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From The Publisher:
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.
My Review:
This book is the reason I decided to restart the blog. Divergent is SO amazing that I wanted to share my love for this book! Make sure you have time set aside for this one. I read it in one sitting. I simply could NOT put this thing down.
Roth created amazing major and minor characters.The majority of the book focused on the coming of age of Tris. She’s not perfect. Although she appears to be strong, she still struggles to discover who she truly is. This can be seen through the interactions she has with the other initiates. Like Tris, the other initiates also grow throughout the novel which was a nice surprise since most authors tend not to develop secondary characters.
The story is compelling and intended for a wide audience. There is something for everyone: coming of age plot, dystopia, emotional and physical conflict, and romance (which thankfully didn’t overpower the rest of the storyline). The story just flew by; there was never a dull moment. The pacing of the novel was great . . . except for the last 100 pages which felt rushed, even for this fast paced book.
Although there isn’t a cliffhanger at the end, readers will eagerly await the continuation of the story. There is no title out for book two, but it is expected to be released sometime in 2012 (of course this is a trilogy). As of March 18, Summit Entertainment has bought the rights for this book.
The Bottom Line:
Read this book, NOW! This is must read for fans of dystopian fiction. Even if you’re not dystopian fan, read this action packed novel filled with a hint of romance. 5/5
From The Publisher:
Passion. Fate. Loyalty.
Would you risk it all to change your destiny?
The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world.
But that's exactly what happened.
Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.
Tiger's Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
My Review:
Hooray for another paranormal romance that doesn’t deal with vampires or werewolves. Cat lovers will be drawn to the cover that depicts Ren, a gorgeous white tiger with cobalt blue eyes.
The most alluring part of the novel is India. There simply wasn’t enough explanation of it. Careful details of the scenery and people allowed the reader to understand its culture. Mythological stories were also woven into the story (sometimes forcefully) to bring the story of the curse together. Reading the folklore was by far the best part of this novel.
The characters are well thought out. At first they seem stereotypical: Kelsey is a naive young girl who is not quite sure what to do after high school while Ren is prince charming. Fortunately, they develop into something more as new characters are introduced and more back story is revealed.
Although there are flaws with the writing, and the heroine is extremely naive at times, these weaknesses can be overlooked because of the engaging storyline. The last third of the book flies by when the Indiana-Jones-esque narrative kicks in. The two protagonists are literally running through an ancient temple filled with booby traps to retrieve a relic while being chased by mythological creatures.
There isn’t a cliffhanger at the end, but there are some questions that definitely need to be answered by Houck. Those interested can read Tiger’s Quest (book 2 of a 5 book series) which is out now! It’s also in production by Ineffable Pictures.
The Bottom Line:
Cat lovers who’re into paranormal romance will be intrigued by this action packed love story. This book is also for those interested in Indian mythology. 3/5
From The Publisher:
A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.
My Review:
Finally, a science fiction novel for teens! It’s been 26 years since Ender’s Game, and it’s great to see YA authors branch out into something other than “paranormal romance.” Don’t worry; if you like the romance, it’s there. It’s just not the focal point of the novel. If you are hesitant to pick this up because it is “science fiction,” don’t fret, the book is also part mystery.
The point of view switches from Amy to Elder every other chapter. The juxtaposition between the two allows the reader to fully discover the ship. Through Amy’s outsider eyes, the reader is lead into the ship with vivid descriptions while Elder discusses why and how the ship came to be what it is now.
As with most science fiction novels, there is some kind of social critique. On board Godspeed, all of the passengers are mono ethnic. They were “created” that way (think, A Brave New World) to cause of sense of unity, but Elder questions this with the arrival of Amy. Together, Amy and Elder discover the reason for the corruption within the ship and the murderer.
This book could be a stand alone. There was enough closure at the end, but it’s all about the trilogies with respect to YA books. A Millions Suns will be released sometime in 2012.
The Bottom Line:
This amazing debut is a definitely worth a read. The fast paced plot will have readers wanting more from Revis. Hopefully more young adults will start enjoying science fiction! 4/5
From The Publisher:
In this mischievous and utterly original debut, Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales. As readers follow the siblings through a forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind (and beyond) the bread crumbs, edible houses, and outwitted witches.
Fairy tales have never been more irreverent or subversive as Hansel and Gretel learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.
My Review:
Move out of the way Goosebumps and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark! Here’s a new book of carnage! This book is definitely dark. You won’t find sea animals bursting out into song in the middle of a scene. There is no holding back. That being said, this would be an entertaining read aloud. I would certainly use this for story time if the children that attended were older.
The stories were authentic! Naturally, some parts were changed to be appropriate for children, but Gidwitz still kept most of the blood. He also definitely warned the reader before each gross part. Another minor change he made to the originals was intertwining all the stories to follow two protagonists to make the stories a cohesive novel. This allows the reader to sympathize even more with Hansel and Gretel.
Some may find the warnings from the narrator annoying (and I usually do), but it worked well with this story. They were funny and kept the pace of the book moving.
Even though the interjections of the narrator are humorous and at times the stories seen grim, Gidwitz reinforces important, positive themes. The most dominate one is the idea of family. There is an emphasis on the need for proper parenting. Other motifs include: finding yourself, giving forgiveness, and under-standing. It’s great to see these concepts emphasized in middle grade novels!
There is no word out if he’s writing another book (I hope he is), but you can read two more stories on his website. He’s also a “ghost” writer for Pseudonymous Bosch (very cool).
The Bottom Line:
This tween book is wonderful for the adventure seeker in all of us. Filled with action, blood, and humor, any reader will not want to put this book down. 5/5
From The Publisher:
And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!
— from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.
Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.
As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.
His life depends on it.
My Review:
nota bene: I’ve been putting off this review for quite some time because words cannot express how much I loved this book! I’ve been gushing about for weeks.
Edgar Allan Poe’s works are transformed into a dark nightmare that is vividly described in the second half of the novel. This paranormal romance is darker than most and is a needed break from vampires and werewolves (finally!).
The pacing was surprisingly very quick despite the colossal length of the novel (543 pages). The first half of the novel was character development and set up which included typical high school drama while the second half unfolds the beautiful world of Poe. The first half of the book transitions seamlessly into the second.
The development between Isobel and Varen (which I think is supposed to be an anagram of Raven) does not happen overnight which is actually quite refreshing. In most YA fiction, the female protagonist falls “in love” after meeting a guy for five minutes. Creagh actually took the time to allow a more realistic approach to love. Reading the relationship unfold over time was absolutely enjoyable.
Where is the second book? There is no release date, but according to Creagh’s webstie, she is working on the second book right now! It’s due out sometime in 2012. The worst part about this novel is waiting for the next installment just to find out what happens next!
The Bottom Line:
If you are fan of paranormal books or Poe, read it! With great characters and well written story, you won’t be disappointed! 5/5
Kristi at The Story Siren is hosting the 2011 Debut Author Challenge!
Readers are encouraged to to read and review 12 debut Middle Grade and/or Young Adult novels.
Here are some titles that I am looking forward to in the first quarter of the upcoming year (in order of tentative release):
Across the Universe by Beth Revis, January 11
Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison, February 1
So Shell by Ty Roth, February 9
Exposed by Kimberly Marcus, February 22
Clarity by Kim Harrington, March 1
Wither by Lauren DeStefano, March 22
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, March 22
Enclave by Ann Aguirre, April 12
Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese, April 26
Divergent by Veronica Roth, May 3
This is going to be fun.
Happy reading!
From The Publisher:
“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”
So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?
Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.
My Review:
New York, especially The Strand (an enormous book store that makes me miss Acres of Books), truly shined in this novel. It was an adventure in itself reading about the different places the two protagonists visited, even though the places were mostly around Manhattan.
It’s hard to imagine a condescending,16 year old hipster falling in love with a bubbly girl lacking in self confidence. Although the two protagonists were sixteen, they have ideals of someone in their thirties while still being naive. At times, the characters didn’t seem realistic enough to believe. Unfortunately, there is no real development of other more enjoyable characters such as Lily’s great aunt Ida or Dash’s best friend Boomer.
Fans of the other books will enjoy finding a few Easter eggs within the book. Although they are not hard to find (one is quite blatant), it’s nice to see the hidden surprises. It brings back fond memories of the other two novels.
Thank goodness this isn’t a series -- at least not one that I know of. It has been picked up by Scott Rudin Productions (the same company that produced Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist). It should be a fun movie!
The Bottom Line:
It’s certainly a pleasant, romantic holiday novel for teens. New York is wonderful, most of the characters are lovable, and the dares are amusing. 3/5
From The Publisher:
Zombie Attack!
When brain-gobbling zombies invade, a sleepover at Zack Clarke's house quickly turns into a Level-3 creep-over. The undead have infested the streets, filling the air with deathly moans and the stench of rotting flesh.
Meet the Zombie Chasers:
Zack: His house is a wreck, his sister's a zombie, and he's stolen his mom's Volvo. He's totally going to be grounded if he survives the night. . . .
Rice: He's studied The Zombie Survival Guide, but is he prepared to fight the living dead?
Madison: She seriously cannot believe her best friend has become a zombie and left her alone with these dweebs!
They're on a mission to save the world, but first they have to survive their flesh-eating, half-dead neighbors—and one another. Can the Zombie Chasers make it out alive?
My Review:
A truly good zombie book is hard to find; unfortunately, this isn’t one of them. The zombies were just an excuse to make a gut-filled novel for boys. That being said, this IS an age appropriate zombie novel. The violence is mild and the blood is gross rather than disgusting.
Although it was “action-packed” as most reviewers have noted, the action just wasn’t exciting. Some parts were definitely engaging while other parts fell flat. Repeated brand placement (Albertsons, Whole Foods, Oreo, Iphone, etc.) was unnecessary and annoying. This also took away from the excitement of the book.
Many Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big Nate type drawings by Steve Wolfhard are scattered throughout, making the book somewhat enjoyable. There is either an illustration or a doodle on every two to three pages. The illustrations perfectly match Kloepfer’s descriptions and make you laugh.
Recently, every book seems like it’s the beginning of a series. The cliffhanger at the end of this one leaves readers who are even remotely interested in the plot asking for book two, Undead Ahead, which comes out March 29, 2011.
The Bottom Line:
This is the perfect book for a tween boy looking for gore and humor. Reluctant readers will be entertained by the equally gory drawings. Sadly, I do not fit the target audience. 2/5
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