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Reviewed by: Rosella
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Teen, YA, Family Rating: 2.5/5 Maybe it was wrong, or maybe impossible, but I wanted the truth to be one thing. One solid thing. Quinn is surrounded by women who have had their hearts broken. Between her mother, her aunt, and her grandmother, Quinn hears nothing but cautionary tales. She tries to be an optimist -- after all, she's the dependable one, the girl who never makes foolish choices. But when she is abruptly and unceremoniously dumped, Quinn starts to think maybe there really are no good men. It doesn't help that she's gingerly handling a renewed relationship with her formerly absent father. He's a little bit of a lot of things: charming, selfish, eccentric, lazy...but he's her dad, and Quinn's just happy to have him around again. Until she realizes how horribly he's treated the many women in his life, how he's stolen more than just their hearts. Determined to, for once, take action in her life, Quinn joins forces with the half sister she's never met and the little sister she'll do anything to protect. Together, they set out to right her father's wrongs...and in doing so, begin to uncover what they're really looking for: the truth. To be quite frank, I did not enjoy this book. Okay, there were some cute parts to it that I really enjoyed, but overall I found this book to be a bore. It wasn't at all what I expected it to be (I did read the description). The cover doesn't really relate to the story either, for that matter. I'm not sure why I read the entire book, but I did. I found the entire storyline very flat, although that's not what you would expect. I expected there to be high running emotions, and the like but that wasn't what I got. This book just really bored me. I didn't care for the plot. In fact, I found it Quinn's goal rather...awkward? I understand that it was supposed to be closure of some sort, but I felt that there wasn't enough emotional drive towards her goal. I couldn't feel Quinn's emotions. I couldn't relate to her. When I read this book I felt like I was watching a boring movie while I was half asleep. I don't recommend this. Like: The cute moments. Dislikes: Boring plot, couldn't relate to character. Reviewed by: Rosella
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Teen Rating: 3.5/5 Laurel used to think she was an ordinary girl from Crescent City, California. She never would have believed she was truly a faerie from a realm called Avalon. Now Laurel must risk her life to save Avalon from destruction by Yuki—a rare and powerful Winter faerie—and troll-hunter Klea. But Laurel won’t have to fight alone; David and Tamani, two boys she loves in different ways, will be by her side, along with her best friend, Chelsea. This book absolutely broke my heart and I will never forget it. It's been awhile since I've read this book (you know me, always behind on reviews, hehe), but I still remember it in great detail. The story was incredible. It had so many layers to it, and I loved almost all of them. In my review for Illusions, I said that I hated Laurel at the end of the book. In this book, I didn't hate her anymore, because I understood her feelings a lot more. Compared to the other books, this one was much more fast-paced until the end, where things slowed down quite a lot. I can't say I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entire book though. The pacing was quite awkward, and was mostly-action packed until the end, as mentioned before. The storyline however, I quite enjoyed (except for this one very cheesey twist regarding a human and a sword). I absolutely loved the interaction between Laurel, Tamani, David, and Chelsea. I was so entertained whenever they were in scenes together, and I was extremely happy with the ending. Well, not exactly... There is additional ending, after an author's note. But I WARN you, do not read it unless you read Aprilynne's author's note first. She thoroughly warns you that the ending will probably break your heart if you love _______ as much as she did. Me being the stupid person I am, read the ending without reading her warning. The real ending broke my heart. My heart shattered into pieces, and I did cry a little. The ending came out of nowhere. I was so angry and upset. The ending threw away the character development that _____ had. When I read it, I thought it was logical, and that I was just being upset. Once I got time to mull over it, I was angry. I refuse to acknowledge that ending. As far as I am concerned, it doesn't exist. From a critic's POV I'd give this a 3/5, as a reader...either a 3 or 4. Overall, it gets 3.5/5 from me. Likes: Characters interactions. Dislikes: Some character development thrown away, and the ending; _____ would not have done it. ____ would not have taken the short cut. Reviewed by: Rosella
Genre: Chick lit., Realistic Fiction, Drama, Middle Grade Rating: 3/5 In the second book starring Westchester County's most privileged middle schoolers, the Clique declares Massie a hero for hosting the first boy/girl Halloween party of 8th grade. Massie's already hired Landon Dorsey, the hottest party planner in the 9-1-4 area code, but her parents insist she has to invite the entire class. Unfortunately that means everyone. Layne is bummed that the boys will be there -- she IMs Claire that's so "DESPR8" -- as Claire wonders if maybe a boyfriend will make her happy. Meanwhile, Massie and the Clique are fighting over who gets to invite Derek Herrington. Dylan thought it was obvious that she was the one who danced all night with Derek at the OCD benefit last month, but says "Whatevs" when Kristen gets all weird about it. Fine, she can have him. He was a terrible dancer anyway and there will be tons of guys to choose from at the party.... I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one, but it was a good read all the same. This book gave you a better understanding about how the clique worked. You get to see how Alicia felt about being the beta, and that it wasn't enough for her. You saw that the clique didn't just fight with outsiders, but had problems within themselves. It was interesting to see the clique against one of their own. However, that wasn't the main theme (although you'd think it would be). What I really liked about this book was that it had themes that middle school girls can relate to; two friends liking the same guy, frenemies, and backstabbing. If you're going to give this book a try, you should keep in mind that it is intended for middle schoolers. It doesn't make this book any less enjoyable, but may not be a "hard-core"/serious read for anyone who is older. Likes: Relatable to targeted audience. Dislikes: How did Alicia so readily dump her old clique? Should've been emphasized/explored a little bit more. Reviewed by: Rosella
Genre: Chick lit, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Drama, Children's: Middle Grade Rating: 3/5 Claire Lyons is the new girl at Octavian Country Day School, an exclusive private school in Westchester County, New York. But Claire is totally unprepared for the social (and fashion) demands of her new classmates. To make matters worse, Claire's family is living in the guesthouse of one Massie Block, the queen supreme of her new school! And Massie couldn't be less thrilled with the new squatter on her family's estate. Does Claire have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the "it" girl in her school? There honestly isn't much that I can say about this, since this is basically The Clique, in another format. I loved the illustrations, and made the story more appealing, since there were also some visuals. This isn't necessarily a "must-have" for fans of The Clique, but you've got nothing to lose if you try it out. There was an alternate scene at the end, but the storyline was relatively the same. A few infamous quotes were lost in the transition for novel, to graphic novel, so it wasn't as appealing, but it was good all the same. I don't recommend reading this before the actual novel. Likes: Illustrations. (LOL, that looks so weird). Dislikes: Some quotes were missing. Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Action Rating: 5/5 Shelby's life in Soundview has always been comfortable. Her dad provides a luxurious lifestyle for his family through his photography business. He makes a ton of money taking headshots of pretty young teens who are desperate to become models. Shelby has always enjoyed driving around town in a red sports car, shopping with her best friend at her side. And her Mom is laidback,so it's all good. However, as reports of girls disappearing from nearby towns start to appear on the news, Shelby's seemingly perfect life begins to fall apart. The three missing girls have one thing in common--they were all clients of her dad's photography business. Secrets begin to surface as the investigation continues. Shelby receives threatening e-mails, battles the nosy media, and tries to keep her family together. Now that her dad is implicated in the disappearances, can Shelby figure out a way to clear his name? Or is dad not as innocent as he seems? I really hope that Todd Strasser keeps writing because I am so amazed with this third book in his "thrillogy," as this series is called. Though I wish there were more books in the series (but then it wouldn't have this awesome name...) I'm really glad with this one because it is amazing! :) I was impressed yet again with the ability of the author to just do an amazing job with the pacing and plotting of the book and the characters. The reader never really knows who to trust or who to believe and we're really left wondering what's going to happen. At at every turn, there was no disappointment! :) From the beginning, you are set out and cannot put the book down. I was amazed with the character development throughout the pages. You get to see Shelby get braver and see how she deals with conflicts. The reader is left wondering how she will deal with every turn and twist. The supporting characters all had a reason to be there and you were wondering what was going to happen next. The pacing, plot, characters were absolutely amazing and I was impressed with every twist and turn that the author gave giving a thriller factor while still making you ask questions. I absolutely loved this book and I really hope Todd Strasser keeps writing more mysteries and thrillers! :) Likes: writing style, plot, Shelby, character development, mystery, romance, different from the other books in the series, unique, interesting, twists, turns, makes one ask questions, every moment was interesting, mystery, thriller, action, romance, ability to incorporate and balance said genres Dislikes: Nothing. :) *Note: This book contains some mature content. **Note: If you want to start the series, you can start with Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser (Side Note: You don't have to read one before the other but they're all good!) Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Chick-Lit, Romance Rating: 4.5/5 KYLIE: Mexico? What a nightmare! I should be putting the finishing touches on my valedictorian speech. Graduation is TODAY! Wait! Is this a wedding band on my finger?? MAX: It started with Kylie's laptop and a truck full of stolen electronics and it ended in Ensenada. It was hot, the way she broke us out like some chick in an action movie. But now we're stranded here, with less than twenty-four hours before graduation. WILL: Saving Kylie Flores from herself is kind of a full-time occupation. Luckily, I, Will Bixby, was born for the job. And when I found out she was stuck in Mexico with dreamy Max Langston, sure, I agreed to bring their passports across the border - but there's no reason to rush back home right away. This party is just getting started. LILY: This cannot be happening. It's like some cruel joke. Or a bad dream. I close my eyes and when I reopen them, they're still there. Max and Kylie Flores, freak of the century. In bed together. If Kylie thinks I'm giving him up without a fight, she's dead wrong. I can definitely sum this book up into one word: ABSOLUTE FUN! :) From What I Remember was a fun book which included so much more depth and evolving characters. The pacing of this book was really great. This book kept me interested for the 400+ pages. It had a five-point of view style and it was really incredible of the author to create and maintain this. Sometimes I got confused between Max and Kylie towards the middle and the end but the authors made them unique that you would be to realize this before going to the beginning of the chapter. I was really happy to the characters change, grow, love, and realize who they were. At the end, every one of the characters changed and this was amazing. Every character had fears, loves, and hopes and who they were truly. You ended up feeling for all the characters and hoping that they'd have a good ending. The ending was really great. The thing with this book was that all parts of the book was fun and the authors let time sink in for things to happen and change and that's really important. It was just an overall fun book and I definitely recommend it for people who love road-trips and a short time span. :) Likes: all of the characters, relationship changing, side characters, them changing, the pacing, the ending, fun, romance, road-trip, short time span, characters so realistic, realizing their true intentions Dislikes: sometimes it was hard to differentiate between Max and Kylie *Note: This book contains mature content. Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Mystery, Action, Adventure, Romance Rating: 4.5/5 In a fading town, far from anyone he knew or trusted, a young Lemony Snicket began his apprenticeship in an organization nobody knows about. He started by asking questions that shouldn't have been on his mind. Now he has written an account that should not be published, in four volumes that shouldn't be read. This is the first volume.Before you consider reading "Who Could That Be at This Hour?" ask yourself these questions: 1. Are you curious about what is happening in a seaside town that is no longer by the sea? 2. Do you want to know more about a stolen item that wasn't stolen at all? 3. Do you think that's any of your business? Why? What kind of person are you? Really? 4. Who is that standing behind you? Absolutely amazing! :) I was enthralled to find out that Daniel Handler was writing a prequel series for his series talking about the childhood of Lemony Snicket, and it kept my attention for the entire novel. I just flew through this novel because it's readability was so amazing. I was a bit confused in the beginning because I didn't know where the novel was going but little bits and pieces of information kept surfacing and you got to understand more about the characters and the story was explained. It's definitely good to have read The Series of Unfortunate Events prior to reading the novel because you can just build so many more connections to the story. There are definitely mysteries in the beginning and the same kind of writing style shows up a lot. I definitely can say that anything you feel hasn't been solved will be thrown at you AND WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO READ THE SECOND BOOK SO MUCH! I know it's definitely not just me. The drawings were really cool and you definitely have to look carefully because as you know, all these pictures have meaning. Another cool thing was that Daniel Handler created an action, adventure, mystery, and slight romance story all together and was able to leave so many threads loose while still giving the reader a good ending. I extremely enjoyed the irony throughout the story. As well, the ending of this novel left on a sort-of cliffhanger and there were many things that I can't wait to know about in the next book. One thing to say for sure is that read extremely carefully because all details are extremely important! Because nothing it as it seems... :) Likes: Lemony, mystery, how everything is tied up, Ellington, Moxie, Pip and Squeak, Theodora, funny, same writing style, some things are said while others are implied, how characters interact, growing up, learning, irony Dislikes: Nothing. :) Reviewed by: Rosella
Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Supernatural, Fantasy, Paranormal, Witches, Vampires Rating: 3.5/5 In Dark Angel, Gillian is saved from drowning by her guardian angel. Only visible to Gillian, Angel will fulfill her heart's every desire. But when Angel starts making strange and sinister requests, Gillian must question who he truly is and where he came from. Armed with a wooden stake, martial arts, and the will to resist a vampire's mind control, Rashel struggles to avenge her mother's death in The Chosen. Then she meets Quinn, her soulmate, who is part of the world she has vowed to destroy. Hannah receives notes warning her of incredible danger in Soulmate. But if death is her destiny, is the Lord of the Night World's love strong enough to save her. I was not too fond of Dark Angel. It was very cheesy, and predictable, but not in the good way. I also didn't like how Gillian finally got with her "soulmate". It seemed rushed, and very unbelievable. If they were soulmates, shouldn't he have noticed her before? But I liked Gillian's introduction to the supernatural world. She met a specific character that I'm very fond of. Individually I would give this 2/5 stars. The Chosen is definitely my favourite of these three. Rashel is a wicked female lead. She's badass, and she can hold her own. She was certainly no damsel in distress...well for the most part. She was certainly no weakling, and that gave her a lot of points in my book. The story was also very nice, and interesting. I was particularly interested in the love aspect, and I really wanted to know how it would work out--or wouldn't. Individually I would give this 4/5 stars. Soulmate would have to be my second favourite. Hannah was a nice protagonist. I didn't love her as much as Rashel though, because she frustrated me a bit. Hannah is Thierry's soulmate, but she repeatedly died, and was reincarnated each time. Although it is no fault of her own, Hannah repeatedly trusted the wrong person in each of her lives, which caused her death, and then re-birth. Thierry of course lead his whole existence looking for her. It sounds incredibly romantic, but it isn't. Okay, it sort of is, but the reincarnation thing, has been ruined for me (cough Elixir, cough, cough). Individually I would give this 3/5 stars. Likes: Rashel, Hannah, Quinn, Thierry, Gillian. Dislikes: Predictable, and cheesy at parts. Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Romance, Chick-Lit Rating: 5/5 Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are still reeling from the revelation that they share more than just the roof over their heads. The media has pounced on their story and the girls are caught up in a flurry of talk-show appearances and newspaper interviews. They’ve put on a happy public face, but someone is leaking their true feelings to the press, and while it seems like the world is watching their every move, at least they have each other. But with cotillion season right around the corner, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown forever-now, if only she could find an escort. Izzie, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove and it’s seeming ever more impossible with EC mean-girls, young and old, doing their best to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, though, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect... and secret initiations to complete? As if sophomore year wasn’t hard enough! It’s time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off. With the cliffhangers and the amazing plot, I can say once again that Jen Calonita has blew me away! :) I absolutely loved this sequel to Belles and I am eagerly awaiting to find out what happens next to the Southern belles in The Grass is Always Greener, coming April 2013! :) The plot was just amazing. Something was always catching my attention but it wasn't too overwhelming, which I have to say is quite incredible to do. There was always something happening that was heart-wrenching, dropped my jaw, was making me laugh, or was absolutely was shocking. I got so attached to the characters that I even found myself stopping after reading a passage and finding a possible solution that would help them. I absolutely love Mira and Izzy, they are so unique and so different. I really appreciate the fact that they didn't make Mira a stuck-up bratty individual but rather someone who just was too scared to go the other way. I also liked that the author always explains why they felt a certain way and their goals - it made them very real. Both Isabelle and Mirabelle were both amazing individuals and their relationships with different individuals brought out who they were and made them three-dimensional. Both girls were growing and changing and adapting due to what occurred in the first book. The supporting characters had a reason to be there and were always doing something. Many thing in the story will make your jaw drop and you won't believe what's happening! You're going to absolutely love every minute of the book and just fly through it. Practicing for their cotillion was just so much fun and I loved that the author created so much fun in the book that was just so enjoyable to read. I find Jen Calonita's writing to be so readable and you just fly through the pages and absorb all her words. It was really nice to see that and I only trouble I found with the writing was that sometimes it seemed juvenile. The cliffhanger was just OH MY GOSH and I need to know what happens! There is also some shocking information and scandals occurring that will keep you interested and feel for the characters! :) Likes: Mira, Izzie, Kellen, Brayden, supporting characters, cliffhangers, easy readability, flying through the pages, something happening all the time, family, friends, scandals, jaw-dropping moments, romance, mystery, Izzie and Mira growing and changing, humor Dislikes: sometimes the writing seemed juvenile *Note: This book contains mature content. **Note: If you want to start the series, start with Belles. |