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).

Review: Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Publication Date: June 28th, 2011

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl—still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up—Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?

Tera Lynn Childs’s sequel to Forgive My Fins offers another tail-flicking romance with plenty of fun, sun, and underwater adventure.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I've loved every Tera Lynn Childs book I've read.  They are such a breath of fresh air!  I always have a feeling of levity and a sunshiny glow when I'm finished.  Although Fins Are Forever is not my absolute favorite of her books, I still adored it (my favorite so far is Sweet Venom).  It picks up where the first book, Forgive My Fins, left off and continues Lily's story.  She is happily in love with Quince and her life is pretty much just peachy, even if it is on land.  She has plans for her future with Quince and although she misses Thalassinia and her family, she feels like she has made the right choice.  Right?  Add a bratty, banished cousin and a hottie prince from another mer-kingdom to the mix and Lily's peachy life plans start to unravel...  I don't want to spoil, so I won't give any more info about the story, but I will say that I am happy that there will be a 3rd book (Just For Fins, Katherine Tegen Books, July 3rd, 2012), because although the end was fine, I would love to know more about what happens next in Lily's life.

The story was, as per Tera's MO, very cute.  Heavy on the romance, but not sickeningly so.  I think Tera tried for a love-triangle, but that fell flat because Lily and Quince are too strong a couple, which in my opinion, is a good thing.  I like to see a couple sure of each other and not so fickle as to be drawn to the first new person to show interest.  As with the first book, I loved Tera's descriptions of Thalassinia best.  I want to live there!  Then, of course, there were the characters.  Lily is a nice girl- there's nothing to dislike about her- she's the daughter every parents wants to have, the BFF every girl wants, and the perfect girlfriend; Quince is great, maybe a little too perfect, but I guess their perfect coupledom is part of the book's charm.  I loved getting to know feisty Doe since she ended up being a favorite character.  She spiced things up and kept the book from being boring.

Overall, I thought this book was great.  Not as good as the first book, but it definitely served its purpose by lightening my mood after a slew of heavier books.  Like I mentioned before, I am so glad that there is going to be a 3rd book, because I am not ready for this story to be over.
My Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  Very clean.  There's are a few make-out scenes, but I wouldn't even call those PG-13; nothing hot and heavy.  No violence, no cursing.  This book is fine for ages 10 and up (5th grade+).

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Publication Date: December 6th, 2011

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

THIS BOOK!  So awesome!  I'm not sure if I can properly articulate how much I loved this book, but I'm going to try...  

I love Cassandra Clare's writing.  After reading Clockwork Angel I was pretty sure I liked The Infernal Devices better than my beloved Mortal Instruments, but I wanted to reserve my final judgement until there were at least two books in the series; now I am absolutely convinced!  What a world!  I'm not typically a huge Steampunk fan, but these books are amazing, and if I thought Clockwork Angel was amazing, I had no idea what amazing was.  Clockwork Prince not only outshines Clockwork Angel, it blows every one of Cassie's books out of the water!  "Why was it so awesome?", you ask.  Well, if you have read Cassie's other books, you know that the girl has mad talent, but putting that aside...

There are three reasons I love this book- the characters, the world, and most importantly, the story!  The characters were great in Clockwork Angel, and we learn so much more about them in this book.  We find out what makes Will tick, we learn that Jem is every bit the great guy we suspect he is, and we further see what a kick-ass heroine Tessa is, but we get so much more from our other characters as well!  Charlotte and Henry become so much more real, we learn a lot about why The Magister holds such a grudge and why Nathaniel was willing to betray his only family for him, we see different side of Magnus Bane, we find out what lengths Jessamine is willing to go to not be a part of her Shadowhunter world, and we meet some great new characters like Sophie Collins and Gideon Lightwood.  I loved the good characters and truly loved to hate the bad ones!

As far as the world goes, Cassie Clare is an expert world builder.  Maybe it is the fact that she spent much of her childhood moving around the world with her family, maybe she has such superb research skills that it would be impossible for her to get it wrong, maybe she naturally has fantastic attention to detail, maybe it's all of the above... Whatever the explanation for Cassie's world building prowess, it's amazing.  It's no wonder there is such great fan art out there; Cassie's writing is a wonderful muse!

Best for last... The story!  I really don't like love triangles, as a rule, but the one in this series is one of the few exceptions.  I never had trouble choosing between Peeta and Gale, Jace and Simon, Edward and Jacob... I usually know which "team" I'm on pretty quickly.  After reading Clockwork Angel, I thought I was pretty much on "Team Will".  He seemed like an ass, but I knew he was this beautiful, tortured soul who had good reason to act the way he did.  Jem was wonderful, but dying, so really, what was the point?  THEN I saw the cover of Clockwork Prince, and DAMN if I couldn't decide anymore.  Jem certainly didn't look very sick... When I went to Cassie's signing at Little Shop of Stories a few weeks ago, she asked which team I was on.  When I told her I didn't know, she called me "Switzerland".  I can't even believe I'm writing these words, but I am STILL Switzerland.  I have never been this conflicted over a love triangle in my entire life!  I think Tessa needs to time-travel into the future, clone herself, and put me out of my misery!  Aside from the romantic element, this story had it all; action, suspense, mystery, betrayal, heartbreak, and laughs.  Perfect in every way!

Bottom line is that if you are already a fan, you probably don't need this review to know you want to read this book.  If you're not a fan, start with Clockwork Angel and then read this because I guarantee that you won't be disappointed!

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★++

Grade Level Recommendation:  I think this series is a bit more tame than The Mortal Instruments, but I would still place it in the Middle School and up range; there's a good bit of almost-sex as well as drug use and violence.  Mature 6th-7th grade and up (ages 12+).

Review: Crossed by Ally Condie

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publication Date: November 1st, 2011

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I will start this review by stating the fact that I loved this book's predecessor, Matched.  I've read it twice, and I liked it even more the 2nd time around.  If you haven't read it now, you really need to do so.  Matched was very reminiscent of The Giver by Lois Lowry; there were a lot of similarities.  In Crossed, this trilogy becomes its own.  I loved Matched, I am IN LOVE with Crossed.  We always hear about authors having sophomore slumps when writing series, especially when the first book is amazing, but worry not with Crossed.  If Matched was good, Crossed was GREAT.  Here's why...

• Cassia goes from Society Girl to independent, self-sufficient, kick-ass heroine.  Sure, she does a few things in Matched to buck the Society's rules, but she goes all out in Crossed. Question is, does she go too far?  I liked Cassia a lot better in this book.  She put her mind to something and she made it happen, against all odds.  Even if her choices weren't always the best, she followed her heart, and she has to be respected for that.
• The love triangle became a TRUE love triangle.  I don't usually like love triangles in books because I think they are usually overdone, but in this trilogy it's really working for me because it's not the center of the story; it's key, but it's not all there is to it.  In Matched I had my mind set on who I wanted Cassia to end up with.  Now I don't know.  I don't think Cassia does either...
• We found out more about Ky's story.  Ky was somewhat of an enigma in Matched and for that reason, I couldn't really wrap my mind around liking him.  I'm still not sure if I like him now, but at least I now understand and respect him.
• We learn the everyone in The Society is not who they pretend to be, and some of these people are very key players.  I was thrown for a loop when I found out certain things...
• Ally Condie does a much better job with world building in this book.  We learn so much about the Outer Provinces and world beyond Cassia's Society bubble.  I was transported into this world that was both beautiful and harsh.
• This book is non-stop action.  Forget about getting anything else done while reading it, because you won't want to stop reading.  It sinks its claws into you and does not let go until the very last page, and then you're still left wanting more.  November of 2012 is so far away...
• There are new characters who are really great in both good ways and bad ways.  That is to say, they aren't always likable, but as supporting characters go, they are well rendered and memorable.
• The Rebellion is still a mystery, but in a good way.  I have a feeling that, like The Society, it is not what it seems...
• The ending will floor you.  It did me.

It was really hard for me to write a review that didn't include spoilers for either Matched or Crossed, and I hope I succeeded.  If you've read Matched, I doubt I have to do any convincing to get you to read Crossed.  All I can do is maybe urge you to move it to the top of your TBR; I think you will be happy that you did!  If you haven't read Matched yet, you need to.  Now.

That's all.  Carry on.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ +

Grade Level Recommendation:  As with Matched, I think this book is fine for well-read 5th graders and even mature 4th graders (ages 9+).  It has some romance, but nothing racy.  Some violence, but nothing extreme.  If the later Harry Potter books are okay for a kid to read, so are these.

Review: Red Glove by Holly Black

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Publication Date: April 5th, 2011

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Don't you love it when the second book in a series is better than the first?  I do.  I always find it frustrating when I have high expectations for a 2nd book, and they aren't met.  In this book, Holly Black not only met, but exceeded my expectations!  If you've read my review of White Cat (you can do that HERE if you haven't), you'll know that I love this series.  Holly Black went outside of her normal realm (ahem- pun totally intended- get it? realm? as in faery realm? ha, ha.) with it, and did a great job!  As I mentioned in that review, I listened to the audio of this one and, let me tell you, Jesse Eisenberg nails it.  He IS Cassel Sharpe to me now.  At first, I was like, "Seriously? Facebook movie dude? No way is that going to work!".  Well, (I hope my husband reads this as evidence) I. Was. Wrong.  He totally pulled it off!  He nailed it, and if they don't get him for book #3, I will be devastated!  Now that I've gushed about the audio version, let's get down to the book review...

As I mentioned, Red Glove was even better than White Cat.  Most of the cliffhanger-ending questions I had were answered, and I am no longer mad at Holly Black for the ending.  Where White Cat was quite plot driven, Red Glove was more character driven, and it was done so well.  I thought I had a decent grasp on who is good and who is bad, but I'm not so sure anymore.  While many of the lingering questions from White Cat were answered, Red Glove served up plenty of new ones.  The biggest of which is, "Who is Cassel Sharpe?"... I am so eager to know what path he is going to take, and Holly Black has done such at great job writing his character, that I don't even have a solid opinion on which one I WANT him to take.  As for the other characters, I think it's quite clear what direction Lila is going with family obligations and all (also there is the cover and title of Black Heart, if you have any doubts), but what about Sam, Daneca?  And let's not forget Cassel's Mommy Dearest and her little side show?  There were some major twists in this book that open up some serious questions about certain characters and I for one, cannot wait to find out the answers...

As for the story itself, I thought it was a bit predictable at first, but I was dead wrong.  Everything I thought I knew was thrown out the window.  There are twists involving every single major character in this book, and not only that, we learn things about certain characters from White Cat whose stories we thought had already been told.  There was so much action!  It was a good thing I was listening to this; if I had been reading it, my house would have ended up looking like a bomb hit it - at least I could listen and clean at the same time.  So many doors were opened to pave the way for a very exciting final installment of this fabulous series.  I cannot wait until April 3rd when Black Heart is released.  Hopefully Jesse Eisenberg will continue to be the audio narrator, because he breathes such life into Cassel.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grade Level Recommendation:  This one is a little more sexy than White Cat, so I have to go to a recommendation of grades 8 and up (ages 13+).  

Review: Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: July 26th, 2011

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I have been putting off writing this review for awhile because I'm having a really hard time articulating my feelings about this book without my words coming off wrong.  I loved the first book in this series, Paranormalcy.  I mean, I LOVED it.  It was one of my favorite books of 2010.  That said, I was anxiously awaiting the release of this book, its sequel.  I had extremely high hopes and expectations; Supernaturally was near the top of my "most anticipated" list for 2011, and I was ready for a out-of-the-park hit.  Maybe that was part of my problem... When a debut author like Kiersten White has a first book that is SO good, like she had with Paranormalcy, I think it can be difficult for the second book to top it, despite the desires and expectations of the readers.  For me, Supernaturally was an excellent book- I enjoyed it enough to read it twice (once for myself, and once as a buddy read with my 10 year old daughter)- it just fell a little short of Paranormalcy...

I did very much enjoy the characters in Supernaturally, particularly Arianna and Jack.  Arianna was just sarcastic/witty enough to add some sly comic relief when Evie was being whiny and needy.  As for Jack, I know I'm in the minority for liking him, but he was funny.  I just picture some kind of imp when I think of him, and he was always good for a few laughs. Of course, Evie is the center of the story, and everyone, myself included, loves Evie.  There were times in this book when she got on nerves though.  I think she mastered being a "normal" teenager a little too well in some ways, and made some really dumb choices that I don't think she would have made in book #1.  That said, I still adore her and I think she was even more kick-ass in this book because she had to compensate for her impulsiveness.

As for the story... This book was action packed, while continuing to explore the Evie and Lend's romance.  The action was awesome.  I love it when Evie takes down the bad guys, and there's some real baddies in this book (and not always who you think they are).  Evie isn't just taking down problematic paranormals on order like she was in Paranormalcy, she is having to rely on her own perceptions and intuitions, while doing it on the sly because the important people in her life don't know that she's back to "work".   As far as the romance is concerned, I know I will gain some haters here, but I don't like Evie and Lend together.  I like Lend, don't get me wrong, I just don't think they're a great fit; there's just something off that I really can't put my finger on.  Lend has his life mapped out; he know what he wants and he knows how he's going to go about getting it. It almost feels like Evie's just expected to go along for the ride, and she is so much more than THAT girl.  I'm kind of leaning toward wanting to see her with Reth...

Overall, I really did love this book, just not as much as I loved Paranormalcy.  I am still anxiously awaiting the release of Endlessly on July 24th (especially with its gorgeous cover- see it HERE), but my expectations aren't quite as high, which in actuality, is probably a good thing!  I gave Paranormalcy 5+ stars, I give Supernaturally a solid 4 ½ stars.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Grade Level Recommendation:  As with Paranormalcy, this book is completely clean.  Of course there's romance, but no sex.  No major swears that I can recall.  I would say this book is entirely appropriate for grades 5 and up (ages 10+).

WWW (11) and Waiting on Wednesday (August 17th, 2011) Double Feature

W. W. W. Wednesday is hosted by Should Be Reading a great YA blog that I subscribe to. Here's how it works... Each Wednesday I will answer the following questions:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you'll read next?

I've had a slow week for reading because I've been doing some catching up with other things (I finally got my roots done- I don't look like white trash anymore- yay me!).  I posted a bunch of reviews last week, although I'm still 26 or so behind.  That means look for a BUNCH over the next few weeks.  Also, I'm doing some re-reads to prepare for Decatur Book Festival.  If you didn't read my POST about it, you should. I'm super-excited for it every year, and this one is no different.

What are you currently reading?

Red Glove by Holly Black~ I loved White Cat, and am enjoying Red Glove even more.  I should finish by the end of today, so stay tuned!

Bumped by Megan McCafferty~ As fabulous as I expected it to be!  Kicking myself for not getting to it sooner.

Divergent by Veronica Roth~ Still reading this because I promised Emma I wouldn't read ahead of her.  We do a few chapters a night, so I should be done by next week.

What did you recently finish reading?

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter~ LOVED it!  Much better than Heist Society (which I gave 4 ½ stars).  A new favorite series, for sure.

The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker~ Great book.  This is the 2nd time I've read it and I still love it.  Clever, funny, and original.




What do you think you'll read next?

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce~ I got Sweetly yesterday and I've been wanting to re-read this first.  I just haven't gotten to it.  Maybe I'll try the audio...

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins~ I STILL haven't read this.  It's been on my nightstand for months.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld~ This is the only series of his that I haven't read.  Must do.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is another fun blog event. Hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, this event gives us a chance to talk about the books we anxiously await the release of. Since there is ALWAYS a looooooong list of books I'm waiting on (I actually keep a spreadsheet), I figured this is one that I MUST do.

**CAUTION:  The Goodreads synopsis below contains spoilers for the first two books, so if you haven't read them (and you definitely SHOULD), don't read anything below the cover art!! **

Black Heart (The Curse Workers, #3) by Holly Black

Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy. 

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

As I mentioned above, I loved the first two books (I mean, I am still reading the 2nd, but I'm almost-done enough to say I love it). I cannot wait for this one to come out. I guess the benefit of waiting this long to read Red Glove is that I don't have to wait quite as long (in agony) to know what happens next!

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Publication Date: April 3rd, 2012

My Expected Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★+

Review: The Black (Morpheus Road, Book 2) by D.J. MacHale

Publisher:  Aladdin

Publication Date:  April 19th, 2011

Cooper Foley always had a knack for finding trouble, but nothing he’s ever experienced could have prepared him for his latest adventure: He has landed square in the middle of a border war between the worlds of the living and the dead.

At the end of The Light, Book One of the Morpheus Road trilogy, Marshall Seaver learned the truth about what happened to his missing best friend, Cooper. Now, the mystery continues to unfold, only this time through Cooper’s eyes.

What did Marshall’s terrifying encounters with Gravedigger have to do with spirits from another existence? Who is Damon, and what role did he play in Cooper’s dilemma? Most importantly, what is the mysterious Morpheus Road? It’s time to learn, as bestselling author and master of thrilling suspense D.J. MacHale delivers another fast-paced, fantastical story that has all of existence hanging in the balance.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Before I get into what I liked about this book, I'll tell you about what I hated.  What can I say?  I'm a bad-news-first type person...  There was really only one thing I hated about this book.  The cover.  It sucks.  If I hadn't read the first book (Morpheus Road: The Light), and loved it so much, I would not have been drawn to this one AT ALL.  Of course, right at the beginning of the book, the protagonist, Cooper Foley, lets you know that you need to read the first book first, so I guess it doesn't really matter...

Now that I've shared my feelings on that matter, I will tell you what I liked...  I'll start by saying that the aforementioned first book in the series was my favorite Horror/Thriller of 2010.  Super-scary.  On-the-edge-of-my-seat scary.  I recommended it to all of my 5th and 6th graders and they loved it too.  If you are unfamiliar with the first book, check out this trailer, because it rocks!

The first book, is obviously told from Marshall Sever's point of view, as you probably ascertained from the above trailer.  The Black is told from his friend Cooper's POV.  I'm honestly not sure which book I liked better, but I can say that they were both great.  I think book number one was scarier, but far more questions were answered in book two.  We certainly learn a lot more about how Marshall solved the mystery of Cooper's disappearance in book one.  We also learn the story behind Gravedigger.  Not at all what I expected.  Quite entertaining and very clever.  Anyhoo-  as always, I don't want to give anything away, so I will leave you with this; if you like to scared, this is a not-to-be-missed series.  Short enough for a reluctant reader, with enough action and plotline to make the avid reader happy.  Enjoy!


My Rating:    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   


Grade Level Recommendation:  No sex. No offensive language to speak of.  A good deal of violence, though not particularly gory or over-the-top.  Very scary.  Appropriate for grades 4 and up (ages 9+) provided the reader doesn't scare easily.


Note:  You really MUST read book number one, The Light, first.  It is very necessary in understanding this book.  You can read the Goodreads synopsis HERE.  Also,the cover is creepy-awesome!  :-)  See:

In My Mailbox Monday (9)

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 had a pretty good week to the point where I'm getting frustrated that my TBR is getting so ridiculous that I'm having trouble choosing what to read next...

13 Curses

By Michelle Harrison
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 7th, 2011
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis
I really, really enjoyed the first book, 13 Treasures. It was full of fairies the way they are meant to be, dark.

The Gathering
By Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: April 12th, 2011
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis
I've been waiting for this for ages. I've heard nothing but good things!!

Hourglass
By Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont USA
Publication Date: June 14th, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I can't wait!!!

Tempest Rising

By Tracy Deebs
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 10th, 2011
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis
Mermaids seems to be the new thing. Let's see if this can hold a candle to Tera Lynn Childs...

What Happened to Goodbye
By Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication Date: May 10th, 2011
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis
I've heard so many good things about this, I had to pick it up. :)

Blood Red Road
By Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Publication Date: June 7th, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
I love me a good dystopia, and this one looks awesome!

Ten
By Lauren Myracle
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Publication Date: May 12th, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
I picked this up for my daughter because she loves this series, but I'll probably read it too. We share books. :)

Choker
By Elizabeth Woods
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Publication Date: January 4th, 2011
Source: Library
Goodreads Synopsis
I was drawn to the cover of this book from the moment I saw it.


The Summer I Turned Pretty
By Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Publication Date: May 5th, 2009
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
I've had my eye on this book for a couple of years, but never got around to reading it. Now my daughter has asked to read it, so I have to. Darn...


Flawless
By Lara Chapman
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: May 10th, 2011
Source: Purchase
Goodreads Synopsis
I love the cover of this book and I've heard loads of good things.