Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

Pages: 336

Publisher: Harper Collins

Perspective: First Person

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenges: N/A

Release Date: November 1, 2011

Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden?

Stars: 4/5

Cover: A-

Plot:

I must admit, I was definitely intrigued by the synopsis of this book. It made it seem creepy and mysterious, which was exactly what this book was.

There was a lot of mystery in the fact that there were a lot of weird things going on when the kids went to go get their fears "vanquished", if you will. It was a fairly fast-paced book, and it definitely kept me entertained throughout the whole time I was reading it.

Not to mention, I can definitely appreciate an original storyline, and this book had exactly that. I've never read (or heard of) a book like this, which I thought was awesome.

Characters:

Even though I am a girl, I do like switching perspectives and reading books from a guy's point of view, especially if there is a girl involved. 

I liked that there was a bit of light shed on each one of the characters, and that Dark Eden didn't only focus purely on the main character, Will. I also thought the antagonists were fantastically written, and even gave me the chills!

Writing:

The way Patrick Carman set up the book and wrote it definitely increased the creepy-ness of the whole thing. He created suspense (so much so that I was holding my breath in some scenes), and he really made the story come alive.

Ending:

Hands down, the ending was my absolute favorite thing about this entire book. It was a little bittersweet, and completely unexpected. I like that all of the loose ends were tied up, and that the explanations didn't feel rushed. 

Cover:

I think the cover definitely captures ominous-ness  and it represents the creepiness of this story well. You can definitely tell the book you're about to read is super creepy, which I like.

The Final Verdict:

Dark Eden is a fantastic, creepy read. I recommend this book for rainy, dark days, because it will totally creep you out!

I haven't read any of Patrick Carman's other books, but after reading Dark Eden, I'll definitely have to look into them.

FTC: Zoe.

If I Have A Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince? by Melissa Kantor

Pages: 288

Publisher: Hyperion

Perspective: First Person

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenges: N/A

Release Date: August 26, 2005

Wicked stepmother? Check. Evil stepsisters? Check. Miserable life? Check.

Lucy Norton’s life has all the makings of a Cinderella story. Her dad’s always away on business, leaving Lucy with her cruel stepmother and bratty stepsisters. She’s burdened with chores, and has a hard time fitting in at her new school. So when she sees Connor Pearson, the star player on the varsity basketball team, Lucy hopes her destiny has finally changed. With everything else going on in her life, doesn’t she at least deserve to get the handsome prince?

Melissa Kantor’s enchanting novel proves that sometimes the happy ending isn’t quite the one you’d expect. Lucy’s about to discover the truth about finding her real Prince Charming . . . and finding herself.

Stars: 4/5

Cover: C

Plot:

I didn't really know what to expect with this book, but, to be honest, my expectations weren't high (I judged a book by its cover - sue me!). I'm glad to say, though, I was surprised.

This book started out a little slowly, and I had to scoff a little bit about the main character.

HIGHLIGHT TO READ SLIGHT-SPOILER:

I found it a little unrealistic that Lucy barely talked to anyone, and then she says one word to Conner (the most popular guy at her school) and he's got this fat crush on her and then they're going out. Just sayin'.

But once I got past that, the book was really good! It was cute, funny, but also had depth. Lucy is trying to deal with her dad being away all the time, and living with her super-annoying stepmom and stepsisters. It was obvious she was calling out to her dad, and that he wasn't listening. 

I will admit, based on the title and the cover, I thought this book would be more of a twist off of the Cinderella story, instead of just being roughly based around it. It's not a bad thing at all, just not what I expected!

Characters:

I thought Lucy was pretty awesome. She narrated the story, and she made it very likable. It was cool to see her opinions on people change, her worries, her feelings . . . it was all (besides the first part of the book, mentioned above) very realistic. 

I also liked Lucy's friends that she makes. They seem to really care for her, and they made the story all the more endearing.

Writing:

This book was super fast-paced. The chapters weren't very long, and they left you hanging at the end of each one, making you really want to read on. The pacing of the book was nice, too -- not too fast, and not too slow.

Ending:

I loved the ending. It was bittersweet, but I think Lucy ended up with what was best for her. It was one of those "Aw, that's so cute!" endings that were one hundred percent predictable that you just can't help but love.

Cover:

Boooo. I really wish I liked this cover. I just don't. It doesn't personally fit my taste, and but I think it goes along pretty well with the Cinderella theme, which I suppose it what really counts.

The Final Verdict:

This book was heart-felt, romantic, and cute. It wasn't too deep, but it did have a little bit going on under the surface. It was a super fast read. I recommend this book to people who love romances and books roughly based around fairy tales.

FTC: Bought.

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Pages: 304
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Age Group: Young Adult
Challenges: Debut Author Challenge
Release Date: April 19, 2011

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

Stars: 4/5

Cover: A
Plot:

I'd heard a lot of hype about this book previous to me reading it on my Nook, and I was super excited to read it. It started out really strong, and jumped right into Kate's story. I liked the different emotions Kate was feeling that tied in really nicely to the story and how it made it all the more realistic. I thought, overall, The Goddess Test had really nice pacing. There was never too much or too little action.
Characters:
I admit, at first I really didn't like Kate. I thought she was kind of annoying at the beginning of the book, and made some really stupid unrealistic decisions.
HIGHLIGHT TO READ SPOILERS:
For example, when Ava (who, on top of everything, was completely cruel to Kate) died, in order to bring Ava back to life Kate sacrified some of the last days she had with her mom. I just don't know anyone who would make that decision in order to save someone who'd never been nice to them.
END OF SPOILERS.

The relationship between Kate and Henry was a little weird to me. He seemed way too old for her (I imagined him as being, like, fifty).

Writing:
While reading this, I couldn't believe that The Goddess Test is Aimee Carter's debut novel! It's so well written, and she's really great at dragging you into the story. I like the scenery she provides, and how I can imagine how pretty Eden is.

Ending:
Throughout the last fifty or so pages of the book, I was really shocked. I liked that the author didn't make the ending what I had expected, and that it completely caught me off guard.

Lovely Line:
"Maybe you'll win when hell freezes over."

He raised an eyebrow.

"That could be easily arranged."

The Final Verdict:
The Goddess Test was enthralling, humorous, and all-around a good read. It will capture your attention and draw you in. I think this book is extremely memorable.

FTC: NetGalley.

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

Pages: 240

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenges: Debut Author Challenge

Release Date: January 1, 2011

Welcome to a future where water is more precious than oil or gold . . .

Hundreds of millions of people have already died, and millions more will soon fall -- victims of disease, hunger, and dehydration. It is a time of drought and war. The rivers have dried up, the polar caps have melted, and drinkable water is now in the hands of the powerful few. There are fines for wasting it and prison sentences for exceeding the quotas.

But Kai didn't seem to care about any of this. He stood in the open road drinking water from a plastic cup, then spilled the remaining drops into the dirt. He didn't go to school, and he traveled with armed guards. Kai claimed he knew a secret--something the government was keeping from us . . .

And then he was gone. Vanished in the middle of the night. Was he kidnapped? Did he flee? Is he alive or dead? There are no clues, only questions. And no one can guess the lengths to which they will go to keep him silent. We have to find him -- and the truth -- before it's too late for all of us.

Stars: 4/5
Cover: A+

I've been wanting to read The Water Wars ever since I heard about it in 2010. I'd heard awaesome things about it, and that it was a good dystopian read. It's a fairly short book, but there are a lot of words on each page, so it does take a lot of time to read.

It started out a little slow, and I wasn't able to dive into Vera's futuristic society as soon in the book as I had hoped. When the story did start picking up, it felt too fast, and a little rushed. It seemed Vera had just met Kai when all of a sudden he is taken away, and she's going on this crazy manhunt for him, risking her life.

Also, when she meets Ulysseus, she goes from being terrified of him to trying to save him way too fast. It was hard for me as a reader to understand or empathize with her fast transition of feelings.

I really, really liked the whole enviornmental theme going on in this book. I thin Stracher provides a good message --- to stop treating our resources like they'll never run out. Vera talks about how her parents can remember things that all of us do today that we take absolute advantage of without a second thought --- things like running under the sprinklers, taking wet showers (Vera has to take something called "dry" showers), and being able to drink water freely, whenever we want.

The cover to this book is absolutely gorgeous! I love the water coming off the eye (almost like eyelashes) and also the way the jacket feels.

Lovely Line:

The Final Verdict:
I would definitely recommend this book to people of all ages. This is one of those books that are scary because it's very possible that Vera's world could be the future Earth. If you're going to read this book, I would suggest keeping a bottle of water around, because you'll need to take some sips of it when you read Stracher's descriptions of the dry world.

FTC: Zoe.

Just One Wish by Jannette Rallison

Pages: 272
Publisher: Putnam
Age Group: Young Adult
Challenges: N/A
Release Date: May 5, 2009


Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it's all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika's plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly fi nds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?

Janette Rallison's proven talent for laugh-out-loud humor, teen romance, and deep-hearted storytelling shines in a novel that will have readers laughing and crying at the same time.

Stars: 4/5

Cover: B+

I admit, I didn't have high expectations for this book, because I did the unthinkable and judged a book by its cover. The cover is cute and all, but I didn't expect the book to have much substance because of the cover. Well, I was wrong. If I Stay was an extremely enjoyable, fun read that wasn't just fluff.

I was constantly intrigued and wanting to read on. The pace in this book was spot on --- there was never too much going on, or too little.

Annika was a fun protagonist. She was sweet, but witty, and she was so driven. I loved the fact that she would do anything for her little brother, even if it was unrealistic.

I would have to say that was my main problem with this book --- that it was so unrealistic. I mean, I understand that Annika wanted to make her brother happy, but I really don't know any seventeen year olds that would do all the crazy stunts she did in the book. I will admit, though, that without all of that, there wouldn't have been a story.

The ending was cute, though, again, unrealistic. Putting that aside, it was one of those endings that gave you butterflies and made you think, "awwww!" Yet, it still leaves a little to the imagination of the reader, which is good. I was wondering how Rallison was going to end the book, and I think the way she did end it was perfect.

Lovely Line:
"Jeremy might not make it through surgery; he's six years old, and he might be gone forever after Friday morning. The thing he wanted most in the whole world was for you to come and visit him. I'm sorry I barged in your life this way, but I thought if I could talk to you, if you understood . . ." I kept my gaze on his, searching for a sign that he might relent. "I need you to grant him just one wish."
(145)

This is the first Janette Rallison, but judging by how much I enjoyed this book, it definitely don't be the last.

FTC: Bought.

Among The Betrayed by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Pages: 176

Publisher: Aladdin

Age Group: Middle Grade

Challenge: N/A

Release Date: June 28, 2002

Nina Idi is a shadow child, the illegal third born in her family. She lives in a society where families are only allowed two children. Nina has been betrayed by the boy she loved. She is falsely accused, arrested and thrown into prison by the Population Police. Nina knows she is innocent of the charges. She is enraged and confused.

Nina is now faced with a most difficult decision. She will have to coerce three of her fellow prisoners into admitting they are third children, and she will save herself; or be killed. Ultimately, what choice will Nina make? Who should Nina friendship, trust and love?

Stars: 4/5

Cover: B+

Plot:

As always, Haddix writes a thought-provoking, exciting novel that hooks you in on the very first page, and keeps your attention until the very last. I loved that she switched protagonists --- Haddix always keeps readers on their toes.

I read this book in one sitting and completely devoured it. There wasn't as much action in this book as there was in the first two, and it was more about Nina's internal conflict to either turn the three children in, and betray them.

I love how there's always lots of twists to the story line in Haddix's books, and this one was no exception. There are tons of moments where you're thinking to yourself, "I did NOT expect that to happen."

Characters:

As I said before, I love the fact that Haddix switched up the protagonists. It gives us an insight to the brain of a different "Shadow Child", which also helps us as readers really empathize with the third children.

Nina was a smart, resourseful teenager that was fun to read about. I was talking about this book with someone, and they brought up a point where it was a little weird that a big part of the story was Nina being betrayed by Jason, her boyfriend, when this book is geared towards a younger audience. It's not that big of a deal, but it did bring up a good point.

Writing:

I've always been a big fan of the way Margaret Peterson Haddix writes --- ever since fifth grade, when my teacher read Running Out Of Time to our class. I love the fact that all of her books have such unique premises, and that there hasn't been a book of hers that I've read and didn't enjoy.

She really knows how to create a fantastic fictional world that is realistic, scary, and probable.

Ending:

I've read the Shadow Children series a couple of times now, and then ending of Among The Betrayed still shocks me. I love the way the book ends, and I think it's set up perfectly for readers to dive right into the fourth book in the series.

Cover:

I do like the cover (I like all of the covers in this series). It's creepy and makes you want to know what the book is about. I like the fact that it shows the four main characters on the cover, and also how they are placed is how they are in the book --- the three young children together, and Nina not really a part of their group.

The Final Verdict:

As always, this series definitely doesn't disappoint.  You can read the Shadow Children series out of order (that's what I did back in fifth grade) and it will still make sense. So, if you didn't like the first two books, don't give up on this series yet. Try reading it from Nina's point of view.

FTC: Bought.

XVI by Julia Karr

Pages: 325

Publisher: Speak

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenges: Debut Author Challenge

Release Date: January 7, 2011

Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world—even the most predatory of men—that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. 

That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past—one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.

Stars: 4/5

Cover: A

Plot: 

XVI was not what I expected, but I mean that in the best way possible. I was expecting just a dystopian novel, but Julia Karr incorporated suspense and romance into her book, too. I liked that, because she didn't focus on the dystopian aspect of it; it felt like I was reading a mystery/suspense novel set in a dystopian society (if that makes sense).

The beginning of the book started off strong, and ended strong, but I feel like the middle of the book fell a little flat. By the last 100 pages though, it really started to pick up, and I read the last part of the book in just one sitting.

Characters:

Nina was a great MC. She was reasonable, realistic, and likable. I loved how strong she was, because I don't think I could have done or gone through a lot of what she did, and still be okay afterwards.

Nina's little sister, Dee, was adorable in a naive way. Their grandparents were cute, too. They were loving, supportive, and protective. I loved the connection they all had with each other.

Ed was a fantastic villain. He was big, powerful, and super-scary. His character sent chills down my spine.

Writing:

The way Julia Karr writes is perfectly for the dystopian genre. She pays a lot of attention to detail, and puts a lot of it in the story (without it being too overwhelming) so the futuristic society she created became extremely realistic.

She's also really talented at building suspense and mystery, and weaving those themes into the book. For a lot of scenes in the book (especially towards the end) I was practically holding my breath in suspense. 

Ending:

I think the book ended in the right spot in the storyline. XVI was exciting right up until the very end, and the wrap-up in the last few pages didn't feel too rushed.

Cover:

I love the cover to XVI. It's so eye-catching, and pretty in a dramatic way.

Lovely Line:

I heard him scuffling through the pile of debris I'd thrown in front of the door. Every inch of me wanted to scream, to run, to do something . . . but I waited, clenching the pipe tighter and tighter until my hands hurt.

(Page 307)

The Final Verdict:

XVI is a wonderful dystopian/suspense novel that will keep you thoroughly entertained. Definitely read this book, and keep your eyes peeled for any other books that Karr writes!

FTC: Bought

My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent

Pages: 279

Publisher: Harlequin

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenge: N/A

Release Date: August 1, 2009

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. 

And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally. 

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

Stars: 4/5

Cover: A-

Plot:

My Soul To Take had me hooked. I felt like the beginning was kind of slow, but once the book started picking up, I couldn't put it down. The book was creepy, suspenseful, and well-paced. 

I really like the story line and the originality. I mean, I've never read a story about banshees and reapers like this, so it was a really refreshing book.

Characters:

I felt like Kaylee was an awesome MC. I loved being inside her head, and she told the story seamlessly. 

I liked Kaylee and Nash together, but I felt like their relationship got really intense in just a few days --- so much so that it was unrealistic.

Writing:

Rachel Vincent really has a way with words. My Soul To Take was seamless in the way that she wove romance into suspense/paranormal.

I love the descriptions that Rachel incorporated into it, but without taking me out of the story to do so. I felt like I was experiencing everything Kaylee was, and seeing everything that she was, too.

I am disappointed that it took me so long to actually start the series!

Ending:

I realllllly didn't want this book to end, but I feel like Rachel Vincent ended it in the perfect place: right after the action, but right before something else is going to happen, so that you'll want to read more.

I have the second book already on order. :)

Lovely Line:

And then I saw her. Second from the left, three down from Sophie. A tall, slender girl with honey-brown hair and heavily lashed eyes.

Meredith Cole. The team captain. Shrouded in a shadow so thick I could barely make out her features. 

As soon as my eyes found her, my throat began to burn, like I'd inhaled bleach fumes. Devastation drenched me, threatening to pull me beneath the surface of despair. and that familiar dark knowledge left me shivering where I sat. Meredith Cole would die very, very soon.

(Page 71)

The Final Verdict:

I have a new favorite series, and a new favorite author. Rachel Vincent completely captured me with her words and left me wanting more.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a book to take them out of their reality and into a suspenseful, make-believe world.

FTC: Bought.

Sugar And Spice by Lauren Conrad

Pages: 304
Publisher: Harper Collins
Age Group: Young Adult
Challenges: N/A
Release Date: December 8, 2010


In the final book of the hit series L.A. Candy, Jane Roberts is a bona fide celebrity—she’s got the VIP treatment, couture clothes, and starlet looks. She also has the tabloid scandals, fake friends, and relentless paparazzi. Having learned a few things from her first season on the air, Jane is trying to surround herself with the people who she knows love her for her...and take a break from boys—since they’ve been nothing but trouble. But when her high school sweetheart Caleb and her unrequited L.A. crush Braden show up, both looking cuter and acting sweeter than ever, Jane has a hard time remembering her no-boys rule.... 

Just when everything feels out of control, Jane makes a shocking discovery. And what she finds changes everyone’s definition of “reality” forever. 

In her deliciously entertaining novel, television star Lauren Conrad pulls the curtain back on young Hollywood and shows that sometimes the real drama is behind the scenes.

Stars: 4/5

Cover: A-

Plot:

I've been a big fan of Lauren Conrad's L.A. Candy series, so when the third book came out I went right down to the bookstore and bought it. And even though I knew I didn't read it for a couple of months (I had to re-read the first two in the series), it still felt nice to actually have the book.

I found Sugar and Spice to be bittersweet. I was sad that the series was ending, but I thought Lauren Conrad tied it up wonderfully.

Sugar and Spice was just as packed with drama, petty girls, shady producers, and cute boys as the first two books. I couldn't get enough of Jane's world, and I really wish the series wasn't ending.

Characters:

I really like Lauren Conrad's characters. They all seem realistic, and even the supporting characters with the smaller roles in the story are 3-D and have personality.

A new attention-seeking character was introduced, putting even more spins on the plot, and the drama that she stirs up.

I love all of the plotting and scheming some of the characters do just so they can come out on top. It really shows you how desperate some people are for ten extra minutes of airtime, and the lengths they'll go to to achieve it.

Writing:

Conrad knows how to twist things around in her stories, make you gasp, and say, "did that really just happen?" The situations are all believable, though, which makes the story ten times better.

Ending:

The ending to this left me wanting more, even though I know there won't be a fourth book. All of the loose ends were tied up seamlessly, and Lauren couldn't have ended the series more perfectly. I really liked that in the end, the characters all did what made them happy, and I even laughed a little bit at what some of them (ach-hem, Madison and Sophie) ended up doing.

Cover:

I've loved the first two covers to the L.A. Candy series, and this one was no exception. I loved the simplicity of it, with just a pop of eye-catching color.

Lovely Line:

Maybe someone as powerful, ambitious, and beautiful as Madison was meant to be alone? Madison glanced at Jane, who was jabbering on about the guest list now. Madison has always wanted --- and deserved --- to replace Jane as the star of L.A. Candy. She was so close now; all she had to do was keep her eye on the prize and not get distracted by sentimental feelings about Jane or anyone else. And, of course, make sure Sophie kept her big mouth shut.

To hell with other people. It may be lonely at the top, but it was totally worth it.

(Page 116)

The Final Verdict:

I know a lot of people are put off by the fact that this series is written by Lauren Conrad, but I wouldn't let that bother you. It's such a fantastic, well-written series that definitely deserves being read.


Read my review of L.A. Candy here.
Read my review of Sweet Little Lies here.

FTC: Bought.