Book Haul: Barnes & Noble

It is a travesty to man-kind that my last book haul was in 2011. 2011!

I am quite ashamed of myself. But alas, things get in the way (new job, uni, etc.). That, and my favorite bookstore that was a mere 5 minute drive from my house went out of business (*cough*BORDERS*cough*).

Anyway, I am proud to announce that as of May 18, my book famine has ended! Check out the sneak peeks of the titles I hauled home, courtesy of my (somewhat) local Barnes & Noble.

Vixen by Jillian Larkin

Every girl wants what she can't have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle--and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she's engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago's most powerful families, Gloria's party days are over before they've even begun ... or are they?

Clara Knowles, Gloria's goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch--but Clara isn't as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she'll do anything to keep hidden...

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria's social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria's shadow. When Lorraine's envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone's going to be very sorry...

The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran

The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty's royal family--with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl's deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace. But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharaoh's aunt, then brought to the Temple of Hathor, where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.

Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the Crown Prince, and despite her family's history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes the union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one. While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Rameses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful Pharaoh in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history. 

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Smart and ambitious, Marie Tussaud has learned the secrets of wax sculpting by working alongside her uncle in their celebrated was museum, the Salon de Cire. From her popular model of the American ambassador, Thomas Jefferson, to her tableu of the royal family at dinner, Marie's museum provides Parisians with the very latest news on fashion, gossip, and even politics. Though many people are starving and can no longer afford bread, Marie's business is booming. In salons and cafés across Paris, people like Maximilien Robespierre are lashing out against the monarchy. Soon, there's whispered talk of revolution.

Spanning five years, from the budding revolution to the Reign of Terror, Madame Tussaud brings us into the world of an incredible heroine whose talent for wax modeling saved her life and preserved the faces of a vanished kingdom.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

GENRE

YA Dystopian Literature (374 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.



MY REVIEW

Alright, I admit that I am probably the last person on the face of planet Earth to read this novel. Every time I was asked if I have read this series, I was always greeted with shock and disbelief when I answered in the negative. I just have never found the dystopian genre appealing, whatsoever. And the idea of kids killing kids in a televised reality-type shindig was really not my cup of tea. So, when my mom brought this novel home one evening (a hopeful attempt to get my brother, who hates reading, to read) I decided I might as well read it and get it done with.

I finished it in 9 hours, reading non-stop. But let's not everyone jump out of their seats just yet.

First off, I have to give credit to Suzanne Collins. I can't even begin to fathom what kind of imagination she has to come up with a story like this. I just kept thinking to myself, as I was reading, "wow, a human being came up with this. Somebody actually imagined this world." That aspect of the novel just blew me away.

The plot was excellently paced. Definitely a page-turner. I wouldn't be surprised if my brother actually enjoyed a novel for once. There is plenty of action and some of the plot twists had me freaking out. Even though I tend to freak out a lot, this is definitely saying something. But let's not get off track here.

I also very much enjoyed Collins' writing. It flowed very well. Even though she is not heavy on the descriptions, the reader easily falls into the world of Panem. She has definitely mastered the art of trusting the reader and their imaginations. She won the author's battle that is as old as time itself: showing vs. telling. Suzanne Collins showed me the story, the characters, the places. Very powerful and masterful writing. Well done.

I think one of the main things this novel thrives on are its universal themes. Themes such as oppression, bravery, open-mindedness all resonated very well with the reader. I think that is why this series has been enjoyed world-wide. It really take a thorough examination of  humanity, both its flaws and its strengths. 

Alright, for those of you who are superfans of the series, please don't bite my head off. I just have to get this gripe out and be completely honest.

Gripe #1. Katniss. Yes, I thought she was very well written, it's just that at the end of the novel, I still felt only a superficial connection between us. I don't exactly know the rhyme or reason for this, as Collins provided excellent narration and backstory, I just felt there was a paper-thin wall of glass existing between us by the end of the novel that kept me from really getting to know/believing in Katniss Everdeen. Actually, I lied, I do have a theory.

I think Katniss' character had a bit of the "curse of the series." I feel that, had this novel been written without a sequel/series in mind, Collins would have put that last bit of effort into opening Katniss up to the readers completely. I know this is supposed to make the reader finish the rest of the series, it's just I didn't feel that deep of a connection with her. 

But all in all, I thought this novel was very, very well done. Like I said before, the whole dystopian thing is definitely not my cup of tea, however, that did not hinder me from discovering that this was a very good read. I applaud Suzanne Collins for the depth of her imagination and the craft of her writing. If, like me, you have passed up this book so far, please read it. You won't regret it.

Oh, and one more thing... may the odds be ever in your favor.



MY RATING

4.5****/*

ARC Review: The Dig by Audrey Hart

GENRE

YA Fiction / Fantasy (208 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

Zoe Calder has always been an outsider. Stashed away in boarding schools since her parents died, Zoe buries herself in the study of ancient worlds. Her greatest thrill is spending her summers with her archaeologist aunt and uncle on digs around the world. And one day, while investigating a newly unearthed temple in Crete, Zoe discovers a luminous artifact that transports her to ancient Greece.

As Zoe quickly learns, the Olympian Gods are real, living people—humans with mysterious powers… Powers that Zoe quickly realizes she has come to possess, as well. However, when the people of ancient Greece mistake Zoe for an Olympian, the Gods must restore the balance of the ancient world… No matter what.

Zoe is forced to play a confusing and dangerous game as Hera rallies the gods against her—all except for Zeus, the beautiful, winged young god who risks everything to save her.

MY REVIEW

This book was sent to me by the author, Audrey Hart, as an ARC ebook. After I read the synopsis, I knew this book was going to be right up my alley.

I've always held a fascination with Ancient Greece. I think it's the whole god-human interaction. The myths of Greece tell of many instances where the gods fall in love with mortals, which always intrigued me. It's almost like the gods had some unquenchable desire for humans, even though they were all-powerful and immortal.

Anywho, I absolutely loved this book! This was really the first book in a very long time to make me laugh out loud. Not just a little chuckle, but a big booming laugh that probably made my mother think that I was crazy. There's so much humor in this novel, it's really impossible not to crack a smile.

I have to say my favorite part of this novel was its heroine, Zoe. Really, she was one of the most well-written leading females I've read in quite a while! It was so incredibly easy for me to relate to her. I think a lot of younger readers out there will really connect with Zoe and her "outsider" status and awkwardness with boys. I certainly did! Zoe has such an amazing voice throughout the novel, it's really very hard not to connect with her.

I also really like the perspective Audrey Hart takes on the gods of Ancient Greece. When it comes down to it, the gods are really nothing more than immortal humans. Audrey reminds us that we are all human, especially when it comes to a thing like love. No one is really truly perfect, so why don't we all just embrace it?

Another thing I quite enjoyed was that when Zoe first travels back to Ancient Greece, she realizes that even though the people speak Greek, it's an archaic form of the language she can't understand. The history geek in me totally ate this up. It made her time travel all the more believable.

The story was really fast-paced and had me turning pages like a maniac. I really couldn't put it down! It was very well-written, without any over-complicated plot to confuse readers. It was a very easy read, but that doesn't mean it was any less exciting. There are many references to modern pop culture, which keep the book current and refreshing.

All in all, this was a really great book. Like I said before, I haven't had a book make me smile in a very long time! This was a really great read, with an exceptionally great heroine. Don't pass this up!

Oh, and I will definitely be reading the sequel, as the end of the book is a semi-cliff hanger!

MY RATING

4.5****/*

(This book is available on Amazon.com)

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

GENRE

Y.A. Historical Fiction (389 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star…

Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined—and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will.

The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.

Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall—together and apart.

MY REVIEW

This novel was an instant buy, and had been on my wishlist for quite some time, for 2 reasons. 1, I absolutely loved Anna Godbersen's last series, The Luxe. 2, This novel is set in the Roaring 20's, which is one of my favorite modern decades.

For those two reasons alone, I really, really, really wanted to like this novel. But unfortunately for me, it fell a bit flat.

Let's start with the characters. They were all really well-written and engaging, but in the end, I just found myself really not caring about them. Sure, I liked them, but I just didn't care a lick about them. They didn't possess qualities that I could personally relate to, and therefore, I felt quite disengaged from them.

But the worst part of this novel was the plot. It was pretty bad. But before I delve into that too much, I'd like to clarify an opinion I have.

This novel was obviously written for a series. You can actually go out and buy book #2 right now. In my opinion, when writers write a novel with a sequel/series in mind, their story really suffers. This was definitely the case with Bright Young Things. I felt like this book was a giant prologue for the series. Really. Not exciting, not engaging. Whatsoever.

Moving on from that, I definitely felt I had to read this novel whilst "suspending my belief," if you will. Anna Godbersen definitely got the polish and glamour of New York in the Jazz Age right, but where was the grit? Where was the strife? Fast living isn't all smiles and happiness. Granted, Anna Godbersen wrote in some "down" moments, but it hardly affected the characters or the plot.

Not only that, but the whole bit about Cordelia's long-lost father being one of New York's wealthiest bootleggers was just outrageous. How she meets him was really outrageous too. She manages to sneak past his armed guards, run right into the guy and he accepts her as his daughter, no questions asked. Come on, what kind of fairytale are these people living in? Like I said, lots of smiles, but hardly any grit.

I will say that I do like Anna Godebrsen's writing, however. She comes up with the coolest metaphors, so I have to give her her props for that.

All in all, this was a pretty big letdown for me. Definitely far below my expectations, which were pretty high coming off of Anna's last series. So if you want to see Anna Godbersen at her finest, please read The Luxe series. It is absolutely fantastic.

MY RATING

2.5**/*

Book #13 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

GENRE

YA Historical Fiction / General Fiction (238 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips...conks her head...and wakes up in the year 1815!

There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily's family, Callie warms to them - particularly to Emily's cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.

But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex's heart, before her time in the past is up?

MY REVIEW

I was a little hesitant when picking up this novel. I didn't exactly know how far I was willing to stray from Jane Austen. I guess it was the "purist" in me that wasn't immediately drawn to this book.

But I have to say, it was really very charming! It was well (if simply) written, the characters were likable, and the story was well done.

I wouldn't count on too much Jane Austen influence here, though. The "Prejudice" side of the title really refers to the time period, the Regency, rather than the story. The main similarities were that Callie's love interest, Alex, was of course the Mr. Darcy of her world, and that Callie reminded me a bit of Emma with her matchmaker (or in her case, breaker) qualities.

That being said, it was still a very enjoyable story. Callie was definitely likable and relatable as the girl who just wants to fit in with the "it" crowd and save herself from embarrassment. She has a very human teenage girl quality that I think young readers will very much enjoy.

I also have to commend Mandy Hubbard for her outstanding character development. You can really see at the end of the novel how far Callie has come from that shy, people-pleasing girl to being so much more sure of herself. I think maybe we could all learn a thing or two if we time-traveled back to Regency England!

The plot was well done, with a big twist at the end that stayed true to the Pride & Prejudice story (Mr. Darcy's side of the story, anyway). It was never boring or dull, and Callie's vivaciousness really kept the story moving.

All in all, this was a great, quick read that was very well done. I think it is a great read for those younger readers who are just being introduced into the world of Jane Austen.

MY RATING

4****

Part of Jane Austen Week, Hosted by Historical Tapestry

Be sure to check out my "For the Love of Jane!" Giveaway!

Sphinx's Queen by Esther Friesner

GENRE

YA Historical Fiction (347 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

Hunted... Overnight, every aspect of Nefertiti's life has changed. She is no longer living at the royal palace as the intended bride of the crown prince. Instead, she is being chased by the prince and his soldiers for a crime she did not commit.

Hidden... Traveling with two of her dearest friends, including the crown prince's brother, who helped her escape, Nefertiti takes shelter in the wild hills along the Nile's west bank. She must rely on her own resourcefulness and skills (all those secret archery lessons prove very useful) as the fugitives fight to survive.

Haunted... But the need for justice gnaws at Nefertiti. She is determined to plead her case to the Pharaoh and set things right. As she begins to question long-held sacred beliefs--a questioning that could alter the fabric of Egyptian society--her extraordinary journey from commoner to royalty brings adventure, intrigue, and romance.

MY REVIEW

Esther Friesner has to be one of my favorite YA Hist. Fic. authors. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, Sphinx's Princess, and this sequel was no exception to Esther Friesner's standard of literary gold.

Nefertiti is such a complex, robust heroine, you can't help but root for her to win. Definitely one of the best female leads I've ever read. She possesses such a passion for life, it's infectious! It really helps her come alive in the story and on the pages in front of you; she's not just a face in a history book anymore, she is a living and breathing human being, with a wonderful spirit.

Ms. Friesner has such an incredible talent when it comes to plot. She writes such an incredible story... I literally could not put this one down! As soon as you think you're sure of what's going to happen next, something incredibly unexpected happens, and you'll be dying to turn the next page.

The historical setting was fantastic, as usual. It feels like you're standing in Ancient Egypt, following Nefertiti around as her story unfolds.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this novel was how Ms. Friesner built her story on the rock that is the power of forgiveness. Even after all the horrible things that Nefertiti has been put through, she learns to forgive those who have done wrong against her (and trust me, if I were in her shoes, I don't know if I could be as forgiving as she turned out to be). Nefertiti's forgiveness made the story all the more special and touching to the reader.

Ms. Friesner also knows how to play up the part of being a human being... that is, we are all human, and we all make mistakes. We can be manipulated, cheated, framed... but it is all part of life, and the key is, we have to learn from those mistakes. That fact alone made the story all the more relevant and believable in the 21st century.

All in all, this was a wonderful book. Esther Friesner really has a talent for breathing life into historical figures we don't know much about. I think if the real Nefertiti read this book, she would be proud of the work Ms. Friesner put forth.

MY RATING

5*****

Book #8 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen

GENRE

YA Historical Fiction / Arthurian Legend (349 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

Newly crowned King Arthur rules the kingdom... but not the people's hearts. Unless he proves his worth, his power will always be in question. Too many want him dead, and treachery is everywhere.

So the wizard Merlinnus secretly creates a test for Arthur...

A sword in a stone is discovered--a stone that bears a legend promising that whosoever draws out the sword will rule England. If all goes as planned, King Arthur will draw the blade from the stone (with the help of magic from Merlinnus, of course), and the people will at last rally around the young king.

Except someone pulls the sword out first...

MY REVIEW

Yet another retelling of the Arthurian legend? Sign me up! I found this title when I was perusing through my ordering options on PaperBackSwap.com.

I cannot even begin to tell you how glad I am that I ordered this book, and how glad I am that Jane Yolen shared this incredible story! So far, out of all Arthurian re-interpretations, this is one of the best interpretations of Arthurian legend I have read. Yes, it was that good.

Two things really stood out to me as I made my way through this story... characters and plot.

Don't expect the traditional Arthurian characters in this book. Ms. Yolen gave them such fresh traits and stories, it was remarkable! It was so refreshing. The best thing about that was that the characters didn't hurt the story of Arthur in any way... in fact, they enhanced it, and made it even more of a joy to read.

The dialogue between the characters really kept the story moving, and lent so much more dimension to these familiar faces. Each character has their own voice, their own motives.

OMG the plot. I want to tell you about it so bad, but I don't want to ruin it! I can only say that it's not Arthur who pulls the sword out of the stone. And that one of the characters isn't who you think they are... But even so, the plot was excellent. It kept me on my toes throughout the entire novel. After a while of reading, you just have to learn to let go of your pre-conceived expectations, and relish in this new retelling.

Ms. Yolen did such an excellent job of telling this story, I cannot even stress that enough! There are so many twists and turns, it's completely unexpected! But still wonderful at the same time. She's made me fall in love with Arthurian legend all over again, and for that, I have to thank her. This was just a fantastic story!

In the back of the books, there is a short Q&A with Jane Yolen. One of her answers I absolutely loved:

"I am an Arthurholic. If a story is about Camelot, I am there! Quite simply, I think it is the greatest story ever told, or more accurately, the greatest collection of stories ever told." (354)

I couldn't agree more!

MY RATING

4.5****/*

Book #7 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley

GENRE

Fairytale Retelling / YA Fantasy (287 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

"It is the heart of this place, and it is dying," says the Beast. And it is true; the center of the Beast's palace, the glittering glasshouse that brings Beauty both comfort and delight in her strange new environment, is filled with leafless brown rosebushes. But deep within this enchanted world, new life, at once subtle and strong, is about to awaken. Twenty years ago Robin McKinley enthralled readers with the power of Beauty. Now this extraordinarily gifted novelist retells the story of Beauty and the Beast again—but in a totally new way, with fresh perspective, ingenuity, and mature insight.

MY REVIEW

Beauty and the Beast is by far my favorite fairytale of all time. I freely confess that I am completely enchanted by the power this tale wields, and I think in today's day and age, it is so much more relevant in a world where beauty and looks are so powerful. Beauty and the Beast reminds us that in the end, all else falls away, except for the power of pure love.

I had previously read Robin McKinley's other retelling of Beauty and the Beast called Beauty, and I was extremely pleased with that book. I actually found it quite odd that an author would revisit a past subject, but then I thought, for a fairytale like BatB, I can completely understand.

First of all, the prose of this novel... wow. Completely infused with the magic that surrounds the story. The scenery is just so lush and breathtaking. Every detail seems like it is right in front of you, just waiting for you to reach out and touch it. I very much enjoyed how much Robin McKinley focused on the roses in this story. Not only are they an integral part of the plot, they are beautiful, both in what they represent and how they are described.

The only down side I noticed about this wonderful prose was that at times it did drag just a bit, and felt a little too over-"padded" at some points. But this was only a minor and rare occurance.

I really enjoyed how Robin McKinley used many of the details of the original fairytale in this new retelling. It just made her retelling all the more powerful and viable to the reader. And it made the twists in her plot all the more refreshing and unique.

I think my favorite part of the book was the ending. All I will tell you is that it is definitely not your typical BatB ending, and I found it so much more powerful. Beauty's love for the Beast is really put to the test in the end, and how she proves herself is just beautiful.

The characters were all well written, and all had something special to add to the story, which I love. The only thing I could have maybe asked to be different was for Ms. McKinley to have given Beauty just a little bit more... spirit, I guess. I don't know, maybe this is just me comparing this book too much to the Disney movie.

All in all, this was an excellent read. Robin McKinley took the most powerful fairytale of all time and turned it into something new, refreshing, and most importantly, beautiful.

MY RATING

4.5 ****/*

Wildwing by Emily Whitman

GENRE

YA Historical Fiction / Fantasy (359 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

When Addy is swept back in time, she couldn't be happier to leave her miserable life behind. Now she's mistaken for Lady Mathilda, the pampered ward of the king. If Addy can play her part, she'll have glorious gowns, jewels, and something she's always longed for--the respect and admiration of others. But then she meets Will, the falconer's son with sky blue eyes, who unsettles all her plans.

From shipwrecks to castle dungeons, from betrothals to hidden conspiracies, Addy finds herself in a world where she's not the only one with a dangerous secret. When she discovers the truth, Addy must take matters into her own hands. The stakes? Her chance at true love, and the life she's meant to live.

MY REVIEW

I picked this book up at my local bookstore because it sounded fairly interesting. I've always enjoyed books that include time travel, because I love to see how characters get along in such a completely different world than the ones they were living in.

The only problem I have with time traveling books is that usually for the characters, some out-of-the-blue plot twist happens and they magically fit right into someone's vacated place. It just never seems real enough. Unfortunately, this book was no exception.

When Addy is transported back in time, she sees a falcon, which leads her to a beach on which the remnants of a shipwreck are washed up. Turns out, that ship was carrying the real Lady Mathilda to the castle of Sir Hugh. So when riders show up to survey the damage, they see Addy and assume she is Lady Mathilda, the only survivor of the wreck. I just found this really unbelievable. I have yet to discover a good time traveling story in which the character really has to think and figure out a way to "jump in on the action," as it were.

Actually, the whole story continued in that fashion. The plot was just too unbelievable. It was all really too good to be true. Everything ends up happening right for Addy, even when it doesn't seem like it's going to, it does.

The characters really weren't anything special, just stock characters refashioned in a new way. Will's love for Addy seemed to be a bit unbelievable (again) to me, just because he falls so in love with Addy from the start and it's never made clear what his feelings are based off of.

Historical accuracy wasn't anything to spectacular either. It was just the basics. Nothing to be in awe over. Although I will give credit to Emily Whitman for doing some good research on hawking. That element of the book was well researched.

The prose was simple and pretty unornamented. Seriously, I finished this book in two days.

If I could sum up this book in one word, it would be charming. It was a charming story. The plot was okay, the characters were okay, and the historical accuracy was okay. Nothing really special stood out to me here. Definitely just a run-of-the-mill YA Historical Fiction novel. A good read if you've got a couple of lazy days.

MY RATING

3***

Book #5 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Book Haul: My Local Library

Hold the phones! Stop the presses! This just in... I actually went to the library!

I don't even know what's kept me away so long. I don't know why I've been so reluctant to borrow books. I guess it's the thought that I have to give them back, even if I love them to death. And also the thought that the selection isn't super fantastic. Even with this in mind, I borrowed 3 (yes 3!) books from my library today, and I felt so proud!

Anyways, here's a peek at the books I borrowed. Enjoy!

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley (YA Fairytale Retelling)

All the creatures of the forest and field and riverbank knew the infant was special. She was the princess, spirited away from the evil fairy Pernicia on her name-day. But the curse was cast: Rosie was fated to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a poisoned sleep-a slumber from which no one would be able to rouse her.

Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley (YA Fairytale Retelling)

"It is the heart of this place, and it is dying," says the Beast. And it is true; the center of the Beast's palace, the glittering glasshouse that brings Beauty both comfort and delight in her strange new environment, is filled with leafless brown rosebushes. But deep within this enchanted world, new life, at once subtle and strong, is about to awaken. Twenty years ago Robin McKinley enthralled readers with the power of Beauty. Now this extraordinarily gifted novelist retells the story of Beauty and the Beast again—but in a totally new way, with fresh perspective, ingenuity, and mature insight. In Rose Daughter she has written her finest and most deeply felt work, a compelling, richly imagined, and haunting exploration of the transformative power of love.

Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton (Adult Historical Fiction)

The Caribbean, 1665. Port Royal, Jamaica is a cutthroat town of taverns, grog shops, and bawdy houses. For Captain Charles Hunter, there’s a living to be made, and gold in Spanish hands is gold for the taking.
Word in port is that the galleon El Trinidad is awaiting repairs in a nearby, heavily fortified, harbor. Hunter assembles a crew of ruffians to infiltrate the enemy island and commandeer El Trinidad, along with its fortune in gold. The raid is as perilous as the bloodiest tales of island legend and Hunter will lose more than one man before he even sets foot on foreign shores, where dense jungle and the firepower of Spanish infantry stand between him and the treasure . . .

Gawain & Lady Green by Ann Eliot Crompton

GENRE

YA Fantasy / Arthurian Legend / Fairytale Retelling (214 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

Gwyneth wasn't supposed to fall in love with Gawain. Not like this. Gawain was the May King--a sacrifice offered to the Goddess for a bountiful harvest in return. Gwyneth knows this. His fate has been decided by powers beyond her control. But the warmth of his touch and the taste of his lips have blurred the lines of what she knows to be true. Now Gwyneth is willing to risk everything to keep Gawain alive, even if it means losing him forever...

MY REVIEW

I was excited when I first found this read in my local Border's. Arthurian legend? Check. Fairytale retelling? Check. Two of my favorite genres all bundled up in to one package? Yes please.

I really should have said no thanks.

This book was far from good. Even to say it was just okay is a stretch. Here's why.

The dialogue throughout the novel was clipped and devoid of meaning. After reading for a while, the character's dialogue actually became annoying to me. It had no real flow, no real meaning; it was just kind of there, you know? It just didn't go anywhere.

The characters were really poorly written. At the end of the novel, I felt myself not caring for a single one of the characters. Crompton didn't succeed in getting my sympathy for the plight of her raggamuffin characters. Neither Gawain nor Lady Green captured my imagination or my heart. There was absolutely no backstory, and without seeing where these characters had been, I couldn't possibly imagine where they could be going.

The plot skipped around everywhere! I was so confused reading this book. It wasn't until the end of the book that I really got a small sense of what was going on, and even then, I didn't care. It wasn't important to me. The whole opening of the book in media res really did not work at all.

Setting was nondescript. Definitely nothing special in that department either.

There was just no feeling in this novel. It was just an empty shell. Nothing captured my attention, or made me want to keep reading.

All in all, not a good read. In the back of the book, there was an "Coming Soon" add for another book by Crompton called Percival's Angel. I just cringed at the thought of having to read another butchering of Arthurian legend again.

MY RATING

1.5*/*

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz

GENRE

YA Urban Fantasy / Vampire (369 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry; love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Schuyler has made her choice. She has forsaken Jack for Oliver, choosing human over vampire. But old loves die hard... And even coldhearted Mimi seems to suffer from the ties that bind.


MY REVIEW

Here again we have a memorable, unique departure from the over-saturated vampire world that is YA Fantasy. Although I can commend this series for its uniqueness, this installment absolutely was not up to par.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

The first problem I had was that the characters in this novel are far from believeable. Especially the character of Mimi Force, or the angel Azrael, as she is so deemed. This pampered socialite is really a two faced character, and not in a good way. Throughout this story Mimi is pulled away from her destiny bound vampire mate, Jack, to a handsome, reformed Silver Blood (the evil kind) vampire Kingsley. Just as Mimi and Jack are about to be "bonded" together (think of a wedding, but vampire style), Mimi realizes she can't go through with it, as she sees Kingsley lurking in the shadows. Then come to find out, when Mimi realizes her bondmate Jack actually loves someone else as well, she decides that Jack has "forsaken his duty" and she has to kill him for violating the Sacred Law. I just found this to be completely unreasonable and unbelieveable.

Our protagonist Schuyler was really nothing special in this story. She treats her human conduit (guardian) Oliver terribly, runs around the world always longing for home, and really doesn't get involved much as far as important plot functions go.

The plot was also really unbelieveable too. Everything just seemed to "fall into place" too naturally, you know? Like there was never any real challeneges. And I could have guessed the ending a mile away.

The only thing really redeeming about this novel was Bliss's story. When we left her in the last novel, we found out she was being inhabited by the demon Leviathan, who was using her to kill all the Blue Bloods. In this book, it was really refreshing to see the heart-wrenching agony she went through to slowly but surely regain control of her own thoughts and actions.

There really wasn't much to enjoy about this book, unfortunately. You know when you get the feeling of intense satisfaction after finishing a novel in a series, and you are dying to get the next book? Yeah, I don't have that.


MY RATING

2.5**/*

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

GENRE

YA Urban Fantasy / Vampire (594 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules. She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir's Academy with her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardians to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose--for a crime she didn't even commit. She's in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She'll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose's life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back... and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your whole life is about saving others, who will save you?


MY REVIEW

Sometimes, I hate reading books. Not in the sense that I hate to read, but in the sense that I absolutely hate to see wonderful sagas end.

A quick note to those who have never read the whole series and are thinking of starting with this book: I beg you, please begin at the beginning. You will be so lost if you begin with this book, and it just won't mean as much. Trust me.

As I mentioned before, I absolutely hated to end this series. In my opinion, these are the books that should have been made into block-buster movies, not Twilight. This series has tremendously better characters and is written far better. But let me step down of my soap box here.

In reading this book, and the whole series for that matter, it is obvious to the reader that Richelle Mead is extremely passionate about her characters. She takes care and precision in molding each of their storylines, their dialogue, and their general actions. This story would really be nothing without its characters, and Richelle Mead has crafted such an excellent bunch of characters that throughout all 6 books, you never tire of them.

In a world saturated with urban fantasy vampire books (whenever I go to Border's, all I see in the YA section is dark covers!), it is extremely refreshing to find a "dark horse" in the pack. This series was definitely one of them. The book was never cheesy, and never, ever clichéd.

Richelle Mead's plot in this novel was intriguing, as always. It was definitely a book I couldn't put down. I just had to keep reading, no matter how small the number was on my alarm clock.

Also in this novel, our protagonist, Rose, really grows a lot during the course of the story. By the end of the book, you can really see how she has grown as a person, and how she has influenced those close to her. I admire Richelle Mead's care in making sure that her characters grow and mature in ways that reflect our own growth in life.

Anyways, I can't say enough about this book, and this series for that matter. Each one of the books are extremely well written, and each one is memorable in their own right. It was a bittersweet moment when I turned the final page in this saga. This is the bar that all other YA vampire novels should be judged by.


MY RATING

5*****