Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Genre: YA-Fantasy

Author's Site: www.aprilynnepike.com

First Line: Laurel’s shoes flipped a cheerful rhythm that defied her dark mood.

One Word Review: Enchanting

Book Synopsis: An ordinary girl named Laurel who discovers she is a faerie sent among humans to guard the gateway to Avalon. When Laurel is thrust into the midst of a centuries-old battle between faeries and trolls, she's torn between a human and a faerie love, as well as her loyalties to both worlds.

My Review:
I was both nervous and excited to start this one. I had read pretty good reviews but wasn’t sure if I was quite in the mood to read another faerie book. Luckily I did because it turned out to be a very entertaining read. Laurel wasn’t my favorite as the story began, she seemed a little too whiney. As the book progressed she grew on me and by the end I was a fan. I liked the faerie world that Pike has created, it is a very unique twist to what faeries are and I thought it was rather refreshing. The first part of the book deals with Laurel and her friend David trying to figure out who she is and where exactly she comes from. The rest of the book is a little more exciting as trolls are introduced and of course the very dashing Tamani, a faerie friend of Laurel's. Of course there is a love triangle...I hate those! I’m pretty sure I know who I want Laurel to end up with, but you can’t help but like both David and Tamani (okay, you can probably guess which one I like more). This is the first in a series of four books and I am already anxious to get my hands on the next one.

I'm a sucker for a good book cover. So, when I was surfing the net and found the above cover on amazon.uk I fell in love. It's just so pretty, I think I like it more than the U.S. edition below.

Reading Order:
Book One: Wings
Book Two: N/A
Book Three: N/A
Book Four: N/A

Other Reviews:
Always Something to Read
Melissa's Bookshelf
Life in the Thumb
My Favorite Author
Exclusively Books

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Genre: YA-Fantasy

First Line: When the door to my cell clicked open, the first thought that flited through my doped-up brain was that Liz had changed her mind and come back.

One Word Review: Captivating

Book Synopsis:
"If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a group of people who call themselves The Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I’m a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control: I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever. I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and we have to find someone who can help us gain our freedom back before The Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying." -GoodReads

My Review:

This is the second book in the Darkest Powers trilogy. I had to laugh when I re-read my review of book one, The Summoning. It’s funny what a little perspective and reading the next book will do to you. I do remember The Summoning being a bit slow, more character building than anything else. The Awakening was a lot more exciting and I was surprised when I finished it so quickly. This book picks up right where we left off, with Chloe trapped at The Edison Group and her friends on the run. I’ll have to keep this short to prevent any spoilers, which makes it hard because I wouldn’t mind discussing everything that went on in this installment. I’ll just say that there is something about these books that are intriguing. Chloe is a great heroine and the chemistry with her and “one of the guys” is fun to read. One issue that wasn't really addressed was Chloe's necklace. On the cover of The Summoning and in the story Chloe’s necklace is red, now it has changed to blue with no explanation. What is going on with the necklace?? When I reached page 300 I was wondering how Armstrong was going to tie everything up and it did seem that the book ended right when things were finally getting started, both story-wise and romance-wise. I guess I will just have to wait, patiently, for the last book to come out next May. In the meantime, I recommend these books to anyone who likes a little fantasy, mystery, romance and adventure.

Reading Order:
Book One: The Summoning
Book Two: The Awakening
Book Three: The Reckoning (May 2010)

Other Reviews:

The Book Bind

Karin's Book Nook

Royal Reviews

Eclectic Reader

See Michelle Read

The Faerie Path by Frewin Jones

"Swept away into a court of magic and beauty, she discovers she is Tania, the lost princess of Faerie: the youngest daughter of Oberon and Titania. Since Tania's mysterious disappearance on the eve of her wedding five hundred years before, Faerie has been sunk in darkness and gloom. The courtly Lord Gabriel Drake, who Tania was once to marry, has found her and brought her back. With Tania's return, Faerie comes alive again as a land of winged children, glittering balls, and fantastic delights. But Tania can't forget Anita's world, or the boy she loved there. Torn between two loves and between two worlds, Tania slowly comes to discover why she disappeared so long ago. She possesses a singular magical ability and she must use it to stop a sinister plan that threatens the entire world of Faerie." -GoodReads

I’d say that I enjoyed this book, although I was a little confused about what was going on in the beginning, which I guess is what we’re suppose to feel. Anita (Tania) is drifting between two worlds, that of the “mortal world” and the other “faerie world.” At first she thinks she is dreaming and simply decides to go along for the ride. Soon she realizes that it is not a dream and wants to figure out a way to return home, only she doesn’t know which realm is her true home. I enjoyed the story, although I had a sense for what was going to happen early on. It was still a pleasant read and I plan on reading the other books in the series. The romance left a bit to be desired, I didn’t really feel anything for either Gabriel or for Edric. There needs to be a little more tension, chemistry or something in the next books. We’re told that Tania is in love, but I don’t really feel it. Other than that it was an entertaining read and I think others would enjoy it as well.

Book One: The Faerie Path
Book Two: The Lost Queen
Book Three: The Sorcerer King
Book Four: The Immortal Realm

Other Reviews

Always Something To Read

Em's Bookshelf

The Book Muncher

The Story Siren

Everything Austen Challenge

There is a fun challenge taking place over at the Written Word, called the Everything Austen Challenge. Since I am a huge Jane Austen fan I thought this would be a fun challenge to participate in. What I like about this challenge is that it gives you a lot of freedom to choose what Austenish things you want to review: books, movies, etc. To find out more about the rules or to participate yourself just click here. The deadline to enter is July 15th, so you better hurry! I've decided to mix my pile up a bit. I'll be choosing two novels written by Jane Austen, I'm choosing two that I'm not as familiar with. Two of my favorite Jane Austen movies and two Austen-themed books. These are my choses for now, as the contest goes on I may change things around a bit.

Books by Jane Austen

Persuasion (Updated 08/18/09)

Movies based on books

Emma

Sense & Sensibility

Pride & Prejudice: 2005 Movie (Updated 12/08/09)

Austen-themed books

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict (Updated 08/04/09)

Enthusiasm (Updated 08/18/09)

Retro Friday Review: The Face on the Milk Carton

"No one ever really paid close attention to the faces of the missing children on the milk cartons. But as Janie Johnson glanced at the face of the ordinary little girl with her hair in tight pigtails, wearing a dress with a narrow white collar--a three-year-old who had been kidnapped twelve years before from a shopping mall in New Jersey--she felt overcome with shock. She recognized that little girl--it was she. How could it possibly be true? Janie can't believe that her loving parents kidnapped her, but as she begins to piece things together, nothing makes sense. Something is terribly wrong. Are Mr. and Mrs. Johnson really Janie's parents? And if not, who is Janie Johnson, and what really happened?"

For this edition of Retro Friday I decided to go with an old favorite, The Face on the Milk Carton. Like last week, this was one that I read in middle school and fell in love with and is one few books that I actually remember almost everything about it. It’s been years since I’ve read it but I can still picture Janie Johnson sitting in the lunchroom cafeteria as she recognizes her very own face on the back of a milk carton! What a shock that must have been. This was a great mystery novel, as Janie tries to uncover the truth of her identity and possible reconnect with her biological family. Of course there is a little romantic story going on with the very handsome boy-next-door, Reeve.

I don’t remember the other books in the series as well, but I found a nice surprise last night as I was preparing for this post I realized that there is actually a fourth book in this series, I always thought it was a trilogy. In part two, “Whatever Happened to Janie?” Janie is reunited with her biological family and is trying to come to terms with her past. Growing up as a only child with everything she needs and then being thrown into a small home with seven people is quite a shock on Janie.

In the third installment, “The Voice on the Radio,” Janie’s life is starting to settle down as she figures out who she is. Her boyfriend Reeve has gone away to college and she decides to go for a surprise visit. When she arrives she finds out he has been telling her personal story over at the local radio station. This brings some unwanted attention her way and the calm life she was wanting is once again shaken.

And lastly, “What Janie Found,” in this final book we finally come face to face with Janie’s kidnapper, Hannah. Hopefully, Janie will be able to finally get some closure on her past and look forward to a birght future with Reeve and two families that love her. I have requested a copy from my local library and am excited to get my hands on a copy. This is a fun series, very creative and I would recommend it to everyone.

Other Retro Friday Reviews

Angieville: Seventeen Against the Dealer

Princess of the Sword by Lynn Kurland

Kathy previously reviewed this book in March of this year but I have more to say on this book so I hope you won't mind the repetition. The other two books in this series were such fun reads and I was excited for the conclusion. Sadly, like a lot of books I read, this book was in need of a good editor. There was a glut of characters and locations that meant nothing to me. So much so that when characters died or had bad things happen to them I couldn't have cared less! I can sum up the book in the following: Miach and Morgan were tired, they love each other, they are camping, they sneak away from each other, they look/steal spells. This sequence is replayed over and over throughout the book. Once the action was over and the well was closed the book drug on for 3 more chapters and even the epilogue, which should be short, sweet, and tie up all the loose ends, was drawn out and Kurland seemed to want to just keep telling the story. Morgan's character annoyed me because Kurland spent so much time telling us how tough she is only for Morgan to continually fall apart at stupid things, like the fact she can do magic. I wanted to yell, "get over it Morgan you've known you could do magic for 2 books now!" A notable bright spot is Miach's character. I must confess that I have a huge crush on him! He reminded me of Gregory Peck in The Big Country. The Big Country is a western that you should rent tonight if you have never seen it. Miach is a kick butt guy that never has to prove himself to anyone and I was super attracted to his cool confidence. His character really made this book worth it to me.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

"Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place-he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their timely ghostly teachings-like the ability to Fade. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead? And then there are things like ghouls that aren't really one thing or the other. " -GoodReads

This was a fun, creative book. I really enjoyed the story and getting to know Nobody Owens. Since he is raised by ghosts from all different times he is able to gain a very eclectic education. He is full of curiosity and is constantly getting himself into trouble. The story fallows Bod as a baby into his teens. It was fun watching Bod grow up and I was sad when the story ended. Silas, his guardian, was an interesting character and you’re always wondering just what is going on under the surface. Although the book has a satisfying ending, it would be fun to have a sequel and see what new adventures Bod gets into. I think this is a book both kids and adults would enjoy.

Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman

"What if the guy who took your breath away was the only one who could help you breathe? Savannah would be happy to spend the summer in her coastal Carolina town lying in a hammock reading her beloved romance novels and working at the library. But then she meets Jackson. Once they lock eyes, she’s convinced he’s the one—her true love, her soul mate, a boy different from all the rest. And at first it looks like Savannah is right. Jackson abides by her mama’s strict rules, and stays by her side during a hospitalization for severe asthma, which Savannah becomes convinced is only improving because Jackson is there. But when he’s called away to help his family—and seems uncertain about returning—Savannah has to learn to breathe on her own, both literally and figuratively." -GoodReads

About twenty pages into this one I just about gave up. This book takes place in North Carolina and was written entirely in the first person, from Savannah’s perspective. Since it takes place in the south the entire book is written in deep Southern drawl, which was a bit annoying at first. Although Savannah is supposed to be very well read, top of her class, she ends up coming across a little dumb. Luckily I didn’t give up and I pushed through and got to where I didn’t really notice the Southern drawl as much. There is just something about Savannah that is very endearing and Jackson is just a sweetheart. You could feel that they had something special and it was a nice romantic tale. This was a fun summer read, and aside from a bit of swearing (mostly d’s and s’s) it was a really clean book. I would recommend this book to others.

Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison

"Leesie Hunt has many rules: No kissing. No sex. No dating outside the Mormon faith. When Michael Walden—a deep-sea diver who lost his parents in a violent hurricane—arrives in town, Leesie sees someone who needs her. They fall for one another, even though his dreams are tied to the depths of the ocean and hers to salvation above. Will their intense chemistry be too strong to resist? Leesie and Michael must make the hardest choice of their lives: whether to follow their beliefs or their hearts." -GoodReads

I really enjoyed this book. It was extremely well written and I was totally absorbed in the story of Leesie and Michael. They have amazing chemistry together, which is very evident throughout the story. Their relationship has several ups and downs and you’re rooting for them to figure out a way to be together (not meaning sex, but a real relationship). Although Michael doesn’t understand her beliefs he cares for her and tries to respect them. The majority of the story is told from Michael’s “dive book” and you can’t help but feel the pain he is suffering from the tragic loss of his parents. He makes some mistakes along the way, but finally learns how to let go of his guilt and find a fresh path for himself. I’m not sure I’m pleased with how the book ends, they both have achieved certain dreams/goals and overall I’m happy with the choices they make. I’m hoping there is a sequel, although it feels like it is more of a stand-alone novel. A great novel that I think everyone would enjoy!

Other Reviews:

Always Something to Read

Blogging About Books

My Favorite Author

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

"All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time." -GoodReads

This is the last book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympian saga, and definitely one of the best. Rick Riordan is a very consistent author. The characters grow and face new challenges in each book and yet they remain the same loveable characters that we met in The Lightning Thief. Percy is a great hero and he faces each new obstacle with unwavering bravery. Along for the ride are his two closest friends Annabeth and Grover. Different characters and events from the four previous books are cleverly woven into the story and reminded me of how much I enjoyed this entire series. It was sad to have it come to the end but I felt hopeful reading the Acknowledgment page at the end of the book where Riordan says, “As the first Camp Half-blood series draws to a close…”, which makes me think there will be another series down the road. Hopefully we will be reunited with Percy, Annabeth and some of our other favorite characters along the way. Definitely a fun and entertaining series for both the young and young at heart.

Book One: The Lightning Thief

Book Two: The Sea of Monsters

Book Three: The Titan's Curse

Book Four: The Battle of the Labyrinth

Book Five: The Last Olympian

Retro Friday Review: Summer of the Monkeys

Angieville has started a fun new feature called Retro Fridays. To read more about this click here. I thought this was a very fun idea and think I will copy her. I must have been born reading a book. Growing up I have fond memories of going to the library or the book store and having my Mom tell me I could pick out whatever I wanted, then eagerly returning home to curl up on our living room couch to read for hours. I only wish GoodReads had been around back then so I could actually remember all the books I had read. There are a few gems that have stuck with me throughout the years and Retro Fridays will be a great opportunity to return to those treasures and share them with everyone.

Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls (first published 1992)

To kick things off I decided I would write about an old favorite, Summer of the Monkeys. I think the title and cover art is probably what drew me to the book in the first place. I am a big animal lover and the thought of spending a summer with monkeys seemed like a dream. This is one of those books that pop into mind every now and again bringing me back to the beautiful Ozark Mountains and the wonderful Lee family. Jay is only 14 years old when he learns that a bunch of circus monkeys have escaped and the circus is offering a reward for their return. Jay could sure use that money and decides he wants to try and capture the monkeys with the help of his Grandfather. The monkeys turn out to be a lot more trouble than he realizes, and he is soon faced with another challenge--whether to keep the reward money for himself or use it to help his crippled sister, Daisy, get a surgery she desperately needs.

I just love this book, it truly is a classic. It transports you into another time and you can feel the adventure of trying to catch monkeys, the hot summer days and the turmoil going on within little Jay. A great summer read and one that everyone would enjoy.