Fear Street Flashback (20)

Why? Because FEAR STREET was like, my favorite series growing up.

Originally released in August, September, and October, 1996.

The First Scream: I remember my initial excitement and anticipation for this trilogy when it originally came out. Finally, my favorite author was going to tap into one of my favorite topics - amusement parks! And what can be creepier than rides and clowns? Stine did an amazing job inserting a theme park into the Fear Street world. I was surprised that a good two thirds of the story revolved around characters completely unrelated to the characters named on the back synopsis, but when it came together at the end, I was totally hooked! I almost wish there was some purple smoke represented on the covers...

The Loudest Scream: This was an excellent middle book for this trilogy. It spent time building tragedies in the wake of the end of the first book. We get to see more of Robin Fear motives and evil plan, as he wreaks terror on the poor, unsuspecting employees of Fear Park. And we also meet Jared, though why we didn't see him at all in the first book is a little too convenient. Like creating a character that wasn't really there before. But all of that aside and this is a great second book! I love the carnival rides and how Mr. Stine cooks up ways to make them scary!

The Last Scream: The least strongest section of the trilogy, this last book wraps things up for Fear Park. It does have a great twist ending, one that I don't think any reader will see coming. But it also leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Such as the fate of the Park and Dierdre's father. And this book didn't have as many horrible amusement park related deaths. Otherwise, it did have some great character development, and as I mentioned before, was a perfect ending to this saga!

Fear Rating: 3 out of 3 Screams

Waiting On Wednesday 8/10/11

THE CARRIER OF THE MARK by Leigh Fallon

SYNOPSIS:

A move to Ireland is about to introduce Megan to her destiny, her real destiny, can she embrace it and will she survive it?

A tragedy in Megan’s past set her on a predetermined course. A chain of events has been set in motion that brings Megan to Kinsale, a small town in the south of Ireland where her destiny awaits her. Her life starts to fall into place as she makes new friends and settles into her new school. However, the reclusive and distant Adam DeRís calls to her body and soul.

She finds herself increasingly drawn to Adam and his strange family. Adam knows a secret from her past and he and his family hold the key to her future. A future that binds her to Adam and his world, a world of power, mystery and ancient orders. A world that unbeknownst to her, she very much belongs in.

As if the cover doesn't draw me in enough, the plot sounds awesome too! I have been looking forward to this one for quite some time now, and can't wait to finally meet the mysterious Adam!

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Machine Man by Max Barry

Charlie Neumann is a scientist and inventor for a company called Better Future. He creates new things to make the human world a better place. So after losing his leg in a freak lab accident, it is only natural that he develop a new leg. One that is faster, stronger, better than the original. When he is successful with that, Charlie endeavors to build himself a pair of legs. And why stop there? Legs, hands, skin, eyes... the possibilities are endless! Unfortunately, with every new creation, something gets destroyed, and Charlie needs to figure out just how Better he wants the future to be.

Machine Man would make a fantastic movie. Have you ever read a book and wished you could watch it on the big screen instead? That's how I felt with this book. It's a novel that should be brought to life! Even an animated feature would be awesome. With perfect timing, the suspense builds to a climactic ending that would totally appeal to science fiction fans. The whole idea of Charlie slowly creating a better version of himself is frighteningly realistic. Max Barry did a fantastic job with detailing every robotic clank and clomp of body part. There were some really creepy parts in the story too, especially when it came to Better Future employee Carl. I am a long time fan of Barry, and Machine Man is another brilliantly executed vision of corrupt companies. What's the next one going to be about??

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Big Nate On A Roll by Lincoln Pierce

Nate is used to being the class clown and top dog in his school. But when foreign student Artur comes to town, Nate's whole world is turned upside down. Nate can't even escape Artur in the Timber Scouts, as Artur is the troop's newest member. Then the Scouts hold a fundraising contest, and Nate sees an opportunity to once again rise to the cream of the crop.

Dear Lincoln Pierce, I have been your biggest fan since buying Add More Babes back in '92. I was only 9 years old and your comics and Nate character rocked my funny bone. Seriously, though, Big Nate comics are awesome. The drawings are simple and the comedic timing is impeccable. Pierce has created such a genuine, trouble-making boy in Nate. It is hard not to smile while reading these books, and this latest installment may be the best yet. This story is so cute and sweet and honestly not predictable. And the ending was so good! Bravo, Lincoln Pierce, Bravo! If you have not tried Big Nate yet, give this book a whirl! These stories will especially appeal to those elusive young male readers out there. Can't wait for the next one!

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Waiting On Wednesday 8/3/11

VELVET by Mary Hooper

SYNOPSIS:
Rose is a laundress in a Victorian steam laundry. With both her mother and father dead, she is an orphan and has to rely upon her own wits to make a living. The laundry is scalding, back-breaking work and Rose is desperate to create a better life for herself. Then Rose is noticed by Madame X, a famed medium, who asks Rose to come to work for her. Rose is dazzled at first by the young yet beautifully dressed and bejeweled Madame. But soon Rose realizes that Madame X is not all that she says she is, and Rose's very life is in danger.

I recently read a book about Victorian mediums, and was captivated. Though I haven't read Mary Hooper's books before, this seems like the perfect place to start!

Release Date: September 5, 2011

Out Of Control by Mary Connealy

Julia is halfway to delirious when Rafe Kincaid finds her in his old childhood hideyhole, but she isn't too far gone to remember who she is and how she got down there. Rafe only came back to the cavern to face a childhood trauma, but when he sees Julia, his one thought is to save her. After taking her home, he realizes she needs even more help, and Rafe steps right up to the plate. Adding to the drama is Rafe's younger brother Ethan, freshly returned to town following a long period away from the ranch. Rafe and Ethan jump easily into the roles of helping Julia and her sister Audra, but there is deeper trouble brewing. And if Rafe doesn't solve the mystery soon, he could risk losing the one thing that is dear to him.

Mary Connealy's books are the perfect staycation. They sweep me away to places I've never been before, to have adventures I have never experienced. All without leaving my seat! The caverns in this landscape were frightening and alluring all at once. What I also liked about this story was just how much smarter Julia was than her male counterpart in Rafe. I laughed out loud when the two of them would think the other was uneducated and bumbling. There were also the usual high-octane, intense action scenes that I have come to know and anticipate from Connealy's writing. How she manages to image such terrifying and realistic scenes, I will never know. But keep them coming, please! And of course, the romance. *sigh* Though I will miss reading these books in the classic Barbour format, I am looking forward to Mary's new relationship with Bethany House!

Overall Ranking: 4 Stars

Rebirth by Sophie Littlefield

It has been a few months since Smoke helped Cass get her daughter Ruthie back and make a new life for herself. This has not always been easy, in a time when Beaters and Rebuilders roam the land, both equally intent on killing people. But life is good, if not stable. But then Smoke gets news that pulls him away from Cass and Ruthie, and their world is once again turned upside down. Cass and Ruthie leave with Dor, the leader of the Box they live in, and begin the hunt to track down other surviving family members. Add to this the fact that Ruthie is starting to show signs of being something more than she seems, and the stakes are higher than they have ever been before.

What an incredible, compelling sequel! I was completely blown away by the powerful first book, Aftertime. It was hands-down the best adult zombie book I have ever read. Sophie Littlefield has set the standard for bleak, rough landscapes- where it is depressing to live, but hopeful to survive. This second story picks up shortly after the first one ends, and not much has changed. Cass has Ruthie, who is an instantly likeable little girl. As was Dor, which I found surprising, since he was not portrayed in a nice light in the first book. Littlefield is not afraid to write gory and graphic scenes, which make the world all the more real. I love traveling with Cass as she navigates her heart and desires, and can't wait for the next installment!

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Waiting on Wednesday 7/27/11

DUST & DECAY by Jonathan Maberry

SYNOPSIS:
Six months have passed since the terrifying battle with Charlie Pink-eye and the Motor City Hammer in the zombie-infested mountains of the Rot & Ruin. It’s also six months since Benny Imura and Nix Riley saw something in the air that changed their lives. Now, after months of rigorous training with Benny’s zombie-hunter brother Tom, Benny and Nix are ready to leave their home forever and search for a better future. Lilah the Lost Girl and Benny’s best friend Lou Chong are going with them.

Sounds easy. Sounds wonderful. Except that everything that can go wrong does. Before they can even leave there is a shocking zombie attack in town. But as soon as they step into the Rot & Ruin they are pursued by the living dead, wild animals, insane murderers and the horrors of Gameland –where teenagers are forced to fight for their lives in the zombie pits. Worst of all…could the evil Charlie Pink-eye still be alive?

In the great Rot & Ruin everything wants to kill you. Everything…and not everyone in Benny’s small band of travelers will make it out alive.

Oh man oh man oh man. Rot & Ruin was an incredible book, one I talked about for months after reading it. One I would put up there on the shelf next to Carrie Ryan for best zombie books. He is an incredible writer and the zombie world he has created is one of beauty and terror. Only those who have read the first book will know why the cover for this second one is so perfect. Sooooo excited for this one!

Release Date: August 30, 2011

The Edge of Grace by Christa Allen

Caryn Becker has a busy life. Following the sudden death of her husband, she has to balance being a single mother to her son Ben with running her own catering business on a daily basis. Then one day she gets a call from her brother David, telling her he is gay. Caryn already has a hard time accepting this announcement, but then comes the even more disturbing news that David is the victim of a hate crime. Now Caryn will need to do some deep soul-searching in order to reconnect with the ones she loves.

This is the second book I have read by Christa Allan, and I was not nearly as impressed as I was with Walking On Broken Glass. For one, the plot was not quite my cup of tea. I felt incredibly trapped in Caryn's unforgiving, small head. She seemed very out of place in today's tolerant world, but I am sure there are still many people out there who struggle the same as Caryn does. Still, I think I would have enjoyed seeing the point of view from others, like her friend Julie, or even David. And I liked Ben, who performed like a true little kid would speak and act. This book carried the same easy and powerful writing style that I came to love from Walking On Broken Glass. Allan's dialog really packs a punch when conveying the conflicting emotions of her characters. I will definitely pick up Allan's next book, but I am hoping for a tough issue that's more relevant to today's lifestyle.

Overall Rating: 3 Stars

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Violet Willoughby isn't thrilled to tag along with her mother's schemes as a Spiritualist Medium for society's upper crust, but it is the only life she knows. When her mother gets called upon to do seance's at Lord Jasper's estate, Violet is both thrilled and hesitant to go along. Luckily, her good friend Elizabeth is there to keep her entertained, along with her childhood friend Colin. But then Violet sees a ghost - one who wants her help - and things take an adventurous and dangerous turn.

I was surprised by this book. I wasn't sure I would like it, as mysteries aren't normally my cup of tea. But once I got to the second chapter, I knew I was in it to the end. This is a delightful tale of debutantes of high-society London, romance, and ghosts. Alyxandra Harvey has created a likeable character in Violet, one I enjoyed hanging around. Her friend Elizabeth was, of course, funny and totally enviable. And WOW, was Colin ever dreamy! The things he said and did to Violet made me swoon! Harvey also did a wonderful job creating atmosphere. When they were at a ball, the dresses and music and food were perfectly described to make me feel like I was there. The ghost scenes were super creepy and gave me chills. I did, however, think that the first half of the book was much more exciting than the second half. Once I got used to the ghosts and the investigating, it was a slow slog towards the end reveal. Even so, check this one out if you like mysteries!

Overall Rating: 3 Stars

Waiting on Wednesday 7/20/11

RIPTIDE by Kat Falls

SYNOPSIS:
Return to the subsea frontier with Ty and Gemma! The mysteries of the deep are deadlier than ever when Ty'With time running out for his parents, Ty's desperation leads the two teenagers to the underwater underworld...and into an alliance with the outlaws of the Seablite Gang. But one mystery soon leads to another. How has an entire township disappered? Why is the local sealife suddenly so aggressive? And can the Seablite Gang be trusted...or are Ty and Gemma in deeper water than they realize?

A short synopsis, but I thought I would stick to the sea books this month. There are so many good sea-themed books coming out soon and I am seriously looking forward to all of them! I absolutely loved the world Kat Falls created in Dark Life, and was chomping at the bit for more. Disney has optioned these books for a movie, which I would love to see happen. They could do a good job with it, I think. Can't wait to join Ty and Gemma again!

Release Date: August 1, 2011

Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs

Ever since Lily stepped on land to be with Quince and finish her human schooling, she has never been more stressed. The SATs are coming up and her grades could use some hard work. Then the earth moves (literally!) and her bratty cousin Dosinia shows up on her doorstop. Exiled from their underwater home, Doe will hanging out with lily and her Aunt Rachel for a while. As if this isn't enough already, it quickly becomes clear that Lily's former crush Brody is interested in Doe. And an ex-flame with an agenda comes back into her life as well. With so much going on, Lily's impending 18th birthday seems like the least of her problems!

As the second book in the series, I think Fins Are Forever is better than the first book, Forgive My Fins. This is definitely one of the sillier mermaid stories I have read, but the quirks that annoyed me in the first book were so much more enjoyable in this one. Like the fish talk and sea-sayings. They were totally cute in this story! Perhaps I was just drawn to the Good Girl/Bad Girl plot line between Lily and Doe. The scenes with them together were the best! I also have to say it was refreshing to see a YA character who is struggling with their grades, instead of passing over school subjects as though they didn't matter. I really liked the way Quince and Lily interacted with each other, too. At first it seemed a little abrupt, especially after all they went through in the first book. But I quickly settled in to the Lily/Quince lifestyle. If you made it through the first one, be sure to pick up this next installment. It's totally worth the read!

Overall Rating: 4 Stars