Review: The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

The Splendor Falls
by Rosemary Clement-Moore
Release Date: September 8, 2009 (Hardcover), January 11, 2011 (Softcover)
2009 Delacorte Press
Softcover Edition; 528 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-385-73691-6
Genre: Young Adult / Gothic
Source: Local Library

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
Can love last beyond the grave?


Sylvie Davis is a ballerina who can't dance. A broken leg ended her career, but Sylvie's pain runs deeper. What broke her heart was her father's death, and what's breaking her spirit is her mother's remarriage - a union that's only driven an even deeper wedge into their already tenuous relationship.

Uprooting her from her Manhattan apartment and shipping her to Alabama is her mother's solution for Sylvie's unhappiness. Her father's cousin is restoring a family home in a town rich with her family's history. And that's where things start to get shady. As it turns out, her family has a lot more history than Sylvie ever knew. More unnerving, though, are the two guys that she can't stop thinking about. Shawn Maddox, the resident golden boy, seems to be perfect in every way. But Rhys - a handsome, mysterious foreign guest of her cousin's - has a hold on her that she doesn't quite understand.

Then she starts seeing things. Sylvie's lost nearly everything - is she starting to lose her mind as well?

My Thoughts
Sylvie was a promising young ballerina with a great future ahead of her until a devastating accident ended her career.  Getting accidentally drunk at her mother's wedding didn't help matters, as her psychologically-trained step-father and new step-brother, worried over her state of mind, decide, along with her mother, that several weeks in Alabama learning about her dad's family and his roots would be good for her and her psychological state of mind.  Sylvie, knowing little of her father's family, and not caring too much about it, sets off reluctantly to what she considers another prison, and finds her self amidst secrets, ghosts, and fascinating family history she didn't know existed. 
 
I really enjoyed this novel and thought the premise was quite interesting.  While a slow-read at first, and a main character who wasn't exactly endearing, it certainly did pick up and became a fascinating novel about the history of the area and characters trying to deal with personal problems and issues in context of their historical pasts.  Having an old plantation-house as a setting was the perfect environment for many things to go bump in the night and to evoke chills and goosebumps and to bring out long-held fears and terrors. 
 
I didn't particularly find Sylvie endearing at first; actually, I thought her to be spoiled and vain and somewhat condescending towards others.  I liked how she stood up for herself however, and as the novel progressed, and she relaxed and became more self-aware of her actions and her behaviours, she rather grew on me.  I understood where she was coming from, and how difficult a time this was for her, but I didn't felt it excused her behaviour.  I was really glad to see her character develop from one of "poor little me" to one of "I can do anything I set my mind to".  Her little dog, Gigi, while adorable, spent too much time in the limelight for my liking.  The novel was not about the dog and I thought there was too much emphases put on her.  Just a personal annoyance, and I an a total dog-lover.
 
The two probably love interests were rather interesting, although it was pretty obvious who Sylvie would end up with in the end.  I took a dislike to one of them almost right away, and I couldn't figure out if it was the author's intention or if it was just me for no obvious reason.  Sometimes characters remind us of people in our real lives although we don't always recognize the connection at the time, and I wracked my brain trying to figure it out.  I did enjoy Sylvie's interactions with both of the swains however, as thankfully, she does not act like a love-smitten idiot, but reacts cautiously and realistically towards both of them.  I really like how all of the characters are flawed whereby they can be grumpy as well as friendly, be short-tempered and take things the wrong way, just like anyone.  It makes them feel normal and people in whom we can empathize.
 
The novel is beautifully written, and while it is longish in nature, that didn't bother me as I really enjoyed the descriptive nature and the spookiness about it.  One concern I have with this novel is the resolution, as I felt that there was something lacking.  Don't get me wrong; I love the paranormal and the supernatural, but something just felt off in the end, although I can't put my finger on it exactly.  I personally didn't feel like everything was resolved nicely in the end, and I wish more of an explanation had been given for some of the ghost-related events. 
 
Verdict
The Splendor Falls was an absorbing, interesting reading with a great amount of spookiness and eeriness thrown in.  Beautifully written, descriptive in nature, the somewhat long novel flowed easily between events and chapters, although I did feel that there was something lacking in the supernatural portion of the novel and in the resolution.  That being said, I am really glad I read this novel, and I would definitely read further novels by this author.

Review: Sudden Moves: A Young Adult Mystery by Kelli Sue Landon

Sudden Moves: A Young Adult Mystery
by Kelli Sue Landon
Release Date: December 31, 2010
2010 Outskirts Press, Inc.
Softcover Edition; 236 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-4327-6713-6
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Review Copy from Author

3.5 / 5 Stars

Michelle Martin grows suspicious when her friend, Katie Brashers, isn’t in attendance at school after a trip to Florida after Spring Break. The police and adult don’t see anything suspicious in Katie’s disappearance, especially considering Katie’s mother was known to have been flirtatious and people just assumed she must have run off with some man. Having lent Katie a special book given her by her grandmother however, and not having said good-bye to her friends and boyfriend, Michelle teams up with her best friend, Tami, and Katie’s boyfriend, Brad, to seek out the truth the Katie’s disappearance. Dodging a demanding mother, the threesome started their own investigation by talking to neighbours, and looking inside Katie’s house. With clues leading into one dead-end after another, Michelle is about to give up when her dog helps her find the most important clue of all and leads her into danger she doesn’t suspect and circumstances beyond what she would ever expect.

Michelle Martin was an engaging young lady whom I really enjoyed as a main character. I really liked her tenaciousness and passive/aggressiveness in trying to find clues that would lead her to find her friend Katie. I also liked her vulnerability with regards to her relationship with her mother, someone whom I really did not like, nor did I really relate to at all. It would be very difficult to deal with someone who has these unpredictable mood swings all of the time, and she handle the situations with maturity and grace. When Michelle finally stood up for herself at dinner one night, I really liked how the author handled the scene as she didn’t lower it to one of Michelle acting like a young child, but allowed Michelle to handle her mother with great aplomb and maturity. I also really liked Mr. Nichols and found him hilarious. He is one of those older people who are retired and don’t have a lot to do, but certainly tend to notice everyone around them. He would have a lot to say about life and I found him terribly interesting. My only concern with the character development is the relationship between Katie and Michelle as I didn’t really feel like there was any bonding between them, like there was a caring relationship. I felt the only reason Michelle wanted to find Katie was to get her book back and that is really no reason for someone to go to all this trouble. It created some confusion as I didn’t fully believe that Michelle’s reasons for looking for Katie were altruistic.

While I really enjoyed Sudden Moves and found it to be a quick, easy read, I have to admit that I did find the plot somewhat predictable, despite some of the twists and turns that did catch me off guard. I also found Michelle’s obsession with getting her book back somewhat irritating, as the characters would be in the middle of an important scene, and suddenly Michelle would bring up her book, and spoil the scene. While the book did have its importance in the final chapters of the novel, it felt more like it was thrown in rather than an important point of the plot. It also seemed like the author didn’t really know where she wanted to go with the plotline as there were too many plotlines thrown in towards the end and it didn’t really mesh well together. I really wish she had stuck to just one or two as the book could have been really great. Despite all this, I was engrossed in the novel and really wanted to find out what happened in the end. The last two lines of the book were great!

The novel was easy to read, and the language was kept simple and familiar. She writes with an open style that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable, trying to emulate the language of teenagers. While it worked most of the time, there were times when I felt she was trying too hard and it seemed somewhat forced. I like how the message of the book is kept simple however, as some of the young adult novels can be pretty heavy. This one is lighter and younger readers will definitely enjoy this one. I am looking forward to reading more novels by Kelli Sue Landon. Sudden Moves was a novel that kept me engaged until the final page.

Review: Chime by Franny Billingsley

Chime
by Franny Billingsley
Release Date: March 17, 2011
2011 Dial Books
Softcover Edition; 368 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3552-1
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Source: Review Copy from Penguin

4.5 / 5 Stars

Summary
Briony has a secret.  Her secret killed her stepmother, destroyed her sister Rose's mind, and threatens all the children in the Swampsea. She yearns to be rid of her secret, but risks being hanged if she tells a soul; hanging's what they do to the Old Ones in the Swampsea - not the Boggy Mun or the Dead Hand, but Dark Muses, witches and the like.

When Eldric arrives - Eldric with his golden mane and lion eyes and electric energy - he refuses to believe anything dark about Briony.  But he wonders what's been buried beneath Briony's memory and guilt, hidden in Rose's mangled thoughts, and whispered about by the Old Ones.  And Briony wonders how Eldric can make her want to cry, especially when everyone knows, witches can't cry.

My Thoughts
I was completely enthralled with Ms. Billingsley's wildly imaginative world and read about witches, and Boggy Mun, and the chime child, and Dark Muses with great interest and absorption.  I found the magic to be dark and twisted, reminding me so much of the Grimm fairy tales and the darker tales of my childhood that I enjoyed so much.  The magic was realistic and scary, and its use could and did seriously hurt those living in the area of the Swampsea who didn't respect it or made fun of it.  But the dark, twisted sense of things is something I really enjoy.

Briony is at the center of all of this twisted magic, and believes herself to be a witch, a dangerous one who can hurt people out of jealousy and rage.  She is full of woe and anger and guilt, and takes a lot of responsibility on her shoulders, such as looking after her twin sister Rose.  She is tormented by memories and visions she is not sure are hers, and make her doubt her beloved Stepmother, and this causes her endless torment and grief.  Briony is a person who has many walls around her and it was difficult to really get to know her well.  Her sarcastic wit and humour is a device to keep others at bay and to close off her heart to others, as her guilt makes her believe she is unloveable. 

Briony's twin sister Rose was an absolute delight.  She was like a breath of fresh air in every scene, and her confused sayings and speeches were a way of trying to tell Briony a truth and a secret that she knew but wasn't supposed to tell.  I have to admit it took my quite a while to pick up on this technique, although looking back it was right there and I don't know how I missed the obvious.  The author was quite brilliant in using this technique. I grew very fond of Eldric as well, and loved his toughness and his vulnerability.  He had his own brand of sarcastic wit that slowly drew Briony out of her shell, and as the two of them grew closer together, he began to see that maybe Briony was not exactly who she thought she was.  His slow probing of her actions with her Stepmother was another technique the author used to draw out the plot, and I really enjoyed how this was done. 

The language was probably one of the best things about this novel.   The tone of voice just jumps off the page and you feel like you are right there, with Briony, picturing how she felt and the setting around you.  I loved the sarcastic humour and the flow of the language and just savoured each word.  The plot can be somewhat confusing, but it does sort itself out, and there are some twists and surprises that caught me off guard.  I love how the love affairs were genuine, and took months and months before they became full-blown love affairs.  I'm not a big fan of stories where girl meets guy and they are immediately in love, but I did like how this was done.  The people involved became friends first, then good friends, then realized their love for each other.  Great sacrifice was involved, as well as great faith.

Verdict
Chime was one of those books that haunted me from the first page and captivated my interest throughout.  I enjoyed the characters tremendously and really wanted the best for everyone involved.   While for the most part things ended satisfactorily, there were some things that were left at loose ends, and I would have like to have known more about certain situations.  I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

Review: Blue by Lou Aronica & Contest

Blue
by Lou Aronica
Release Date: January 16, 2011
2011 The Fiction Studio
Softcover Edition; 400 Pages
ISBN-13: 978-1936558001
ISBN-10: 1936558009
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Review Copy from Pump Up Your Book

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
Chris Astor is a man in his early forties who is going through the toughest stretch of his life.

Becky is Chris's fourteen-year-old daughter, a girl who overcame enormous challenges to become a vibrant, vital young woman - and now faces her greatest obstacle yet.

Miea is the young queen of a fantasy land that Becky and Chris created when Becky was little, a fantasy land that has developed of its own and now finds itself in terrible, maybe fatal trouble.

Together, Chris, Becky, and Miea need to uncover a secret.  The secret to why their worlds have joined at this moment.  The secret to their purpose.  The secret to the future.  It is a secret that, when discovered, will redefine imagination for all of them.

My Thoughts
When I first started reading the novel, Blue, I assumed that it would follow the more traditional fantasy novels in that it would consist of the more usual fare and I had resigned myself to a lighter, fun, and more adventurous read. I was in for a rather pleasant shock.  The novel was nothing like I was expecting, and with some rather deep undertones, conflicts, and mature content, I was in for an interesting and fascinating ride.  It ended up being a rather beautiful and heart-rending story of the relationship between a father and daughter who found themselves learning how to trust each other again after years of disappointments and misunderstandings after the daughter's parents divorced when the daughter was ten-years-old.

Chris Astor is a man who finds himself without a purpose in life, going on blind date after blind date unsuccessfully, trying to figure out how his life ended up the way it did.  He is in a job he doesn't really like, in one failed relationship after another, and his relationship with his daughter Becky is strained, to say the least.  Becky is a fourteen-year-old girl who is struggling to re-identify with a father she absolutely adored, but finds it difficult to communicate with him in the way she used to as a child.  The scenes with the two of them together as they try to communicate are heartbreaking as you feel for both of them and yet, just want to shake them at the same time.  The link between them is this imaginary world they invented/created when Becky was small as she was battling a crippling disease; it was a way to help her forget the pain of the medication and to help her relax.  As they re-open the world of their imagination, they learn to communicate again and learn to trust and lean on each other in a way they haven't been able to in years.  I have to admit those scenes were really touching and brought me to tears several times while reading.  The themes of separation, divorce, isolation, and loneliness were explored in this novel and were not done lightly or easily.  Chris lived for his daughter and the author makes sure the reader understands that very clearly.  It would be something that a young adult reader may have some difficulty understanding or connecting to easily.  The concept of a father's fear for his daughter and the fact that she may be outgrowing him and preferring to spend time with her friends is another prevalent theme in this novel. 

At first I didn't know what to believe about the fantasy world, Tamarisk.  Let me reprase that; I wasn't sure whether Tamarisk was a real world or something they brought back in order to deal with the re-appearance of Becky's disease.  I chose to believe that it existed because it made me feel better to think that way.  Miea, the queen of Tamarisk, was a delightful queen, one who was struggling to deal with a blight on her land.  Becky and Chris, having travelled to Tamarisk, tried to help Miea deal with the repercussions, both financially and spiritually, the blight was having on Miea's people.  I really enjoyed the visits to Tamarisk and loved the creativity and different ideas and things that were found on this alternate world, although I did not really understand the role Gage played.  It is a place I would dearly love to visit myself.   As to whether this place actually existed, that is for you believe or not.  How far will our imaginations let us believe that something actually exists?  How far will our imaginations go to help us help someone we love, especially when that loved one is sick and possibly dying? 

Verdict
I really enjoyed this novel.  The writing flows smoothly from one scene to the next, the plot was interesting although somewhat predictable as I was able to figure out quite early what was going to happen, but at the same time, I was engrossed from beginning to end despite having an idea as to the possible ending.  Blue will tug at your emotional heart-strings and take you on a roller-coaster ride, but it is definitely worth the ride.  I would love to revisit Tamarisk and I sincerely hope Mr. Aronica will one day revisit Tamarisk as well.

Contest

How often do you hear about something that sounds too good to be true? Well, I am here to offer 10 lucky winners the opportunity of a lifetime.

New York Times bestselling co-author, novelist, and former Publisher of Avon Books and Berkley Books, Lou Aronica has created a unique and exciting offer to anyone that is going to follow his upcoming book tour with Pump Up Your Book. His extensive experience in the publishing and editing fields has given him insight into an industry that continues to grow and change daily. Once again, that insight has led him to offer a contest that is truly special in so many ways. Lou will be accepting story pitches from followers of his blog tour. These story pitches must be for short stories pertaining to the fantasy world of his novel, “Blue.” This contest will allow 10 lucky people the opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to have their story published in an upcoming companion anthology to “Blue.” Lou will hand pick the winners, edit their stories, include them in the anthology and give them a pro-rated share of the royalties. How can you pass up an opportunity like this?

Now for the details:

The pitch should include a synopsis of the proposed story and a sample of the submitting author’s fiction writing. Specify the expected length of the story.

The pitch needs to be submitted by April 16, 2011

Please email your submission to Lou at laronica@fictionstudio.com

All winners will be notified by email by May 27, 2011.
 

Lou Aronica is the author of several works of fiction and nonfiction. He has collaborated on a number of books, including the national bestseller The Culture Code. Prior to that, he spent two decades as a senior executive in the publishing industry. He lives with his family in southern Connecticut.

Review: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

The Dark Divine (Dark Divine, Book 1)
by Bree Despain
Release Date: December 28, 2009
2010  Edgmont Books
Softcover Edition; 400 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-60684-154-9
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Library

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.


The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

My Thoughts
The Dark Divine was an interesting blend of religious belief and mythological folklore that worked very well to create a story of parallel worlds, where in one world you have a 'good girl' and the other you have the supposed 'bad boy' persona.  Although I found the novel at times preachy and dogmatic, I also found that it worked very well in the story as this is the world in which Grace grew up and these are the beliefs that Grace has known since she was a small child; beliefs that she once thought were unshakeable were now being torn down around her, belief in the foundation of her family, belief in her older brother Jude, belief in the fundamentals she always held dear.  I found this to be absolutely fascinating as I read through this novel.

Grace was an interesting character and I liked her enormously as I learned more about her.  Although I did find her to be somewhat narrow-minded and naive toward the beginning of the novel, I grew to like her more and more as she matured and developed throughout the events that happened around her, and as she questioned what she always thought was a normal family and normal life.  The scene in which she finds her mother supercleaning the house in order to avoid talking about the fight between her and her father is particularly eye-opening for Grace as she wonders whether she and family had ever really discussed anything of great importance or if they always just avoided talking about important issues.  I like how she becomes a little bit more rebellious and does things she shouldn't, not bad things, but things that are fun and interesting.  Too much emphasis has always been placed on her and her brothers and sisters to maintain a role in the community whereby they are role models for others; it's a warning not to do anything that would tarnish the family image.  I would think that kind of pressure would become trying after a while.

Daniel is someone I just adored, and the more I learned about him, the more I adored him.  Maybe I just have a thing for the supposed 'bad boy' image, but he was definitely not a bad boy in this novel.  I identified with his character completely and understood him, while I did not understand Jude and did not identify or sympathize with Jude at all.   Daniel was someone who tried really hard to improve himself and it showed in everything he did. 

I also really like how the parents were included in this novel and had an important role.  Too often, the parents are relegated to a secondary role and I don't feel this is realistic.  Grace's parents definitely played more than a secondary role, and April's parents wouldn't let her go to the dance if she couldn't go with another couple as they were afraid for her safety.  Grace even got in trouble from her parents for a couple of things she did and had to face the consequences of her actions, and I like how this is included in this novel.

The novel did feel somewhat predicatable however, and I felt like I was reading something that had already happened before.  Because I enjoyed the characters and their interactions so much, this wasn't as important as it could have been, but for me, I didn't find it suspenseful with the many twists and turns that I have found in other novels.  That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the novel tremendously, because I did.  I don't think I would have liked it as much if it wasn't for the Grace and Daniel dynamic that was intertwined within the plot, or even the family dynamics that I enjoyed quite a bit. 

Verdict
The Dark Divine was an interesting, fascinating read on family dynamics and the relationship between religion and mythology.  I did find the plot to be somewhat predictable and lacking in suspense, but the interactions between the characters kept it from sliding into a moderate plotline, and therefore I enjoyed it tremendously.  I am definitely looking forward to book 2 of the trilogy, The Lost Saint.

Review: Always A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Always A Witch (Witch, Book 2)
By Carolyn MacCullough
Release Date: August 1st, 2011
2011 Clarion Books
E-book Edition; 291 Pages
ISBN: 978-0547224855
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Review Copy from Publisher through NetGalley

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
Though she should be enjoying her new boyfriend, Gabriel, or discovering more about her newfound magical "Talents," she's too busy dealing with her sister, Rowena's bride-zilla wedding demands and worrying about the resurgence of her enemy, Alistair Knight. But most of all, Tamsin is haunted by her grandmother's prophecy that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision. A choice so terrible, that it could destroy her family forever.


When Tamsin discovers that Alistair successfully went back in time to Victorian Era New York, in order to destry the Greene family, she's forced to follow him into the past. Stranded all alone in the 19th century, Tamsin soon finds herself disguised as a lady's maid in the terrifying mansion of the evil Knight family, bustling about as a servant, avoiding the watchful eye of the vicious matron, La Spider, and fending off the lascivious advances Liam Knight. As times runs out, Tamsin's brash demeanor and sardonic wit place her in the center of the fray as both families square off in a thrilling display of action and magic. And to her horror, Tamsin finally understands the nature of her fateful choice.

My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this novel as I followed Tamsin's journey into her exploration of her Talents and the discovery of what she really needed to do and sacrifice in order to keep her family alive and safe in the future.  Time travel is one of the things I have always enjoyed reading and Ms. MacCullough draws you into the past seamlessly and effortlessly so that you feel you are there with Tamsin and Gabriel as they fight the Knight family and try to keep the future on track.

What I really enjoyed about the book is the sense of family and deep loyalty that family inspires.  Despite the fact that Tamsin has always felt like an outsider in her own family due to her lack of Talent, when her Talent finally emerges, she has to now cope with her changing role in her family.  Her other family members also have to adjust their thinking, but old habits die hard and sometimes Tamsin has a hard time having people accept her opinions or her ideas with regards to magic.  Her wild and crazy family actually made me smile on many an occasion as I can relate so easily to them; my family is very similar and it felt comfortable and easy.  I also understood where Tamsin was coming from, and how frustrating it can be.  When events transpire one evening, and catch Tamsin and her family unawares, Tamsin must take matters in her own hands, and sneak into the past in order to set things to rights.

I really enjoyed Tamsin's role as servant in the Knight household in the nineteenth century.  I always enjoy these descriptions as it amazes me how hard these girls worked and the long hours they worked as well.  The descriptions from 'behind the scenes' so to speak is always fascinating and I like hearing and seeing things from the servants point of view.  It also amazes me how servants were so often treated like pieces of furniture and how much they actually knew and saw in a household must have been incredible.  If only they could have written their own biographies, we would have such a rich description of people in the past!!

The romance between Gabriel and Tamsin continues in the novel.  I adore Gabriel, and I always enjoy the witty dialogue between these two, but the romance really took a back seat in Always A Witch and focused more on the mystery and suspense involving the rivalry between the Knight and Greene families and how either may lose their powers, and/or their livelihoods, in the future.  It didn't bother me that the romance wasn't the most important part of this story as I enjoyed learning about the history of the two families and how the rivalry began in the first place.  While the plausible reasons were a little weak, I still found the writing to be interesting and enjoyed it tremendously.

Verdict
Always A Witch was a satisfactory sequel to Once A Witch, and although the ending had a surprising twist I wasn't expecting, I still felt the novel ended the way it should have.  The novel had fun and witty dialogue, suspenseful moments, engaging characters, and a satisfying ending; I would recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for an engaging, quick read.

Review: Tempted By Fate by Kate Perry

Tempted By Fate (Guardians of Destiny, Book 3)
by Kate Perry
Release Date: December 1, 2010
2010 Forever Books
Paperback Edition: 338 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-446-56462-5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she's driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow's quarry now has her on the run . . . straight into the sights of San Francisco's most dangerous detective.


Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determined to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool. And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow's and Rick's life-and claim this Guardian's extraordinary powers forever . . .

My Thoughts
One of the things I really enjoyed about this novel is that I never felt confused about the events that were happening or about the characters that were introduced. This is the first novel in this series I have read, and typically, entering in the middle of a series is not always beneficial, as you always feel like you are missing something important, something that may have already been discussed in another book. While many things are assumed, the really important factors, like the Guardians and who they were, were explained succintly and in such a way that I always felt like I knew what was going on. And although all of the characters were new to me, I never felt confused and bewildered because comments were made about obscure things that happened in previous novels. Naturally, there were things that did occur in previous novels that were being alluded to, but it wasn’t frustrating, and all it did was make me more interested in picking up the first two books in the series.


I thought Willow was a fantastic female character and I really enjoyed her kick-butt attitude. She was strong physically, but at the same time she was presented as being vulnerable and caring. While she could be ruthless when she wanted to be, there were moments when her vulnerability really shone through and you got a glimpse of the real Willow. She was continuing to deal with the mental anguish of losing a mother at ten years of age as well as the responsibilities of being a Guardian of Wood without having someone to guide her and teach her properly. I find Rick to be even more interesting than Willow and would have liked to know more of his thoughts as he slowly deviated from the straight and narrow and started breaking some of the rules by which he lives his life. It’s interesting how he breaks away from the norm because of a woman, and the struggles he goes through as he realizes that life is more than just black and white. He often wonders how he could fall for a woman who tests the law and its rules so much; he sometimes looks on it as a joke upon himself, a twist of fate.

Verdict
If you like paranormal romance, then I highly recommend Tempted by Fate. With romance, action, suspense, ascerbic wit, and plenty of mystery to keep the pages turning, it is another good addition to this series, but can also be read as a stand-alone if you prefer.  I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series and look forward to meeting the next Guardian, the Guardian of Water.

Review: The Julian Game by Adele Griffin

The Julian Game
by Adele Griffin
Release Date: August 26, 2010
2010 G.P. Putnam Sons
Softcover Edition; 208 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-25460-4
Genre: Young Adult
Source: ARC from Publisher

3.5 / 5 Star

Summary 
All new girl Raye Archer wants is a way into the in crowd, so when ice-queen Ella Parker picks her to get back at her ex, the gorgeous Julian Kilgarry, Raye is more than game. Even if it means creating a fake Facebook identity so she can learn enough about Julian to sabotage him. It's a fun and dangerous thrill at first, but Raye hadn't counted on falling for Julian herself - and igniting Ella's rage.

As Raye works to reconcile the temptress Elizabeth with her real-life self, Ella serves up her own revenge, creating an online smear campaign of nasty rumors and trashy photographs. Suddenly notorious, Raye has to find a way out of the web of deceit that she's helped to build, and back to the relationships that matter.

My Thoughts
The Julian Game was a quick, easy read about revenge and the lengths one will go to be included in a popular group in school, and how easily those lengths can backfire on you.  While I found the novel to be somewhat predictable and formulaic, there were some interesting moments and some witty dialogue in the writing that I quite enjoyed.

One of the things that really has not changed since my high school days is the concept of revenge and the lenghts one will go to get that revenge; I think just the means of getting that revenge has changed.  With the onset of technology in our society today, the possibilities for revenge are endless and that is easily demonstrated in this novel when a reluctant Raye and a headstrong Ella set up their plot against Julian on Facebook.  Do I think something like is possible today?  Absolutely, and unfortunately, things like that happen all of the time.  These are things I am not allowed to even discuss online, but I know for a fact that these things can and do happen.   What I would have like to have seen is a little more 'meat' to the story as I felt somewhat disappointed by some of the events against Julian, as if they were just filler pages to get to the revenge against Raye.  I also would have liked to have seen more repercussions for students using a school webpage the way it was done as in a real school I know that type of slander would not have lasted for long and students would not have gotten away with it; there are a lot of restrictions in a school for that kind of thing.  There was no mention of anything happening after Raye and Natalya complained to school administrators. 

One of my favourite characters in this novel was Natalya.  I loved her direct attitude and her no-nonsense approach to life.  She was very comfortable in her own skin and accepted things the way they were.  She also understood people in a way that naive Raye did not and I really wanted to shake Raye at times.  I can see why people will change and do things they are not proud of just to be popular and to be thought part of the in-group, but Raye was a frustrating character as she couldn't see what was in front of her face.  She was likeable, yes, but I liked Natalya a lot more.  I didn't feel anything for Julian, but I loved his friend Henry and really hoped something would come out of that connection.  It's a credit to Ms. Griffin's writing as I realized at the end I was being led in my emotions to feel the way I did, even feeling the way I did towards Raye as she was not always likeable at times when she got caught up in the Ella machinations.  Yet, I did not feel sorry for her when she became the victim of vicious lies herself.  How to explain?  I don't believe in bullying, but I also believe that "what goes around, comes around" and you need to be careful in what you do.  I was proud of Raye when she finally stood up for herself towards the end and to keep going to school amidst all the bullying and everything else certainly took a lot of courage.

Verdict
The Julian Game was an enjoyable novel that delves into many social issues.  It deals with teen cyber bullying which is becoming a real problem as well as insecurity issues and the lengths to which one will go to be popular.  While I found some of the lingo and language between the characters to be a little too much at times, and the plot was somewhat predictable, I still had fun with this novel and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Review: Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Revolution
by Jennifer Donnelly
Release Date: October 12, 2010
2010 Delacorte Press
Hardcover Edition; 583 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-385-73763-0
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

5 / 5 Stars

Summary
BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She's angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she's about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights' most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.


PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn't want - and couldn't escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine's diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There's comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal's antique pages - until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine's words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

My Thoughts
The French Revolution has always held a particular fascination for me, so I was thrilled to be given the chance to review this novel.  And it certainly did not disappoint as I was drawn into it right from the beginning and was swept up in the events, the people, and the times.  I absolutely loved this novel.

I loved how the fate of Louis-Charles, the son of Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI was woven into this story so poignantly.  His tragic story has always touched me so deeply, ever since I learned of the abuse he underwent at the hands of his prisoners and tormentors and the sadness I feel has not diminished over the years, no matter how often I read accounts of what happened.  I especially feel for Marie-Antoinette and what she must have went through, knowing what was going to happen to her son, and the helplessness she felt.  As a mother of a ten-year-old, and simply as a mother, my heart always has and will always go out to her and her little son.  What stands out in my mind, is this quote in the novel from one of the bystanders and Andi's response.:

""That's right, of course," some else says,"Do you imagine that simply because one madman is gone, there are no more? Yes, Robespierre is dead.  And Marat. Saint-Just. Hebert. But there are always more, waiting in the wings.  History always throws off these power-hungry monsters.  It's because of people like them that this little boy suffers.
...
And then I think of how these people, Amade's friends, amuse themselves all night long with mannered dances and witty conversation, shutting themselves off from the world, while a helpless child slowly dies.
   
And I say, "No, not because of Robespierre and Marat.  Or people like them.  Because of people like us."

It's quiet then." p.439

There is definitely a message in this story and I've always felt that a people would could storm Versailles and storm The Bastille could have saved Louis-Charles from his fate.  Is it because people didn't really want to know what was happening or had they become so indifferent to death and suffering at this point in the Revolution that it just didn't matter?  I also find it sad when Andi has to tell Amade that the Revolution hasn't really ended two hundred years later and all those deaths didn't serve a greater purpose in life.  The question of how many times do we walk past human suffering and ignore it in our daily lives surfaces again and again in this novel and it really makes you think about social issues and the society in which you live.  While I don't think the author meant for the reader to feel guilty about social issues, it still makes you question your own actions and how you have helped the cause in your own life. 

I loved Andi as a principal character.  She certainly had her faults as she was no person's concept of an ideal child at the beginning of the novel; she skipped school, had to take Qwell, was nasty to many people, and was suicidal.  The only thing she really cared about was her mom and her music.  But there was still something about her that I connected to immediately and identified with, a certain vulnerability that gave me hope that she would come out all right and made me care about her.   Andi grew and developed quite a bit as the story developed and she took use right along with her, feeling all of her pain and emotions as she came to terms with the death of little brother and found inspiration in her music.  I, for one, kept rooting for her every step of the way.

One of my favourites places in Paris, and one of the creepiest, is the Catacombes.  To see those thousands of bodies (skeletons) down in the crypts is an experience that is hardly describable and I am glad that Ms. Donnelly incorporated them into her novel as they were such an important part of the novel.  It certainly lent an aura and ambiance to the novel that I don't think would have been there if the setting were anywhere else.  If you have not had a chance to visit the Catacombes, I highly recommend visiting them if you ever go to Paris.  Many victims from the French Revolution were laid to rest there.  Because I have been there, I was able to visualize exactly what it would have been like to be down there in the dark, all alone, while being chased by guards, having been shot, and I was able to put myself in Alexandrine's mind.  Alexandrine was a plucky and courageous character who cared for Louis-Charles when many others had given up on him or believed him to be living in the lap of luxury.  I admired her audacity and what it took to survive during the lean years of the Revolution.  I really don't think I would have done quite as well had I been in her position.

Verdict
Revolution had everything you could want in novel: there was romance, suspense, mystery, historical archives, time travel, and humour.  I enjoyed everything about it and didn't want it to end, but then I am a history buff reading about one of my favourite time periods.  I am definitely looking forward to reading more novels by Jennifer Donnelly.

You can visit Jennifer Donnelly at her:
Website: Jennifer Donnelly

Review: Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

Tyger Tyger (A Goblin Wars Book)
by Kersten Hamilton
Release Date: October 18, 2010
2010 Clarion Books
ISBN: 978-0-547-33008-2
Hardcover Edition; 311 Pages
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
"Your life is totally in danger!" Teagan Wylltson thinks her best friend, Abby, is joking.  And Abby's dreamed that horifying creatures are hunting her friend.

But Teagan isn't worried.  Her life is perfect.  She's on track for a college scholarship.  She has a great job.  No boys, no heartache, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives.  Finn has survived on the streets since he was twelve, so he knows a thing or two about fighting.  Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right.  The goblins are coming.

My Thoughts
I really had no idea what this book was about when I received it in the mail to review, so I was pleasantly surprised as I began reading and entered a world of goblins, faeries, and sidhe.  Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by myths and legends and this wonderful story is based on a plethora of Celtic prehistory and mythology.  I couldn't have been happier as I delved into a story that deftly incorporated many of these old mythological legends and stories into a beautiful and cohesive story.

As a main character, Teagan was someone with whom I could identify right from the beginning.  I found her courageous, sympathetic, empathetic, and endearing.  I love the way she took care of her brother and cared for him, even in the midst of tragedy.  And I have to say, there was one twist to this novel I was definitely not expecting at all and which totally caught me off guard.  It changed the whole tone of the novel and I really wasn't sure what to think for a long time, which is one of the reasons I gave it four instead of five stars.  It's not the incident that changed it for me, but I felt a real shift in tone in the novel and I found it difficult to get back into the novel for several chapters; I just couldn't feel the same connection I did before and it saddened me.  Luckily, I felt it again towards the end of the novel, but I couldn't help feeling somewhat disappointed there for a while.

I do have to say this though, where was a boy like Finn when I was in high school?  His kind of character is exactly the type of character I would have found sexy and attractive as a teenager.  Can you tell I just love, love, love Finn?  He was compassionate, tough, sexy, endearing, and a warrior who is supposed to save the world.  What else do you need?  And I love the fact that Teagan's younger brother had an important role to play in this novel as well, as younger siblings often get left out of the action in so many novels.  Neither Teager nor Finn would have survived without Aiden. 

Like I've already mentioned, I adored the mythological aspect to this novel.  However, without a certain background, I think the reader could have become lost in some of the legends and explanations as there was a certain assumption made that one was somewhat familiar with them, at least to me.  I knew what was going on because I am familiar with the legends, and I understood a lot of the connotations, but I am not sure everyone would have understood clearly. 

Verdict
I enjoyed this novel tremendously, despite the disappointment and letdown towards the middle.  I love the mix of traditional and ancient legends and mythology that are woven into this narrative and I can't wait to see how the sequel plays out in the continuing story of Teagan, Finn, Aiden, and Abby.  It should be very interesting!!

Review: The Lies That Bind by Kate Carlisle

The Lies That Bind (Bibliphile Mystery, Book 3)
by Kate Carlisle
Release Date: November 24, 2010
2010 Obsidian Mystery
Paperback Edition; 294 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-451-23169-7
Genre: Mystery
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
When it comes to rare books and antiquities, Brooklyn Wainwright is a master.  That's why she has returned to San Francisco to teach bookbinding class at Bay Area Book Arts.  Unfortunately, BABA director Layla Fontaine is a horrendous host who pitches fits and lords it over her subordinates.  With the help of her beau, Derek Stone, Brooklyn manages to put on a brave face and endure.

But someone else is not so forgiving.  Layla is found dead from a gunshot wound, and Brooklyn is bound and determined to investigate.  But when Layla's past ends up intertwined with Derek's, Brooklyn realizes that the case is much more personal than she thought - and the killer might want to close the book on her for good.

My Thoughts
This third installment to The Bibliophile Mystery Series, The Lies That Bind, was very interesting and a lot of fun.  I enjoyed the variety of characters and learned a lot about the intricacies of bookbinding and restoring precious old books along the way.  Who knew working with books could be so dangerous?

Although touted as a mystery story, I certainly enjoyed this novel for many reasons.  The humour and witty sarcasm made me laugh and the continuous interruptions to our lovebirds, Derek and Brooklyn, as they tried to get together for date after date was comical.  There did come a point in the novel though, where I was feeling like the interruptions were overdone and wanted to get the romance going.  There's only so much of that a reader can take in one novel.  Brooklyn was a sympathetic character who was feeling like someone was out to get her as she always seemed to be around to discover the bodies.  Her cries of "Why me?" certainly found a sympathetic ear in the gorgeous Commander Derek Stone, who returns in this novel as Brooklyn's love interest.  Maybe in the next book, these two will actually get to have a complete date.  Brooklyn does send out some sparks, some not so friendly, as she decides to investigate on her own.  I personally love the scenes where she and Derek discuss some of the risks she has taken and why she should not do that anymore as it's not good for his heart.  How funny!!

I also loved Brooklyn's hippie family, especially her mother, whose various interests change on a continuous basis.  I just found the humour that surrounds the darker elements in this novel, really lightens the mood and makes the novel, which could be dreary, into something fun and entertaining.  And the body count does add up in this novel where it would seem that one should be afraid to go to work at BABA as it would not be safe.  While I did find some elements to be predictable, it did take me a little while to guess the murderer in this who-dun-it and even then, I wasn't sure until the end.  It was a clever little novel with a lot of funny moments that tend to steer you in the wrong direction. 

Verdict
I really enjoyed this novel, especially Brooklyn's family and the ever-so-sexy Derek Stone.  There were a lot of humourous moments and its quirky characters made it fun and entertaining.  Although it could be classified as a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend reading the first two novels in this series, Homicide in Hardcover and If Books Could Kill, before reading this one.  I am definitely looking forward to reading Murder Under Cover when it releases in  May 2011.

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1)
by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: August 31, 2010
2010 Margaret K. McElderry Book
Hardcover Edition; 481 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-4169-7586-1
Genre: Young Adult Historical/Paranormal
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
Tessa Gray descends into Victorian London's dark underworld to search for her missing brother, with the mysterious Shadowhunters as her only allies.


My Thoughts
While I truly did enjoy this book from beginning to end, and thought there were some really great elements in this story, I did feel like there was something missing, although I couldn't quite put my finger on it.  The story was entertaining, full of suspense, quick-paced, and although I enjoyed the set-up for future storylines, I felt like something was missing at the heart of the story. 
 
First of all, it took me quite a while to feel anything for Tessa, and a feeling of connection with the main character has always been really important to me when becoming involved in a story.  While I felt sorry for her plight, I just couldn't quite feel that connection with her, and the necessary sympathy that needed to come with her situation.  While I thought she had guts, courage, and determination, and I liked how she was also searching for information on her situation and the people around her, I did think she was a little cold and didn't quite show the sympathy she needed.  Luckily, that changed around the halfway mark in the story and I could feel myself warming up to her gradually as the story unfolded and I was happy about that.  I just felt like there was some 'soul' missing to Tessa.  However, I really enjoyed Will and Jem and couldn't get enough of those two characters.  The image of 'light and dark' kept coming to mind and I was enthralled by their stories and their personalities.  Although Will could be cruel and I was never sure of his loyalties, I always seem to be attracted to the darker personalities as I find them more interesting.  I also think that because Ms. Clare only gives us teasing clues as to his history that it makes him that much more interesting as well; there just seems to be so much depth to Will's character that I can't wait to learn more about him.   
 
The setting of the story always puts me in mind of Gail Carriger's London, and I love this setting.  I love how everything seems so dark and secretive, with glamours and magic, and a secret side to London that only a select few know about.  I have always been attracted to stories about ancient powers, and secrets, and magic, so this kind of story is right up my alley.  While I did find some aspects to the storyline somewhat predictable, I am happy to say the moments were few and far between, and the twists and turns make this novel edgy and creative and fascinating.  I found the clockwork army to be quite creepy and as the novel reached its final resolution, there were some things that happened that were unexpected and creepy.  Loads of fun!
 
One of the things I did enjoy in this novel was the interplay amongst the young ladies in this novel to behave like young ladies or to be shadowhunters, something that is very contradictory.  I think Ms. Clare did a wonderful job highlighting the dichotomy between the two and the conflict this would present to young ladies brought up during this time period.  There were some edgy moments which definitely brings out the mannerisms and attitudes of people who lived at this time.   Tessa and Jess were two very different young ladies and I love how Ms. Clare plays them off of each other; yet, Jess could be as strong and capable as any shadowhunter out there. 
 
Verdict
While there were some things I thought were missing from this novel, there were so many wonderful and great things about it too.  I love the setting and the many different characters make the interplay fun and interesting.  There was suspense, mystery, action, twists and turns, and even some romance.  I am definitely looking forward to the next novel in this series, Clockwork Prince, in 2011.

Review: The Sherlockian by Graham Moore

The Sherlockian
by Graham Moore
Release Date: December 1st, 2010
2010 Twelve
ISBN: 978-0-446-57259-0
Softcover Edition; 355 Pages
Genre: Fiction
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

4 / 5 Stars

Summary
In 1893, Arthur Conan Doyle takes delight in killing off his greatest creation.  Soon Doyle finds himself investigating a real crime with his friend Bram Stoker - an undertaking he records in his journal, which later disappears.

In 2010, the world's top Sherlock Holmes scholar announces he's finally found the missing journal.  But shortly thereafter, the scholar is found dead - and the journal is nowhere to be seen.

My Thoughts
What I personally loved about this book is the jump between the two time periods. I found the parallel story lines to be intriguing, and as each chapter ended with a cliffhanger, it certainly helped to keep the reader engaged and committed to finding out the truth. As the intertwining stories go back and forth through time, the reader is engaged in a deep philosophical debate about the worth of knowing the ending to a story and the ramifications of knowing and the impact it has on one’s life. I found it an interesting conundrum and spent some time really thinking about our species and our search for truth, the need to know, and whether the truth actually helps or inhibits our lives.


Harold is an interesting character, and definitely not one I would consider to be a hero in any sense of the word. He is what I consider to be bungling, yet possesses a courage and dare-to-do that is admirable as he searches for the lost diary. I find it ironic how someone can be willing to do anything in their search for the truth, including breaking the law. Arthur Conan Doyle, long one of those people who have made my list of the most fascinating, certainly lived up to his reputation in this book, and I was not surprised by the events and the path he took. Although certainly a work of fiction, Mr. Moore gives Doyle’s character a certain attitude that can only be given to one who can create a character such as Holmes. And the reasons for returning Holmes to the world is certainly plausible, although no one really knows the real reasons why Holmes was resurrected the way he was. The two mysteries, although paralleled in the two time periods, have very different motives behind them, and were equally fascinating because of this.

Mr. Moore’s literary ability is definitely what makes the book so enjoyable, as I didn’t necessarily find all of the characters to be as developed as Harold and Arthur Conan Doyle. I would have liked to have seen more of Bram Stoker and Sarah in this story, and learned more of their personalities and their motives. While there are the usual stereotypical characters in this novel, there are enough quirky and intriguing personalities to keep the venture interesting.

The story, though fascinating and fun, was somewhat predictable. This is not what interested me however, as it was the ending that really intrigued me. For many who are looking for that super-charged ending expected in many murder-mystery novels, that you will not get in this novel. However, you will be left wondering the eternal question: Are you happier knowing the truth, or is it the path to discovery that makes you the happiest? What do you do when you have finally discovered the one thing you are searching for, and will it make you happy?

Verdict
I am looking forward to reading more novels by Graham Moore. I found The Sherlockian to be enjoyable, fun, and intriguing. It certainly made me take note of my Sherlock Holmes mysteries, and I am longing to delve into them once again to see what I have missed the first time through them. This novel is definitely well worth the effort and the time, even if you don’t know anything about Sherlock Holmes or Arthur Conan Doyle.

About the author:
Graham Moore is a twenty-eight-year-old graduate of Columbia University where he received his degree in religious history.  He is from Chicago and lives in Los Angeles.

Blog: The Sherlockian

Review: Island Sting by Bonnie J. Doerr

Welcome to the Green Books Campaign where 200 book bloggers will be posting their reviews simultaneously in order to bring attention to a great cause.  All the books being reviewed have been printed on environmentally-friendly paper.  Hopefully this will bring awareness to those buying books about being considerate to the environment when making those purchases.

Island Sting
by Bonnie J. Doerr
Release Date: December 15, 2009
2009 Leap Books
Paperback Edition; 280 Pages
ISBN: 978-16160-3002-5
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Review Copy for Campaign

Summary
Kenzie didn't expect her first summer in the Florida Keys to be murder. Or cute guys, awesome boats, endangered species, and gun-toting thugs... When city girl Kenzie Ryan moves to a Florida wildlife refuge, she plunges straight into an eco-mystery. Kenzie trades New York streets for Keys pollution cleanup, and now, instead of hailing cabs, she's tracking down a poacher of endangered Key deer. Her new home does have some benefits-mainly Angelo, an island native, who teams up with her to nab the culprit. But will they both survive when the killer turns from stalking deer to hunting humans? Island Sting includes notes on the endangered Florida Key Deer and the National Key Deer Refuge.

My Thoughts
I always pride myself on being aware of environmental issues around the world and learning about endangered species, but I will admit that I was completely ignorant of the issue surrounding the Florida Key Deer and their plight.  I even spent time in Florida this past summer and did not hear anything about it, although I did hear a lot about the crocodiles and the boa constrictor issue.  Here in Ontario, deer can be a severe problem and over-population is often an issue; it amazes me to hear of a species of deer that could possibly go extinct. 

Island Sting was an interesting novel right from the beginning.  Kenzie Ryan, literally plunges into a canal trying to save what she thought was a dog, and discovers a deer in her grasp.  Thus begins a long search for a poacher who kills deer for fun and sport.  Along her journey, the reader learns many things about the environment and the destruction that has been wroung in some of the Keys.  I found Kenzie's journey to be fascinating and enjoyed every step she took.  I took particular pleasure when she showed others she was not as ignorant of wildlife as people believed, despite the fact she grew up in a large city. 

I found a lot of the fun in this engaging mystery however, was the interesting environmental facts that were woven throughout the novel.  Kenzie also had a quirky personality, making her fun to read about and follow as she traipsed through her various adventures.  I also found the interaction between Kenzie and Angelo to be particularly engaging; the relationship between these two was fun, especially as they bantered quips and comments back and forth.  While the mystery was intriguing, it was the environmental facts that really kept me interested and engaged as well as the writing style of this author, a style I particularly liked as I found it to be lyrical and made me feel close to Kenzie. 

Verdict
Island Sting is a quick, fast-paced engaging mystery packed with interesting environmental facts about the Keys.  I am definitely looking forward to reading the next novel in this series.

You can visit Bonnie J. Doerr on her blog: Bonnie Blogs Green.

Review: The Jumbee by Pamela Keyes

The Jumbee
by Pamela Keyes
Release Date: October 19, 2010
2010 Dial Books
Softcover Edition; 400 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3313-8
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

3.5 / 5 Stars

Summary
When Esti Legard starts theater school on Cariba, she's determined to step out of the shadow of her late father, a famous Shakespearean actor. But on an island rife with superstition, Esti can't escape the darkness. In the black of the theater, an alluring phantom voice - known only as Alan - becomes her brilliant drama tutor, while in the light of day Esti struggles to resist her magnetic attraction to Rafe, the local bad boy. Toppled sets, frightening rumors of jumbee ghosts, and brewing tropical storms culminate in a tantalizingly spooky finale where romance sizzles and truths are unmasked.

My Thoughts
I am one of those people who is thoroughly and absolutely addicted and fascinated by The Phantom of the Opera.  I actually first read the novel in French many years ago for a French Literature course (Le Fantome de l'Opera par Gaston Leroux) and then came the theatrical production, and of course, the film.  So when I received The Jumbee to review, loosely based on the ideas of The Phantom of the Opera, I was more than happy to delve into another twisted love triangle.

The Jumbee is set on the beautiful tropical island of the West Indies, but still retains the flavour of the original work by having many of its scenes occurring in a theater.  I'm not sure if anything can match the famous Opera de Paris (Palais Garnier), but with the theater being part of an old plantation house where slaves were tortured and beaten to death and is said to be haunted, definitely gave the setting that haunted feeling that is needed for a novel such as this.  The many myths and legends surrounding the island also helped to give the novel its mystical allure.  I just don't believe it was enough to carry off a novel that is going to be compared to The Phantom of the Opera, with its underground lake system, and double walls that allow for a series of mischiefs.  In The Jumbee, we have hurricanes occurring out of season, ocean waters, downpours, poisonous trees, and other such nuissances that create problems for the protagonists. 

Although I enjoyed the novel, and found the descriptions of the island and the theater to be fascinating, I just wasn't convinced of the ardour between Alan and Esti as I felt something was missing all of the time.  I didn't feel the connection that she felt to Alan, although I did feel pity and sadness for him, and I couldn't relate to her feelings about him, so I felt distant from her a lot of the time.  Although I understood her attraction to him when he spoke the Shakesperean texts to her, I didn't understand how that transferred into this all-consuming love for him so quickly and so suddenly, especially as how she didn't, and couldn't, touch him or see him. What I could relate to, however, was her feelings for Rafe Solomon, as he seemed more real and human.  I adored Rafe, with his powerful emotions and all of his flaws.  I also wished I learned more about Esti's father as it always seemed like we were given little tidbits of information but little else afterwards and I felt let down at the end as I don't think I really understood why Esti acted the way she did in the last year of his life.  Perhaps if Esti's character had been developed a little more, her thoughts and actions would have made more sense to me. 

The cast surrounding Esti and all of her friends were quite unique and I enjoyed them tremendously, even Ma, who wasn't exactly nice to Esti.  Alan's character was a lot of fun to read about, even if I didn't understand the love relationship, but he certainly gave the people of Cariba some interesting gossip and fed the tales of the jumbee, the ghosts that haunt the island.  And although he wasn't always nice to people, he was the most interesting when it came to character development.  


Verdict
The Jumbee was an interesting read, with a definite Caribbean flavour.  I always like reading books where I learn some of the history about the places in the novel, and it made me realize I am somewhat lacking in my knowledge of the slave trade in the West Indies and need a refresher course.   And I couldn't help comparing it to The Phantom of the Opera, which was perhaps unfair as well as Ms. Keyes definitely weaves the superstitions of a Caribbean culture with an old tale into a unique story, with enough suspense and mystery to keep any reader interested. 

Review: Dragonart Evolution: How to Draw Everything Dragon

Dragonart Evolution: How to Draw Everything Dragon
by J. "NeonDragon" Peffer
Release Date: August 19, 2010
2010 Impact Books
Softcover Edition; 144 Pages
ISBN-13: 978-1-4403-0252-7
ISBN-10: 1-4403-0252-9
Source: Review Copy From Publisher

Summary
Magnificent and powerful creatures, these dragons be, with bone-crushing jaws and razor-sharp teeth, it's difficult to tell whether you're dealing with a hotheaded nature or a wise and benevolent beast.  Therein lies the trouble with drawing them both from life.  Make your dragon portraits more authentic (while avoiding loss of life and limbs) with the help of this guide.  A follow-up to the fiercely popular DragonArt, this book features ALL NEW dragons and EVEN MORE detailed dragon anatomy instruction.

My Thoughts
I was very impressed with DragonArt Evolution: How to Draw Everything Dragon and have had a difficult time doing this review simply because I haven't been able to get this book out of my son's hands.  He basically appropriated the book as soon as it arrived, and it took me quite a while to track it down so I could have a chance to look it over and try some of the art techniques myself.  My compromise with my very stubborn 10 year-old son was to sit down with him and draw some dragons together.  And boy, did we ever have a blast!

First of all, the book is full of beautiful drawings of dragons and I was more than happy to thumb through the pages, exploring the drawings of all of the different types of dragons.  They were colourful, vibrant, and beautiful, allowing your imagination to soar.  My son and I spent some time imagining some stories to go with the dragons.  I definitely have a budding storywriter on my hands (if I can ever get him to pick up a pencil for things other than schoolwork, that is!). 

I had always enjoyed sketching and drawing when I was younger, and do have a collection of drawing books from my younger days, although I really haven't touched them in years.  I had a lot of fun trying the step-by-step instructions and demonstrations that were given in this book.  And it was easy to follow as the book is separated into sections that make drawing fun.   The Introduction included things like drawing basic dragon shapes, dragon shading and 3-D effects, colour and pattern considerations, and perspective and overlap, all with easy to follow instructions and information.  Part 1 discussed how to draw the individual dragon parts while part 2 talked about how to put it all together and draw complete dragons.  She even included a very interesting, but far too short, demonstration on digital painting.

Verdict
DragonArt Evolution: How to Draw Everything Dragon includes a lot of elements for the new or intermediate artist to draw many different types of dragons, and have fun doing it.  What I especially like about this book is how the artist encourages other artists to be creative and to mix and match things to create new things.  She definitely encourages fledging artists to be brave in their artwork and to try new things.  As a mom, I am definitely in favour of that type of philosophy and look forward to watching my children develop their artistic skills, and their imaginations, as they pore over this book.

Review: Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Nevermore
by Kelly Creagh
Release Date: August 31, 2010
2010 Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Hardcover Edition; 543 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-4424-0200-3
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

5 / 5 Stars

Summary
Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due - so unfair - on the day of the rival game.  Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he'd rather not have anything to do with her either.  But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can't help but give this enigmatic boy with piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen.  Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unraven around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind.  Now she must find a way to read Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

My Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was captured by the haunting evocation of Edgar Allan Poe's work as it was deftly woven thoughout the novel.  While the novel has all the elements of a YA novel, it goes far beyond that as it weaves nightmares and dreams amongst the story so that you are instantly caught up in the nightmarish qualities of the story.

First of all, I have always been a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe, one of the primary reasons I was drawn to this novel in the first place and as people are obssessed with Jack the Ripper and what happened to him, I have always been interested in what could have possibly happened to Poe.  I love how Ms. Creagh weaves his uncertain demise into this novel and blends his work into Isobel and Varen's story.

While I wasn't crazy about many of the characters at the beginning of the novel, they sort of grew on me as the novel developped.  I found Isobel to be a stereotypical cheerleader at the beginning, but discovered there was a side to her that was different from the others, one who stood up for people, one who was sympathetic and vulnerable.  I liked her courage and her determination to do what she thought was right, despite what others thought she should do.  I adored Varen and would have loved to have learned more about him.  I found I was given tidbits of information here and there about his life, just tantalizing enough to want to learn more, but he was definitely a complex character, shaped by his home life and I was always eager to learn more.  He often ran hot and cold with Isobel, but she was able to overlook that and see straight through him to what he was truly feeling.  I enjoyed their developing relationship and was glad to see that they didn't immediately fall in love with each other or that it didn't become the main storyline.  I would have been disappointed if that was the case.

I enjoyed the paranormal elements in this novel, especially how Ms. Creagh brings out Poe's stories and poems and creates tension and dread.  The dreamworld that is created is unique and interesting, and anything can happen there. The part where Isobel is running through the park because she thinks she is being chased, and there are ravens surrounding her, gave me goosebumps. Who wouldn't think of the poem The Raven at a time like this?  I would love to get my hands on this Reynolds character and know more about him and how he can help Isobel and Varen. I could have gladly given Reynolds a shake if it would have answered any more of my questions.  It shows how deeply I connected with the characters that I felt that way.   If I have any complaints about Nevermore, it would be over the ending as it was definitely left open for the planned sequel and it will be difficult to wait to see what happens to everyone.  There is no closure or tidy ending in this novel.

Verdict
Nevermore was a fascinating read with many different paranormal elements that will keep any reader interested.  The romance between Isobel and Varen, although it explodes with sexual tension, never really goes beyond that and is good clean fun.  The dark elements, twisted with the works of Edgar Allan Poe has made reading fascinating and fun, interjecting a rather unique twist to a unique story.  It has rather effectively sent me back to my shelves in search of my Great Works of Edgar Allan Poe for some re-reading.  I am looking forward to the next novel in this planned trilogy, and anyone who loves a unique paranormal novel (with some romance) will enjoy this one too.

Review: The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall
by Mary Downing Hahn
Release Date: September 6, 2010
2010 Clarion Books
ISBN: 978-0-547-38560-0
Hardcover Edition; 153 Pages
Genre: Historical Ghost Story
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

3.5 / 5 Stars

Summary
When twelve-year-old Florence boards the horse-drawn coach in London, she looks forward to a new life at Crutchfield Hall, her great-uncle's manor house in the English countryside.  Anything will be better, Florence thinks, than the grim London orphanage she has just left.

Florence doesn't reckon with the eerie presence that haunts the cavernous rooms and dimly lit hallways of Crutchfield.  It's the ghost of her cousing Sophia, who died the year before.  Sophia's ghost seeks to recreate the scene of her death and cause someone else to die in her place so that she will be restored to life.  And she intends to force her newly arrived cousin to help her.

My Thoughts
When I received The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall for review, I was excited as I love ghost stories and I really enjoy reading anything by Mary Downing Hahn.  And while I enjoyed this book, there just wasn't enough suspense and scary moments to do a ghost story justice, even for a juvenile fiction novel.

The novel had a promising beginning, with all of the elements of a great ghost story.  There was a great description of the spooky old hall, the cantakerous old aunt who disliked Florence on sight (it kind of reminded of Rebecca, for some reason), the kind old uncle (although this was reinforced so often it seemed like it was overkill in my mind), and the younger cousin James who was bedridden after the death of his sister.  There were the elements of being 'watched', having difficulty sleeping, spooky corridors and secret rooms and attics, and plenty of other secrets in the house.  Yet, despite this auspicious beginning, the rest of the story didn't really unfold the same way, and I was somewhat disappointed.  The ghost just suddenly appeared, with very little build-up or suspense, and I was left feeling like I missed something important.  Now, I realize this book is being marketed to younger children, but I have read great ghost stories also marketed to this age group, where the suspense and build-up left even me hanging on to the edge of my seat, so I don't feel that was the problem.  I just feel like the story skipped some important elements and went right to the ghost.  I do have to admit that the descriptions of the scene where Sophia escapes her grave are pretty creepy, but this doesn't carry through to the rest of the book, unfortunately.

The story is very well-written, in Ms. Hahn's usual brilliant style, but the plot itself seems listless and dull compared to her other books.  It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but not as a ghost story:  I should have felt those eerie moments that often come with reading ghost stories and I didn't feel that with this novel.  The potential for this novel to be a creepy ghost story was certainly there, but unfortunately, it never seemed to reach that potential.  The characters didn't have a lot of depth to them, except maybe for Sophia, and I couldn't relate to any of them, and as the story jumped around, there wasn't a lot of room for character development.  The old aunt just drove me crazy as there was no real reason for the way she behaved, except she loved one person absolutely and disliked everyone else; I didn't understand why and no explanation was given.  It was a little frustrating.  One of the characters I did feel empathy for was the maid Nellie, who had to deal with all of the personalities in the house and always be agreeable about it. 

Verdict
The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall had moments that were interesting, but in the end I was disappointed with the novel and with the story.  I felt there was little resolution and I was not satisfied with the ending.  Having read other Mary Downing Hahn novels however, novels that did give me chills, I will definitely continue to read future novels by this author, as I truly enjoyed Closed for the Season, The Old Willis Place, and All The Lovely Bad Ones, novels I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good ghost story for the younger crowd.