Mini-Reviews: Contemporary Edition #1

Contemporary YA Edition #1: Moonglass and Ten Things We Did

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Author: Sarah Mlynowski
Publisher: HarperTeen

Released: 6/7/2011
Pages: 368
Rating: 5 Stars!

2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

In this hilarious and bittersweet tale, Sarah Mlynowski mines the heart and mind of a girl on her own for the first time. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart . . . one thing-she-shouldn't-have-done at a time.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
I have so much love for this book. I would go as far as to say that this has been one of the funniest and sweetest reads of the year. Once I started reading it, it was really hard to put down and I am not usually a fan of such unrealistic shennanigan type books, but April is a character I think everyone will fall in love with. Even in the OH MY GOSH that did not happen moments, I couldn't help but laugh out loud at her sarcasm. It is definitely an adventure, one I recommend you take with you to beach to enjoy a day of sun and laughter! To read a more in depth and awesome review, see Ginger from GReads review here.

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Author:  Jessi Kirby

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Released: 5/3/2011

Pages: 224

Rating: 3 Stars!

From Jessi Kirby, a debut novel about confronting the past in order to move ahead.

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.

While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.

 Summary Taken from Goodreads

My Mini-Review:
I liked this book, plain and simple. However, I wanted to LOVE it! It has all those elements that lead for a great book: the beach, a cute boy, single dad, loss of a family member... but for some reason I just didn't connect like I wanted to. Don't take it the wrong way, it was still a tragic and beautiful story - definitely al la Sarah Dessen style - but I can't profess my love and favoritism over it. I think if you are looking for something that touches your heart and has a little romance, you might enjoy this book.

Book Review: Spellbound

By: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date:  June 24, 2011
Pages: 324
Source: NetGalley

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

If you read the blurb about this book, you would think that this is a dark brooding book. It's not at all, despite how tragic Emma's life has been, its actually really funny and cute. Unrealistic, but in the best way possible! The best word I can use to describe it is lighthearted, not something to take serious, just something to sit back, relax, and enjoy.... And enjoy it, I did!

Be warned, it does take a while to get into, it wasn't until around 100 pages that I really became invested. But it was almost like it did a reverse, in the beginning I had to force myself a bit to continue, in the end I couldn't put it down. Next thing you know I look at the clock and its way late for me to even be awake, but I just wanted to keep reading about Emma and Brendan.

You are probably wondering what could have caused such a switch in attitude, why did I have trouble getting into it? I think in the beginning the characters where very one dimensional. Queen Bee is a bitch, jock is a jerk, weird girl is a witch, CLICHES GALORE. Once the romance between Emma and Brendan (REALLY LIKED THEM 2GETHER) began, and I got into how funny the book was I was able to let it go, this was not meant to be a serious or deep book. And while the characters may not be DEEP, Cara does an awesome job with being true to how teenagers really are. The slang, the sarcasm, the rivalries it was all spot on!

My Review in a Tweet: 

I REALLY liked the book, and I believe its a stand alone which is definitely great if your looking for one book to just cast a spell on you for a night or two ;)

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 4/5

Similar Titles:

similar feeling type romances

Other Reviews:

• Hobbitsies
• Smexy Books
• Bookish Delights 

Buy the book here!
**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review: Glow

By: Amy Kathleen Ryan

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date:  September 27, 2011
Pages: 320
Source: ARC 
Thank you St. Martin's!

What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

Glow is the most riveting series debut since The Hunger Games, and promises to thrill and challenge readers of all ages.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Glow left me outside in and inside out. They aren't kidding in the book description when they compare the book to Hunger Games. I am a big YA reader, but I will not lie, most of the time the thing that draws me to the books is the romance. Rhe romance here is a side story, like in the Hunger Games, and the real story is survival. And like the Hunger Games, I REALLY enjoyed this book.

In the beginning we meet the two main characters, from whose view the story is told, Kieran and Waverly. They are cute couple, but are obsessed with labeling who the "best" person to be in a relationship with is. At first this threw me off, but then I realized life in space with such few peers must be difficult, and its the survival instinct to find and "mate" with "the best." You can tell there are some strong feelings between these two, but before we see too much of them together, their ship is attacked and they are separated. Both must do all they can to survive.

I didn't read the summary before starting the book and I was surprised by how deep this book is. You don't know who is good or evil, who to trust and who to love, and when you finally think the right person is the "right" person, you are thrown for a loop once again. Labels mean nothing. Good intentions don't lead to good actions, and vice-versa.

I read this book fairly quickly and I enjoyed every second of it. Excited to see what Amy will bring with the next book.

My Review in a Tweet: 

A tale about survival, deceit, and humanity, told from deep space. It's an adventure comparable to Across the Universe and Hunger Games. I couldn't help but write a GLOWing review of how much I liked it!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 4/5

Similar Titles:

Other Reviews:

• WhatchYAreading
• Saltz Man

Can't find many reviews on this book, maybe more closer to release date...

Buy the book here!
**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review: Shatter Me

By: Tahereh Mafi

Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date:  November 15, 2011
Pages: 352
Source: ARC -  Thanks HarperTeen!

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old-girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I am in awe of this book. I was told and told again how great and amazing it was, but I did not expect how beautiful the writing would be or how much I would fall in love with this story! For a story about a girl who can't be touched it's unexpectedly hot .... and so beautiful and full if emotion it's hard not to burst from it.

Let me start with the writing. Lyrical, is a great word to describe it. The imagery Tahereh created with her words, I have never read a blush of the cheeks describe more beautifully than in this book, and the many ways she comes up with to describe such a normal every day thing.  I feel like I could burst from the beauty of her words alone. And the style was amazing, using strikethroughs to emphasize some thoughts Juliette was having.

The plot was fantastic brilliant EXCEPTIONAL. This x-men meets dystopian novel was fast paced, yet still created a complete picture of the dying world that Juliette and Adam live in. I can't wait to learn more about the world and how it came to be in the next book.

And can I say WOW to all the sexy time scenes. First off the shower scenes are some of the sweetest, most romantic and steamy (literally) scenes I have ever read! Adam is definitely a 10 out of 10 in the swoon worthy department. Loyal, passionate, caring, sweet... how could you not fall for him?!?!

I highly recommend this book to dystopian lovers and even those that don't, I think you will enjoy it ;)

My Review in a Tweet:  

This X-men meets dystopian novel has become one of my favorite books. With such open, honest, and heart-achingly beautiful writing and an amazing storyline, you will fall in love with Shatter Me! Another amazing novel of 2011.

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

Memorable Quotes:

I want to put this fist attached to my wrist right through the window.

Just to feel something.
Just to feel human.

Similar Titles:
Some other dystopians...

Other Reviews:

• I Eat Words
• Reading Teen
• Hooked to Books
• Books with Bite 

I tried to find a review of someone who didn't like it, to get two perspectives, but so far there aren't any!

Buy the book here!
**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review: The Future of Us

By: Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date:  November 21, 2011
Pages: 309
Source: ARC

It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.

Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.

Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I was really excited to receive an early copy of this book because it's is going to be a movie and also because it has one of the most interesting premise (premises?) of all the upcoming 2011 books. I am so glad it did not disappoint!

First off, these authors are amazing! I have read all of their works and really enjoy their writing styles. So combine them and you get such a genuine real insightful characters, you can't help but love.

Second, I freaking LOVED all the 90's references. Dave Matthews, discmans, AOL, Dial-up all these things warmed my heart and took me to that place when they all felt so new to me. And then when they would bring up 2011 current trends: Glee, Netflix, Harry Potter... the reactions of the characters where too funny! Example future Emma wrote some status about Glee and Netflix, current Emma says:

"I have no idea what I'm talking about, but if Netflix and Glee equals my life, I'm hoping these are good things."

Third, I really liked Emma and Josh next door neighbor/best friend thing that had going on and how feeling complicated it. At times I wanted to slap Emma for being so dense, but some people really are scared of changes and I believe Emma is that type. Josh is so sweet and I so wish I had a next door neighbor like him growing up.

I recommend this book to ALL contemp young adult fiction fans, whether you grew up in the 90s or not, I think you would really enjoy this book!

My Review in a Tweet: 

The Future of Us is Laugh Out Loud funny and reminiscent of so many of my favorite childhood memories/items. Like being transported back in time and seeing every thing with new eyes. It's about learning that we can't control the future, only ourselves. *this would be a long tweet :-)

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

Memorable Quotes:

"Yes, it feels great to plan your life when you believe everything can turn out fine. But what about when you're shown, again and again, how little control you have over anything? No matter what I try to do to fix my future, it doesn't work."

Similar Titles:
I love Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Carolyn Mackler's books are all very enjoyable! Definitely check them out!

Other Reviews:

• Chick Loves Lit
• Lauren Morrill
• ???

Buy the book here!
**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review: Forever

By: Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date:  TODAY! 7/12/11
Pages: 386
Source: ARC - Thanks Scholastic!

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stiefvater...

then.

When Sam met Grace, he was a wolf and she was a girl. Eventually he found a way to become a boy, and their love moved from a curious distance to the intense closeness of shared lives.

now.

That should have been the end of their story. But Grace was not meant to stay human. Now she is the wolf. And the wolves of Mercy Falls are about to be killed in one final, spectacular hunt.

forever.

Sam would do anything for Grace. But can one boy and one love really change a hostile, predatory world? The past, the present, and the future are about to collide in one pure moment - a moment of death or life, farewell or forever.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

In my six months blogging, this has been the hardest review for me to write. Why? Because there are no words to describe my love for this book (and series) other than I LOVED IT! Beautiful writing, heartbreaking characters, an epic love story. That to me is the Shiver series, and what the craziest part of all this is I shouldn't even have liked the first one. I have always been able to recognize beautiful and lyrical writing, but I have never been a big fan of it. I like faster paced books. Insta-love connections bother me. All these things should have kept me from loving the series, but Shiver drove its way into my heart, wrapped its tiny limbs around and now won't let go.

I believe this is the first series where I have given every book 5 Stars (see Shiver and Linger reviews). I do understand why other people didn't enjoy it as much, but I HEART it so much, I am getting teary eyed all over again. I have nothing else to say, but I shall share with you a screenshot of my reactions from my goodreads, and my fave quote of the book...

My Review in a Tweet: 
An amazing conclusion to the Shiver series, which like the other books, left my heart full of love and warmth. This series will FOREVER be in my heart <3

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5

Memorable Quotes:
Too many, check this picture out ==>

Other Reviews:

• GReads
• Anna Reads
• A Blog About Nothing

Buy the book here!
**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review : Falling Under

By: Gwen Hayes

Publisher: New American Library
(March 1, 2011)
Date Read: June 2, 2011
Pages: 324
Source: My Kindle

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, but it so wasn't what I was expecting. It was dark, twisted, and really scary at some points. And when it wasn't that it was hot and romantic. I couldn't put it down!

I don't know why dangerous is equal to sexy, but its so the case with Haden. He's mysterious and kind of a jerk, but not as much as other reviews make him out to be. In the words of innocent and naive Theia...

If I was going to begin the kind of games boys and girls play in high school, I should have started with a nice boy who didn’t make me feel like Little Red Riding Hood alone with the Big Bad Wolf.

And then as we get to know him he's shy one minute, and charismatic devil the next. Yes, there was a bit of insta-love, but I am starting to come of the opinion that if done right, insta-love can lead to some of passionate romance novels I have ever read. On top of really loving the romance (and let me tell if there is one thing Gwen rocks, its writing romance - see reviews of her novellas by clicking the tag Gwen Hayes below!) I was really intrigued by the mythology and the seriously twisted "Under."

I really can't wait for the second book and am so glad this book was gifted to me by Neri @ In the Name of Books Thanks Again!!

My Review in a Tweet: This Tim Burtonesque book is scary, sexy, and scary sexy. Really enjoyed falling 'Under' with Theia and Haden and looking forward to what comes next!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 4/5

Memorable Quotes:
This is one of my favorite scenes:

Haden stopped walking, watching me warily. I, however, didn’t stop. I didn’t even slow. Like that first day in the hall, it seemed that the world stood still. When I reached him, I pulled him into the grass and cupped his surprised face in my hands. “I missed you,” I said, and before he could respond, I kissed him with all the unpracticed ardor I possessed.

“What the hell?” I heard Noelle say, but by then Haden was smiling into my kiss and returning it. He placed his hand behind my head and pulled me closer. Noelle left in a huff.

“You’re a minx,” he said when I allowed him up for air. “And you’re going to get us both detention for PDA and walking on the grass.” “I had to make sure you weren’t another dream,

Similar Titles:

Other Reviews:

• WatchaYaReading
• OverFlowingShelf
• Truly Bookish

Buy the book here!
**commissions earned from sales are minimal and go towards giveaways!

Book Review : Possession

Book: Possession
Author: Elana Johnson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date Published: June 7, 2011
Pages: 416
Source: GalleyGrab
Date Read: May 21, 2011

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I have talked and talked and talked to others about this book, and yet I still don't know how I feel about it. So I will just write you the four notes I took while reading and explain them:

ONE   "No explanation of the world yet, but reminds me of Uglies series.... I like how she doesn't care about getting in trouble"

So this note came after the first couple of pages where I still wasn't getting what the world was about. What is this dystopian book about? What is the government limiting or controlling? I had lots of questions like this in the beginning because it pretty much jumps into the action. I actually really liked that about the story, it moved really quickly and a lot of things happened over the course of the book. I can see many authors even dividing the book into two or three parts with how much is learned and how many things happen.

Second part consists of Vi and her badass-ness. Love those type of female leads.

TWO "Contradictions: a land called freedom, bad, and good"

So it seems like this book is alot about labels and how they never really encopass things completely. Freedom wasn't free. Badies weren't all bad. Goodies aren't all good.

THREE "I'm not understanding this, but enjoying the ride."

So this is where I sort of drop from LOVED it to REALLY LIKED IT. The book jumps alot, from one train of thought to another, from on action to another, from one scene to another. Transitions where weird, trains of thoughts where hard to follow and at one point I was COMPLETELY lost. However, that didn't stop me from reading. Not once.

FOUR "Jag"
Simple as that note is, it holds a lot of power with me. I loved loved loved Jag and his relationship with Vi. They really got one another, and I love how their story grew. 

SPOILER-ISH SIDE NOTE (highlight to read): There is no note for this last part but I want to warn before you go into the story... the ending is shocking, and there is no sequel planned. And while I don't need all my endings to be cookie cutter happy, I really wish this one could have been. But I get it, you don't always win.

My Review in a Tweet: I love the idea of this book more than the execution, still I could not put it down. You could say I was Possessed.

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5

Similar Titles:

Other Reviews:

• http://www.thestorysiren.com/2011/06/possession-by-elana-johnson.html
•  http://www.electrifyingreviews.com/2011/06/possession-by-elana-johnson.html