ARC Review: Notes From Ghost Town by Kate Ellison

Publisher:  EgmontUSA

Publication Date:  February 12th, 2013

They say first love never dies...

From critically acclaimed author Kate Ellison comes a heartbreaking mystery of mental illness, unspoken love, and murder. When sixteen-year-old artist Olivia Tithe is visited by the ghost of her first love, Lucas Stern, it’s only through scattered images and notes left behind that she can unravel the mystery of his death. 

There’s a catch: Olivia has gone colorblind, and there’s a good chance she’s losing her mind completely—just like her mother did. How else to explain seeing (and falling in love all over again with) someone who isn’t really there?

With the murder trial looming just nine days away, Olivia must follow her heart to the truth, no matter how painful. It’s the only way she can save herself.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Okay, I'm not going to lie and say that I loved Kate Ellison's debut, The Butterfly Clues, because I didn't.  Honestly, I'm not sure I even finished it; Goodreads says that I didn't...  I'm certain I started it, and found myself underwhelmed, but that was over a year ago, AND I know it got starred reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal, plus it has an almost 4-star average rating on Goodreads, so I know other people liked it, so I may go back and give it another go.  Why?  Because Kate's second novel, Notes From Ghost Town, was UH-MAY-ZING!  I really, really loved it. A lot.  I just did a giveaway of both books, and the winner of that giveaway is one lucky girl!

So...  Why did I love this book so much?  Well, for starters, it was a ghost story.  I really like ghost stories, and I like romantic ghost stories in particular.  This one was better than most, though.  You see, this one felt more real to me because even though the ghost boy and the living girl loved each other, there was no continuing the romance from the other side because, are you ready for this?  HE.  IS.  DEAD.  And you can't carry on a relationship with someone who is dead.  As much as I loved book series' like Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake and Hereafter by Tara Hudson, this one felt more real than fantasy...  I also liked that there was the whole schizo, psychotic break thing to add to the drama.  Is Olivia really seeing Stern, or is she just as batshit crazy as Mom?  I mean, she did also go colorblind when she kissed him right before he was murdered...  Because I had to work all of this out, I felt compelled to keep reading this book, and it did not disappoint...

Another reason this book was so awesome had to do with the characters, of which there were many.  That said, I'm only going to mention a few.  I already mentioned Olivia, the protagonist, a very real picture of a teen girl who is dealing with WAY too much for a girl her age- batshit crazy mom, trying to hide the fact that she might be right there with her, the fact that her mom is going on trial for the murder of her BFF/love-of-her-life, the upcoming nuptials of her dad to someone he met in "My Significant Other is Crazy Support Group", and more.  The poor girl.  No wonder she's such a mess...   There is also Raina, the third in her and Stern's BFF trio, and her only real remaining friend.  Raina is a mixed bag of good friend and self absorbed, but much of that has to do with how well Olivia is hiding her possible-crazy.  Stern is complicated, mostly because he is a ghost who can't remember details, but who knows he loves Olivia, and also that her mom didn't kill him, but not how to clear her.  There's Wynn, the stepmom's little girl, who Olivia adores, and who, more than once, helps Olivia hold it together just by existing.  Finally, there's Austin Morse.  He is the son of Olivia's dad's boss, way over-privileged, super-hot, and suddenly, inexplicably into Olivia.  I loved how well drawn the characters were, but also, how their details were fed to us over the course of the book; Woven into the plot seamlessly.

Finally, I loved the story and the manner in which it was told.  Kate Ellison knows how to write a Murder-Mystery!  This book would make an excellent movie, because it was thrilling, and the pacing was phenomenal.  I loved that the romantic element was there, but not the entire plot.  There were familial issues, mental health issues, social issues, and legal issues as well.  Everything was rolled up into this story that could have gone so wrong, had just one little thing been off.  Fortunately, that was not the case at all.  I don't often cry during books, but I must say that the final pages of this book slayed me (and before you rush to back of the book to read them, understand that it was because of the content of the ENTIRE book leading up to them).  I actually cried when I read them.  I loved the way this book ended, and I am always happy when an author writes a stand-alone that is THIS good.

Overall, I have to say that Notes From Ghost Town has been one of my favorites this year, which is something I never expected considering my experience (or maybe, non-experience) with The Butterfly Clues.  Because of this, I think I will go back and give that book another go!

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grade Level Recommendation:  There's some teen drinking, and Olivia makes some poor choices that are more implied in this book, than outright stated, but I would still say this is a book for upper middle school aged students and over.  Grades 7 and up (ages 12+).

GIVEAWAY! Win TWO Books by Jennifer Lynn Barnes!

I am so pleased to be able to offer up a great little prize pack to one of my lucky followers!

Up for grabs are two great books by Jennifer Lynn Barnes!  In case you are unfamiliar with her work, she is the author of more than ten books, including the popular Raised by Wolves trilogy (Raised by Wolves, Trial by Fire, Taken by Storm), and the two books offered up today!

 The winner will receive a hardcover copy of her latest release, NOBODY, which is a Sci-Fi/Paranormal unlike anything else I've read (read my review HERE), AND a paperback copy of the fabulous EVERY OTHER DAY, which is a Paranormal Thriller with a truly kick-ass heroine (read my review HERE). 

To learn more about Jen, you can visit her BLOG or view some of her videos at EgmontUSA's YouTube Channel.

This giveaway is open to followers with mailing addresses within the US and Canada, and ends Sunday, February 17th.

Best of luck!

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ARC Review: Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publisher:  EgmontUSA

Publication Date:  January 22nd, 2013

There are people in this world who are Nobody. No one sees them. No one notices them. They live their lives under the radar, forgotten as soon as you turn away. 

That’s why they make the perfect assassins.

The Institute finds these people when they’re young and takes them away for training. But an untrained Nobody is a threat to their organization. And threats must be eliminated.

Sixteen-year-old Claire has been invisible her whole life, missed by the Institute’s monitoring. But now they’ve ID’ed her and send seventeen-year-old Nix to remove her. Yet the moment he lays eyes on her, he can’t make the hit. It’s as if Claire and Nix are the only people in the world for each other. And they are—because no one else ever notices them.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

When I got the review request for Nobody, I was really excited.  I had only ever read one of Jennifer Lynn Barnes's books, Every Other Day, and I LOVED it (read my review HERE).  I was super-excited when I received it in the mail, and then I went to Goodreads to mark it as a "Currently Reading" book, and stopped dead in my tracks...  There were some downright awful reviews on this book, and many were from bloggers I know and respect.  That left me torn.  Do I read it because I've already committed to it, even though I really don't want to now?  Do I just skip it, and read something else?  What to do?  Clocking in at 400 pages, it was a book I was really reluctant to bother with if I was going to hate it...  Well, the conscientious side of me won out- I accepted the review request, and I was going to keep my word, and at the very least, read it...  Well, I'm glad I did, because I really liked Nobody (I also affirmed my policy to not post reviews of 2-star and lower books on my blog for fear of turning off someone who might have loved the book I hated).  I didn't love it quite as much as I did Every Other Day, but I thought it was a great, entertaining story that was well worth the time spent, even at 400 pages.

I found the premise of Nobody quite intriguing.  Basically, Nobodies are people that go through life without the world around them noticing that they are even there.  They aren't physically invisible, but they might as well be.  They can even commit murder in a crowd of people without anyone even processing that they were present.  No witnesses, which makes them perfect assassins...  Nix is a Nobody and has been trained his entire life to be just that.  He is unparalleled at what he does, until he is sent to take out Claire.  Claire is also a Nobody, although she has gone through life without knowing this.  All she knows is that people, even her parents, don't seem to notice her.  Then one day she gets this feeling that someone is watching her- a feeling utterly foreign to her- and she sees her would-be assassin, and he sees her.  They REALLY SEE each other, and that doesn't happen to either, EVER.  Because Nix is so thrown by this realization, he botches the attempt, and the story moves forward from there...  We learn there are other types of people besides Nobodies; There are Nulls, who are their opposite- larger than life, charismatic, and can bend anyone to their will without any effort at all.  Then there are the Sensors, who are the only ones who can see Nobodies and Nulls for who what they are.  The Institute has a long history of using Sensors to keep the normal people, the general public, blind to such abnormalities.  The Institute, however, is rife with corruption and secrets, and as things unfold in this book, it becomes a very compulsive read, and I found it nearly impossible to put down for a variety of reasons.  The plot moved quickly and made sense of what could have come across as nonsensical if it hadn't been so expertly executed.  Claire and Nix were great characters, and both grew on me tremendously as the story progressed.  Some reviewers complained about their inability to connect with either of them, but I think that was part of the appeal for me.  It's hard to connect with a person who has never really experienced any kind of human connection.  That person is going to seem somewhat flat to people who have had the joy of human bonding and the myriad of emotions that go along with it.   I found myself really absorbed in the growth both characters showed through experiencing a bond with another human for the first time.  I enjoyed seeing things through their eyes, feeling how they felt going through life alone and unnoticed, and then finding  one another, and for the first time feeling seen, and more importantly, feeling connected.  Normally, I detest insta-love or attraction, but in this case it is more than reasonable.  This book isn't all romance though.  Not even close.  It is action, conspiracy, mystery, and a full on story of survival.  Anyone who enjoys a fast-paced sci-fi adventure, that really makes you wonder if things aren't always as they seem, will enjoy Nobody.  I honestly can't, for the life of me, figure out why the negative reviews...

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  This book was graphically violent at times, and there was some sex, although not graphic in nature, by any stretch.  I would say this book is best suited for grades 7 and up (ages 12+), although as a more liberal parent, I would gladly allow my 6th grader to read it.

**Please enter my GIVEAWAY for a hardcover copy of NOBODY and a paperback copy of EVERY OTHER DAY by clicking HERE!!  Ends Sunday, February 17th.  USA/Canada**

ARC Review: Quarantine: The Loners by Lex Thomas

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Publication Date: July 10th, 2012

It was just another ordinary day at McKinley High—until a massive explosion devastated the school. When loner David Thorpe tried to help his English teacher to safety, the teacher convulsed and died right in front of him. And that was just the beginning.

A year later, McKinley has descended into chaos. All the students are infected with a virus that makes them deadly to adults. The school is under military quarantine. The teachers are gone. Violent gangs have formed based on high school social cliques. Without a gang, you’re as good as dead. And David has no gang. It’s just him and his little brother, Will, against the whole school. 

In this frighteningly dark and captivating novel, Lex Thomas locks readers inside a school where kids don’t fight to be popular, they fight to stay alive. 

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I have very mixed feelings about this book... The premise is extremely good, and I found the way the story played out very believable, but I struggled a bit with the execution and some of the content.  Let me elaborate...

I will first touch on the brilliant premise.  This book was like a modern-day Lord of the Flies that takes place in a locked down school instead of on a deserted island.  If something like what happened in this book happened in real life (all the grown-ups suddenly die and an entire HS has to be locked down by the government to prevent the spread of a deadly super-virus carried by only teens), I believe that the kids would behave almost exactly as they did here, and it is scary!  Because this book is such an honest prediction, it is violent, gruesome, and utterly horrifying.  While some of the kids cling to their morality, most of the others turn into vicious animals, and sadly, it's the most ruthless of the animals that come out on top most of the time. It's survival of the fittest at its most basic level.  It's a harsh reality, in a fictional format, and this is where I struggle a bit with the content. I think there are a lot of kids who would read this book, expecting the standard YA dystopian fare, and get something far more raw and disturbing.  The Hunger Games has nothing on this book as far as the things kids will do to other kids in the name of survival.  What I found more disturbing than what they would do in the name of survival, is what some of the kids were willing to do in the name of power and control over others, and where books like The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies leave a lot to imagination, this book does not.  Some of the violence is is described in such detail that several times I had to stop reading for a few minutes in order to get my bearings.

Obviously, you can't have this type of character driven (someone has to commit the violence, right?) story without characters, and I think much of this book's strength is in them.  The physical world they were living in was well built, but it was almost like it didn't matter because the characters were really the heart of it.  I loved how each tribe- Nerds, Geeks, Varsity, Pretty Ones, Sluts, Skaters, Loners- was a character of its own volition.  As far as individual characters go, there were many.  David is a great character; he is very human, and while he does try to cling to his morality, he doesn't let it get in the way of his or his brother's survival.  He wouldn't kill another person for power or control, but if it's kill or be killed, he doesn't hold back.  I really liked him, and I found myself rooting for him the whole way.  His brother, Will, on the other hand, is a total douche.  I just wanted to grab him and shake him.  He was self-absorbed and whiny, not ever really grateful for all his brother was doing to protect him.  As for the many other characters that were part of the story, they all played extremely crucial parts, and I felt like they were all well drawn.  Sam was an intriguing character, and it was interesting to be in his head from time to time, and Lucy was alright, but definitely not worth the many sacrifices made for her.

Now for the things that bothered me... I did not like how the actual story was executed.  It shifted from character to character, most of the time in a 3rd person narrative, but once in awhile, it would shift to 1st person.  It don't know if that was intentional or just poor writing, or perhaps it was just the result of being written by a two person writing team, and my copy being an editorial proof, but I found it confusing and frustrating at times.  I also struggled a bit with the pacing; it was really good in the first third of the book, then it became repetitive and slow in the middle third.  By the final third of the book, it did pick up, but I kind of felt like much of the middle third could have been left out altogether.  

Overall, I would say this is great read for the RIGHT reader, and in the end, that wasn't me.  I enjoyed it, but there were just too many problems that I had a difficult time getting past, for me to give it a stellar rating.  I think HS age boys will devour this book, and be ready for more at the end.  Will I read the next book?  Probably.  I would like to know where the story goes, but if I'm honest, I would say that it won't be at the top of my reading pile.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ½ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  This is a tough one.  The violence is graphic, and horrible things like murder, rape, and torture take place.  This is definitely not a book for someone who is sensitive to that type of thing.  It is also definitely not a book for the younger end of the YA reading audience.  I definitely wouldn't allow my middle schooler to read this, and I'm pretty liberal with her.  I would say this book is for ages 15+ (grades 10 and up).

Release Day Review: One Moment by Kristina McBride

Publisher: EgmontUSA 

Publication Date: June 26th, 2012 

"This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie's life. Now it's the one she'd do anything to forget." 

Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can't she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below-dead? 

As Maggie's memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding? 

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you. 

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I had very mixed feelings while reading this book, and I really didn't form a solid opinion of it until the very end. One Moment is a YA Contemporary Romance that tries very hard to be a Mystery, but never quite pulls it off. It was just way too predictable from the beginning. I saw each "big" reveal coming a mile away and was always disappointed when I realized that was right. I kind of felt like Kristina McBride wasn't giving her readers enough credit, dropping way too many clues and hints, revealing too much, too soon for it to legitimately fall into the Mystery genre. That said, I kept turning the pages anyway, hoping that I would be surprised, and I did get a small one in the end, and that sweet surprise at the end was what saved this book for me, but honestly, it wasn't enough...

Another problem for me was that it was so similar to another book that I recently read called Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf (read my review HERE). Now,if you haven't read Breaking Beautiful, you can just skip this part of the review, because this problem would not be relevant to you, but if you have this is important! I don't fault the author, because obviously, she wouldn't have had any idea that such a similar book would be published just two months before hers, but the similarities between the two books nagged at me the entire time I was reading One Moment. A girl witnesses boyfriend's tragic accident, represses memories so that she has no clue what happened, finds out boyfriend had secrets, wants to remember but knows that there is something that is making her subconscious not want to remember, etc. There were some differences, sure, but I still spent the whole book comparing the two, and finding that I liked Breaking Beautiful better. I just never connected with the protagonist, Maggie, or most of her little group of friends, and although I really liked one character, there were a couple who I outright despised, and as I've said in other reviews, I have a difficult time with books that have characters I don't like.

Now, you may think, from reading what I've written so far, that I didn't like this book, and that isn't true. I actually thought it was pretty well written if you overlook the predictability, and it was certainly a page-turner (I read it in under 24 hours), it just didn't go where I would have hoped it would. It was a quick, engaging read, and I thought it was great for reading by the pool during the summer. Sometimes it's nice to read something that doesn't force you to think very much. Like I mentioned above, I did like the ending a lot; it was sweet and it made sense. It also was the only thing I didn't call way ahead of time. I wouldn't say that this book was disappointing, I just think it was trying too hard to be something it wasn't, and would have been better off just being what it is, a YA Contemporary Romance.

Overall, I would say this... If you are a fan of Contemporary YA authors like Lauren Barnholdt, Sarah Dessen, Deb Calletti, and Jennifer Echols, then you will probably like this book. If you're looking for a great YA Mystery, then I think you will be disappointed. If you've already read Breaking Beautiful, then skip this one altogether because you will spend a lot of time thinking that you've already read this book...

My Rating: ★ ★ ★

Grade Level Recommendation: There's lots of teen drinking and some sex, but nothing graphic. I would say this book is fine for grades 8 and up (ages 13+).

ARC Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication Date: June 12th, 2012

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. 

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.
(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Oh, how I've waited for the release of this book!  Its predecessor, Hourglass, was one of my favorite books of 2011 (read my review HERE), and I had such high, HIGH hopes for Timepiece.  Did it hold a candle?  Did Myra McEntire deliver?  Yes and YES!  I loved this book even MORE than my much loved Hourglass!  It was fan-freaking-tastic!!  

I have to start this review by admitting that I never even read the synopsis... I didn't need to.  I knew I wanted to find out how this fabulous story would progress... That said, I was a little thrown when Timepiece ended up being from Kaleb's perspective.   NOT that I am complaining.  When I read Hourglass, I knew Emerson and Kaleb weren't right for each other (I mean, come on, she and Michael blow up electronics because their connection is so fierce), but forgive me Jesus, this 35 year old woman was having some seriously naughty thoughts about the boy!  The fact that this book puts you in Kaleb's head is bonus point one for Myra and Timepiece!  Onward...

So, Kaleb...is he everything I thought he would be?  Yes and no.  He's better.  I thought he would be a bit of a douche, and in the beginning, I thought I was right, but...  Really getting inside his head, you begin to understand his tortured existence and you have to forgive him for the faults he showed in Hourglass, and then you want to help him to get better.  His life has definitely not been easy, and while it improves on some levels in Timepiece, there are also some really heartbreaking moments as well.  As for Emerson and Michael...they really play more of a supporting role in this book, which in part, made me sad, but this really isn't their story.  Jack and Lily, on the other hand, get lots of face-time.  Jack is so much worse than I could have imagined, and Lily surprised me in many ways.  I think I might like her as much as I like Emerson.  There are a few new characters, and of them, I found Poe most interesting.  Hopefully, we'll see more of him in Infinityglass...

Story?  Totally made of win!  The pacing and plot development were spot on.  I could not stop reading, and there were surprises around every corner.  There are still lots of questions, but I say that in a positive way... I'm just itching to get my hands on the next book.  I had a feeling that this series would be a favorite after I read Hourglass, and this book has solidified that statement!  If you have not read Hourglass, you're lame!  Go out and get it!  While you're at it, get Timepiece because you'll NEED to know what comes next (then shoot me an email and thank me for that awesome bit of advice)!  In a literary world where the same story seems to get told over and over, it is refreshing to come across something so original! Add to that the fact that it is told from a male POV (truly a rarity in the YA fiction world), and there are no faults in this book. Myra McEntire, you RULE!

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★++  

Grade Level Recommendation:  There is definitely some hot and heavy in this book, but nothing graphic or inappropriate for the intended audience.  It was more romantic than anything.  I said Hourglass was appropriate for 4th grade+ because it was pretty squeaky clean.  Timepiece is maybe a bit older.  Kaleb is a drunken, tattooed/pierced rebel and he is known to be a bit of a ladies man.  That said, I would put this one at 6th grade+ (ages 11 and up).

GIVEAWAY! Win a SIGNED Hardcover Copy of Hourglass by Myra McEntire

In just 12 days, Timepiece, the sequel to Hourglass (read my review HERE), comes out.  In honor of this very anticipated sequel, I am going to give a SIGNED copy of its predecessor away.  Hourglass was one of my favorite books of 2011 (read this POST if you want to know what kind of company it keeps) and I want to make sure that everyone reads it, so one of my lucky followers will get a FREE copy!  All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below and cross your fingers!  Good luck!

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Review: Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Publication Date:  December 27th, 2011

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.

And then every day in between . . .She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

The synopsis above does not do this book justice.  It's accurate, sure, but it's so much more than what it implies.  This story is an entirely different take on the paranormal, and it was quite refreshing.  Lately I've been wary of anything in the paranormal genre because of all the garbage that followed on the heels of Twilight's success, but there are some good ones out there, and this is one of them.

Going into this book, I was not even thinking about it going in the direction that it did, and I was so pleasantly surprised.  I am a science-nerd, and this book spoke to the girl with the Genetics degree.  I can't really say more without major spoilers, but it is great how this story comes together.  This book does not start out slowly, and the pace only quickens as the story progresses; by the final third of the book, you will not want to stop reading for any reason.  House burning down?  Keep reading and hope the fire department arrives before the smoke and fire reach your room.  That seriously would have been me once the secrets started unraveling.  Of course, the story can't really make a book without characters, and the characters in this one are very well drawn.  Kali is a great kick-ass heroine.  Honestly, I wish this book had come out a few months ago, because I think she could have had a real shot at the YA Sisterhood Heroines Tourney.   Another kick-ass character is Skylar.  She was my favorite character of all of them; quirky, sweet, and totally comfortable in her own skin.  Mean girl Bethany was okay after awhile, but she definitely has some growing to do.  Then there's Skylar's never-ending number of brothers... I loved that.  It was  like, "Need a doctor? Good, Skylar's brother's a vet.", "Need a cop. Cool, Skylar's brother's FBI.", "Need a hot boyfriend type to keep bitchy Bethany in line? Lucky for you, Skylar has a brother who already fills that role!".  Hilarious on its own.   I really enjoyed the characters and thought the development of them was great; their flaws and strengths revealed nicely, and at the right times.  As for romance, there's not a whole lot.  There is a boy, Lev, who is like Kali, but the story really doesn't have room for romance, and thankfully, Jennifer Lynn Barnes doesn't try to cram it in to please the Twilight crowd. 

I went into this book thinking that it was a stand-alone, but judging from the ending, I'm guessing it's the first in a series.  I don't see any evidence of that on Goodreads or anything, but the door has definitely been left wide open for it.  I, for one, will be happy if the story continues because there is definitely potential for greatness.  I would love to see where Kali's abilities take her and how things play out with Lev.

Honestly, there was only one thing about the story that I hated, and I'm not going to mention it because it would be a total spoiler.  If you've read the book, I'm sure you're aware of what I am referencing, if not, you will when you get to that part...

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★  

Grade Level Recommendation:  Very violent and gory.  Does have some language.  If it was made into to a movie, it would carry a PG-13 rating.  I'm going to say that it is appropriate for 7th grade and up (ages 12+).

In My Mailbox Monday (13)

In My Mailbox (IMM) was started by The Story Siren a few years back, and is a great way for bloggers to give the books they are reading (or are planning to read) a quick mention.  Not a lot to report, but the books I got are freaking awesome!


The Power of Six
By Pittacus Lore
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Publication Date: August 23rd, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
I've been anxiously awaiting this for a long, long time.  I loved I Am Number Four.  It's finally here!  YAY!!


It's Not Summer Without You
By Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Publication Date: April 27th, 2010
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis
I read the first book, The Summer I Turned Pretty, over the summer and really enjoyed it (review HERE).  Can't wait to read this.

Every Other Day
By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Publisher: Egmont USA
Publication Date: December 27th, 2011
Source: NetGalley/ARC
Goodreads Synopsis
This looks quite interesting. I have a good feeling about it.  Thanks Egmont USA/NetGalley!

The Butterfly Clues
By Kate Ellison
Publisher: Egmont USA
Publication Date: February 4th, 2012
Source: NetGalley/ARC
Goodreads Synopsis
The cover rocks and the story looks intriguing.  Stay tuned!  Thanks Egmont USA/NetGalley!


Dreamland
By Alyson Noel
Publisher: Square Fish/Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: September 13th, 2011
Source: ARC (Esther Bochner, Macmillan Audio)
Goodreads Synopsis
I am a big fan of Alyson Noel's Riley Bloom series.  I loved Radiance and Shimmer (reviews HERE), and have been looking forward to this, so I was very pleased when the audio showed up in my mailbox on Friday.  Thanks, Macmillan Audio!!

In My Mailbox Monday (10)

In My Mailbox (IMM) was started by The Story Siren a few years back, and is a great way for bloggers to give the books they are reading (or are planning to read) a quick mention.

I've been out of town for weeks, so my mailbox has been on hold. Now that we're back, I've got an IMM of epic proportions. That said, I'm not going to comment on ALL of the books since my last IMM (on June 20th), but just highlight the ones I'm most excited about.

The Revenant
By Sonia Gensler
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 14th, 2011
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis 
I almost forgot I was excited about this one, and then one day I got an email that it was waiting for me. Oh, happy surprises!


Don't Stop Now
By Julie Halpern
Publisher: Fiewel & Friends
Publication Date: June 7th, 2011
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis 
Into the Wild Nerd Yonder is one of my favorite Contemporary Fiction books ever. In that, Julie Halpern earned a fan for life. I've been so excited for this. Yay!


My Life Undecided
By Jessica Brody
 Publisher: Farrar, Straus, Giroux
 Publication Date: June 7th, 2011
 Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis 
I've been looking forward to this one. It looks light and fun. A perfect summer read.


Fairy Bad Day
By Amanda Ashby
Publisher: Speak Publication Date: June 9th, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis 
I'm a sucker for books about fae, and this cover is great. I'm also a sucker for a good cover...



Haunting Violet
By Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Children's Books
Publication Date: June 21st, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis 
This cover is beautiful. That's why I bought it. The story looks like a good one, though. :)


Graveminder
By Melissa Marr
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Publication Date:May 17th, 2011
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis 
I've been waiting for this forever. I didn't want to buy it because I didn't love Wicked Lovely, but this looks so good.


Uncommon Criminals
By Ally Carter
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion
Publication Date: June 21st, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis 
Loved Heist Society. Heard this is even better.



Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) 
By Sarah Mlynowski
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: June 7th, 2011
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis
This looks very cute and funny.



Withering Tights
By Louise Rennison
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication Date: July 8th, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
Loved Georgia Nicholson and her mishaps. This is bound to be as funny.



Texas Gothic
By Rosemary Clement-Moore
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 12th, 20122
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis
I found out about this from someone's WoW post a couple of months ago, and have been excited ever since.


Wolfsbane 
By Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication Date: July 26th, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
LOVED Nightshade. Have been anxiously awaiting this.



The Mephisto Covenant
By Trinity Faegen
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication Date: September 27th, 2011
Source: NetGalley/ARC
Goodreads Synopsis
This looks really good, but more importantly, the cover is amazing!



Tris & Izzie
By Mette Ivie Harrison
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication Date: October 11th, 2011
Source: NetGalley/ARC
Goodreads Synopsis
Gorgeous cover! I hope it measures up!



Ashes
By Ilsa J. Bick
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication Date: September 6th, 2011
Source: NetGalley/ARC
Goodreads Synopsis
The early reviews of this are absolutely fantastic. Can't wait to read it!



Clean
By Amy Reed
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: July 19th, 2011
Source: ARC (Simon Pulse)
Goodreads Synopsis
This looks so gut-wrenching and real. Rehab stories are always compelling...


The Unwanteds
By Lisa McMann
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Date: August 30th, 2011
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab/ARC
Goodreads Synopsis
I've been looking forward to reading this to my kids. Now they can give the pre-release scoop to their friends.


Witchlanders
By Lena Coakley
Publisher: Antheneum
Publication Date: August 30th, 2011
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab/ARC
Goodreads Synopsis
Again with the covers... I was interested in this one for the story before I saw the cover though. :)


Goliath
By Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: September 20th, 2011
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab/ARC
Goodreads Synopsis
Scott Westerfeld is one of my favorite YA authors. He's awesome!



Supernaturally
By Kiersten White
Publisher:HarperTeen
Publication Date: July 26th, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
YAY!! One of my top most anticipated books of 2011 is finally here! YAY!!