (8/10)

Want more Kristina Springer?
Her second book, My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours, is due out from FSG on September 1st, 2010; and her third book, Pumpkin Princess will be out sometime in the Fall 2011.

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You can find Jackson Pearce on:
her website (http://www.kristinaspringer.com/)
her blog (http://kspringer.livejournal.com/)
her twitter (@TinaSpringer)
or on GoodReads (where she is a member)

You can find The Espessologist at:
GoodReads / Borders / Barnes & Noble / Amazon / Indie

Review: Marni

It should be noted that as this is a non-fiction book, this is bit of an unconventional review for me. {P.S.- Marni=Book, and Marni=author}

Marni by Marni Bates
Published: by HCI Teens - 8/3/09
Pages: 159
Series or Standalone? Part if the Louder Than Words books, but they all stand as standalones.

Summary (from GoodReads):
Marni Bates has battled a stress-related disorder known as trichotillomania for roughly six years. The impulse to pull out all her hair (including her eyelashes and eyebrows), has been a source of much pain, frustration, and in rare moments, humor. It wasn't until Marni googled 'hair-pulling' that she discovered what she was doing had a name and an explanation. Hiding her condition took a lot of work, but being confronted with it was far more difficult. Unfortunately, the majority of high school students don't know how to react when faced with trich. Health courses tend to focus on already highly publicized conditions such as anorexia and bulimia, ignoring other stress-related disorders.

In Marni, author Marni Bates powerfully shares her journey, from the roots of her anxiety which was caused by her parents' messy divorce when she was eight, a dysfunctional relationship with her sister and father, and feeling like such a misfit that she convinced her mom to let her drop out of middle school to be homeschooled, to having her emotional turmoil give birth to trichotillomania. The urge to pull out all of her hair felt as uncontrollable and natural as breathing or cracking her knuckles. Unfortunately, her new habit led to social embarrassment, crushingly low self-esteem, and years of therapy.

First off, let me say that going into this book I was extremely nervous. I usually hate non-fiction books- I avoid them like the plague- but this one has left me to actual question that. It was that good.

Straight from the getgo Marni gets you immersed into the inner workings of her head, and its quite an interesting place to be. Like I said, I'm not an usual fan of non-fiction, and I'm not sure if it was because Marni is a teen or her story is just that awesome, but I loved this book!

I found Marni a really relatable book, though I personally don't have trichotillomania, or hadn't even heard of it before. I think this is a major reason why I loved this work of non-fiction while I usually hate the others; This one I could make a definite connection with , while the others I felt lacked that.

In any case, regardless of why I loved this book, the point is I did! The writing was fantastic and flowing, the story enthralling, and the narrator genuine. A fabulous book from page 1 to close. I recommend this to all, mostly girls though I guess, who want a good non-fiction read or want to learn more about trichotillomania. If Bates were ever to write anything else I would surely pick it up. Oh and as soon as I track them down, I'm definitely reading the other two Louder Than Words books!*

When Hooked: Immediately.
Hookability: (9/10)
Writing: (9.5/10)
Characters: (10/10) <--Marni was awesome!
Plot: (10/10) <-- Uhm its her life though, so its kind of hard to judge!
Originality: (10/10)
Romance: (--/10) <-- I loved how it ended, but once again with the real life thing.
Ending: (9.5/10)
Remembarable: (10/10)
Recommendability: (10/10)
Enjoyability: (10/10)

Overall: (9.21/10)








(If you are a "letter person" 87.5/90 = A+)

*There are a couple more Louder Than Words books to be released this year (?), and Chelsea (of the Page Flipper) is to be one of them! see here.
**Also: Thats not the real Marni on the cover, though she is shown on the back flap inside book, but the cover is quite gorgeous. Cover= (9/10)

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You can find Marni Bates on:
her website/blog (http://www.louderthanwordsbooks.com/marni/blog/)
or on GoodReads (though she isn't a member)

You can find Marni at:
GoodReads / Borders / Barnes&Noble / Amazon / Indie

Review: As You Wish

I have no (good) reason why it look me so long to post this, sorry:(

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

Published: by HarperTeen- 8/25/09

Pages: 304

Series of Standalone? Standalone

Debut? 2009 Deb

Summary (from GoodReads):

Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.

Jackson Pearce spins a magical tale about star-crossed lovers, what it means to belong . . and how important it is to be careful what you wish for.

Wow. I am writing this review with some time between the time I read this and now, and I am still in awe. What a great debut! And though 2009 was full of fabulous debut books, this is definitely a contender for my favorite 2009 debut!
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Before diving into more about the book, I'm going to give you a little back story. In early 2009 when I came across the 2009 Debs site, I also came across Jackson Pearce. I found her blog and it was so outstandingly funny that I had begun to "stalk" her. {Not in a creepy way- she lives to far away from me for that anyhow.} I began to check her blog everyday to see if there was a new post, and then continue to check it multiple times throughout the day. (Please note this is wayy before I started a blog of my own or had come across the wondrous book blogging community.) I then found her YouTube which was full of even more hilarities. Which led to my EXTREME want need for her book. (Closer to the release date I even checked my library's online catalog constantly to see when it was coming in- which took FOREVER btw.)
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Needless to say going into this book I was extremely psyched and had high hopes for this book. And the best thing was that this book did not disappoint, but instead it made me aware of new levels of awesome I hadn't known of before.
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As You Wish is a fast-paced read that digs its claws into you with it's hook and will keep you immersed the whole time with its epicness of action.

Literally from start to finish I was utterly captivated, there was no way I was going to be able to put it down- not even for a minute.

In addition, the characterization used by Pearce was fantastic. Usually theres at least one character/ character fault I don't like in a book, and I'm not sure how she did this, but Pearce was able to make me love every single character. Even the characters who weren't designed to be "liked" I still loved.

Viola. Oh my word, I ♥ Viola. She was truly an exceptional character. I really identified with her (though not her situation) and due to her relatability was able to connect with the book on a whole new level.

Jinn. Dibs! I looooooooove Jinn! If I were to ever find out that jinns are real, he would be mine. I can't even put it into words why he's so awesome. Sure he's cute, hilarious, and oh so sweet, but theres also something I can't put my finger on that makes him so awesome.

Lawrence. Again, I looooove him! He was so cute, I want one of him for my self.

Now, the ending. Gahhh! I don't want to give anything away, but I was supremely happy with the ending. It was a happy ending minus the "Disney" style happily ever after that are so often correlated with happy endings. Basically, it ended happy but not in a predictable over-dramatised way.

All in all, As You Wish was a wonderful read, and debut nonetheless. I don't know if you got the picture already but everything- the plot, the romance, the writing, the characters, the originality, the ending, the EVERYTHING- was simply fantastic. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good "light" fantasy read*, but leaning more towards girls than guys.

When Hooked: Immediately.
Hookability: (10/10)
Writing: (9.5/10)
Characters: (9.5/10)
Plot: (10/10)
Originality: (9.5/10)
Romance: (9.5/10)
Ending: (9.5/10)
Remembarable: (9.5/10)
Recommendability: (9.5/10)
Enjoyability: (10/10)

Overall: (9.23/10)

(If you're a "letter person" 96.5/100= A)

*I am in no way trying to say that this is a "light" book that is shallow and lacks depth, because this is certainly not the case. I am only saying that as a fantasy novel it is on the lighter side in regards to the fantasy aspects of it.

Want More Jackson Pearce? Her sophomore novel Sisters Red, the first of a series, is set to release in Hardcover on July 7th, 2010 from Little Brown for Young Readers. The sequel Sweetly will release on an undetermined date in 2011.

You can find Jackson Pearce on:
her website/blog (http://jacksonpearce.com/)
her twitter (@JacksonPearce)
or on GoodReads (where she is a member)

You can find As You Wish at:
GoodReads / Borders / Barnes&Noble / Amazon / Indie

Review: Skinned

This one took me a bit longer to review mostly because I was trying to find the right words to describe it. This proved to be a bit difficult at times.

Skinned By Robin Wasserman
Published: by Simon Pulse- 9/9/08
Pages: 361
Series or Standalone? 1st of trilogy.

Summary (from GoodReads):
Lia Kahn was perfect: rich, beautiful, popular -- until the accident that nearly killed her. Now she has been downloaded into a new body that only looks human. Lia will never feel pain again, she will never age, and she can't ever truly die. But she is also rejected by her friends, betrayed by her boyfriend, and alienated from her old life.

Forced to the fringes of society, Lia joins others like her. But they are looked at as freaks. They are hated...and feared. They are everything but human, and according to most people, this is the ultimate crime -- for which they must pay the ultimate price.

I'm just going to start off by saying this is nothing like I have ever read. And let me tell you as a huge Sci-Fi nerd, especially through Middle School, I have read a lot of out there books. Nonetheless, this book is sure to "wow" you. I have seen people's reviews go both ways, but I think its brilliant.

Scott Westerfeld has called this series, "a gripping trilogy," and I am definitely in agreement with the Sci-Fi King. Actually, while I do prefer the Uglies series a bit more, I do believe the Skinned series is a strong contender for best Sci-Fi series. With the descriptions of Lia's "transformation" being so raw and heartbreakingly real, and the technology so evolved and well, awesome, its like a Sci-Fi dream come true. I am definitely going to read Wasserman other books, even the non Sci-Fi ones.

From page 1 to close, there was action and adventure and a tone of mystery that makes you want to keep on turning page after page. That hook gets you early on and does not let you go. Though it is likely you will have to take small breaks while reading this to be able to process everything.

Also, Wasserman uses some strong characterization that I really enjoyed. In this book there were characters I particurarly couldn't stand- but this just illustrated how good of a job Wasserman did in those situations.

Lia. At the start Lia was a little self-centered and conceited, which was a tad bit annoying, but in the grand scheme of things, this was essential to the plot and so I found this quite easy to overlook. As things move along after her "transformation" I really felt for Lia, and was able to really like her. Something about the outrageous, terrifying occurances she has to face really made me love her and root for her.

Riley. I looooove Riley. Seriously, where can I find my own Riley? I dont want to give anything away but then end of this book just about ripped my heart into two. (Its not what you think- I'll tell you that.)

Jude. I don't always want to, but I love Jude. Sometimes I may want to scream at him, but what can I say, the guy grew on me. I'm even rooting for him in the next book!

Now, the ending. "OH MY WORD." That is all I could think at the end if the book. Well that and, "I NEED the next one!" I am definitely excited to see how this story plays out. Its very thought provoking and will make you really think about the value of a human life and the result of technologically advancing ourselves.

All in all, I think this was a wonderful book. Like I've said before, this book makes you think, hard, so your guaranteed to remember this one. I would recommend this to all Sci-Fi fans boys and girls alike, but also those who want a good action-packed yet thought provoking read.

When Hooked. Immediately.
Hookability: (10/10)
Writing: (9.5/10)
Characters: (9.5/10)
Plot: (10/10)
Originality: (9.5/10)
Romance: (8/10)*
Ending: (9.5/10)
Remembrable: (10/10)
Recommendability: (10/10)
Enjoyability: (10/10)

Overall: (9.68/10)

(If you're a "letter person" 96/100=A)

* I do believe that in future installments the romance will be more developed, but in this particular book there wasn't much romance. (Though I think the point was to introduce it more than anything.)

Want more Skinned? The second book Crashed is currently released in Hardcover, and the final book Wired is set to be released September 14th, 2010.

Want more Robin Wasserman? She has a Seven Deadly Sins series out which books include Lust, Envy, Pride, Wrath, Sloth, Gluttony, and Greed. Also, she is the author Hacking Harvard and a few others.

You can find her on:
her website (http://www.robinwasserman.com/),
her twitter (@robinwasserman),
her blog (http://www.robinwasserman.livejournal.com/),
or on GoodReads (though she isn't a member.)

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Also, check out this AWESOME book trailer I found of Skinned:

Review: Catching Fire

This is wayy overdue. Also, you may have noticed I have slightly changed my review style yet again. I think this is the way it will stay though from now on, I like it a lot better. But who knows I change my mind a lot. {And dont worry if you get intimidated by long reviews- its actually shorter than it appears.} :]

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Published: by Scholastic- 9/1/09
Pages: 391
Series or Standalone? Book 2 in possibly the most amazing trilogy that has ever graced before my eyes!

Summary (from GoodReads):

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Where do I start with Catching Fire? The only words that come to mind when trying to describe this are; "amazing," "mind-blowing," and "sooooo good." The Hunger Games trilogy is so absolutely beautiful in almost every possible way, that it is hard not to write a review on it that is not a total gush fest.

Unlike the majority it seems, I actually like Catching Fire better than The Hunger Games. They are both amazing, but I like the plot in this installment better. There was something about the intensity and energy of this book with literally not having any idea what is going to happen next that made me fall head over heals for this book.

That intensity also got me immensely hooked. I mean once you start reading you're HOOKED. Seriously, this book should come with a warning along the lines if this- "WARNING: Once you start this book (series), you will be so captivated by it, it shall be impossible to put down."

While I definitely like some characters WAY more than others- I still love them all.

Katniss. I love Katniss! She is strong, stubborn, and truly passionate in the things she believes in. Shes my role model. And while obviously my life/experiences are NOTHING like hers, I find her very relatable through how she expresses her thoughts and feelings, inwardly and outwardly.

Peeta. I loooooove Peeta! I wish I had a Peeta in my own life- he is just so sweet and truly genuine. And while I think he might not be the best for Katniss per se, it still doesn't take away the love I have for him.

Gale. True we don't see much of him throughout the books, but everytime I do see him he hath captured my heart!

Characters Katniss and Peeta meet in Hunger Games. They are so all quirky and distinct- I might not "like" them all, but I think they make great additions to the book.

Also, while it was a definite cliff-hanger (especially more than that of THG) as it makes me want to beg on my knees to Scholastic for a copy of Book 3, or at least get as a sneak peak. Or read a ton of mechanical books so I can build a time machine and set it for August 24th.

Overall, this book radiates originality*, and pure awesomeness. Its the kind of book that stays with you and you will most definitely remember. I can almost guarantee you will fall in love with this book, and thus I recommend to everyone above age 10, boys and girls alike.

When Hooked. Immediately.
Hookability: (10/10)
Writing: (10/10)
Characters: (10/10)
Plot: (10/10)
Originality: (10/10)*
Romance: (9.5/10)**
Ending: (9.5/10)
Remembrable: (10/10)
Recommendability: (10/10)

Enjoyability: (10/10)

Overall: (9.96/10) The highest rated book so far if I might add.

(If you are a "letter person" 99/100= A+)

*There has been some debate over whether or not The Hunger Games is a total "copy"/"rip off" of Koushun Takami's Battle Royale, and though I have yet to read Battle Royale so I cant make a proper refute, I refuse to believe that it is a rip-off because while the kids fighting to their death may not have been originally Suzanne Collins' idea, everything else about this book is just so amazing and unique that there is no way its a rip off.

**For fun debate on Team Gale vs. Team Peeta by Heidi R. Kling and other fabulous YA authors and bloggers check out Chelsea's post here.

Review: Beautiful Disaster

Woah, this is like the 4th "chick-lity" book I've reviewed in a row. Later today there will be 1-2, maybe more depending on how fast I type, reviews that non-chick lit! :)

Beautiful Disaster by Kate Brian
Published: by Simon & Schuster- 6/2/09
Pages: 278
Series or Standalone? 2nd in a series.

Summary (from GoodReads):
She's Back....

After wasting away in a mental institution for a year and a half, Ariana Osgood is finally back where she belongs. She has a new look, a new name, and a new life -- all thanks to her former friend Briana Leigh Covington.

Now enrolled as a junior at the exclusive Atherton-Pryce boarding school just outside of D.C., Ariana sleeps in Frette sheets, flirts with the captain of the crew team, and gossips with the most beautiful girls on campus. She killed to get back her life of privilege. Just how far will she go to keep it?

From the author of the bestselling Private novels comes a series about the dark world of wealth, secrets, and privilege.

My Review: Oh how my love grows for Kate Brian! Only she could make me love a serial killer, (well if were not counting Dexter.) The plot was so different from the previous, yet just as amazing, this book has confirmed that this series shall be deemed an official favorite of mine.
When Hooked. Immediately. Surprisingly, the previous novel didn't end with that "Kate Brian cliff-hanger" I'm accustomed too. Having said that, I was still just as eager to read it as if that cliff-hanger was in it, they are addicting, and have you hooked from the first page.
Hookability: (9.5/10) I was not released from the hook until I had read the very last word. And even then I was not actually let go of the hook because I am itching to get my hands on the next installment.
Writing: (9.5/10) Brian's writing is completely engrossing and addicting- I can't get enough! Everything flows together effortlessly, and totally engages you into it.
Characters: (9/10) I am still shocked at myself for liking Arielle so much, I absolutely hated her in the Private series. I do like her though, and root for her, and sympathesize with her. What is wrong with me? She's a serial killer!!! Everyone else is very confusing and I need one more book before I make my brutal assumptions about them.
Plot: (9/10) Like I said before, very different than the jail break plot of the previous book. I do like that Brain went back to her element of exclusive houses, and living among the pristige, I eat that stuff up!
Originality: (9/10) Brian has an excellent way of spinning things that may have been done before and making them her own. She has quite the talent, and even though some elements are along the same lines of the Private books, there is no denying she has created something not quite like anything else out there.
Romance: (---/10) Definitely has the promise for a nice little romance in the next book, but this one wasn't about romance, it was about how Arielle was adjusting, and so it would be unfair to count romance.
Ending: (9.5/10) Ahhhh, the Kate Brian cliff-hanger returns! I need the next book, what the flip is going to happen next?
Remembrable: (9/10) I have a feeling that eventually all the events will form one big timeline rather than being remembered which specific book an event took place. For the time being though, I definitely find the events of this book to be remembrable, they are essential, and just so juicy and mysterious you can't help but to remember.
Recommendability: (9.5/10) I recommend to all mid to older teen girls who are in need of a chick-lit esk book! Especially fans of Private! Going by those guidelines, this series won't dissapoint!
Any particular graphic/violence/inappropiate content? No, no and no. There might have been a couple implied references, but besides that it was totally clean! (10+)
Overall: (9.79/10) A great sequel of a series that will leave you begging for more! Time will pass very quickly from start to finish because it is so enthralling you just want to read it!

Cover Comments: While I was reading the first book I was imaging what Arielle's new makeover would look like, and this literally exactly how I imagined it to be! Kudos to you over at Simon & Schuster! (10/10)
Want More "Privilege"? There are currently 2 other books out in the series; (in order) Privilege, and Perfect Mistake. The 4th book Sweet Deceit, is set to June 8th, 2010.
Want More by Kate Brian? Kate Brian also has another series which is called the Private series, (and is quite good also!) The Private series currently has 10 books released; (in order) Private, Invitation Only, Untouchable, Confessions, Inner Circle, Legacy, Ambition, Revelation, Last Christmas (Private prequel), and Paradise Lost. The 11th book Scandal, is set to release March 9th, 2010, and the 12th book Vanished, to release August 31st, 2010
Want more by Author? You may not be aware but Kate Brian is a pseudonym that Kieran Scott uses. Kieran Scott writes books under her name also. She is the author of the Non-Blonde Cheerleader series, which is a cute, funny series aimed towards more a slightly younger age books include; (in order) I Was A Non-Blonde Cheerleader, Brunettes Strike Back, and A Non-Blonde Cheerleader In Love. She also has many other books out including Geek Magnet, and Jingle Boy. I am eagerly looking forward to her newest book She's So Dead to Us to be released May 25, 2010, which is a first in a trilogy and sounds really good.

Review: Suspicion

Woah, sorry this review was posted so late today. I didn't even wake up until 2 pm, and that 5 Challenge post took me forever to post!

Suspicion by Kate Brian
Published: by Simon & Schuster- 9/8/09
Pages: 212
Series or Standalone? 10th book in a series.

Summary (from GoodReads):
Forbidden fruit...

Reed, Noelle, and former Billings Girls Kiran and Taylor have been living it up on St. Barths over winter break. The tropical sun has melted away all the tensions of last semester, and for the first time in months, Reed is happy. She's got her best friends by her side, she has a palatial suite with an ocean view, and she's landed Upton, the most sought-after guy on the island.

Reed is falling in love.

But dating Upton makes Reed St. Barths' highest-profile guest -- and not in a good way. Upton has a dark past, and he's broken a lot of hearts. One of his exes still wants him. And she'll do whatever it takes to get Reed out of the picture.

My Review: Yet another awesome book in the addicting Private series. While this book felt a little like a bridge, or filler, from one book to another, I still loved every second of it!
When Hooked: Immediately. The last book Paradise Lost left us with such an unbelievable cliff-hanger that as soon as you flip open the first page of Suspicion you are hooked.
Hookability: (9.5/10) This series is one where you pick the book up, read, and about an hour to two hours later, you find that you just finished the book. They are so completely engrossing and addicting!
Writing: (9.5/10) Brian's writing is 100% engaging, and everything flows really well. It is also very easy to feel as if all of what Reed sees and thinks are happening to you too, it very descriptive.
Characters: (9.5/10) For the most part I love all of the characters, wait thats not entirely true, some of the minor characters are so annoying I want to punch. Reed. Loooove her! Even more so now that she isn't afraid to speak whats on her mind. Shes just so completely awesome, no wonder everyone tries to kill her due to jealousy! Noelle. I just love her! I kind of have this unconventional thing where I always love the mean girl, as long as shes not a total b*tch, but even so, Noelle is portrayed in a way that makes the reader sympathetic to her and just love her attitude! Upton. You're no Josh buddy. I want to like you, but its not really happening.
Plot: (8.5/10) Like I mentioned before, this book felt a bridge from one book to the next. I still really liked it, it just wasn't my favorite out of all the books. I do admire Reed's fighting spirit though, especially on the island.
Originality: (8.5/10) This is hard one to determine. Some aspects of the books aren't original per se, but the twist Scott puts on them makes them original. But in this particular installment, without giving away too much, the whole island thing was an element that was very "been there, done that."
Romance: (--/10) I'm not going to count romance in this particular installment because it doesn't really focus on it, its more focused on specifically just Reed. Even with Upton taken into account, hes no Josh, or even Thomas for that matter.
Ending: (9.5/10) Kate Brian is the master of the cliff-hanger. I can't really say what it is without ruining a lot of the book, but let me tell you it will make you go "WHAT??? I NEED the next book NOW!" March 9th can't come soon enough!
Remembrable: (9/10) To me, the events of this series kind of just blend into one timeline instead of "this happened in this book, while this happened in another" kind of thing. I do however think that the events that took place within this book are very remembrable.
Recommendability: (9.5/10) I looooooooooove this series so much! Does that mean I think its right for everybody? Nope. This series is a fun, keeps-you-on-your-toes one. I think that most will categorize it under chick-lit, which is fine as long as that isn't directly correlated with being "fluffy", because its not "fluffy", though its not really deep either. Girls will definitely like this more than boys, and early to mid teens are probably the target age.
Any particular graphic/violent/"inappropiate" content? Pretty PG stuff for the most part, maybe PG-13. Drinking? Yes, there is underage drinking but its totally not a big deal at all. Seriously they could have said pop (or soda for you non-Michigander/Ohio-ers) instead and it totally would not have made a difference. Drugs? Nope. Violence? Someone tries to kill Reed, but its totally PG stuff. Sexual content? In this one I do believe no. Unless you count kissing, which I totally do not. (10+)
Overall: (9.8/10) A nice addition into a wonderful series. At the end you will cry out for the next book, and be left with your suspicions as to who really has killer in them.










Cover Comments: As a whole, this series is pretty cool together, with the whole Private box, and all the spines aline really nice together. However, for this particular book I absolutely hated the cover! The girl scared the living daylight out of me with her menacing stare, and I just flat-out refused to look at her when I was reading this book. (6/10)
Want More "Private"? There are currently 10 other books out in the series; (in order) Private, Invitation Only, Untouchable, Confessions, Inner Circle, Legacy, Ambition, Revelation, Last Christmas (Private prequel), and Paradise Lost. The 11th book Scandal, is set to release March 9th, 2010, and the 12th book Vanished, to release August 31st, 2010.
Want More by Kate Brian? Kate Brian also has another series which is called the Privilege series, (and is quite good also!) The Privilege series currently has 3 books released; (in order) Privilege, Beautiful Disaster, and Perfect Mistake. The 4th book Sweet Deceit, is set to June 8th, 2010.
Want more by Author? You may not be aware but Kate Brian is a pseudonym that Kieran Scott uses. Kieran Scott writes books under her name also. She is the author of the Non-Blonde Cheerleader series, which is a cute, funny series aimed towards more a slightly younger age books include; (in order) I Was A Non-Blonde Cheerleader, Brunettes Strike Back, and A Non-Blonde Cheerleader In Love. She also has many other books out including Geek Magnet, and Jingle Boy. I am eagerly looking forward to her newest book She's So Dead to Us to be released May 25, 2010, which is a first in a trilogy and sounds really good.

Review: Notorious

Note: This is another re-read of mine, so I would like to have it noted that I liked it better the first time, though I have read, in my opinion of course, a lot more "worthwhile" books!


Notorious by Cecily von Ziegesar
Published: by Poppy- 6/6/06 <=Ahhh, day of the devil, lol.
Pages: 288
Series or Standalone? 2nd in a series

Summary (from GoodReads):
Popular Gossip Girl character Jenny Humphrey is making a splash at Waverly Academy, an elite boarding school in New York horse country where glamorous rich kids don't let the rules get in the way of an excellent time.It's less than a week into school, but Jenny's already been caught with her roommate's boyfriend (in bed!), flashed the whole school at a field hockey game, and gone up against the Disciplinary Committee. She's become notorious, just like Tinsley Carmichael, Waverly's former It Girl, who was expelled last year and is rumored to be jet-setting around the world.So what happens when Tinsley arrives back on campus and moves in with Jenny? After all, there can only be one It Girl.

My Review: The It-Girl series are fun, slightly leaning towards trashy, guilty pleasures. Notorious in particular is a drama-packed sequel, that while in my opinion not as good as first, holds the promise for the series to get better.
When Hooked: Immediately. The cliff-hanger from the previous book draws you in and has you captured until the final page is turned.
Hookability: (8.5/10) I'll give the series props for it's hookability, when it hooks you it hooks you. You need to know what the heck those crazy Dumbarton girls are going to do next.
Writing: (8/10) The writing is very engaging and flows quite well, but it is not anything really original or set apart. Though I am a fan of the multiplte character's thoughts portrayal this book contains, I like hearing all the sides to the story!
Characters: (7.5/10) There are times when I loved certain characters, and times when I wanted jump into this book just so I could yell and scream at them. They took me on a rollercoaster. Jenny. Shes the most likeable character, and the one that I definately root for. I have to admit she was pretty awesome in this book with that cheer, I wish I had that much courage! Brett. Are you really surprised at the aftermath with your scandalous affair? Honey, you're supposed to be the smart one, it was obvious as to what was gonna happen! Callie. Hey, get a backbone! Don't be such a spineless person who just tries to top someone else, but won't stand up to anyone. And seriously get over your pathetic love life already! Tinsley. I find it funny that the first time I read this I liked Tinsley, and this time I found her a complete and total b*tch. Hahaha, I do tend to love the "mean girl." Easy. I'm torn, I wanna love you, which is mostly what I feel for you, but you can be a total jerk-off sometimes. Brandon. Grow some! Eeeerrrrrgh, thats about all I have to say!
Plot: (8/10) I have found that with this series there really isn't a central "plot" but rather just a string drama-filled events that occur and somehow flow together in the end. However, I do like how chalk-filled of drama goodness they are!
Originality: (7.5/10) Nothing is quite original about this book per se, but I definitely don't think its a copy of anything either.
Romance: (8/10) I wouldn't read this book/series specifically for its romantic appeal but it is a nice little addition, that as long as your not seeking it out, will leave you content! Jenny and Easy are so cute together!
Ending: (9/10) Cecily is a master of the cliff-hanger endings. They will leave you in need to pick up the next installment to find out what happens next! You can't help it!
Remembrable: (6/10) Yeah, not so much on that one. Basics you might/will remember, but its not the kind of book where you remember every little detail, or even just the specifics.
Recommendability: (7/10) Check out the section below of the graphic/violent content, if none of that bothers you and you are in need of a guilty pleasure than I will recommend this to you! Fans of Gossip Girl will probably like this. Also, I'm definitely going to say girls will like this a whole lot better than boys.
Any Particular Graphic/Violent/"Inappropriate" Content? Drinking? YES! Drugs? Yes, not heavy or descriptive of anything but the references are still there. Swearing? YES! Not potty-mouth kind of swearing per se, but there is definitely swearing every couple pages or so. Sexual Content? HECK YES! You've hit the mother load with this one. Not really a fade-to-black kind of book, but not really graphic either, lets just say things don't really stop at making out. Also, there is a heck of a lot od sexual innuendos and implied sexual occurances. I personally think that basicly you can read anything, well besides erotica or whatever, when your over the age of 12. But I totally get that others might say this should be read by older teens only. (12+)
Overall: (8.06/10) Notorious is a drama-filled sequel that will have in need of the next installment. I feel there are better books to be your main source of reading, but as a guilty pleasure, this series is a good pick.

Cover Comments: I like the single girl on the cover thing this series has going on, simple and pretty. It doesn't blow my mind but I'm content with it. Oh, I've mentioned it before but if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
Want more of the It-Girl series? There are currently 8 other books released in the series; The It-Girl, Reckless, Unforgettable, Lucky, Tempted, Infamous, Adored, and Devious. The 10th book Classic will be released June 1, 2010!
Want more Cecily von Ziegesar? Try her Gossip Girl series; (in order) Gossip Girl, You Know You Love Me, All I Want Is Everything, Because I Worth It, I Like It Like That, Nobody Does It Better, Nothing Can Keep Us Together, Only In Your Dreams, It Had To Be You (prequel), Would I Lie To You, Don't You Forget About Me, I Will Always Love You. Or her Carlyles series: (in order) The Carlyles, You Just Can't Get Enough, Take A Chance On Me, Love The One You're With. Also, you can try the popular CW show Gossip Girl which is based off the GG books, even though mostly they improv all the stuff.

Review: The It Girl

Note: This is a re-read. From experience I know I liked it better the first time, though I have read a better selection of quality YA books since the first time I read this.

The It Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar
Published: by Poppy- 11/2/05
Pages: 272
Series or Standalone? 1st in a series.

Summary (from GoodReads):
Popular Gossip Girl character Jenny Humphrey is leaving Constance Billard to attend Waverly Academy, an elite boarding school in New York horse country where glamorous rich kids don't let the rules get in the way of an excellent time. Jenny's determined to leave her crazy Manhattan past behind and become a sophisticated goddess on campus. But first shell have to contend with her self-absorbed roommates, Callie Vernon and Brett Messerschmidt. Hot guys, new intrigue, and more delicious gossip all add up to more trouble than ever for Jenny. But if getting caught with boys and going up against the Disciplinary Committee is what it takes, Jenny's ready. Shell do all that and more to be The It Girl.

My Review: The It-Girl is a fun, slightly trashy, guilty pleasure kind of read. The drama and scandal contained within, you just eat up like candy, while there is enough of slightly deeper stuff involving the characters' inner feelings to make it not completely trashy, and more of a worthwhile read.
When Hooked: Early-On. In the first chapter when we are introduced to Jenny, you are drawn in because of you know you either know her from The Gossip Girl series, or if not already familiar with her, you become curious to what the elusive boarding school she is about to attend will have instore for us.
Hookability: (8/10) The hook is a pretty good one. Not an "oh-my-god-I-NEED-to-know-what-happens-next" hook, but one where your drawn in early on, and are eager to see what kind of trouble the girls of Dumbarton will get themselves into next.
Writing: (8/10) The story is very engaging and flows well , and I am a fan of how the author is able to tell the story through each of the character's personal thoughts and actions. (As time passes the story will flip on who is narrating, and sometimes we get other character's takes on past events.) My only criticism is the writing doesn't really bring anything new to the table.
Characters: (8/10) I enjoyed the drama that sparked from each of the characters' different personalities, though I definitely liked some characters more than others. Jenny: She is likeable and probably the most 'real' which makes her the one you "root for" through it all. Callie: Move on with your life! The world is not going to stop if you don't have a boy toy. Brett: Really? I thought you were the smart one. Tsk, tsk, you should have stayed with Jeremiah. Easy: (Funny name) Very likeable, maybe not "loveable" but definitely likeable. He's cool even if he can be a bit of a jerk sometimes. Side note: I don't know why but I loved Brandon in this book.
Plot: (8/10) There really isn't a 'plot' to this series. There are lots of conflicts and events, but no central plot per se.
Originality: (7/10) A boarding school, a girl who is 'poor'/not a lot of money and goes to a place where there are dominantly rich kids and tries to fit in, the new girl suddenly becomes mega-popular; all these are all major themes of this book. And lets face it, these are all not one bit original. We've, or atleast I have, seen them a million different times. But in context with the other novels with these themes, the way it is told through the multiple persons is slightly unique.
Romance: (7.5/10) The sparks between Jenny and Easy are cute. They won't melt your heart, but they'll put a smile on your face.
Ending: (9/10) Cliff-hanger! Color me intrigued. Very unexpected surprise at end that will make you want to go and get the next book right away!
Remembrable: (6.5/10) You might remember the basics, or a bit more, but nothing that will "wow" you, making you remember every detail.
Recommendabilty: (7/10) This is hard. To a certain, select group of people who like slightly trashy books and don't mind certain possibly "inappropiate" content, then I recommend it to you. Those who read Gossip Girl series, and watch the show will probably love it! I have a feeling though that most people would either get offended, not be "allowed" to read this, or think that there are more "worthwhile" books to be read. Personally I think it's more like a fun, guilty pleasure, but to those about to pick up, uhm, you've been warned.
Any particular graphic/violent/"inappropiate" content? Drinking? YES! Lots of underage drinking references? Drugs? Yes. One occurance where someone is smoking, it was brief and was not dwelled on, but it was there. Violence? No. Sexual content? YES! This book doesn't stop at kissing, or even making out. It really doesn't even fade-to-black either. Its not graphic per se, but you definately get the idea. And there is A LOT of innuendos. I read this at age 12, the age I'm saying you should atleast be when reading this, but if I were to put myself in a parent's shoes I could see them making their kid be a bit older to read this. (12+)
Overall: (8.10/10) Like I said this is a definite guilty pleasure read. I think there is a heck of a lot more quality YA books out there for the main intake of reading, but if in need of a private school guilty pleasure chalk full of drama, The It-Girl is for you!

Cover Comments: I like it, it has the right feel for the book. Nothing really special though. Though if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
Want more of the It-Girl series? There are currently 8 other books released in the series; Notrorious, Reckless, Unforgettable, Lucky, Tempted, Infamous, Adored, and Devious. The 10th book Classic will be released June 1, 2010!
Want more Cecily von Ziegesar? Try her Gossip Girl series; (in order) Gossip Girl, You Know You Love Me, All I Want Is Everything, Because I Worth It, I Like It Like That, Nobody Does It Better, Nothing Can Keep Us Together, Only In Your Dreams, It Had To Be You (prequel), Would I Lie To You, Don't You Forget About Me, I Will Always Love You. Or her Carlyles series: (in order) The Carlyles, You Just Can't Get Enough, Take A Chance On Me, Love The One You're With. Also, you can try the popular CW show Gossip Girl which is based off the GG books, even though mostly the improv all the stuff.