www.BookHoundsYA.net

You'd have to have, like, a lentil for a soul to hate wiener dogs. ~Zuzana from The Daughter of Smoke & Bones by Laini Taylor


Monday, February 28, 2011

REVIEW: Ash by Malinda Lo




Description

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults * A Kirkus Best Book for Young Adults * A William C. Morris Award YA Debut Award Finalist

CINDERELLA RETOLD

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, re-reading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she begins to believe that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's royal Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing and romantic, Ash is an empowering retelling of Cinderella about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

From the Author

"An unexpected reimagining of the Cinderella tale, exquisite and pristine, unfolding deliberately. ... Beautiful language magically wrought; beautiful storytelling magically told." -- Kirkus, starred review --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Malinda Lo was born in China and moved to the United States as a child. She grew up in Colorado and has since lived in Boston, New York, London, Beijing, Los Angeles and San Francisco. She is the former managing editor of AfterEllen.com, the largest entertainment news website for lesbians and bisexual women. In 2006, Malinda was awarded the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Journalism by the National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and has master's degrees from Harvard and Stanford universities.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (October 5, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 031604010X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0316040105
SOURCE:  BORROWED

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

This is truly a different version of Cinderella that is told with beautiful writing and distinctive dialogue. There is a definite twist to this story, as Aisling (ASH) has a fairy god father who is actually cursed to love her and Ash uses this fact to get what she wants. All of the other elements of the classic Cinderella story will be found here except that instead Ash doesn't get the guy, but ends up with someone in the end after all. You will need to read the story to find out who she ends up with though.
I fell in love with the cover as it really shows how isolated Ash is and leads you to the story itself. There is a minimal sexual theme, but parents might need to have a frank discussion about where this books leads. I can't imagine in this day and age anyone would have any problems with an alternative version of this classic tale.


Sunday, February 27, 2011

AND THE WINNER IS: Eyes Like Stars and Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev

ANNETTE -- annettesspo
Be sure to stop by Annette's Book Spot  and congratulate her!

An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all who entered.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:




AND THE WINNER IS: You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin

ALLISON -- acole1027


An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all who entered.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:


REVIEW: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Description

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.
But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
So much for normal.

About the Author

Kiersten White lives near the ocean in San Diego, where her days are perfectly normal. Paranormalcy is her first novel.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 352 pages
  • Publisher: HarperTeen; First Edition edition (August 31, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061985848
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061985843
SOURCE:  PUBLIC LIBRARY

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

There is a lot of snark, action and fun filled dialog which are the most important things to me when it comes to reading a good book.  White has created a wonderful cast of characters from Evie to Lend and all of the minor characters in between.   For the first in a series, the pace is quite fast and you completely believe that there is this mirror world which every kind of creature imaginable. Evie's gift is that she can see what no human can and right past the glamor that these creatures use to hide themselves from humans.

When Lend breaks into IPCA headquarters to find out why paranormals are being murdered, he is caught by Evie.  Evie's teen hormones kick in and she finds Lend someone she would like to know better.  Evie is not quite certain what Lend is, but he can mirror the looks of anyone he sees.  Well, from there the story kicks off and looks to be a great set up for the series.

There is a bit of snuggling and kisses, comic book violence,  and a really good time for anyone who enjoys action-adventure reads with a bit of romance thrown in.  Fans of Jennifer Rardin will love this one.  I recommend this to anyone with a sense of fun, although I think it is best suited to those over 13.

Friday, February 25, 2011

REVIEW: Jet Set by Carrie Karasyov & Jill Kargman

Product Description

I'm Lucy Peterson, and let me tell you—I don't fit in at my new boarding school in Switzerland at all. Caviar at every meal, white-tie affairs (because black-tie is so last season), trips to Geneva to pick up the latest couture, and real live royals lurking around every corner? None of that is really my speed. I'm just your average American teen, here on scholarship, ready to kick some academic and tennis butt so I can have my pick of Ivy League colleges.
Only now I'm falling all over myself to impress my crush, who just happens to be a prince, I've gotten myself tangled up in a tabloid disaster—literally—and the "It" clique on campus has decided that I am worthy of their evil scorn. What have I gotten myself into?

About the Author

Carrie Karasyov & Jill Kargman are best buds who met at their all-girls private high school in New York City. They have cowritten two novels for adults, The Right Address and Wolves in Chic Clothing, and two novels for teens, Bittersweet Sixteen and Summer Intern. Carrie is also the author of The Infidelity Pact, and Jill is the author of Momzillas.

Product Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: HarperTeen (August 26, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 006143177X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061431777
SOURCE:  BORROWED


MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

This book is pure fluff and the perfect quick summer read. Even though it is directed at teen girls, this is a good distraction for the beach that any adult who enjoys chick lit will love. I enjoy being drawn into that fantasy world of the super rich and the details here won't disappoint. 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

REVIEW: The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Description

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.
Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

About the Author

Kelley Armstrong is the author of the New York Times bestselling Darkest Powers trilogy, which includes The Summoning, The Awakening (which debuted at number one), and The Reckoning. 

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 368 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (April 28, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061662763
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061662768
SOURCE:  BORROWED
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

This was just a wonderful read. You do need to read the first book in the series to get the full benefits of the story. Once I picked this up, I couldn't put it down and read straight through. I don't know how long I can wait for the next one though. I have all of Kelley Armstrong's books on my shelf and this YA series really makes me want to read them. I think this series is very appropriate for teens since it really touches on the growing pain of emotional issues. I wish I had authors like this when I was at that age.

REVIEW: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Description

My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again.
All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost—and the ghost saw me.
Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a "special home" for troubled teens. Yet the home isn't what it seems. Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? It's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House . . . before its skeletons come back to haunt me.

About the Author

Kelley Armstrong is the author of the New York Times bestselling Darkest Powers trilogy, which includes The Summoning, The Awakening (which debuted at number one), and The Reckoning. 

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 400 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins (July 1, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061662690
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061662690
SOURCE:  BORROWED

MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT

It took me two tries to finish this book. Once I did get past the initial set up for the series and a few pages of dialogue I thought the story was going nowhere and then it became a wonderful page turner. The characters are well developed and you could really get a feel for Chloe and her life. This is pretty appropriate for any teen with minimal violence, drug and sexual references. I am looking forward to the next one.


Wednesday, February 23, 2011

REVIEW: Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Description

From Lisi Harrison, the New York Times bestselling author of The Clique and Alphas, comes a new series with a fresh twist on high school, romance, and the "horrors" of trying to fit in.

The monster community has kept a low profile at the local high school, but when two new girls enroll, the town will never be the same. Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and prom.

But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters stalking the halls, Frankie learns that high school can be rough for a chic freak like her. She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver-but can a "normie" be trusted with her big secret?

About the Author

Lisi Harrison was the Senior Director of Production Development at MTV, and was responsible for creating and developing original programming for air on MTV. She also served as Head Writer for MTV Production and before that had her own column in Jane Magazine.

Lisi lives in Laguna Beach, California, and is currently working on her next Alphas novel, coming in April 2010, as well as her next Clique novel.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Poppy (September 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 031609918X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0316099189
SOURCE:  Around the World ARC Tours

LOVED IT

This is going to be one hot book!  I didn't know anything about this book and only signed up to read about it when I saw that one of the characters was named Frankie Stein.  How could you not love a character named that?  I wasn't disappointed at all.  This is one of those books I am going to recommend to all of my mom friends for their younger teens.  The story has lots of important lessons, is extremely cute and of course a marketing blitz to go along with it.

I started to Google the title to find out more about it and was surprised to find it's own adorable site. 
Monster High  which will go more "live" the second week of July, 2010.  There are some cute clips of the show there.  Of course, there will be toys to go along with this marketing blitz since this is all the work of Mattel.  There is also talk of a musical -- um, shades of Glee anyone? Now, that I think about it, the book really has a lot in common with Glee with all of the misfits.  This will probably appeal to girls who enjoy Kelly McClymber or Marlene Perez.

Some links to check out:
Yahoo -- Monster High films
Dread Central -- Cute Picture of dolls 
Mattel -- Videos


Waiting on Wednesday: Monster High: The Ghoul Next Door by Lisi Harrison

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:



Description

Cleopatra de Nile:

New pet snake
Has Deuce-the hottest guy in school-wrapped
Herve Leger bandage dress, strappy gold platforms

Cleo was the queen bee of the RADs, the normies, and everyone in between at Merston High. But now it's "Frankie this" and "Melody that" . . . these new girls sure know how to get her lashes in a tangle. When Cleo lands a Golden Teen Vogue photo opp for her friends everything seems to be back on track...until they bail to be in some film . . . Frankie and Melody's film! Can't a royal get some loyal?

Frankie Stein:
Frankie lost her head over Brett once and vows never to do it again. Not that she has a choice. Bekka is clinging to her guy like saran. But when Brett comes up with a plan that could help the RADS live freely, sparks fly. And Bekka will stop at nothing to put out their flames. Even if it means destroying the entire monster community.

Melody:
The clock is tick-tick-ticking away. Melody has a serious deadline to save her boyfriend, Jackson, from being exposed by the vengeance-seeking Bekka. But Cleo is making it royally difficult for the normie while threatening her acceptance into their exclusive group. A group that Melody suspects she has more in common with than she even thought.

About the Author

Lisi Harrison was the Senior Director of Production Development at MTV, and was responsible for creating and developing original programming for air on MTV. She also served as Head Writer for MTV Production and before that had her own column in Jane Magazine.

Lisi lives in Laguna Beach, California, and is currently working on the next Monster High book.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Poppy (April 5, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0316099112
  • ISBN-13: 978-0316099110
 I adored the first book in the series (I will repost my review later today) and can't wait for the next in the series.  It is just pure fun!  The cartoon is pretty cute as well.




Tuesday, February 22, 2011

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY TEETH Contributors Video -- Part 2



REVIEW: Cloaked by Alex Finn

Description

I'm not your average hero. I actually wasn't your average anything. Just a poor guy working an after-school job at a South Beach shoe repair shop to help his mom make ends meet. But a little magic changed it all.
It all started with a curse. And a frognapping. And one hot-looking princess, who asked me to lead a rescue mission.
There wasn't a fairy godmother or any of that. And even though I fell in love along the way, what happened to me is unlike any fairy tale I've ever heard. Before I knew it, I was spying with a flock of enchanted swans, talking (yes, talking!) to a fox named Todd, and nearly trampled by giants in the Everglades.
Don't believe me? I didn't believe it either. But you'll see. Because I knew it all was true, the second I got cloaked.

About the Author

Alex Flinn loves fairy tales and is also the author of Beastly, a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast that is a feature film starring Vanessa Hudgens, and A Kiss in Time, an edgy twist on Sleeping Beauty. Her other books include Breathing Underwater, an ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults, Breaking Point, Nothing to Lose, Fade to Black, and Diva. She lives in Miami with her husband, two kids, a cat, and a dog.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 352 pages
  • Publisher: HarperTeen (February 8, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0060874228
  • ISBN-13: 978-0060874223
SOURCE:  BOOK IT FORWARD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

***spoilers***

This is such a sweet story and a mash up of a bunch of unloved fairy tales, a few of which, I have actually read.  Johnny is working at the family shoe repair and designs shoes in his spare time at a swanky South Beach Hotel.  Things are not going well his family since his father disappeared, his mother is working two jobs and they are having trouble paying the bills. One day, a princess checks into the hotel and Johnny thinks if he can only meet her, he can change his fortunes.  Of course, the princess breaks her shoe and arranges a meeting with the young cobbler.  In order to win her hand, he must help find her brother who was turned into a frog by an evil witch.  In exchange, the princess offers a reward and marriage that will help ease life for him and his mother.

So the trial begins and Johnny goes on a quest to find the Frog Prince.  He has to jump through several hoops to find the prince and to help him, the princess has given him a magical cloak which will transport him to where ever he needs to be.  His best friend,  Meg, also has some magic up her sleeve and helps Johnny on the quest which takes you through several fairy tales like The Six Swans, The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Valiant Tailor, The Golden Bird, and of course, The Frog Prince.

There are truly sweet and touching moments as well as a few good laughs.  This is probably safe for younger teens with just a touch of violence, some kissing, a bit of alcohol use and good old fashioned romance.  Of course Johnny ends up with the girl of his dreams who has been beside him all along.  Oh, and the princess does help Johnny out in the end by publicizing his creations. I received this book at no charge from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


Monday, February 21, 2011

REVIEW: How To Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbaiestier

Description

Welcome to New Avalon, where everyone has a personal fairy. Though invisible to the naked eye, a personal fairy, like a specialized good luck charm, is vital to success. And in the case of the students at New Avalon Sports High, it might just determine whether you make the team, pass a class, or find that perfect outfit. But for 14-year-old Charlie, having a Parking Fairy is worse than having nothing at all—especially when the school bully carts her around like his own personal parking pass. Enter: The Plan. At first, teaming up with arch-enemy Fiorenza (who has an All-The-Boys-Like-You Fairy) seems like a great idea. But when Charlie unexpectedly gets her heart’s desire, it isn’t at all what she thought it would be like, and she’ll have resort to extraordinary measures to ditch her fairy. The question is: will Charlie herself survive the fairy ditching experiment? From the author of the acclaimed Magic or Madness trilogy, this is a delightful story of fairies, friendships, and figuring out how to make your own magic.  

About the Author

JUSTINE LARBALESTIER is the author of the award-winning Magic or Madness trilogy. She wishes she had a clothes shopping fairy instead of the procrastination fairy she battles with almost every day. She is married to author Scott Westerfeld and divides her time between Sydney and New York City.
www.justinelarbalestier.com

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books; 1ST edition (September 16, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1599903016
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599903019
SOURCE:  BORROWED

 MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT


I really enjoyed this young adult novel and sends a good message for teens that you need to be true to yourself. Also, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Charlie is very likable and even the villain (Fiorenze) isn't hardly a villain in the true sense of this world. Of course, they both find out that friendship is the best magic of all.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

REVIEW: Dead is a State of Mind by Marlene Perez

Description

A creepy, campy new mystery series

Welcome to Nightshade, California—a small town full of secrets. It’s home to the psychic Giordano sisters, who have a way of getting mixed up in mysteries. During their investigations, they run across everything from pom-pom- shaking vampires to shape-shifting boyfriends to a clue-spewing jukebox. With their psychic powers and some sisterly support, they can crack any case!

There’s a gorgeous new guy at Nightshade High: Duke Sherrad, a fortune-teller claiming to have descended from Gypsies. Even though she’s psychic herself, Daisy is skeptical of Duke’s powers. But when a teacher who was the subject of one of his predictions ends up dead, she begins to wonder if Duke is the real deal after all.
Maybe if Daisy can track down the teacher’s killer, she can find out the truth. The only trouble is, all signs point to the murderer being of the furry persuasion. Is Daisy any match for a werewolf? Maybe she is . . . in more ways than she bargained for!

About the Author

MARLENE PEREZ is the author of many books, including the  Dead Is series, The Comeback, Love in the Corner Pocket, and Unexpected Development, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. She lives in Orange County, California.
www.marleneperez.com

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 175 pages
  • Publisher: Graphia (January 1, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0152062106
  • ISBN-13: 978-0152062101
SOURCE:  BORROWED

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

The second entry in the Dead is the... was just as good as the first, maybe a little bit better. I have recommended this to all my friends who have 11-12 year old daughters that aren't enjoying the Twilight series. This story about Daisy and her two sisters, Poppy and Rose solving a paranormal mystery should appeal to that age group. I love recommending books like this that have no drug or major sexual situations to younger readers.

The characters are quite believable even in the paranormal realm. They all retain the insecurity, flashes of independence and optimism found in girls this age. The author also doesn't use unnecessary words to get her point across which is a huge problem for some younger readers. There are also excellent teaching points about accepting people who are different and not judging someone until you have met them. Even adults should enjoy this tale which reads like a cozy and like all good reads has a beginning, middle and conclusion.

Bonus Point: The story mentions my alma mater, Cal State Fullerton. I never thought I would ever see that in a book. 



REVIEW: Dead is So Last Year by Marlene Perez

Description

Something very strange starts happening in Nightshade the summer that the eldest Giordano sister, Rose, gets a job working at Dr. Franken's research laboratory. People are starting to see double. Doppelgängers of Nightshade residents are popping up all over town. Daisy, Rose and Poppy think it's a coincidence, until the rumors start that their father, who disappeared several years ago, has been spotted in town. Meanwhile, Daisy's beau, Ryan is spending all of his time training for football, and like the other guys on the team, he's grown enormous almost overnight. Samantha Devereux's boyfriend's neck has doubled in size since school ended. Could the football players be resorting to extreme measures to win? Between summer jobs, sugar rushes, and beach parties, the Giordano girls get to the bottom of these mysteries and more.

About the Author

MARLENE PEREZ is the author of many books, including the  Dead Is series, The Comeback, Love in the Corner Pocket, and Unexpected Development, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. She lives in Orange County, California.
www.marleneperez.com

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: Graphia (May 4, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0152062165
  • ISBN-13: 978-0152062163
SOURCE:  PURCHASED


MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

I can't tell you how many people I have recommended this series to, especially those with 11-12 year old girls who are not into the Twilight series. Everyone seems to agree, no matter how old they are, think that this series is just wonderful. The characters of Daisy, Poppy and Rose provide good role models since they all have college plans, hold jobs and value family. The mystery of each book is enough to keep everyone turning the pages. 
There are nice little word plays in the book like naming the evil scientist, Dr. Franken, which could be short for Dr. Frankenstein. A young werewolf named Wolfgang and the term "hairballs" as slang for the drug of werewolf blood and steroids are also very clever. This is the only drug reference in the book which is put across in a way to open discuss of such things. There are some romantic situations, but nothing that anyone would be uncomfortable with. 
At the end of the third in the series, I was a little sad and thought "OH NO, this can't be the end!" Without giving away the ending, I realized that there is another mystery to be solved and therefore another book. I look forward to the next one and I just hope it doesn't take a year before it comes out. 

REVIEW: Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez

Description

Welcome to Nightshade, California—a small town full of secrets. It’s home to the pyschic Giordano sisters, who have a way of getting mixed up in mysteries. During their investigations, they run across everything from pom-pom-shaking vampires to shape-shifting boyfriends to a clue-spewing jukebox. With their psychic powers and some sisterly support, they can crack any case!
      Teenage girls are being mysteriously attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy Giordano is a junior. When Daisy discovers that a vampire may be the culprit, she can’t help but suspect head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new “look.” Samantha appears a little . . . well, dead, and all the most popular kids at school are copying her style.
       Is looking dead just another fashion trend for Samantha, or is there something more sinister going on? To find out, Daisy joins the cheerleading squad.
    

About the Author

MARLENE PEREZ is the author of many books, including the  Dead Is series, The Comeback, Love in the Corner Pocket, and Unexpected Development, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. She lives in Orange County, California.
www.marleneperez.com
 
Very cute YA paranormal. If you enjoyed the Salem Witch series by Kelly McClymer, you will love this one. Just replace witch with undead, like in vampire and you have a fun story about Daisy a "norm" living in a family of psychics. Of course she ends up on the cheerleading squad and discovers her hidden talent while finding the vampire that is causing havoc in the town of Nightshade. This one is very appropriate for younger girls not quite ready for Twilight.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: Graphia; 1 edition (September 1, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0152064087
  • ISBN-13: 978-0152064082
SOURCE: PURCHASED

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Dead is the New Black is a very cute YA paranormal. If you enjoyed the Salem Witch series by Kelly McClymer, you will love this one. Just replace witch with undead, like in vampire and you have a fun story about Daisy a "norm" living in a family of psychics. Of course she ends up on the cheerleading squad and discovers her hidden talent while finding the vampire that is causing havoc in the town of Nightshade. This one is very appropriate for younger girls not quite ready for Twilight. 

Friday, February 18, 2011

COVER REVEAL: So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev

 Description

Bertie thinks her quest is almost done. With the help of Ariel and the rest of her friends, she has managed to find her father and rescue the kidnapped pirate, Nate, from Sedna the sea goddess. Now all she has to do is reunite her father, The Scrimshander, with her mother, Ophelia, and she will finally have a true family of her own.  However, things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Her father has vanished, Sedna is out for revenge, her own actions have trapped the Theatre Illuminata, the only home she’s ever known, into a strange kind of limbo, and the stress of her in-between state is tearing apart the fragile threads of her mother’s sanity. Bertie’s best hope for salvaging the situation may lie in the summons by Her Gracious Majesty, Queen of the Distant Castle and hope of winning the magical boon given to the most pleasing performance. Bertie is caught between her growing responsibilities to home and family and the dream of flying free, just as her heart is torn between her two loves, Ariel and Nate. With so many forces pulling on her, how will Bertie be able to choose which wish to make come true?

About the Author

LISA MANTCHEV wrote her first play in fourth grade, and has been involved in the theater ever since. She lives with her husband, daughter, and their hairy miscreant dogs on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Visit her online at lisamantchev.com.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (September 13, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0312380984
  • ISBN-13: 978-0312380984

ISN'T THAT COVER ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS? 

Check out all of the other blogs on the Reveal Tour since most of them are giving away copies of EYES LIKE STARS
    Monday 2/14 Fragment One

    Tuesday 2/15 Fragment 2

    Wednesday 2/16 Fragment 3

    Thursday 2/17 Fragment 4




    PREORDER SO SILVER BRIGHT HERE

    Thursday, February 17, 2011

    AND THE WINNER IS: Night Star by Alyson Noel



    CHRISTINA M. -- missmarsee


    An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
    Thanks to all who entered.
    PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

    Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:


    GIVEAWAY and COVER TEASE So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev






    Bertie thinks her quest is almost done. With the help of Ariel and the rest of her friends, she has managed to find her father and rescue the kidnapped pirate, Nate, from Sedna the sea goddess. Now all she has to do is reunite her father, The Scrimshander, with her mother, Ophelia, and she will finally have a true family of her own.  However, things are never easy for Beatrice Shakespeare Smith. Her father has vanished, Sedna is out for revenge, her own actions have trapped the Theatre Illuminata, the only home she’s ever known, into a strange kind of limbo, and the stress of her in-between state is tearing apart the fragile threads of her mother’s sanity. Bertie’s best hope for salvaging the situation may lie in the summons by Her Gracious Majesty, Queen of the Distant Castle and hope of winning the magical boon given to the most pleasing performance. Bertie is caught between her growing responsibilities to home and family and the dream of flying free, just as her heart is torn between her two loves, Ariel and Nate. With so many forces pulling on her, how will Bertie be able to choose which wish to make come true?

    So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev

    • Reading level: Young Adult
    • Hardcover: 368 pages
    • Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (September 13, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0312380984
    • ISBN-13: 978-0312380984

    You can hunt around the web today and piece together the whole cover today or wait until tomorrow when the cover will be fully revealed here tomorrow. (Go to Lisa's site to check out the participating blogs HERE)

    So to get everyone ready for the third book in the series, you can win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of:


    AND MY ARC OF:



    WANT TO WIN THESE BOOKS?

    Contest is open to anyone with a US mailing address (sorry, no PO Boxes)
    Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 2.26.10
    Winner will have 24 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
    This giveaway is sponsored by FIEWAL AND FRIENDS and ME and one set of books is available.
    Eyes Like Stars will come directly from the publisher and Perchance to Dream will be mailed by me.

    To Enter:
    Complete the below form
    Follow Me

    Extra Entries:
    +1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE
    +1 Follow me on Twitter HERE 
    +1 Follow my other blog:  BookHounds HERE 

    Even More Extra Entries
    +1 Fan Lisa Mantchev on Goodreads HERE
    +1 Visit Theatre Illuminata HERE  Tell me something good!
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    And now, for those extra entries you can do each day:

    +1 Leave a comment!  I love comments! If you don't follow on GFC, be sure to leave an email address or your the name you used on the form, so I can contact you.

     +1 for each post on twitter, a social networking site, blog, sidebar, etc., just be sure to leave a link.










    Wednesday, February 16, 2011

    Waiting on Wednesday: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

    "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

    This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:



    Product Description

    When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.

    Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.

    Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

    When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

    About the Author

    MEGAN McCAFFERTY was senior articles editor at Cosmopolitan and has written for Glamour, CosmoGirl!, YM, Maxim, Details, and other top magazines. She also wrote an ongoing serial from Hope’s point of view on twistmagazine.com. She lives in New Jersey, where she’s at work on the next Jessica Darling novel.

    Details

    • Reading level: Young Adult
    • Hardcover: 336 pages
    • Publisher: Balzer + Bray (April 26, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0061962740
    • ISBN-13: 978-0061962745


    Tuesday, February 15, 2011

    GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Beastly by Alex Flinn

    Description

    A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.
    You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.
    Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

    About the Author

    Alex Flinn loves fairy tales and is also the author of Beastly, a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast that is a feature film starring Vanessa Hudgens, and A Kiss in Time, an edgy twist on Sleeping Beauty. Her other books include Breathing Underwater, an ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults, Breaking Point, Nothing to Lose, Fade to Black, and Diva. She lives in Miami with her husband, two kids, a cat, and a dog.

    Details

    • Reading level: Young Adult
    • Paperback: 336 pages
    • Publisher: HarperTeen; Reprint edition (September 23, 2008)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 006087418X
    • ISBN-13: 978-0060874186
    SOURCE:  PURCHASED


    This is a wonderful young adult retelling of Beauty and the Beast which has been modernized perfectly. This is an easy to read story that should be familiar to most teens. There are drugs mentioned since Beauty's father is a drug addict, but the mention is a negative one. Just a few kisses, so nothing much to worry about on the sex front either. You can see Linda bloom like one of Kyle/Adrian's roses as the story develops. I know the upcoming movie (due 3/2011) is going to be wonderful. The actors chosen really look just as the author describes them.

    I think this should appeal to everyone who loves a good romance. I am definitely going to look for more books by this author!

    ADDED:  I read this book when it first came out, so this is my review from then.  The movie was originally scheduled for release in 7/2010 and  I would have to reread the book, but from what I remember and the short posted on you tube over a year ago, I thought the casting was well done and captured the characters.


    WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?

    Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
    Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 3.2.11
    Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
    This giveaway is sponsored by ME and one book is available.
    This book is in USED condition, but has several good reads left in it.

    Complete the below form
    Follow Me

    Extra Entries
    +1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE
    +1 Follow me on Twitter HERE
    +1 Follow my other blog BookHounds HERE
    +1 Fan Alex Flinn on Goodreads HERE
    +1 Follow Alex's blog (RSS feed) HERE


    And now, for those extra entries you can do each day:

    +1 Leave a comment!  I love comments! If you don't follow on GFC, be sure to leave an email address or your the name you used on the form, so I can contact you.

     +1 for each post on twitter, a social networking site, blog, sidebar, etc., just be sure to leave a link.




    BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY TEETH Contributors Video -- Part 1

    Monday, February 14, 2011

    AND THE WINNER IS: Follower Love Blog Hop

    ANGELA --  adsanders77

    An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
    Thanks to all who entered.


    PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!



    Saturday, February 12, 2011

    AND THE WINNER IS: Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

    DAWN  -- librarygrinch


    An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
    Thanks to all who entered.

    PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

    Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:


    REVIEW: The Hallow by Jessica Verday

    Description

    When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead…and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special. Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.
    “Spectacular! The Hollow keeps you reading from beginning to end without coming up for air.” --L.J. Smith, bestselling author of The Vampire Diaries and Night World

    About the Author

    Jessica Verday writes the first drafts of her novels by hand, using spiral-bound notebooks and black pens. She likes: things that smell nice, rainy nights, old books, cemeteries, Johnny Cash, zombie movies, L.J. Smith books, abandoned buildings, trains, and snow. She is currently hand-writing the continuation of Abbey and Caspian's story from her home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Find out more at jessicaverday.com.

    Details

    • Reading level: Young Adult
    • Hardcover: 544 pages
    • Publisher: Simon Pulse; First Edition edition (September 1, 2009)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1416978933
    • ISBN-13: 978-1416978930
    SOURCE:  Borrowed



    MY THOUGHTS

    LOVED IT

    The Hallow is a wonderful debut of a new series for young adults and adults as well!  Each chapter starts out with a quote from the Legend of Sleepy Hallow and leads the way for the story to develop.  I hope I haven't said too much already, but the story weaves around the tale.  I hate giving away spoilers.  I looooved the setting and how the descriptions weren't overwhelming as they can sometimes get in a thick book. 

    The cover is just spectacular and when you get into the story you will appreciate it even more.  It just fits so perfectly.  Someone was really thinking when they did the layout.  There should be nothing in here to concern parents.  A few kisses here and there but that is about it.  The characters of Abbey and Caspian really have some great chemistry and the author does a great job of portraying all of the emotions that they both show.  I really recommend this one to paranormal romance fans.

    Thursday, February 10, 2011

    GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin

    Description

    He's come to do a job.
    A job that involves a body.
    A body wrapped in duct tape found hanging from the goal posts at the end of the football field.

    You Killed Wesley Payne
    is a truly original and darkly hilarious update of classic pulp-noir, in which hard-boiled seventeen year-old Dalton Rev transfers to the mean hallways of Salt River High to take on the toughest case of his life. The question isn't whether Dalton's going to get paid. He always gets paid. Or whether he's gonna get the girl. He always (sometimes) gets the girl. The real question is whether Dalton Rev can outwit crooked cops and killer cliques in time to solve the mystery of "The Body" before it solves him.

    Sean Beaudoin (Going Nowhere Faster, Fade to Blue) evokes the distinctive voices of legendary crime/noir authors Dashiell Hammett and Jim Thompson with a little bit of Mean Girls and Heathers throwin in for good measure. It'll tease you, please you, and never ever leave you. Actually, that's not true. It's only a book. One that's going to suck you in, spit you out, and make you shake hands with the devil. Probably.

    About the Author

    Sean Beaudoin is the author of Going Nowhere Faster. and Fade to Blue. He lives in Seattle with his wife and daughter.

    Details

    • Reading level: Young Adult
    • Hardcover: 368 pages
    • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (February 1, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0316077429
    • ISBN-13: 978-0316077422
    SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

    MY THOUGHTS
    LOVED IT

    I never recommend reading the last page first, but for this book, that is a must! The last few pages of the book condense all of the characters into an easy to follow form.  There are so many cliques and factions to follow that it makes the reading so much more pleasurable when you know exactly who is doing what to whom.

    This is a crime caper that takes place in an alternative universe where bribes with school officials are common place and  crime is the name of the game in high school.  I think this will appeal to boys who are difficult to please.  It is told with such snark and sarcasm that I was in heaven.  The characters are something out of cartoon and this would probably make an excellent movie. 

    WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?

    Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
    Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 2.25.10
    Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
    This giveaway is sponsored by ME and one book is available.

    Complete the below form
    Follow Me

    Extra Entries
    +1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE
    +1 Follow me on Twitter HERE
    +1 Follow my other blog BookHounds HERE

    And now, for those extra entries you can do each day:

    +1 Leave a comment!  I love comments! If you don't follow on GFC, be sure to leave an email address or your the name you used on the form, so I can contact you.

     +1 for each post on twitter, a social networking site, blog, sidebar, etc., just be sure to leave a link.


    Wednesday, February 9, 2011

    Waiting on Wednesday: The Girl Who Became a Beatle by Greg Taylor @friendsatfeiwal

    "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

    This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

    Description

    She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah!
    When Regina Bloomsbury’s band, the Caverns, breaks up, she thinks it’s all over. And then she makes a wish—
    “I wish I could be as famous as the Beatles.”
    The Beatles are her music idols. The next day, she gets up to find that the Caverns are not just as famous as the Beatles, they have replaced them in history! Regina is living like a rock star, and loving it. There are talk shows, music videos, and live concerts with thousands of screaming fans. And Regina is the star of it all.
    But fame is getting the better of Regina, and she has a decision to make. Does she want to replace the Beatles forever?
    Here is a rocking novel about the good and the bad of Hollywood, fame, and rock ’n roll.

    About the Author

    Greg Taylor is the author of the novel Killer Pizza, and the upcoming sequel coming in Spring 2011. He is also a screenwriter whose credits include Jumanji, Harriet the Spy, Prancer, and The Christmas Box. For more information, check out Greg's website at www.gregtaylorwriter.com.

    Product Details

    • Reading level: Young Adult
    • Paperback: 288 pages
    • Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (February 15, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0312606834
    • ISBN-13: 978-0312606831

    Yes, this one looks like a winner to me!




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