Review: Intrinsical (The Yara Silva Trilogy #1) by Lani Woodland

Summary-

Sixteen-year-old Yara Silva has always known that ghosts walk alongside the living. Her grandma, like the other females in her family, is a Waker, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts. Yara grew up watching her grandmother taunted and scorned for this unusual ability and doesn't want that to be her future. She has been dreading the day when she too would see ghosts, and is relieved that the usually dominant Waker gene seems to have skipped her, letting her live a normal teenage life. However, all that changes for Yara on her first day at her elite boarding school when she discovers the gene was only lying dormant. She witnesses a dark mist attack Brent, a handsome fellow student, and rushes to his rescue. Her act of heroism draws the mist's attention, and the dark spirit begins stalking her. Yara finds herself entrenched in a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening not only her life, but the lives of her closest friends as well. Yara soon realizes that the past she was trying to put behind her isn't going to go quietly

Review-

WOW! AMAZING! That sums up in this book in two words. The twist and turns in this book left me speechless. I couldn't put this book down. I wasn shocked with what happn to Yara! This author did something I have never seen anyone else do. The story line is amazing. The love story between Brent and Yara is incredible. Everything about this book is awesome! I cannot wait to see what happens to Brent and Yara next. Seriously, how much more interesting could it get?

Publisher-Pendrell Publishing

My Score: 5 STARS

Reviewed by~Sarah

Review: Spy Glass (Glass #3) by Maria V. Snyder

Summary-
An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice...

After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world.
Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood - and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or know it could be they are lost forever...

Review-
This was by far the best of the three books.  Snyder does a great job of ending the series.  The plot is easily followed and is very adventurful.  Opal finds herself in so much trouble and gets into so much mischief, it is entertaining from cover to cover.  The book is just a great book in general, but it was not the best I have read. 

Publisher-Mira Books
My Score: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Patti

Review: Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula (Cassidy Jones Adventures #1) by Elise Stokes

Summary-

Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Jones wakes up the morning after a minor accident in the laboratory of a world-renowned geneticist to discover that her body has undergone some bizarre changes. Her senses, strength, and speed have been radically enhanced. After exploring her newfound abilities, Cassidy learns that the geneticist, Professor Serena Phillips, is missing and that foul play is suspected. Terrified that her physical changes and Professor Phillips' disappearance are somehow connected, Cassidy decides to keep her strange transformation a secret. That is, until she meets the professor's brilliant and mysterious fifteen-year-old son, Emery. An unlikely duo, they set out to find Emery's mother, who is key in explaining Cassidy's newly acquired superpowers. Their lives are put at risk when they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous, action-packed adventure. Soon they are forced to confront a maniacal villain willing to do anything- including murder -to reach his own ambitious goals

Reivew-

This book is a great book for young adults.  Stokes did a great job in her first book of making it interesting and easy to read.  It is a very simple book that anyone could read, and it grabs the attention of the reader.  It is, however, very slow to begin, and very predictable.  It is a fun book for those just beginning chapter books and it has an end that makes you want more!

Publisher-JACE Publishing LLC  

                                                         My Score: 3.5 Stars
                                                         Reviewed by~Patti

Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Summary-

New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known.

Review-
Enclave is definitly a book worth reading. It takes you into a dystopia that you can certainly see happening. It was a page turned and a story that i couldnt put down. The characters are solid and the story is engrossing. Duece is a huntress heroin that I absolutly felt compassion and admoration for. She was brave and fearless in her adventure. Fade is a solid hero too. He is also a hunter and good and true friend to duece. I didd however want a little more romance between the two. It gave us glimpses of a love story that could have been. A touch of jealousy and a lot of trust between the two. I think the relationship could have went a little farther. But this is only book one in the series so i am hoping that book two will have more in it. It took me up just not quit up enough. I am waiting impatiently for book two. If you loved the Hunger games you would love this story. Get it now!
Publisher- Feiwel & Friends
My Score 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Lora

Review: Sarawati's Way by Monika Schröder

Summary-

If the gods wanted Akash to have an education, he is told, they would give him one. But Akash has spent his entire twelve years poor and hungry. So he decides to take control of his own life and try for a scholarship to the city school where he can pursue his beloved math.  But will challenging destiny prove to be more than he has bargained for? In this raw and powerful novel, fate and self-determination come together in unexpected ways, offering an unsentimental look at the realities of India

Review-

This is a nice little pre-teen story. The little by in the story has a drab existence in a bad region of India. A fast paced story about some of the hardships young people can face. A good book, if you are looking for a break from the mainstream young adult books that are so popular today. A very easy read.

Publisher-Farrar, Straus and Giroux

My Score 3.5 Stars

Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: Abandon by Meg Cabot

Summary-
New from #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot, a dark, fantastical story about this world . . . and the underworld.

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.
But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.
Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.
But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

Review-
Abandon is the first book in the Abandon Trilogy. Recently I have had the good fortune to be able to read &review many good books. This book is no exception. I actually loved this book. From reading this story you can tell that Meg Cabot is an experienced writter with a lot of talent. The characters are not exceptional nor do they poccess special powers. However, they are written very well and easy to relate to. If you like mystery, love stories, thrillers, or myths and legends then I highly recommend this book to you. Which has it's fair share of twists and turns. Loaded with big surprises. A very unique and intriquing story. The settings are ordinary in a charming way. It leaves you hanging on eagerly anticipating more. I will be thrilled to read and review the next two books.

Publisher- Scholastic Inc.

My Score: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: Fire Study (Study #3) by Maria V. Snyder

Fire Study (Study #3)

By Maria V. Snyder

Summary-

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before....

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.

Review-
In the last installment of the Study Series, Snyder is really showing a more comfortable style with her writing, which has continued to get less stiff with each book.  She is less confined and seems like she has more fun as she gets Yelena into trap after trap in every adventure.  The plot is enticing and suspenseful and the language isn't distracting like in many books.  And it is easy to follow. In my opinion, the first and final are equals, and it is better written than the first. It was a great series to read and I was sorry when it was over.
Publisher~Mira

My Score: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Patti

Review: Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

                                                                                 
Summary-
Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man now her prisoner has switched souls with Ulrick.

In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain....

Review-
As Snyder switches characters and continues the story of Sitia and the Council, she gets into more action and more ways of capturing people than in the Study Series.  This book is  a great first to an excellent series, but, unlike the Study Sereies, this book is not the best of the series.  It does, however, rank high on the list.  This book is full of action and trials, but it does have it's slow moments.  Opal has many things to figure out, and a long way to go before she does!!

Publisher~Mira Books
My score: 4.5 Stars-Great Book
Reviewed by~Patti

Review: Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

Summary-

I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever

Review-

This book held my interest from the start. I love Zoe! She has a lot to deal with in the book. Between having to care for her autistic sister, a drug addicted brother, and parents who are so consumed with caring for Abria they don't pay her much attention, it's no wonder she drowns herself in partying. Matthias and Zoe's love story is great. I wish Matthias would have been around more or at least showed how he felt about Zoe more. The ending was so unexpected too! I couldn't believe it!! This book is great! I cannot wait to read the next part!

Publisher~Grove Creek Publishing

My score: 5 STARS Loved the Book!

Reviewed by ~Sarah

Autism Awareness and giveaway of 2 copies of Wither

Please join me in my efforts to support Walk Now for Autism Speaks!

Can you imagine hearing the words "your child has autism"? In a split second, life - as you know it - has changed. For a different family every 15 minutes, tomorrow will never be the same.

By participating in this event, you are helping to change the future for all who struggle with autism. By donating, you are getting us one step closer to finding what causes autism, how to prevent and treat it, and ultimately a cure so no family ever hears those words again. Until then, we donate to find answers and raise awareness about the devastating toll that autism has had on families like ours.

I need you to help make tomorrow be about dance lessons, school lunches and first words rather than therapy, doctor appointments and despair. Together, we will find the missing pieces.

                                               

This is Autism awareness month. 1 in every 110 children are diagnosed with autism. My grandson Gavin who's 2 has recently been diagnosed with Autism. My daughter Jessica his mother is doing an Autism walk  in May. She is trying to raise money for autism awareness.She needs sponsors. So I am asking for your help in sponsering her.I have the best followers! All you have to do is go to the website for the walk and put in her name Jessica Helton  as a walker. Then just click on her name and donate to team Gavin.  We really need your help. Even if its just 10 dollars. Autism speaks only take donations of 10 or more.  Please help  Go here to DONATE

I am giving away 2 copies of Wither to two different winners. You get 5 extra entries for donating for Jessicas walk. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider us.
Lora1967

Not required to Donate to enter this contest. Winner chosen by Random.org

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Review: Warped by Maurissa Guibord

Warped

                                                                                                                       By: Maurissa Guibord
Summary-
Tessa doesn't believe in magic. Or Fate. But there's something weird about the dusty unicorn tapestry she discovers in a box of old books. She finds the creature woven within it compelling and frightening. After the tapestry comes into her possession, Tessa experiences dreams of the past and scenes from a brutal hunt that she herself participated in. When she accidentally pulls a thread from the tapestry, Tessa releases a terrible centuries old secret. She also meets William de Chaucy, an irresistible 16th-century nobleman. His fate is as inextricably tied to the tapestry as Tessa's own. Together, they must correct the wrongs of the past. But then the Fates step in, making a tangled mess of Tessa's life. Now everyone she loves will be destroyed unless Tessa does their bidding and defeats a cruel and crafty ancient enemy.

Review-
I was extremely skeptical about this book. I wasn't sure about the whole unicorn thing. It just seemed a little too childish for me. I gave in and finally read it.This was a really interesting book. It was unique and different. The whole "weaving of life" concept was brilliant! I loved the characters and the love story. I do feel the author could have done a little more with the action parts. The author could have messed more up in Tessa's life, although things were bad enough. The ending was by far my favorite part! It was unexpected. I am a little confused if there is a part two to this book. The epilogue to me makes it seem so.All in all a great read!

Publisher~Delacorte Books for Young Readers

My Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Sarah

Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither

                            By: Lauren DeStefano
Summary-
What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.
When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.
But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.(less)


Review-
This book was gifted from the publisher. This was truely a gift. I LOVED this book. I may have a new favorite book. This book tells a story of a girl that becomes a sister wife to two other girls. Though at first it kind of creeped me out i quickly adjusted and before i knew it i was not turning pages fast enough. If you only pick up one book this month make it this one! The romance and self preservation in this book is worth the read. I even went as far as to email the author to see when the next one comes out. Sadly it doesnt come out till March of 2012. Ill be there at Midnight!
 
Publisher~Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

My score: 5 and 1/2 STARS!
Reviewed by~Lora

Review: Sudden Moves by Kelli Sue Landon

                                                                                                                       Sudden Moves

                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                 By: Kelli Sue Landon

Summary-
When Katie Brashers announces to her friends that she's headed to Orlando, Florida, for spring break, no one thinks twice. But when school resumes and Katie is nowhere to be found, her sixteen-year-old classmate and friend, Michelle Martin, grows suspicious. The school staff claims that the family moved to Florida, but Michelle doesn't buy it. First, Katie never said goodbye to her devoted boyfriend, Brad; and second, Katie still has a treasured family book Michelle gave her to read-a book Katie promised to return. Something doesn't make sense. Michelle and her best friend, Tami, team up with Brad to investigate the family's disappearance, but it's not easy. Not only do they have to dodge Michelle's demanding, nosey mother, but they also have to sneak around the neighborhood while avoiding arrest for trespassing. After talking to neighbors and looking inside the house, they still have nothing but circumstantial evidence. Michelle is about ready to give up-until she takes her dog for their daily walk and uncovers a concrete clue. The clue leads her closer to the truth, but also thrusts her into dangerous circumstances beyond her control. If she isn't careful, Michelle could end up like Katie-gone without a trace.

Review-
Sudden Moves is a great young adult mystery. It is related to young adults and creative. It is a quick read that kept me interested throughout. It has some suspense as to how the story is going to end. I would recommend this to young adult readers.I Loved the book!
Publisher~Trafford Publishing
My Rating: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Heather Peppers
From Middletown High School
Middletown, Ohio