Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile 
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 264
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

It's been three years since the devastating accident ... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

My head hurts. My heart hurts. What an emotional roller coaster! I LOVED IT. I don't really think my review will do the book justice, but I have to try and get out how great this book is.

 I thought If I Stay was a fantastic novel but Where she Went is phenomenal. Once in a while a story really touches me and stays with me for a while and this is definitely it. This book was so well written, I myself was feeling depressed at times because I felt as if it was happening to me.

I really loved Adam in the first book, so I was ecstatic when I saw this book was in his point of view. Throughout most of the book, Adam is numb and grieving, but that's more of an understatement.  My heart when out for him.  Gayle does a wonderful job of getting to the reader's feelings, she has a way of  relating to almost all readers. I love it.

This story is so beautiful and heartwarming! I just can't stop gushing about it. You have to read it it you haven't. It will make you cry, laugh and even just sigh, but you won't regret reading it. I have to get myself my own copy of this book as well because I for sure am going to want to reread it.

One of my favorite novels. Ever!

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Release Date: Febuary 1, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 441
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Absolutely Loved. It. Before this year, I've been really hesitant about reading dystopian novels, but with all of the great books I have read pertaining to this genre I wont hesitate again. Delirium had me absorbed, with every flip of the page, I couldn't help but feel like only a minute had gone by. When in fact, hours had passed and I was almost done with the book.

I really enjoyed reading about Lena, she had qualities that reminded me of myself. She's nearly 18, a definite rule follower and just trying to get through life until she could undergo the procedure that would change her life and allow her to be happy. Now, I don't ever have to go through the things Lena did, but I feel like I can agree with her decisions, making the book all the right more enjoyable.


Lauren Oliver takes your regular love story and makes it even better.We get to see the obstacles in life when not only do your parents/ guardian not accept your relationship with the person you love, but when the whole country is against it. It's such a unique story full of love and sacrifices. I can't wait to read the next book because their are some questions that I need answered.


Now if you enjoy a good love story and don't mind reading dystopia, then this is a must read!

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity by Kim Harrington


Release Date: March 1, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic point
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 242
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

 Fast paced and a quick read!

Clarity had me mesmerized. I particularly liked this book, because of its uniquesness. Unlike most books, the Fern family doesn't hide the fact that they had "super powers". It was quite refreshing from reading all those books where the main character tries hard to  hide their supernatural selves. And instead of spending time trying to not be herself, Claire finds herself in the middle of a murder investigatoin. Using her powers to help uncover the murdererer.

Claire Fern was a very well developed character. On the exterior she seems like a tough psychic chick and a  member of the freak family. But behind all of that, where others fail to look, there is a normal girl. A girl who doesn't was to always be on the defense and wants what everone else wants.  Clarity not only had me on my toes from the suspence, but it made me laugh. Claire had a great sence of humor I really enjoted reading the book even morebecaus eof this.

The only complaint I might have about the book, is that it was too short! I needed to know more.
But overall, it was a fantastic read! Fans of The Body Finder are sure to enjoy this book as well.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Release Date: March 2, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins 
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 427
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

What if you had only one day to live?
What would you do?
Who would you kiss?
And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

This is a novel, I both love and hate, but wouldn't hesitate to read it again. There are many great review revolving this book, and I can totally see why. Lauren Oliver does such a great job of keeping the reader captivated. I felt as if I really was in my high school, full of all the gossip and drama. 


Now, this book doesn't follow much of the criteria for most young adult book. The main character dies in the first chapter and knowing this, we can still enjoy the greatness of this book. Sam isn't really perfect, in fact far from it. She is what we know as, part of the in-crowd. And not too surprisingly, not one of my favorite characters. I have not read many books where the main character was not one that I loved right from the start, but this is definitely one of them. I disagreed with almost all of what Sam did, and it was agitating to read all of her silly mistakes. 


The book was very long, divided into seven chapters, each describing her days as she dealt with the idea of being given a  second chance. It took me a while to get into the book, but I realized that you have to go through the process with Sam in order to really understand her path


Although I knew where the books was going right from the beginning, I couldn't help but be a little shocked when Sam died. Sam finally had an understanding of the mistakes she made and the people she missed out on knowing because she was the way she was. And all in the end, it was for nothing because she wouldn't be able to see how it all affected her.


Before I Fall was such a great novel, it's hard t believe that this Lauren Oliver's first book, I can't to read more of her work!

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 288
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is. Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued. She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her. Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

To describe this book in one word, I would say it's dark. If you couldn't guess from the cover.
I honestly picked up the because I love this movie called Death Becomes Her with Meryl Streep, and the title is so similar to this one.

Most of this story takes place in New 2, or New Orleans after another disaster has occurred and ruined the country for good. The main character Ari, is self conscious, brave and determined to find a cure for her curse. The other character were also very interesting and I wish I knew more about them, their personalities made me more curious about the characters. Sebastian was such a nice guy, and Violet just broke my heart. They are such unusual children with good intentions.

There are many books nowadays with vampires, witches and shape-shifters and this book doesn't disappoint. It includes all three! Not only do we get mythical creatures but the story behind them is very fascinating
I really like the references to Greek mythology. It intrigued be further and I could help finishing the book in one sitting.

Now most problems were unsolved by the end of the book and I'm worried about Violet (I probably shouldn't have said that but I don't think it gives away too much) But there will be a sequel to this book which is why the story is left somewhat unfinished.

Overall, great plot and storyline. I couldn't help but finish it all in a matter of hours!

The Girl Who Was on Fire

The Girl Who was on Fire edited by Leah Wilson

Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Smart Pop
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 224
Source: ARC
Buy the Book: Amazon

Praised by writers from Stephen King to Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins’ New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy is dark, captivating, and deeply thought-provoking. Part straight-up survivalist adventure, part rich allegory, and part political thriller, the series has become a new YA favorite.
The Girl Who Was On Fire offers even more to think about for teen readers already engrossed by the Hunger Games. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to reality television, fashion, and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games by other YA writers reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss’ world really is.
The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

If you're a fan of the Hunger Games Trilogy, this is a must read! 

In, The Girl Who Was on Fire, 13 YA authors write essays  that take you back to Panem. They discuss Katniss, Peeta and Gale, the Games, the ending and more.

After I finished reading the trilogy, I couldn't help but want to know more, I was super exited when I got this in the mail and started reading it right away.


The essays in this book make you think deeply about the trilogy, the true symbolism behind the books with the wonderful analysis from thirteen authors. After reading each essay, I had to stop a bit and think about what I just read. There were many thing that were pointed out by the authors in this book, that I missed in the trilogy. It makes me want to go back and reread them which I think I will.


The authors who contributed to this book were:
Sarah Rees Brennan, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Mary Borsellino, Elizabeth M. Rees, Lili Wilkinson, Ned Vizzini, Carrie Ryan, Cara Lockwood, Terri Clark, Blythe Woolston, Sarah Darer Littman, Adrienne Kress, and Bree Despain.


I really enjoyed reading The Girl who was on Fire and learning about other authors' take on the books


If you haven't read the Hunger Game trilogy because you think they're silly young adult books, this book may change your mind with the beautiful analytical essays,

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 435
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has apurpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side. As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny? Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

I was hooked!


I am really starting to like angel stories. Especially after reading Unearthly. I heard so many good thing about it and it prior to reading it and Unearthly definitely lives up to the hype.


Unearthly is not your average love story. It's not predictable. The guy isn't the supernatural being as we see in most books and I was surprised to see that Clara didn't end up with the boy she obsesses about in the beginning of the book. But it made complete sense with this story.


The characters are really well developed. Their personalities are definitely believable  and I felt as if I really knew them. Despite being a quarter angel, Clara seems like an average teenage girl. She's insecure smart and learning about whats more important, love or duty. I loved Christian and Tucker. Both couldn't be anymore different and Clara is drawn to both at some point.


Reading this book was extremely enjoyable. I had already read past 100 pages and it felt as if i was just flipped one. There are some surprising twists and turns in this story, that I did nt see coming. Like I said before, Unearthly is not very predictable.


A very fantastically written novel! but don't take me word for it, go read it!

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly D

Desires of the Dead by 
Kimberly Derting
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 368
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.
Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

If you've read my review for Kimberly's debut, The Body Finder, you'll see that I loved it! 

(side note: I've noticed that this is the second book I've read this year, where the main character's name is Violet. And I've enjoyed both very much!)

Desires of the Dead, was the perfect mix of gut-wrenching suspense and mystery. Not far off from this first book in the series. Violet and Jay are quite the perfect couple, they understand each other and their chemistry is perfect. But as you can expect from almost all second books in a series, there is some drama-rama in their perfect love life. (Is is just me, or is there some rule about this?)

Although we know what is going on in the 'bad guys' head, it is far from predictable. Ther are some twists in the plot that will keep you reading this until the very last page. Violet's character changes quite a bit in the book and she is more open and coming out of her shell.

If you haven't read the first in the series, read it immediately so that you can read this one!

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

Release Date: December 28, 2011
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 416
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns. 
Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process. 
Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace's relationship with Daniel is put in danger - in more ways than one. 
Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her - not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung. 
Bree Despain delivers sizzling romance and thrilling action in the heart-pounding sequel to the The Dark Divine

 The title of this book couldn't be more perfect. It describes entirely Grace's feelings and the plot of the book. 

When reading the sequel to most books, I worry that it won't be as good as the first or even that it might stop me from continuing the series. But that was not the case with The Lost Saint. It definitely tops its predecessor, The Dark Divine. With its mysteries, suspense and unpredictable scenes, I myself wasn't sure who to trust.

The book is told in Grace's perspective. I enjoyed that it was because this way we only know what Grace knows, leaving us to question the motives of the other characters and whether they should be trusted or not. I particularly love when my predictions are wrong. Otherwise I would get bored and not enjoy the book as much. And The Lost Saint did not disappoint me. Page after page, Bree kept me second and triple guessing myself. I did not see where the story was leading up to, until the last couple of pages, where we are left with quite a big cliffhanger.

Agh. Cliffhangers are really frustrating!

Point blank, The Lost Saint was GREAT! Can't wait to read its follow up. Does anyone know when it will be out?

Haven by Kristi Cook

Release Date:February 22, 2011

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 416

Source: Library

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

One month into her junior year, sixteen-year-old Violet McKenna transfers to the Winterhaven School in New York’s Hudson Valley, inexplicably drawn to the boarding school with high hopes. Leaving Atlanta behind, she’s looking forward to a fresh start--a new school, and new classmates who will not know her deepest, darkest secret, the one she’s tried to hide all her life: strange, foreboding visions of the future. But Winterhaven has secrets of its own, secrets that run far deeper than Violet’s. Everyone there--every student, every teacher--has psychic abilities, 'gifts and talents,' they like to call them. Once the initial shock of discovery wears off, Violet realizes that the school is a safe haven for people like her. Soon, Violet has a new circle of friends, a new life, and maybe even a boyfriend--Aidan Gray, perhaps the smartest, hottest guy at Winterhaven. Only there’s more to Aidan than meets the eye--much, much more. And once she learns the horrible truth, there’s no turning back from her destiny. Their destiny. Together, Violet and Aidan must face a common enemy--if only they can do so without destroying each other first

One Word: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Absolutely fantastic. I devoured this book. As soon as I started reading, I knew there was no way I could do anything else until I finished it. This was one of those rare books where I stayed up all night to finish it  I was really surprised when we find out the truth about Aiden. Not what I expected but it wasn't a bad thing either.

I loved the characters in this book, totally believable. Main characters as well as the supporting characters felt like people I could relate to. Violet is a strong and beautiful girl. She's new to the school but took everything she learns in stride. And we meet Aiden, dark and mysterious and not interested any of the girls at the school, until Violet comes along. Swoon. He definitely seems like the type of guy I would have a crush on if he went to my school. Not only is he smoking hot, but he loves Violet and puts he's life at risk for her.

The twists in the book had my hurt lurching and my hand flipping the pages as fast as I could. Not only did the suspense make me read faster but it helped she the book into a great story.

I feel that Haven has many things in common with Hex Hall by  Rachel Hawkins, which I enjoyed reading very much. New school, magical powers and hot mysterious boy. If this is what you like, then Haven is a must read.

Jessica's Guide on Dating on the Dark Side

Jessica's Guide to dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Release Date: February 1, 2009

Publisher: Harcourt

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 351

Source: Bought

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

The undead can really screw up your senior year ...Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction

Loved it! I really enjoyed this book. Having previously read Fantaskey's Jekel Loves Hyde, I was sure how much I would enjoy this one. But turns out I loved it so much I finished it in a day!


Lucius was an interesting character. He was funny, charming and even sometimes annoying. This made his character all the more believable. I really loved the letters he wrote to his uncle every couple of chapters, describing his adaption to the United States. I thought it was funny to read all the things he found strange and annoying about the culture. 


I really liked Jessica from the beginning. She is strong willed, stubborn, and independent. But her being stubborn worked against her. It made her realization about being a vampire a little too late. The chemistry between Jessica and Lucuis was absolutely toe-curling perfect. Beth Fantaskey kept the tension going in unexpected directions!


Overall, I absolutely adored the book and I am all too excited for its sequel, Jessica Rules the Dark Side!

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate

Release Date: November 12, 2009

Publisher: Razorbill

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 248

Source: Bought

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

Natalie Hargrove would kill to be her high school’s Palmetto Princess. But her boyfriend Mike King doesn’t share her dream and risks losing the honor of Palmetto Prince to Natalie’s nemesis, Justin Balmer. So she convinces Mike to help play a prank on Justin. . . one that goes terribly wrong. They tie him to the front of the church after a party—when they arrive the next morning, Justin is dead. From blackmail to buried desire, dark secrets to darker deeds, Natalie unravels. She never should’ve messed with fate. Fate is the one thing more twisted than Natalie Hargrove. Cruel Intentions meets Macbeth in this seductive, riveting tale of conscience and consequence.

Don't try to mess with Natalie Hargrove!

After reading Fallen and Torment by Lauren Kate and having enjoyed them quite a lot, I heard about this book that was published prior to her Fallen Series. Since I'm still waiting for Passion (the third book in the Fallen series) to be published I decided to give it a try.

I am disappointed with this book. I didn't enjoy it much as much as I hoped I would. Most of this book is based on Natalie wanting to become Palmetto Princess. All her life Natalie has worked hard to get to the top. Now with her perfect boyfriend Mike and her popularity climbing she has her mind set on one thing... the crown. But after she finally gets, life isn't as perfect as she thought it would be. After the prank pulled on Justin, Natalie has to find a way to cover her tracks.

Spoiler Alert! Proceed with Caution.

Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

Release Date: May 3, 2010

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 282

Source: Bought

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents rules;especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father's office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be the key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship. To improve her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen's sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill's accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything, even Tristen's love just for the thrill of being . . . bad.

I'm not too sure about my feelings for this book. I don't love it but I definitley don't hate it. Jekel Loves had a great mixture of darkness and mystery as well as love and chemistry (pun intended). 


I'm not sure if the relationship with Jill and Tristen was believable. I didn't feel that they were as in love as the claimed. The book had me frustrated. One day she wanted to be  with Tristen and the next she was mad at him. Why couldn't they just be together! Although this makes it very addicting, you can't help but feel exasperated.


I did love the storyline, it was extremely creative. It uses  a lot of references to the book Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I haven't read the book myself but from what is mentioned in this book, it seems interesting.


In all, this book was different and in no way predictable. 
You should definitely give this book a go if you feel like you enjoy reading genre of books.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Release Date: June 1, 2010

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 392

Source: Bought

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

the cold. Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why. 
the heat. Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now. 
the shiver. For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

Shiver was one of those books I thought a lot about before I finally gave in and decided to read. With many conflicting reviews regarding this book, I wasn't sure what to expect when I started in.

This book is told in alternating point of views between Sam and Grace. It focuses mostly on there relationship now that Sam is human and not a werewolf. It mostly talks about his struggle to stay human now that the temperature is dropping. There's not much suspense and action, so if that's what your going for, look some where else.

Besides that, Shiver was a very interesting novel that kept me turning it's pages worrying about whether Sam was about to turn back into a wolf and leave Grace all alone. The words written by Stiefvater are beautiful and had me thinking about them days after I finished reading the book.

The fantasy world created by Maggie was believable. As well as the extraordinary characters. I'm excited on reading the rest of the series.

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Release Date: October 1, 2007

Publisher: HaperTeen

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 304

Source: Bought

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

I am a beast.
A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.
You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.
Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

I'm going to watch the movie this weekend, so I decided to reread Beastly in order to refresh my memory.

The movie was amazing in it's own way. I don't think it could compare to the book because there were a lot of things that were changed but, what more can we expect from a movie based on a book. The movie made me "awww" in the appropriate places and I even laughed at parts that weren't funny in the book, but were definitley funny in the movie. Overall, I thought the movie was very cute.

I absolutely love fairy tales. Growing up, they were all I watched. My absolute favorite is Beauty and the Beast, so as soon as I saw this book I knew I had to read it.

Beastly, is a modern take on, you've guessed it, Beauty and the Beast. Instead of the prince and his castle, there is Kyle Kingsbury and his brownstone in Brooklyn. He is very good looking and of course, a jerk. But being a jerk gets him into trouble with a witch and gets him turn int a beast!

This book is one of the few books I have read that is told from a male's perspective. And I think it was the best way to write this novel. It showed us how someone as self centered as Kyle could fall in love and be loved in return.

And just like any other fairy tale, this story has a moral. Beauty lies within. You are only as ugly as your personality.

Here's the trailer to the movie! I'm so excited, I can't wait to watch it!:

"Love is never ugly"

If you read, the book or watched the movie already, or both, tell me what your thoughts. :)

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Release Date: March 16, 2010

Publisher: HaperCollins 

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 336

Source: Bought

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.
Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.
Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

Could not put it down! I finished this book about a couple hours ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. The mystery the suspense. And even the perfect boyfriend. All these things made The Body Finder very captivating.

Although I pretty much knew where the story was going I couldn't help feeling a little scare for Violet as the story progressed. Kimberly Derting  gave me goose bumps. Whether, I was reading about the creepy murderer or a kiss shared by Violet and Jay, . Speaking of Jay, can I say just how perfect he was? I can see why Violet fell in love with him. Who wouldn't?

Not only did the story have a great plot, but characters were interesting enough to make me want to get to know them better. Each character in the book had a unique personality that made them stand out on their own. 


I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment........Desires of the Dead. The title itself sounds thrilling and exciting!