tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46845967020891272052024-02-01T20:54:57.277-08:00A Curious ReaderChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.comBlogger470125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-68502439901501918482012-09-28T00:32:00.000-07:002012-09-28T00:32:00.190-07:00Twisted Heart by Eden Maguire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59-bZM1hsY0s5eIgGXi8BFWgR1D4E7awg5blijprU3m2Sl_7B44WnlZwwcf-u6AuOjB-Qg5y5djz5wzlVKXBtQDyl6asWZtg8P-3pD0JQq3pVx_bMpnUCDQE3ts-fQMDL7fjxah3zveY/s1600/10478485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59-bZM1hsY0s5eIgGXi8BFWgR1D4E7awg5blijprU3m2Sl_7B44WnlZwwcf-u6AuOjB-Qg5y5djz5wzlVKXBtQDyl6asWZtg8P-3pD0JQq3pVx_bMpnUCDQE3ts-fQMDL7fjxah3zveY/s320/10478485.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
Between the cheesy cover and the uninspired titles, this series really shouldn't be of any interest to me. But I absolutely LOVED Eden Maguire's Beautiful Dead <a href="http://acuriousreader.blogspot.com/2010/09/beautiful-dead-jonas-by-eden-maguire.html">series</a>, and the first book in this new trilogy, <a href="http://acuriousreader.blogspot.com/2012/07/dark-angel-by-eden-maguire.html">Dark Angel</a>, surprised me by keeping my attention through to the end. This second book in the trilogy starts off with a much more powerful bang, and keeps with the intense action and emotion that I expect from such a great author.<br />
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Tania is back and hanging out with celebrity types. Last time it was Zoran, the teen rock star. This time, it's Zeigler and Amos, the film-maker and his crowd of juvenile delinquents. I can't imagine a scenario where a group of bad kids comes into a town to be mentored by good kids and some sort of trouble doesn't start up. But even with the very predictable plot, I enjoyed this story.<br />
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Where there were a few intense scenes in the first book, this one has a LOT of nail-biting, uber-emotional, impactful bits. Including the final scene. These books would make for a pretty intense bunch of teen movies! I also appreciated that Tania's psychic episodes were dialed down a bit. They were not nearly as interesting as the other things that were happening in real time. Jarrold was a confusing character, making me swoon for his angst one minute, then feel repulsed by his attitude the next. I am curious to see if he shows up in the next book, making a case for a better boyfriend than the less-than-attentive Orlando.<br />
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The Dark Angels were after Grace in the first book, Holly in this book, so I can only guess that they will go directly towards Tania in the third. Looking forward to reading Broken Dream. <br />
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Overall Rating: 4 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-50621335643347907202012-09-26T00:03:00.000-07:002012-09-26T00:03:00.087-07:00Waiting on Wednesday 9/26/12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6a2qE41wdW2qfH_Yb2ZGIF9d5oHw7SeT6r1sHb46HGeQp4754c8asNh9IfU4_IKpFhJyScYS5ipp-z9xyf0dUdMYkV2YNHQF9HjbLo8006RcX9RZeyEsFlzlogRchnEn1g3zivtBlSg/s1600/179512329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6a2qE41wdW2qfH_Yb2ZGIF9d5oHw7SeT6r1sHb46HGeQp4754c8asNh9IfU4_IKpFhJyScYS5ipp-z9xyf0dUdMYkV2YNHQF9HjbLo8006RcX9RZeyEsFlzlogRchnEn1g3zivtBlSg/s320/179512329.JPG" width="211" /></a>LULLABY by Amanda Hocking<br />
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SYNOPSIS:<br />
<i><span id="freeText16778952884210891312">Harper only wanted a
safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a
dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything
changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper
must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she
has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find
her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers. <br /><br />While
Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new
life. Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives
with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their
magical world. It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's
plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs. Just as she's
drifting far away from her old life, Harper and Daniel find her...but
no one can deny how much she's changed. All she wants is to return to
her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's
become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they
learn the truth?</span> </i><br />
<br />
I recently read the first book in this series, Wake, and loved it. Hocking has developed a world where mer-creatures aren't what you think they are, and I enjoyed the break from the typical. This second book promises to bring more of the same surprises and great characters. <br />
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Release Date: November 27, 2012ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-74930549808124214472012-09-24T00:33:00.000-07:002012-09-24T00:33:00.473-07:00The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIogUpAggOiTAk6xjhR8u_wdqWO4j5_sqajW5cMewNPDpDjoiKBd7YxCOBdTLUPkct4gYa_0JcFp_Es324CLYyVlacn8ta-RoXW4mAsOtJ3aFnsThpAhpt1x41sq7S3pZ84r9GMM4H7P8/s1600/173597793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIogUpAggOiTAk6xjhR8u_wdqWO4j5_sqajW5cMewNPDpDjoiKBd7YxCOBdTLUPkct4gYa_0JcFp_Es324CLYyVlacn8ta-RoXW4mAsOtJ3aFnsThpAhpt1x41sq7S3pZ84r9GMM4H7P8/s320/173597793.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
Caution: If you do not like spiders, you may want to pass on this book. If your stomach can handle those pesky, creepy crawlers, you will be rewarded with a tender and adventurous story. <br />
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<br />
Liza is a spunky young girl with a huge heart. In the beginning of the story, we hear a bit about how her younger brother Patrick lives to annoy her, yet when she senses something changed about him, she sets off on a grand adventure to get him back without a single hesitation. Her bravery is noble and will be a good role model for girl readers.<br />
<br />
It took me a while to warm up to Mirabella the rat. She's not very sympathetic to Liza, but easily takes the lead role to help her along. I wanted to like her but couldn't lower my guard enough to welcome her into Liza's journey. Perhaps this was Lauren Oliver's intent all along.<br />
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<br />
There aren't many twists, but the ones there are caught me off guard and made a large impact on the story. In fact, the last third of the book is by far the very best part, with the strongest and most intense action scenes. While this is a good book for Middle Grade readers, I see it as a great novel for parents to read together with their children. <br />
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Overall Rating: 4 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-42694485808158189112012-09-21T00:33:00.000-07:002012-09-21T00:33:00.517-07:00Inspired to Art (8)Fever Crumb by Phillip Reeve, is inspiring in more ways than one. The action was pitch-perfect, the characters were fully fleshed out and realistic, the world-building was spectacular, and the story truly hit all the right marks. Can you tell I loved it? I was stoked that there are two more books in the series already because I seriously did not want to leave Fever and her plight. Instead, I decided to create some of the epic visions Reeve wrote about. <b style="color: red;">WARNING</b>: As hard as I tried not to reveal too much, there may be a few plot spoilers, below.<br />
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Fever wears an oyster shell identifying necklace when she travels into London. That piece would be easy. What I wanted to try were the Assassin Paper Boys. Oddly terrifying, the thought of those. Unique, too, in the creativity on Reeve's part to develop them. And then last, the paperboys brought me a singular event in the book involving a needle and Fever's blood. I made the needle first.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd8xjfsKI4Jyz8rhdHrQE5Zb1r6DKhRwnUJgD-fBdy7CyobjrLY95gAJeWvVDYZ1ruaVB4oL_hz7O1w2uTqJX9UVfBF4dshCyxl9y9pYp-nhkj3WL_l-IdcNxKIZQyGPI0Cevz7SntDk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMd8xjfsKI4Jyz8rhdHrQE5Zb1r6DKhRwnUJgD-fBdy7CyobjrLY95gAJeWvVDYZ1ruaVB4oL_hz7O1w2uTqJX9UVfBF4dshCyxl9y9pYp-nhkj3WL_l-IdcNxKIZQyGPI0Cevz7SntDk/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Using a glass tube, two bead ends, an earring base, and a bit of my own special "blood" recipe, this is what it looks like. Does it look like it would fit into the steampunk world of Fever's?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74uzFUU-i5eCs2bcMz7L2yHW7Ze5-MHU5UTxl83bw2IeyFUuLB1SeE2zoGBMzpFDvpOxNikQkU17swRd5ghsIGXh552X9PxeuzutZ7FNsPhMQjshgu9LxQMD7rnZ-7omjtIqaw4mORyA/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74uzFUU-i5eCs2bcMz7L2yHW7Ze5-MHU5UTxl83bw2IeyFUuLB1SeE2zoGBMzpFDvpOxNikQkU17swRd5ghsIGXh552X9PxeuzutZ7FNsPhMQjshgu9LxQMD7rnZ-7omjtIqaw4mORyA/s320/photo(1).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbo-Q-vzHsYyGAaIMO8YiG6IGjS6yU1eZ8bC9OcA10amoIzpMNz6LI0qII12RaTvJ4UgaqmVVyK7A68BKvlPUk-oZgpn2InIgv8aV3Bz7Xclnc2n7CmbrG-Ykc7-2Uxiz0uhpgrZyDapw/s1600/photo(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbo-Q-vzHsYyGAaIMO8YiG6IGjS6yU1eZ8bC9OcA10amoIzpMNz6LI0qII12RaTvJ4UgaqmVVyK7A68BKvlPUk-oZgpn2InIgv8aV3Bz7Xclnc2n7CmbrG-Ykc7-2Uxiz0uhpgrZyDapw/s320/photo(2).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Then I whipped up a quick box to put these elements into. The paper used was DCWV Tattered Time collection, and the gold paint edging is DecoArt Metallics in Glorious Gold. Inside paint was a basic cream. <br />
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Next, I placed all items into the box, and added a few tiny bits and bobbles to give it some extra glitz.<br />
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Not my best nook art, but still felt great to pull Fever Crumb's world into ours. The finished product: <br />
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Back to reading!ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-45100803800817125322012-09-19T10:21:00.000-07:002012-09-19T10:21:00.739-07:00Waiting on Wednesday 9/19/12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy9DU4Ns17vxXRFpZT7u_HY7nVPUuJJhaucObVOZLZxAJVxHlO0-zPNh6YRh-bHeLCSrkb1fqTQ6Fq8ypIWw_p2yV1ts7UZwFauC8sTeo4CLX8N2g1cpMnLiFDws5tw0hu6dZame2KYk/s1600/121356217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy9DU4Ns17vxXRFpZT7u_HY7nVPUuJJhaucObVOZLZxAJVxHlO0-zPNh6YRh-bHeLCSrkb1fqTQ6Fq8ypIWw_p2yV1ts7UZwFauC8sTeo4CLX8N2g1cpMnLiFDws5tw0hu6dZame2KYk/s320/121356217.JPG" width="208" /></a>UNDEADLY by Michele Vail<br />
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SYNOPSIS:<br />
<div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1342545731471_2150">
<i>Molly Bartolucci wants to blend
in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the
down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper-and she
accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she's
shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best
necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who
seems to hate her guts.</i></div>
<div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1342545731471_2150">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1342545731471_2207">
<i>Rath will be watching closely to
be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who
should have died. The boy she still wants to be with.To make matters
worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and
accusations fly-against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go
through hell. Literally.</i></div>
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I am curious about this story for the paranormal bring-the-dead-back-to-life element, but I am a little nervous about the whole gods bit. Hopefully, the plot will stay down to earth and be everything the beautiful cover promise - lots of angst. <br />
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Release Date: November 20, 2012ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-56127744997357654612012-09-17T00:46:00.000-07:002012-09-17T00:46:00.234-07:00Flock by Wendy Delsol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicChxtdbSQO6bUFP5199X-zHynmz0B6Tf_nnvnESqjUXh7Y7OPhzuJBRLChtSfGoEzEPV_s2IFKgJdG18UF0KSzwsJwNtLwacGI2fMQ0N-d9Wk-uKwiG29V8PdYdmaMB80TpfOQ9z4M-w/s1600/171472215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicChxtdbSQO6bUFP5199X-zHynmz0B6Tf_nnvnESqjUXh7Y7OPhzuJBRLChtSfGoEzEPV_s2IFKgJdG18UF0KSzwsJwNtLwacGI2fMQ0N-d9Wk-uKwiG29V8PdYdmaMB80TpfOQ9z4M-w/s320/171472215.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
I have to start by mentioning the cover of Flock. Is it not the most gorgeous cover ever? Does her hair not have the most perfect waves you've ever seen? The colors, the birds in the background... it's all just so stunning. Well done, Candlewick designers, well done. <br />
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That's not the only good thing about this book. Flock is a fabulous finish to one of the most surprising trilogies I have come across in the inflated YA paranormal market in recent years. I love that Katla is a Stork, and member of a sisterhood of various birds and deliverers of souls. It's refreshing, interesting, and thought out. The first book, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stork-wendy-delsol/1100038437?ean=9780763656874">Stork</a>, was brilliant and left me feeling very satisfied at the end. Then there was the second book, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/frost-wendy-delsol/1100574349?ean=9780763662493&format=paperback">Frost</a>, which carried the same interest level, but stray far from the stork ideas presented in the first book. We met new characters and developed Katla's circle of friends in a different but still enjoyable read. Now Flock joins both worlds seamlessly. <br />
<br />
Katla truly has a lot at stake in this final book. There is her relationship with Jack, her duties to the Storks, her frail little sister Leira, and on top of it all, the evil presence threatening to take over her small town folks. Through it all she maintains her sense of humor, one of my favorite parts in the writing. I was expecting to be annoyed with the heightened roles of Marik and Jinx, but they surprised me with their contributions to Kat's life. Even Penny and Kat's Mom turned things around with their smaller roles. <br />
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The ending is brilliant, powerful, and perfect. Wendy Delsol has landed a unique, well-written, and well thought out trilogy.<br />
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And I want her hair. Best cover ever.<br />
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Overall Rating: 4 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-53725499789943093242012-09-14T00:45:00.000-07:002012-09-14T00:45:00.309-07:00Fear Street Flashback (32)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQnvWVH8wAUrMYE1EyELChQEXQGs33Ix_IPYHwlxROfbuCOUuHr-Y9uQcdzD4ATc1E2F9XD1_saLYMNMv6-FLuODnNIaOxkgDq7NgXtL52MFrdEWZFtzTBJzmhdToMS9sUdrQtZHTT6c/s1600/148068504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQnvWVH8wAUrMYE1EyELChQEXQGs33Ix_IPYHwlxROfbuCOUuHr-Y9uQcdzD4ATc1E2F9XD1_saLYMNMv6-FLuODnNIaOxkgDq7NgXtL52MFrdEWZFtzTBJzmhdToMS9sUdrQtZHTT6c/s320/148068504.JPG" width="198" /></a></div>
Why? Because FEAR STREET was like, my favorite series growing up.<br />
<br />
Originally released in April, 1997.<br />
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Classic Fear Street goodness. The twists in this one keep coming right up until the end. I liked that the POV was from Sydney (the rich girl) and not Emma, who gets all of the action. As a storyteller, Sydney was very dry and uninteresting, but it was also perfect because then the reader was in the dark as to what was happening around her. This story is isn't scary with the paranormal, but there is plenty of tension around three kids sharing a huge secret. Jason in particular provides most of the nervous bits, and I liked that he was equally likeable and bothersome. It is fun to think of what I would do if I found a bag of discarded money! My only complaint with this book is again, the lack of parents in the girls' lives. Other than that, The Rich Girl is a quick read, and a nice addition to the Fear Street world. <br />
<br />
Fear Rating: out of 3 ScreamsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-90658358676035382282012-09-12T00:14:00.000-07:002012-09-12T00:14:00.481-07:00Waiting on Wednesday 9/12/12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcevwUzg83UQHe5dD58yn5PvmMe4SPH_AhffX09lFgL8KSjARjGDQyEQ7I02EQpHXeQ98aULKbX5s5zjja_Lm_lI6AXax1aU2ATciEhume44fzLdP1yEs4DnWgFVjMApfR9MsLpN1SyGI/s1600/166267856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcevwUzg83UQHe5dD58yn5PvmMe4SPH_AhffX09lFgL8KSjARjGDQyEQ7I02EQpHXeQ98aULKbX5s5zjja_Lm_lI6AXax1aU2ATciEhume44fzLdP1yEs4DnWgFVjMApfR9MsLpN1SyGI/s320/166267856.JPG" width="211" /></a>SACRED by Elana Arnold<br />
<br />
SYNOPSIS:<br />
<i>Growing up on Catalina Island, off the California coast, Scarlett
Wenderoth has led a fairly isolated life. After her brother dies, her
isolation deepens as she withdraws into herself, shutting out her
friends and boyfriend. Her parents, shattered by their own sorrow, fail
to notice Scarlett's pain and sudden alarming thinness. Scarlett finds
pleasure only on her horse, escaping to the heart of the island on long,
solitary rides. One day, as she races around a bend, Scarlett is
startled by a boy who raises his hand in warning and says one word:
"Stop." </i><br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1342545336877_2135">
<i>The boy—intense, beautiful—is
Will Cohen, a newcomer to the island. For reasons he can't or won't
explain, he's drawn to Scarlett and feels compelled to keep her safe. To
keep her from wasting away. His meddling irritates Scarlett, though she
can't deny her attraction to him. As their relationship blossoms into
love, Scarlett's body slowly awakens at Will's touch. But just when her
grief begins to ebb, she makes a startling discovery about Will, a
discovery he's been grappling with himself. A discovery that threatens
to force them apart. And if it does, Scarlett fears she will unravel all
over again.</i></div>
<br />
Doesn't that romance sound deep and intense? Part of the allure of this upcoming title is it's Catalina Island setting. I've never been there but have always wanted to go. Perhaps I will schedule a trip to coincide with reading this book! <br />
<br />
Release Date: November 13, 2012ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-15035503552205602012012-09-10T00:21:00.000-07:002012-09-10T00:21:00.359-07:00Over You by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC5p9byZSbBp-gZ5mAzCzg2REcAGUDdpLGVhXalbgNk9MXFAtwpqN5mxgsKQ6uyLF0BnjjWxfWLABhttYI-ZEppZhHPXHvkqMrlMA42pN7E5X_PSLKCwvOg8GwI7NEU2FxddcJG6wBQY/s1600/173593196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmC5p9byZSbBp-gZ5mAzCzg2REcAGUDdpLGVhXalbgNk9MXFAtwpqN5mxgsKQ6uyLF0BnjjWxfWLABhttYI-ZEppZhHPXHvkqMrlMA42pN7E5X_PSLKCwvOg8GwI7NEU2FxddcJG6wBQY/s320/173593196.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
Getting over an ex or fresh from being dumped? This book is not for
you. However, if you have a friend that is either of those things, this
would be a great read for instructions on how to get them back on
his or her feet.<br />
<br />
High school drop-out (!) Max Scott
is Wonder Woman. Not literally, but she is quite amazing. She's started
her own business of helping girls get over their exes, and it actually
works. I was inspired by the way she had two employees and was super
organized with her clients. She's buttoned up with her business, and best of all, totally
funny. Her dialog, especially with Ben, is brilliantly witty.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately,
that's not really enough to carry the story. When Max wasn't helping a
client, she is boring and whiny - everything she loathes to see in
others. It was difficult to think she was so cool and watch as she
helped others up, and then get down on herself and deny the obvious
during other times. Luckily, her friends Phoebe and Zach are superb
secondary characters that pulled the story along when Max couldn't do it
herself.<br />
<br />
Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus are new to writing YA books, this being their debut for the younger crowd. I've read all of their other books and have thoroughly enjoyed them. After reading Over You, I think they should stick to the more adult fare. Girls who get dumped may not be ready for the advice in this book, but women will revel in the ideas and suggestions for retribution. <br />
<br />
Overall Rating: 3 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-33908626231021718962012-09-07T10:24:00.000-07:002012-09-07T10:24:00.986-07:00Origin by Jessica Khoury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJumhpdGGDz96jtd0fEu01esi0xhNXEsWvAM8bJCQnienzPp5qv1VAL6iSpu-E3aRMZZqHRzdWF6W9r1IW5gN9x6ubxDZYL_Pr31odPZ8URqkb4dHINF3WClkGABcy00-lXDm7R4_ResY/s1600/165304423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJumhpdGGDz96jtd0fEu01esi0xhNXEsWvAM8bJCQnienzPp5qv1VAL6iSpu-E3aRMZZqHRzdWF6W9r1IW5gN9x6ubxDZYL_Pr31odPZ8URqkb4dHINF3WClkGABcy00-lXDm7R4_ResY/s320/165304423.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
In one word, Origin is awesome.<br />
<br />
It is much more than simply that, however. There are so many pieces to this book. A love interest, coming-of-age, questions of moral science, a paranormal element, betrayal, and secrets. It may sound overwhelming, but it made for a fantastic read that was very difficult to put down.<br />
<br />
My heart ached for Pia and her situation inside Little Cam. She has all that she could ever want and yet is extremely sheltered. It was fascinating to be trapped inside Pia's contained life and see how she is raised and taught to be the perfect being and a great scientist. There are few science-minded female leads in books these days. I felt like all I wanted her to do was escape, and got frustrated when she showed weakness on this issue. For as smart as Pia was, it was annoying that she should fall so immediately in love with Eio, the first boy her age she has ever met.<br />
<br />
But Eio was also a well-written character. He is strong-willed like Pia, a perfect match. He has grown up in an entirely different world than Pia, and I wanted to explore more of the Ai'oan culture. Perhaps his story would make an interesting spin-off book. All of the "Uncles" inside Little Cam were hiding intriguing back stories as well. Rather than a sequel, I want to go back in time before Pia to learn how it all came about!<br />
<br />
One more thing I wanted to note was that I approve of the decision not to show an actual face for Pia on the cover. This allowed me to imagine her how I wanted - futuristic or plain Jane. When the cover for this book was first released, it didn't grab my attention at all. But now having read the story, the cover could not be more perfect. Well done, cover artists!<br />
<br />
Overall Rating: 5 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-75529308211904008692012-09-05T00:02:00.000-07:002012-09-05T00:02:00.730-07:00Waiting on Wednesday 9/5/12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhlcKabsQ1bUbb4WcpXq2Mq4vyRnSRYiTbMpM02Im-23P2rtwO8oc-g_bMNFAWsYVsex1nne-5tmga0WKlp87VHu4LoLA1S-hz2iqFuuSqrNv8FoSQsUhX6irIjDm4akZyMuEz1hE98g/s1600/166365583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhlcKabsQ1bUbb4WcpXq2Mq4vyRnSRYiTbMpM02Im-23P2rtwO8oc-g_bMNFAWsYVsex1nne-5tmga0WKlp87VHu4LoLA1S-hz2iqFuuSqrNv8FoSQsUhX6irIjDm4akZyMuEz1hE98g/s320/166365583.JPG" width="213" /></a>ASHES OF TWILIGHT by Kassy Tayler<br />
<br />
SYNOPSIS:<br />
<div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1342544972602_3933">
<i>Wren MacAvoy works as a coal
miner for a domed city that was constructed in the mid-nineteenth
century to protect the royal blood line of England when astronomers
spotted a comet on a collision course with Earth. Humanity would be
saved by the most groundbreaking technology of the time. But after
nearly 200 years of life beneath the dome, society has become complacent
and the coal is running out. Plus there are those who wonder, is there
life outside the dome or is the world still consumed by fire? When one
of Wren's friends escapes the confines of the dome, he is burned alive
and put on display as a warning to those seeking to disrupt the dome’s
way of life. But Alex’s final words are haunting. “The sky is blue.” </i></div>
<div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1342544972602_3933">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_5_1_1_1342544972602_4067">
<i>What happens next is a whirlwind
of adventure, romance, conspiracy and the struggle to stay alive in a
world where nothing is as it seems. Wren unwittingly becomes a catalyst
for a revolution that destroys the dome and the only way to survive
might be to embrace what the entire society has feared their entire
existence.</i></div>
<br />
Besides the beautiful cover art, I am interested in this book from that stunning premise. I am looking forward to exploring the future post-apocalyptic world and getting to know Wren. It sounds very "City of Ember", but I am hoping for something original.<br />
<br />
Release Date: November 13, 2012ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-5064766205079577672012-09-03T00:19:00.000-07:002012-09-03T00:19:00.526-07:00Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7oquzHwcNlR45MGXstN0MOAjVICC2HGVLqW08GKTM-R0SOVEv41xjDKOvPD1f2ArRzXpS9wf2BUlyyh_1a8kNXhQbCkvdun-Zhq1WpEZ7d7LrlRCAQT3aGsKC578feonZtLf77N3A7k/s1600/141577864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7oquzHwcNlR45MGXstN0MOAjVICC2HGVLqW08GKTM-R0SOVEv41xjDKOvPD1f2ArRzXpS9wf2BUlyyh_1a8kNXhQbCkvdun-Zhq1WpEZ7d7LrlRCAQT3aGsKC578feonZtLf77N3A7k/s320/141577864.JPG" width="216" /></a></div>
This book has a super cute premise, but fell very short of my expectations. The only really interesting parts were scenes from the show when it was actually filming. The judgment scenes we are so familiar with reality TV contest shows, that I found myself craving them. For everything else in the book, I had to stifle a yawn.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of pieces to this story. There's Sophie's strained relationship with her father, her growing attraction to her best friend Alex, her desire to cook and be a chef, and then there's being the television show itself. Many different aspects of Sophie's life to balance, and in the end, no one piece got enough attention.She came across as a very flat character. When Luc entered the picture in Napa, I was hoping something would really spark in her personality, but it didn't. Which just made me wonder what happened to Alex? He's another character that really showed very little emotion, and when he did, it felt much too contrived. <br />
<br />
Luckily, there is the reality TV show. A fantasy for teens everywhere. Most of the TV scenes felt very rushed, but readers will recognize the format and be pleased with the way the voting and contestants play out on the show. The only other bit that felt thin was the actual cooking. Many teens looking to this book for recipes or long paragraphs on cooking will be disappointed. <br />
<br />
Overall I felt underwhelmed, but the few exciting scenes make this story one worth reading. <br />
<br />
Overall Rating: 3 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-9476274586754049772012-08-31T00:28:00.000-07:002012-08-31T00:28:00.482-07:00The Last Free Cat by Jon Blake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHBiav_u_g7jEiarc5NBviFJ3USYHZE-cL_5HtWM4ppADWQ_QLCTlYG82AqxERzItfJKq5AApjxD_0SdsyEkPu-vw11CpKucSxj2DrdFb2gQVptde25v_8JoatvGupYr2CFPS9naDHLM/s1600/166821370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHBiav_u_g7jEiarc5NBviFJ3USYHZE-cL_5HtWM4ppADWQ_QLCTlYG82AqxERzItfJKq5AApjxD_0SdsyEkPu-vw11CpKucSxj2DrdFb2gQVptde25v_8JoatvGupYr2CFPS9naDHLM/s320/166821370.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
I loved this book, with all my heart. I wasn't too sure about it, thinking the premise was too contrived and wouldn't be believable. But the whole book is action-packed and very cute.<br />
<br />
First of all, Feela. That cat is magical. Put me under her spell from the moment she mewled hello. It was quite tender the way she instantly melted Jade's heart. Second, Jade herself is a great character. Strong, courageous, and independent. She doesn't shy away from adventure, and believes strongly in doing what's right for her beloved Feela. And then there's Kris. He's super intelligent, caring, and best of all, mysterious.<br />
<br />
I loved the way the clues and hints unravel throughout the story. Jade has lived a rather sheltered life up until meeting Feela and Kris, and she learns the ways of the street very quickly, mostly from Kris' teachings and from her own experiences. There was a brilliant juxtaposition between what Kris could teach Jade and what Jade could show Kris. It brought a deeper level to their budding relationship.<br />
<br />
So many good things about this book. Enjoyable, edge-of-my-seat things. But perhaps my favorite bit was that at it's core, this was a story about rebelling against corporations. A near-future world that looks very similar to our current one. Corporations rule and it is up a small band of warriors to rise up and get to the truth behind what the media is telling them. A good story for all teens to read and discuss. <br />
<br />
Overall Rating: 5 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-44435779856942614432012-08-29T00:55:00.000-07:002012-08-29T00:55:00.320-07:00Waiting on Wednesday 8/29/12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwsfj3_vZMon3Fmaz8Ff4nOfRWPhJQIODWNEKJB2GJ8ysOqcIWSafeGnFvNA7qOSm5CWQygP8NgbvwdR4NoMaFyWzIPHvtgbd8smVoLEYb1ckMvqcusmxm6we2mr5-ZJ8HOe8YJju6gU/s1600/173008931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwsfj3_vZMon3Fmaz8Ff4nOfRWPhJQIODWNEKJB2GJ8ysOqcIWSafeGnFvNA7qOSm5CWQygP8NgbvwdR4NoMaFyWzIPHvtgbd8smVoLEYb1ckMvqcusmxm6we2mr5-ZJ8HOe8YJju6gU/s320/173008931.JPG" width="210" /></a>REBEL HEART by Moira Young<br />
<br />
SYNOPSIS:<br />
<div id="yui_3_3_0_1_1340038620440_2012">
<i>It seemed so simple: Defeat the
Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be
restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive.
Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a
longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has
unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is
on the rise.</i></div>
<i>
What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants?</i><br />
<br />
Besides the totally drool-worthy dude on the cover, I <a href="http://acuriousreader.blogspot.com/2011/05/blood-red-road-by-moira-young.html">LOVED</a> the first book, Blood Red Road. It was brilliant. Action-packed. And utterly original. I seriously want to read this books so bad, I can taste it. <br />
<br />
Release Date: October 30, 2012ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-13272209412300008372012-08-27T00:27:00.000-07:002012-08-27T00:27:00.265-07:00Bound by Book-to-Movie Review: City of Ember<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V04C2gJBWtZS8mWD__Zm2yaVJqwBvzqdynPsOYAzDoIjRipFfWuOPkk1Jq09d37EDxW0vnRSaDBzTySzt8uFPbIe7Epa11NPsgKu12AEuCeAj-J3kAVGQe8KMd5IUsfusADLzDy1sok/s1600/101937816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V04C2gJBWtZS8mWD__Zm2yaVJqwBvzqdynPsOYAzDoIjRipFfWuOPkk1Jq09d37EDxW0vnRSaDBzTySzt8uFPbIe7Epa11NPsgKu12AEuCeAj-J3kAVGQe8KMd5IUsfusADLzDy1sok/s320/101937816.jpg" width="217" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Book-to-Movie Law states that once
you have read the book, you are bound by the media to go see the
movie based on said book, and therefor compare to two.</span><br />
<br />
This book was so much fun. I read it at break-neck speed and then went out to get the other three in the series. Then I proceeded to tell everyone I met how good the books are and how they should read them. When the movie was announced, I was ecstatic and couldn't wait to see how the producers and director translated such a visual book to the big screen.<br />
<br />
They did not disappoint. The clothing, the sets, the music... it was all over the top and perfect. Actually, very understated too, in that I noticed all of these things individually, but together they formed such a perfect union that one design did not feel larger than the other. <br />
<br />
Saoirse Ronan was brilliant as Lina. Harry Treadaway seemed a little old at first, but I quickly grew to like him. And of course, Bill Murray was great. That guy can't do wrong. So the movie was really good, too. Intense. Action-packed. And a brilliant translation of a difficult book. Well done! <br />
<br />
Bottom Line: The book was amazing and the movie was fantastic. A win-win!ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-62339158604294594592012-08-24T00:25:00.000-07:002012-08-24T00:25:00.749-07:00Words With ImpactWords are powerful. They have the ability to make a person laugh, cry, hurt, and feel incredible joy. Most often we use words to communicate in plain, everyday manners. But when we come across words that have greater impact - whether they are spoken to us or by us, or read somewhere - they can leave a major impression.<br />
<br />
And then there are words that when we read or hear them, the insides of our ears tweak out. There aren't many such words out there that have this affect on me, but there are a few to note. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">EERIE</span></b> - Reading this words gives me the chills instantly. It comes with a strong flavor of the paranormal and spooky. Totally makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Hearing it spoken is often the same, because people seem to use this word to describe something they can't fully explain. I do like this word, but please use very sparingly, as to avoid creeping me out.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">GRIN</span></b>- Here is a word that seems harmless enough, no? And yet it always sounds malicious, even when it shouldn't. When someone "grin" instead of plain "smiles", they are definitely up to no good. When I read it in a book (Fifty Shades of Grey, for example, overuses this word) I expect hijink to ensue. If they don't, I get disappointed. Please folks, don't use grin if "smile" or "smirk" would work just as well.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">ORBS</span></b> - This word is simply obnoxious. To describe eyes, really?? See also: almond eyes, slits. Eyes should just be described as eyes. Their size and color can sometimes be helpful, but the term orbs is downright weird. Orbs feels like something from space, the future, or some sort of science. Orb eyes or an orb head are not romantic. Understood?<br />
<br />
There are probably more, but these three in particular are words that I could do without in my vocabulary.<br />
<br />
Do you have any you would like to eradicate from yours? ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-22323868828346351662012-08-22T00:55:00.000-07:002012-08-22T00:55:00.571-07:00Waiting on Wednesday 8/22/12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRMYrgKURds4LaC9iT5GGxOfrFCT9cKpwjbC9OqW-Q4j26wxDqZMjBeWJ0CEYTqDiqEIYAmI8tb4ANJWlkyCKQ28C-RyfYHdJcDp0CeBF0J3lpjN71wvbVM1s3SxlirY83Y7VSUonvow/s1600/172635877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRMYrgKURds4LaC9iT5GGxOfrFCT9cKpwjbC9OqW-Q4j26wxDqZMjBeWJ0CEYTqDiqEIYAmI8tb4ANJWlkyCKQ28C-RyfYHdJcDp0CeBF0J3lpjN71wvbVM1s3SxlirY83Y7VSUonvow/s320/172635877.JPG" width="210" /></a>TIME BETWEEN US by Tamara Ireland Stone<br />
<br />
SYNOPSIS:<br />
<i>Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago
and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett’s unique ability to
travel through time and space brings him into Anna’s life, and with him,
a new world of adventure and possibility. As their relationship
deepens, they face the reality that time might knock Bennett back where
he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe
into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to
ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate—and what
consequences they can bear in order to stay together.</i><br />
<br />
*sigh* I am totally due for a good time travel story. Gotta admit that I have very high hopes for this book. It looks to be tender and intriguing and very romantic. Can't wait!<br />
<br />
Release Date: October 9, 2012ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-44678366165555250222012-08-20T00:52:00.000-07:002012-08-20T00:52:00.725-07:00The Raft by S.A. Bodeen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszKFMIvXV8rQ9aVT7Y5mVW8OHyVhNCa-Dz6BeSpuJHWdPs79pU6ds9UNb_949-AIW3KejMOFxTm-zdfIg1U0rTZhA1uvmmgATpLhu0h09DSnlzc9twrxOO8RtbrqtwIStR3YA2WGJx1k/s1600/150211964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszKFMIvXV8rQ9aVT7Y5mVW8OHyVhNCa-Dz6BeSpuJHWdPs79pU6ds9UNb_949-AIW3KejMOFxTm-zdfIg1U0rTZhA1uvmmgATpLhu0h09DSnlzc9twrxOO8RtbrqtwIStR3YA2WGJx1k/s320/150211964.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
WOW. Hold on to your hat when reading this book, it moves FAST.<br />
<br />
There's great adventure in this edge-of-your-seat book. I seriously could not put it down and read feverishly through the chapters. The plot is very simple - Robie's plane goes down and her only means of survival is a yellow raft, the co-pilot Max, and a bag of skittles. Yet the book is incredibly intense, shocking, surprising, and most of all, inspiring. The whole time Robie is on the raft is so astounding, in the knowledge she has of sea life, to the paltry means of survival she can incorporate into the long days and nights. She experienced good things and bad things, but justified her actions to herself so that as the reader, I was right there with her for every step. <br />
<br />
And the ending - The Ending! Won't say too much, other than it felt like a punch that knocked the wind out of me. Was so good. <br />
<br />
It took a bit to realize it, but I have actually read and loved a previous book by S.A. Bodeen, <a href="http://acuriousreader.blogspot.com/2010/04/gardener-by-sa-bodeen.html">The Gardener.</a> She has a real talent for getting my so instantly hooked into her books that I devour them in one sitting and rave about them to my co-workers. I really want to read her first book, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/compound-s-a-bodeen/1100351612?ean=9780312578602">The Compound</a>, as soon as possible. Highly recommended, especially to the outdoor adventure lover!<br />
<br />
Overall Rating: 5 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-4998970573482219892012-08-17T00:18:00.000-07:002012-08-17T00:18:00.734-07:00The Mourning Emporium by Michelle Lovric<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecrBBCxR1caJQJ3uIn7WMwZJBTADrSG_M4DNBiIi-CNrqMHADV3FW7Bf1HoSc961JoXWPeTvJ4xgIqpE0XE38iU7xymhEZLYjDiK9gNpPR33HTjiY5_EPIgYwCzzc2EH5TBASek9Rtoc/s1600/137422353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecrBBCxR1caJQJ3uIn7WMwZJBTADrSG_M4DNBiIi-CNrqMHADV3FW7Bf1HoSc961JoXWPeTvJ4xgIqpE0XE38iU7xymhEZLYjDiK9gNpPR33HTjiY5_EPIgYwCzzc2EH5TBASek9Rtoc/s320/137422353.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
This book opens not long after the first book in the series, <a href="http://acuriousreader.blogspot.com/2011/08/undrowned-child-by-michelle-lovric.html">The Undrowned Child</a>, leaves off. Which works very well to keep the momentum from the first book going. Without the fast pace of action, this story would be very slow. Still, I forced my way through and found that in the end I was pleased.<br />
<br />
While I liked The Undrowned Child, I just couldn't get into this sequel. The action moves along at the same movie-action-scene way that it did in the first book, which pulled me through the chapters at an accelerated pace. It was fun to be aboard a ship tough, with the atmosphere being a little more cramped and claustrophobic. The budding romance between Teo and Renzo is cute, as they both grow older a little more each day.<br />
<br />
And again, I totally loved the super cool power Teo has. Honestly, how cool would it be to see people's handwriting appear in the air above their heads? Seemingly useless info, but Teo manages to pull massive amounts of information about a person from their handwriting. I also like the way the mermaids speak. It's unique and funny and creative.<br />
<br />
The ending of this book is pretty solid. I'm not sure if there will be another in the series, but I hope not. With such a sweet finale, I am content to stop right here. <br />
<br />
Overall Rating: 3 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-59866688971607473152012-08-15T00:54:00.000-07:002012-08-15T00:54:01.279-07:00Waiting on Wednesday 8/15/12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17CjuEKp96qyownaXsuT8MMGsbf1cxEBMHeHFTymCCixz3yY9plmrpcKs7YM2rBwNgEYwLpU_LRSPQSLSYhPkWy32dMFSc2WpcXYJZjVojRK5a-nYWKrlPTsXtFrxA9k33If64xDEnb8/s1600/168896484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17CjuEKp96qyownaXsuT8MMGsbf1cxEBMHeHFTymCCixz3yY9plmrpcKs7YM2rBwNgEYwLpU_LRSPQSLSYhPkWy32dMFSc2WpcXYJZjVojRK5a-nYWKrlPTsXtFrxA9k33If64xDEnb8/s320/168896484.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
BUTTER by Erin Jade Lange<br />
<br />
SYNOPSIS:<br />
<i>A lonely obese boy everyone calls "Butter" is about to make history. He
is going to eat himself to death—live on the Internet—and everyone is
invited to watch. When he first makes the announcement online to his
classmates, Butter expects pity, insults, and possibly sheer
indifference. What he gets are morbid cheerleaders rallying around his
deadly plan. Yet as their dark encouragement grows, it begins to feel a
lot like popularity. And that feels good. But what happens when Butter
reaches his suicide deadline? Can he live with the fallout if he doesn’t
go through with his plans? </i><br />
<br />
There is something about the synopsis that make me really want to read this book. Perhaps because it sounds like it could be real, like it could totally happen in today's bully-ridden world. I already know I will be rooting for Butter!<br />
<br />
Release Date: September 18, 2012ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-87797105803974990282012-08-13T00:19:00.000-07:002012-08-13T00:19:00.837-07:00Fear Street Flashback (31)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjx8K1GOAcWxGi98xVG-mv988vsZ5Y277leCYArj_I-nztW_M7H-Xdklc3i_KnjVa4MnQEbhz522mnPgx__bioywBk75NO5K-3b4n3-2qffwJt_JlosIZwgo0dwdLULQCYhZeMx4QL7Y/s1600/176576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjx8K1GOAcWxGi98xVG-mv988vsZ5Y277leCYArj_I-nztW_M7H-Xdklc3i_KnjVa4MnQEbhz522mnPgx__bioywBk75NO5K-3b4n3-2qffwJt_JlosIZwgo0dwdLULQCYhZeMx4QL7Y/s320/176576.jpg" width="190" /></a>Why? Because FEAR STREET was like, my favorite series growing up.<br />
<br />
Originally released in January, 1990.<br />
<br />
This is a rare Fear Street title in that it is not one I have revisited since the first time reading through it. Not sure why, except that I remember thinking the plot was dumb, and then I spilled a little coffee on my copy and I was terrified of damaging it further. Silly, irrational kid thoughts. So I was both excited and apprehensive about reading Missing again. <br />
<br />
Turns out this is definitely one of the weaker Fear Street installments. Mark and Cara are having a major house party on the night their parents disappear and it immediately seems weird for them to have so much concern so quickly. It also seems very unlikely that parents would just disappear without a trace and their two teenaged kids wouldn't quickly call the police.<br />
<br />
And then with the addition of the out-of-place cousin Roger, there were too many elements that didn't line up. Still, I appreciated the slow build-up with tension until the final climax. And then final reveal was a big relief, almost, in it's very plausible explanation. I felt myself thinking "oh, it was just <i>that</i>??" and being very done with the book. As the fourth book ever in the Fear Street series, it shows how much better the lineup got over time.<br />
<br />
Fear Rating: 1 out of 3 ScreamsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-39277745245203643642012-08-10T00:15:00.000-07:002012-08-10T00:15:01.038-07:00Wake by Amanda Hocking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70D4ZB4mnSRNZTfiG22jlJXaWY-5q4jXh7cDJhwKXay3arnc-FmyqKcMWrVHG6ub8QcUAteUSGjQeHmwFPoYfYL1RiovyDGC-fg8oinDLYvbbN-nIQE0Lp_grLFJHIXTw3G4mj7IvBes/s1600/149216388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70D4ZB4mnSRNZTfiG22jlJXaWY-5q4jXh7cDJhwKXay3arnc-FmyqKcMWrVHG6ub8QcUAteUSGjQeHmwFPoYfYL1RiovyDGC-fg8oinDLYvbbN-nIQE0Lp_grLFJHIXTw3G4mj7IvBes/s320/149216388.JPG" width="209" /></a></div>
I totally liked this book. For a sea-creature/mermaid type thing, this story was wonderfully creepy. Shockingly so, with a brilliant version of the siren mythos and world. While I don't anticipate ever getting tired with mermaid stories, Wake had it's own twist to the paranormal and it was well worth it.<br />
<br />
Gemma and Harper are two of the most independent, strong, and inspiring sisters I have read in a long time. They look out for each other, care for their Dad, are studious with their future plans, and even visit their insane Mother on a regular basis. These girls are great role models on how to be yourself and a member of your family at the same time.<br />
<br />
But then there is Alex and Daniel. *swoon* I think I liked Daniel more, because the idea of a boyfriend living on a houseboat is pretty romantic. Daniel himself was super dreamy, too, always rushing to help Harper. I appreciated how the boys took their time to get involved with the girls. The delayed gratification only made me, as the reader, want to see the couples get together even more. <br />
<br />
Amanda Hocking definitely writes a great story with this first book in the Watersong series. The only odd bit was that she uses the first name for Gemma and Harper's father, Brian. It is a little confusing, because Gemma and Harper call him Dad or father, so why the Brian? It pulled me away from the characters and I felt constantly interrupted. Other than the small detail, I found myself sailing through this book, picking it up every chance I could to read another chapter. The second book is called Lullaby, and promises to be equally goo, if not better than Wake!<br />
<br />
Overall Rating: 5 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-63320489632461541782012-08-08T00:53:00.000-07:002012-08-08T00:53:00.297-07:00Waiting on Wednesday 8/8/12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSwO-aMxfKsZuXvB8pU69icwZMap4iCYzV9oCvFfsWl9PmIqUDuDzdkSL1zmf9iDDV_nD0JgvbzbE8zGAnK6ysHXzoz63RLzEcdXnRXeD_wP2kgZCq8ERsOejW-Y51inGmj6XAhwvevM/s1600/159684895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSwO-aMxfKsZuXvB8pU69icwZMap4iCYzV9oCvFfsWl9PmIqUDuDzdkSL1zmf9iDDV_nD0JgvbzbE8zGAnK6ysHXzoz63RLzEcdXnRXeD_wP2kgZCq8ERsOejW-Y51inGmj6XAhwvevM/s320/159684895.JPG" width="206" /></a>FOXFIRE by Karen Kincy<br />
<br />
SYNOPSIS:<br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_3_0_1_1340039087808_1475">
<i>Tavian has never forgotten his
real mother, a shapeshifting Japanese fox spirit like himself, who
abandoned him. On a trip to Japan, his homeland, he discovers that she’s
alive. But a faceless ghost warns Tavian to stay away from her. Even
worse, Tavian’s magi¬cal fox powers have vanished. Finding his mother in
Tokyo’s seamy underworld may be his only chance to beat back the
vicious dog spirits stalking him and his girlfriend Gwen—and to recover
from a fatal magical illness eroding his human side.</i></div>
<br />
I fell in love with Tavian in the first book in the Other series, appropriately titled <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/other-karen-kincy/1102823746?ean=9780738719191">Other</a>. He was so sweet and cuddly. :) Now with his own story, I am excited to dig into Japanese culture and myth, as well as to spend more time with Tavian and Gwen. <br />
<br />
Release Date: October 8, 2012ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-46424832393545500092012-08-06T00:38:00.000-07:002012-08-06T00:38:00.076-07:00The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaTWhH76jmoCG5Sb21qvUKeZYfXgsF6xB2k5K1vZWS54TAU5e1_DUBVWqj0UTwSaS9d1o5ZfTz0VOVXXnfTatxzK4tXfz772WSMLszeykiQmWNYdZMlZZNYj-gieaFF9xfaXZIt2fIUI/s1600/178823336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaTWhH76jmoCG5Sb21qvUKeZYfXgsF6xB2k5K1vZWS54TAU5e1_DUBVWqj0UTwSaS9d1o5ZfTz0VOVXXnfTatxzK4tXfz772WSMLszeykiQmWNYdZMlZZNYj-gieaFF9xfaXZIt2fIUI/s320/178823336.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
This was a sweet high school read that will appeal to lots of different kinds of readers.<br />
<br />
The premise is simple. During Kelly and Hunter's senior year of high school, a large number of boys transfer schools, leaving Julius High with a high girl to guy ratio. Something that I'm sure happens all the time. Suddenly the status of overlooked, geeky and nerdy boys skyrockets them to the same popularity of star quarterbacks. Flynn Meaney takes advantage of the situation, by creating lots of hilariously awkward moments between the various clicks of students, leaving no stereotype spared.<br />
<br />
I loved the trio of friends in Kelly, Darcy, and Aviva. And then the boy group with Hunter, Derek, and Eugene was great as well. I found myself physically smiling whenever Kelly and Hunter got together. Those were definitely the best scenes in the book, the lightest moments, the most humorous parts. A cute book, with adorable characters. Recommended for summer beach reading! <br />
<br />
Overall Rating: 4 StarsChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684596702089127205.post-65312941913827309542012-08-03T00:38:00.000-07:002012-08-06T16:00:33.178-07:00Fictional Recipes (5)Real Mermaids Don't Hold Their Breath is the second in a cute series by Helene Boudreau that has an added bonus of easy to make dessert recipes at the back of the book. The first book had <a href="http://acuriousreader.blogspot.com/2012/04/fictional-recipes-3.html">Mug Cake</a>, which was delicious. The recipe in this second book sounded weird at first... Chocolate Popcorn. But the scene where this late night snack appears is a super tender moment, so I decided to try my own hand at making this odd sounding (and odd looking!) treat.<br />
<br />
First the ingredients, which were very simple. Popcorn kernels, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and butter. I chose Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0qgAAj8WkO-locihboOWhV1mYg3HL_ut667yIHC1CJmEFyzAbDUI3ATW7quTfZwpVn5Nuzin1k9B7b3aBVt60orL5lPI18JaP_XmqLVyvsERHUnxXvoR3J2IrXx8euTdBruh20_HfmA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0qgAAj8WkO-locihboOWhV1mYg3HL_ut667yIHC1CJmEFyzAbDUI3ATW7quTfZwpVn5Nuzin1k9B7b3aBVt60orL5lPI18JaP_XmqLVyvsERHUnxXvoR3J2IrXx8euTdBruh20_HfmA/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB5PZT5U4xhuPVnIzjuZqJwWhJWHS9roY4kX7Yxvm29U5r_e9GUq1bRExI6GYVm2Nci82Hh4bTMH-dIJV42c8qBP-O8gUGy_X4MEVHm-KMODlNrEc_f5GQLxlWnbkBAXEe3vCS2w55tU/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB5PZT5U4xhuPVnIzjuZqJwWhJWHS9roY4kX7Yxvm29U5r_e9GUq1bRExI6GYVm2Nci82Hh4bTMH-dIJV42c8qBP-O8gUGy_X4MEVHm-KMODlNrEc_f5GQLxlWnbkBAXEe3vCS2w55tU/s320/photo%25281%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Then melt the ingredients and pop the kernels.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH493yiaTwdUd_fbhJzPlvUCrMK-EaHS2syjiERmEUnnFBP5noN2PUJ7RULOANZZBoMK27T1Iqygoy2K_-EO9yUT5mM7NNgK5mvQc8KDcQah27wZbFLqKJ6ATO8Degmtvn-X5SMaFpNwM/s1600/photo(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH493yiaTwdUd_fbhJzPlvUCrMK-EaHS2syjiERmEUnnFBP5noN2PUJ7RULOANZZBoMK27T1Iqygoy2K_-EO9yUT5mM7NNgK5mvQc8KDcQah27wZbFLqKJ6ATO8Degmtvn-X5SMaFpNwM/s320/photo(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
For the final step, pour the warm mixture over the popcorn and mix until the tasty goodness touches every piece of popcorn. It looks a little funky and unfinished. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuCIVNqWlvcckikvOdeAXK1Un0dCnnhWWwvAzPlmvgZX2aDlxi4Rdrb12fW0hJpP1-KGvnEwL0yManH9CWjalnm4kSw5cfb7pYkWCjP4EzDOwH96PnjeG-Z6ykTTtirQUUsVvgIRnAws/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuCIVNqWlvcckikvOdeAXK1Un0dCnnhWWwvAzPlmvgZX2aDlxi4Rdrb12fW0hJpP1-KGvnEwL0yManH9CWjalnm4kSw5cfb7pYkWCjP4EzDOwH96PnjeG-Z6ykTTtirQUUsVvgIRnAws/s320/photo(3).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
But when I put the first taste in my mouth, I was pleasantly surprised. Beware, this stuff is addicting! The chocolate and brown sugar turned the plain popcorn into such yummy morsels that I couldn't stop eating them. This is a recipe I will definitely make again!<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to seeing the recipe in book number 3. If history proves anything, it's bound to be a tasty one!ChelseaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00610821805751639874noreply@blogger.com0