Dedicated to putting books in the hands of teenagers!
February 28, 2012
February 25, 2012
Review: Above World (Above World #1) by Jenn Reese
Summary-
Thirteen -year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides. But after centuries spent hidden from the Above World, her colony’s survival is in doubt. The Kampii’s breathing necklaces are failing, but the elders are unwilling to venture above water to seek answers. Only headstrong Aluna and her friend Hoku are stubborn and bold enough to face the terrors of land to search for way to save their people.
But can Aluna’s warrior spirit and Hoku’s tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt—growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains—here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true.
But can Aluna’s warrior spirit and Hoku’s tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt—growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains—here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true.
Review-
This book was great! It forces wonder and anxiety into the reader from the start. It is very hard to put down even for a second. This is absolutely a book I would tell someone to read if their looking for a good adventure. Though it seems long from the first chapter to the last it keeps the attention and the wonder going.
Publisher-Candlewick Press
Reviewer Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Emma (Student at Franklin High School)
Review: Nomansland by Lesley Hauge
Summary-
Sometime in the future, a lonely, windswept island is populated solely by women. Among these women is a group of teenaged Trackers—expert equestrians and archers—whose job is to protect their shores from the enemy. The enemy, they’ve been told, is men. When these girls come upon a partially buried home from the distant past, they are fascinated by the strange objects—high-heeled shoes, teen magazines, make-up—found there. What are they to make of these mysterious things? And what does it mean for their strict society where friendship is forbidden and rules must be obeyed—at all costs?
Review-
This book was an okay representation of a spartan like society in a post apocoliptic world. It made me guess and think in certian spots, but other than that I really did not enjoy this one. Possibly a good book for enemies of feminism. The answers to the questions in the back of the book were pretty funny.
Publisher-Henry Holt and Co
Reviewer Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by~James Cross (Student at Franklin High School)
~Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!~
Review: Mission (Un)Popular by Anna Humphrey
Summary-
Anxious to appear cool as she begins seventh-grade and missing the support of her best friend who attends another school, almost-13-year-old Margot makes a series of disastrous choices after she befriends a hip, mean new girl.
Review-
This was a really good book.
I could really relate to some of the events that happened in this story.
I could really relate to some of the events that happened in this story.
Publisher-Hyperion Book CH
Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!
Reviewed by~Syra Chambers
~Thank you to the Author for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!~
Review: Shadows on the Moon by Zoë Marriott
Summary-
"On my fourteenth birthday when the sakura was in full bloom, the men came to kill us. We saw them come, Aimi and me. We were excited, because we did not know how to be frightened. We had never seen soldiers before."
Suzume is a shadow-weaver. She can create mantles of darkness and light, walk unseen in the middle of the day, change her face. She can be anyone she wants to be. Except herself.
Suzume died officially the day the Prince's men accused her father of treason. Now even she is no longer sure of her true identity.
Is she the girl of noble birth living under the tyranny of her mother’s new husband, Lord Terayama? A lowly drudge scraping a living in the ashes of Terayama’s kitchens? Or Yue, the most beautiful courtesan in the Moonlit Lands?
Everyone knows Yue is destined to capture the heart of a prince. Only she knows that she is determined to use his power to destroy Terayama.
And nothing will stop her. Not even love.
Suzume is a shadow-weaver. She can create mantles of darkness and light, walk unseen in the middle of the day, change her face. She can be anyone she wants to be. Except herself.
Suzume died officially the day the Prince's men accused her father of treason. Now even she is no longer sure of her true identity.
Is she the girl of noble birth living under the tyranny of her mother’s new husband, Lord Terayama? A lowly drudge scraping a living in the ashes of Terayama’s kitchens? Or Yue, the most beautiful courtesan in the Moonlit Lands?
Everyone knows Yue is destined to capture the heart of a prince. Only she knows that she is determined to use his power to destroy Terayama.
And nothing will stop her. Not even love.
Review-
Loved It !!! I always enjoy reading about other cultures and their traditions. The many different settings were very descriptive and vividly beautiful. The main character seemed to bring out many of my emotions. Your heart will really go out to her, mine did. It was a joyous and retching journey watching her grow from a child to a lovely young woman. She deals with everyday problems that real teens deal with, then some. Ones that cannot be seen from the outside, painfully, some that can. The wonderful thing is how she finally comes to terms with them. Then is brave enough to overcome them. What would a great heroine be without an evil enemy to push them along? This book has all that and more. Everyone should really give this one a try !!
Publisher-Walker Books Ltd
Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the Author for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book Program!~
Review: Mayhem (Mystyx #3) by Artist Arthur
Summary-
A lot can change in a few months. Jake Palmer is living proof of that. In a short time, the once-shy loner has discovered his incredible supernatural abilities and forged a tight bond with his fellow Mystyx. What’s more—he’s fallen for his best friend, Krystal. And fallen hard.
Still, some things remain the same—like the jocks who keep bullying him. Even though they have no idea how powerful Jake has become. And while he tries to follow Krystal’s advice, he may not be able to keep his cool much longer. But there are bigger problems ahead, because the darkness that’s been hovering nearby is about to descend on the town of Lincoln, Connecticut. And when it does, the Mystyx will learn who to trust, who to fear and just how much is at stake…
Still, some things remain the same—like the jocks who keep bullying him. Even though they have no idea how powerful Jake has become. And while he tries to follow Krystal’s advice, he may not be able to keep his cool much longer. But there are bigger problems ahead, because the darkness that’s been hovering nearby is about to descend on the town of Lincoln, Connecticut. And when it does, the Mystyx will learn who to trust, who to fear and just how much is at stake…
Review-
I feel that this book is a good addition to the Mystyx Series. So far it is my favorite out of the three that I have read. I believe that the main character in this story grows more than the others in their tales. Each main character from each book faces their own set of problems. This one faces the most turmoil. Each book is uniquely different, which is refreshing. Some series are all the same. You do not have to worry about that with this one. Once the characters finally ban together there is nothing they cannot conquer, so far that is. We'll see how the next one goes. It really is a series worth reading.
Publisher-Kimani Tru
Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the Author for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program!~
Review: Mystify (Mystyx #2) by Artist Arthur
Summary-
Sometimes being an outsider is the best way to fit in…
Sasha Carrington has grown up feeling like an outsider, and her parents are too concerned with scaling the Lincoln, Connecticut, social ladder to even notice her. They’d be really horrified to know about the supernatural abilities Sasha and her friends Krystal and Jake possess. But as part of the Mystyx, Sasha has found her place.
Now her parents have suddenly taken an interest in everything she does, and their timing couldn’t be worse. Sasha’s father wants her to become BFFs with snooty Alyssa Turner, who hates Krystal for stealing her boyfriend. Then there’s Antoine Watson, the boy Sasha has liked forever, the boy her parents would never approve of. But with the dark side getting more dangerous by the day, and the Mystyx’s own powers growing in unexpected ways, Sasha is facing choices that could affect her friends, her love life—and even her destiny...
Sasha Carrington has grown up feeling like an outsider, and her parents are too concerned with scaling the Lincoln, Connecticut, social ladder to even notice her. They’d be really horrified to know about the supernatural abilities Sasha and her friends Krystal and Jake possess. But as part of the Mystyx, Sasha has found her place.
Now her parents have suddenly taken an interest in everything she does, and their timing couldn’t be worse. Sasha’s father wants her to become BFFs with snooty Alyssa Turner, who hates Krystal for stealing her boyfriend. Then there’s Antoine Watson, the boy Sasha has liked forever, the boy her parents would never approve of. But with the dark side getting more dangerous by the day, and the Mystyx’s own powers growing in unexpected ways, Sasha is facing choices that could affect her friends, her love life—and even her destiny...
Review-
Having high expectations when I picked this book up. I am pleased to announce that it was not a letdown. This book continues on with the Mystix series theme. Unlike other series I have read you do not need to read the previous book in order to understand this one. It could stand alone. It is always a good idea to read the previous book, it makes for a good set up for this book to add onto. The focus on characters changes from book to book while the storyline remains true to the Mystix series. This book is easy to follow. Even if the reader has to take a break it would be easy to pick where they left off and not get lost. It was interesting to see what problems the characters would face & conquer in this book. I hope the author continues along with making each new adventure unlike all the rest. A really good book. I will be reading the next in the series very soon.
Publisher-Kimani Tru
Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the Author for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program!~
Review: Destiny Binds (Timber Wolves Trilogy #1) by Tammy Blackwell
Summary-
Scout Donovan is a girl who believes in rules, logic, and her lifelong love of Charlie Hagan. Alex Cole believes in destiny, magic, and Scout. When Alex introduces Scout to the magical world of Shifters and Seers, the knowledge changes everything and everyone Scout thought she knew.
Review-
OK..... So this book was not at all what I had expected. Going into it I figured this was just going to be another werewolf story. While it does follow along with the ever popular Lycan fad, this one is totally different. It has so much more to offer. The storyline is a one of a kind. Not only is it a story about a pack of shifters, there is a tragic love story at it's very heart. Some of the shifters are of the wolf variety. However, some of the other shifters are very unique only to this book. I really like the way the author put to use a very good imagination. Add in some good old fashion magic and you have yourself a very different tale than all the others. I was very happily surprised. The main character as well as the supporting cast is charismatic & charming. Also, there are some good life lessons hidden within. It's always ok to be different and to be yourself. I hope others will find this book as interesting as I did. If you would like to read a heart-breaking and unique story, then this book is for you. Enjoy!
Publisher-Tammy Blackwell
Reviewer Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to the author for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book Program!~
Review: Halflings (Halflings #1) by Heather Burch
Summary-
After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.
A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.
A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.
Review-
This book opens with all kinds of action. The very first chapter catches your attention and holds onto it. Compelling you to read deeper and deeper into the ordeal. I was very impressed with the flow of the writing. I devoured this book in one day. I could not put it down for the life of me. When I picked it up and started reading everything else just seemed to melt away. I Love the main character. She is a strong willed, assertive, confident young woman. Her heart is filled with compassion, love, and a firm grip on right & wrong. She is a good role model for any teenaged girl. The supporting characters are wonderful as well. They really fill in the blanks. The stortyline has both intrique & mystery. Some unanswered questions at the end leave me in hope for a part 2. I recommend this book to all young readers.
Publisher-Zondervans
Reviewer Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
~Thank you to Candace @Zondervans for the donation of this book to the Read for your future book program!~
Review: Vampire High (Vampire High #1) by Douglas Rees
Summary-
It doesn’t take long for Cody Elliot to realize that his new high school is a little different. The other students are supernaturally strong, don’t like the sunlight, and are always placing orders at the local blood bank. When his new friend shows him his fangs, Cody doesn’t need any more clues—these kids are vampires! As Cody struggles to fit into this secretive community, he disrupts centuries of human-vampire segregation, with some serious—and some seriously funny—consequences.
In sharp, humorous, and insightful prose, Douglas Rees creates a world of vampires where the real issue for humans is not the fear of being bitten, but the need to get along.
In sharp, humorous, and insightful prose, Douglas Rees creates a world of vampires where the real issue for humans is not the fear of being bitten, but the need to get along.
Review-
This book is probably one of the greatest vampire reads I've read in some time. It has interesting characters and great comedy in it as well. It has heart too as well with the main character and the jentis (aka vampires). I highly recommend reading this and the second book that follows (even after just reading the preview). You'll enjoy like I did.
Publisher-Laurel Leaf
Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!
Reviewed by~Tiffanie Downs (Student at Franklin High School)
~Thank you to the Author for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program!~
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