Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine

This review may contain spoilers of previous books in series.
 Summary:(from back of book) Welcome to Morganville, Texas. Don't stay out after dark. In the small college town of Morganville, vampires and humans lived in (relative) peace- until all the rules got rewritten when evil vampire Bishop arrived, looking for the lost book of vampire secrets. He's kept a death grip on the town ever since. Now an underground resistance is brewing, and in order to contain it. Bishop must go to even greater lengths. He vows to obliterate the town and all its inhabitants- the living and the undead. Claire Danvers and her friends are the only ones who stand in his way. But even if they defeat Bishop, will the vampires be content to go back to the old rules after having had such a taste of power?
 Review: This is the sixth book in the series and it picked up a short while after the last one ended. This book focused on the continuing war with Bishop and as this battle finally came to an end I couldn't stop reading. There were a few surprising plot twists that kept things interesting. I really love this series. I am excited about the fact that I am so behind in this series. It will be a while before I have to wait for a new release. I am intersted to see where the story will go from here. Also, an old question that I had nearly forgotten about is answered in this book.  I really like all the characters, and right now I am hoping that I correctly interpreted what happened at the end of this book but I have a feeling I'm wrong. Overall, this book was a really great addition to the series and I love this unique vampire story.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz

Summary:(from back of book) Noah's happier than I've seen him in months. So I'd be an awful brother to get in the way of that. It's not like I have some relationship with Melinda. It was just a kiss. Am I going to ruin Noah's happiness because of a kiss? Across four sun kissed, drama drenched summers at his family's beach house, Chase is falling in love, falling in lust, and trying to keep his family from falling apart.
Review: Honestly, the only reason I picked this book up was because I absolutely loved Break. So I thought I would give this one a try as well. This one didn't dissapoint. This book is about so much more than a guy who falls in love with his brother's girlfriend. This is mostly a story about Chase and his big dysfunctional family. The shocking plot twist that happens towards the end of the book added another layer to the story. I haven't been able to get this book out of my head since I finished reading it. I just want to immediately go back and re read it, I didn't want it to end. I expected this book to be about a lighthearted summer romance, but it was really so much more than that. At some points I was laughing at something funny someone said and the next thin I knew, my heart was breaking for one of the characters. I absoultely loved it.  I really liked.  the characters especially Chase and his family. I think Noah was my favorite though, I could tell that despite what anyone might think he wasn't a bad or uncaring person. I could also relate to Chase's problems with growing up and things changing and the overwhelming need to hold on to the people and places you love. I loved these two brothers and wish their story wasn't done being told. Hannah Moskowitz is definitely one to watch and I was excited to find out that she has another book that is expected to be released next year. She is quickly becoming one of my all time favortie authors.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Summary: (from back of book) The list was my idea. I didn't mean for anyone to die. Will you ever forgive me? Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Val was as shocked as everyone else- but, despite her own serious injury, she's implicated in the crime because of the list. The list she and Nick made of people they hated. The list Nick used to pick his targets. Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, her former friends, and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place, and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.
Review: This book is one that will make people think. I liked the fact that it was a story of overcoming a traumatic experience for so many people, Valerie included. Her questioning her role in what happened and overcoming her emotions, was such a realistic and shocking story, and I really liked it. Not much was very surprising action packed as far as the plot, but what did happen was full of emotion and pushed the story along nicely. my only real complaint was the ending. In some cases open endings can be great, but in this case I wanted a little bit more from it. I thought Valerie as a character, while going through something I can't even imagine was still a strong and relate able protagonist. I also enjoyed the fact that I Nick was not only viewed as a horrible person but also as victim. It made me think about the fact that he deserves to be recognized as a victim of the shooting just as much as anyone esle.  Valerie's parents and friends kind of annoyed me throughout most of the book. After everything that happened noboby would stand up for her and suport her. I mean I understand the whole, she has to overocme it on her own, but I think a little support would be nice. Overall, I enjoyed this book and was excited to hear that Brown has another book that was released this month.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti

Summary: (from back of book) Scarlet spend most of her time worrying about other people. Some are her friends, others are practically strangers, and then there are the ones no one else even notices. Trying to fix their lives comes naturally to her. And pushing her own needs to the side is part of the deal. So when her older sister comes home unexpectedly married and pregnant, Scarlet has a new person to worry about. But all of her good intentions are shattered when the unthinkable happens: she falls for her sister's husband. for the first time in a long time, Scarlet's not fixing a problem, she's at the center of one. And ignoring her feelings doesn't seem to be an option.
Review: This book is a sweet story about hope and love. I liked that there was more to the story than a typical teenage romance. I also enjoyed the many subplots that were scattered throughout the book, such as the Martinelli's, Kevin, Dean and Clive Weaver. All holding on to there own hopes and dreams. All of this together made for a really great read. I like the way the title ties in to the story as well. I was really able to relate to Scarlet's life in many aspects, which made me really connect with her as a character. I was annoyed with Juliet several times throughtout the book and some points thought she should just make her mind up already. But Hayden was my favorite character by far. He is so sweet and caring but at the same time he is hurt and afraid. He is so awesome. Despite what the summary might want you to believe, this book is not an all out romance. There are many characters in the story who are discovering what love and hope mean to them and it's not entirely focused on Scarlet's crush. overall, i liked this book and I am looking forward to readiing more of Caletti's work.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine

This review may contain spoilers of previous book in the series
Summary: (from back of book) Morganville, Texas. Just south of normal. In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans have coexisted in (relatively) bloodless harmony...until the arrival of Bishop, a master vampire who threatens to put the evil back in evil undead and smash the fragile peace. But Bishop isn't the only threat... Violent black clouds promise a storm of devastating proportions.As student Claire Danvers and her friends prepare to defend to defend Morganville against the elements- both natural and unnatural- the unexpected happens: Morganville's vampires begin to vanish one by one. Discovering why leads Claire to one last choice: swear allegiance to Bishop...or die.
Review:I feel like since this is the fifth book in the series I might start to sound a little bit repetitive in my reviews so I'm going to keep this one pretty short. This book was a really great addition to the series. The plot stayed exciting and interesting as the war between sides begins to heat up. There were a few surprises within the plot but mostly this book was about building up to the beginning of a war in Morganville and the effect it's having on everyone. I'm really glad the next several books in the series have already been released.
  As always, I love all the characters in this series, especially Shane. He is such a cool character. I alos have a small soft spot for Oliver, I never really know waht to think of him. But overall, all the characters are awesome. Also Myrnin is scary. I absolutely love this series and everyone who loves vampire stories shouds read it.This is a unique take on vampires that I really enjoy reading.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Full Tilt by Neal Shusterman

Summary: (from back of book) Sixteen year old Blake and his younger brother, Quinn, are exact opposites. Blake is the responsible member of the family. He constantly has to keep and eye on the fearless Quinn, whose thrill seeking sometimes goes too far. But the stakes get higher when Blake has to chase Quinn into a bizarre phantom carnival that traps its customers forever. In order to escape, Blake must survive seven deadly rides by dawn, each of which represents a deep, personal fear- from a carousel of stampeding animals to a hall of mirrors that changes people into their deformed reflections. Blake ultimately has to face up to a horrible secret from his own past to save himself and his brother- that is, if the carnival doesn't claim their souls first.
Review: This book was pretty entertaining. It had a fairly good plot, although the way things played out in someparts was kind of weird. It was definitely written for a younger audience than most things that I read and it took me a little while to get used to the simpler style. I didn't enjoy this book as much as other things that I have read by him, but it was a good read overall. My favorite part was probably the hall of mirrors, it was interesting way to question the way people perceive themsleves. The book was full of little messages about life and things like that and that was my favorite thing about it. Without that it would have just been a cool story and I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much.
  I didn't really have a deep connection with any of the characters. I din't particurally like or dislike any of them I just felt like I was hearing the story after it happened rather than experiencing it with the characters. I would recommend this book to a younger audience and maybe even older readers who wouldn't be bothered by the things I mentioned. Although, I had problems with it I was still entertained and excited to find out where the story was headed. I have read many other works by Shusterman and intend to read even more.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Summary:(from book jacket) Ninety five days and then I'll be safe. I wonder whether the procedure will hurt. I want to get it over with. It's hard to be patient. It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet. Still, I worry. They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: it kills you both when you have it and when you don't. They say that the cure for love will make me happy and safe forever. And I've always believed them. Until now. Now everything has changed. Now I'd rather be infected by love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.
Review: I really liked this book. The idea that love is disease that must be cured is a really interesting premise and I love the way this story played out. Although, the plot was slow moving throughout most of the book, the times where it picked up more than made up for that. Some plot points were a little predictable. However, the way the book ended was shocking and absolutely amazing. I can't wait to find out where the story is going to go next. It was different from other dystopian books I've read lately which was a nice change of pace.
  I also liked a lot of the characters. Although, I didn't feel a deep emotional connection with Lena, I still admired her strength and courage throughout the book and love the way she has changed by the end. Alex was an awesome guy and my favorite character. His story was really interesting and he was so nice. Hana is a really good friend, that all I need to say.
  Overall, I did have some problems with it but for me the good things far outweighed the bad. I can't wait for the sequel and would highly recommend this book.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard

Summary: (from back of book) How do you get over someone who was never really yours to begin with? Julia and Colt were together for a year, but nobody knew of their secret love. Then Julia dies, and Colt's  life spirals out of control. He is haunted by her memory, and things only intensify when her journal falls into her hands. Can Colt bring himself to read Julia's diary? Or will he live without answers to his burning questions about a romance that changed him forever?
Review: I heard a lot of good things about this book when it first came out so I was interested to read it. I liked the premise of the story and the way it played out. This was a pretty short book and I read it in a day. Unfortunately, I couldn't connect emotionally with the characters and story. Since this book was full of emotion that was a problem for me.
 I couldn't really relate to Colt as a character. I have read a lot of books dealing with death as a main subject and in this one I wasn't really able to sympathize with Colt about Julia's death. I also didn't like the fact that their entire relationship was an affair. I think the story would have been a lot sweeter if Austin wasn't in the picture. I have to say my favorite character was probably Tom. I mean Colt has to be able to talk to someone and his parents weren't exactly reliable. Honestly I could sympathize with Tom's problmes a little more than Colt's
  So, all in all, not one of my favorite books but I definitely enjoyed it and I want to see what Hubbard will write next.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Summary: (from back of book) All sixteen year old Cameron wants is to get through high school- and life in general- with a minimum of effort. But that's before he's given some bad news: he's going to die. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/ possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure- if he's willing to go in search of it. With the help of Gonzo, a death obsessed, video gaming dwarf, and a yard gnome who just might be the Viking god Balder, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America... into the heart of what matters most.
Review: This book is a really interesting read. It deals with a serious subject in a funny and exciting way. The entire plot is pretty crazy and wild. There were parts that made me laugh while other made me think. You can't really take this story at face value, you have to look past the craziness to fully appreciate the true meaning of everything that is happening. That was one of my favorite things about this book. Past all the weird things going on is a story about life, death, fate, destiny, hope and love all rolled into one. I really liked it.
  I also liked all the crazy characters. Cameron was a relate able character that I really liked. Gonzo and Balder were an interesting pair as well, and I really enjoyed following these three on their crazy road trip. Also, I just have to say CESSNAB and the party house were some of the funniest things ever. Despite all of this though, I liked the way the book ended. That might seem weird but it's true. Overall, I thought this book was great read and I still keep thinking about various parts even after I finsihed.
  I think anyone who wants a meaningful, fun and entertaining book should pick this one up.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Summary:(from back of book) Restless souls and empty hearts. Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants, or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams. Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But then Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages telling Nico he needs to help Brooklyn. As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.
Review: I have my eye on this book for a while and finally had the opportunity to read it. I liked the prose format of the book which can either make or break a story for me but this one was really great. this book primarily dealt with the emotions and pain that Brooklyn and Nico are going through after all the death there high school has experienced. This book is a companion novel to Shroeder's earlier novel I heart you, you haunt me which I read a while back. I have to say that I enjoyed this book more, I thought the story and characters were more fleshed out and real in this book. My only problem was that not much happens in the way of plot, but as I said this book focuses more on the characters emotions.
  I absolutely love the characters. I could relate to Brooklyn even though I have never expereinced anything like that, and was really sympathetic to her struggle. I thought Nico was the sweetest guy ever. The way he rose to the challenge of helping Brooklyn despite his own pain made me really like him.
  Overall, I thought I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of story. This books makes me want to read  Schroeder's other books.