REVIEW: The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong

 Posted by Anastasia on September 16, 2011  5 Responses »
Sep 162011
 
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Book cover: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong Book cover: The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong Book cover: The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

93-95. Darkest Powers #1-3 by Kelley Armstrong
Publication:
Book 1: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (March 31, 2009), Paperback, 416pp / ISBN 0061450545
Book 2: HarperCollins (April 28, 2009), ebook, 384pp / ISBN 0061450553
Book 3: HarperCollins (April 6, 2010), ebook, 416pp / ISBN 0061662836
Genre: YA Paranormal

Read: August 5-9, 2011 (entire series)
Source: Sandy for the first book (thanks so much!), and I bought the next two books

Summary of The Summoning from Amazon:

My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again.

All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don’t even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost—and the ghost saw me.

Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won’t leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a “special home” for troubled teens. Yet the home isn’t what it seems. Don’t tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? It’s up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House . . . before its skeletons come back to haunt me.

Review

Sandy and I were talking during the blogger reception thing at BEA this year about paranormal YA books and how a lot of them are basically copies of one another. Also, that some things (okay, a lot of things) about paranormal books annoy me. If you’ve been my blog for a while you’ve no doubt that noticed that I tend to get really annoyed about such things as “love” at first sight, everyone being soulmates, romantic gestures that are actually really stalkerish, and how everyone always thinks they’re going to be together forever (and then they are). Cynical? Maybe. I’d just like a little variety, you know? It’s not the end of the world if your vampire boyfriend breaks up with you, and that hot guy in gym class that you saw that one time is not your soulmate. Just. C’mon.

ANYWAY, Sandy told me about the Darkest Powers series, and about how it was different and good and then she offered to send me the first book so I could read it for myself and OH MY GOD SANDY you were so right. This series? To use the vernacular of paranormal romances: it’s like this series and I were meant to be. Continue reading »

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 4.5/5, Age Group, Fantasy, Fiction, New (Birds), Note, Paranormal, Psychic Abilities, Rating, Reviews, Teen, Urban Fantasy, Werewolves, YA

MINI-REVIEWS: Bliss, Feed, Storm Glass

 Posted by Anastasia on September 14, 2011  18 Responses »
Sep 142011
 
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Click on a book’s cover to go to its Amazon page!

101. Bliss by Lauren Myracle
Publication: Amulet Books; Reprint edition (January 1, 2011), originally published 2008, Paperback, 480pp / ISBN 0810940728
Genre: YA Horror/Paranormal

Read: August 22-23, 2011
Source: Bought

Review

I grabbed this book from a Borders in California because a) I was desperate for a paper book for some reason and b) it looked potentially entertaining. It is, in fact, a really good book.

Basically, Bliss is a bit like The Craft but set in the late 1960s and with ghosts and blood magic instead of something vaguely Wicca-ish. It’s scary, it’s dark, and it’s SO FRICKIN’ AWESOME. I just. I really love this book, y’all. It’s creepy and spooky and really tense in that someone-may-die sort of way, and the writing is just so good– and if you need a book for RIP VI or if you just want a scary-awesome YA book for some reason, definitely get this book. DEFINITELY GET IT. I’ll stop yelling in capslock if you promise to read it!

I know the cover makes it look like it’s more Carrie than Craft, but listen to me and all will be well.

Rating


There’s also a red herring that you don’t really figure out until nearer to the end!

102. Feed by Mira Grant
Publication: Orbit; Original edition (May 1, 2010), ebook, 608pp / ISBN 0316081051
Genre: Sci-fi/Horror

Read: August 24-25, 2011
Source: Bought

Review

This is another book that makes me want to capslock with how AMAZING it is, although it’s not YA and it’s got zombies instead of ghosts and it’s more about the freedom of the press and the importance of blogs/family/friendship than it is about anything else. Also, it’s set in the future. It’s got action and drama and a conspiracy, and there’s fantastic characters, and even if there’s a little too much infodumping at times I still think the writing is really great.

If you’re a blogger who likes sci-fi and post-apocalyptic things and zombies and books about blogging, you’d like this book. If you like character-driven stories where people actually love each other and aren’t perfect and yet are still very likable, you’d like this book. I think even if you’re more of a political thriller sort of person, you might like this book! It’s just. so. good.

Rating


The ending was so sad, but I got through it okay.

103. Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Publication: Mira; Original edition (May 1, 2009), ebook, 448pp / ISBN 0778325644
Genre: YA Fantasy

Read: August 25-26, 2011
Source: Bought

Review

So when I bought this I didn’t realize it was a sequel series to another trilogy. So that’s kind of a bummer. On the other hand, even though I felt like I’d missed a huge chunk of the backstory, it talks about what happened in the other books enough that I felt like I mostly understood what was going on re:the past, and the rest of it is set so much in the present anyway that it turned out not to be that big of a deal that I’d missed the first trilogy.

Got that? Good.

I really love this book. I know this post is full of LOVE and AWESOME and AMAZING already but just bear with me because this book is all those things and more. You like strong female characters that nevertheless make mistakes? This book’s got that! You like a bit of romance in your fantasy, but nothing too overwhelming? This book’s got that! You like adventure and action and yet, at the same time, character development? This book’s got that!

I read this in the car on the way back from California and I basically completely missed the middle bit of Arizona because I was so into it. ♥

Rating


I’m so happy the emphasis was on Opal’s character development rather than her romantic attachments!

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 4.5/5, 5/5, Action, Adventure, Age Group, Beach Reads, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Magical Realism, New (Birds), Note, Paranormal, Psychic Abilities, Rating, Reviews, Sci-Fi, Teen, YA, Zombies

REVIEW: Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James

 Posted by Anastasia on September 12, 2011  4 Responses »
Sep 122011
 
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107. Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James
Publication: Flux (September 8, 2011), Paperback ARC, ~300pp / ISBN 073872341X
Genre: YA Sci-fi

Read: September 1-3, 2011
Source: BEA 2011

Summary from Amazon:

A devastated Earth’s last hope is found in Pearls: small, mysterious orbs that fall from space and are capable of supplying enough energy to power entire cities. Battling to control the Pearls are the Skyship dwellers—political dissidents who live in massive ships in the Earth’s stratosphere—and the corrupt Surface government.

Jesse Fisher, a Skyship slacker, and Cassius Stevenson, a young Surface operative, cross paths when they both venture into forbidden territory in pursuit of Pearls. Their chance encounter triggers an unexpected reaction, endowing each boy with remarkable—and dangerous—abilities that their respective governments would stop at nothing to possess.

Enemies thrust together with a common goal, Jesse and Cassius make their way to the ruins of Seattle to uncover the truth about their new powers, the past they didn’t know they shared, and a shocking secret about the Pearls.

Review

In one of my Thursday Tea posts I mentioned that I was worried this book was going in a direction that a) had been done many, many times before and b) I could see from a mile away. And that direction? Yeah, I was totally right. To be fair, it had a kind of twist to it that I wasn’t expecting, and that made things a bit more interesting. But on the whole this first Skyship Academy book was way more lackluster than I expected it to be. Continue reading »

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 2/5, Action, Age Group, Dystopia, Fiction, New (Birds), Note, Psychic Abilities, Rating, Reviews, Sci-Fi, YA

REVIEW: The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

 Posted by Anastasia on September 9, 2011  8 Responses »
Sep 092011
 
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98. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
Publication: Aladdin (August 30, 2011), ARC paperback, 390pp / ISBN 1442407689
Genre: MG Sci-fi/Fantasy, Dystopia

Read: August 11, 2011
Source: Publisher (thank you!)

Summary from Amazon:

When Alex finds out he is Unwanted, he expects to die. That is the way of the people of Quill. Each year, all the thirteen-year-olds are labeled as Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds get more schooling and train to join the Quillitary. Necessaries keep the farms running. Unwanteds are set for elimination.

It’s hard for Alex to leave behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted, but he makes peace with his fate—until he discovers that instead of a “death farm,” what awaits him is a magical place called ArtimÉ. There, Alex and his fellow Unwanteds are encouraged to cultivate their creative abilities and use them magically. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation.

But it’s a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be divided between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron’s bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of ArtimÉ that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate magical battle.

Review

I was really excited when I got this book, mostly because I had tried to get it during BEA but was scared off by the truly massive line leading up to LM’s table. When I DID get it later, and when I read the first two chapters or so, I was thrilled. This is an awesome book, I thought. Those first few chapters were terrifying and exciting and really chilling, just like all good dystopian books should be. But then. Oh, but then. Continue reading »

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 2.5/5, Age Group, Alternative History/Earth, Dystopia, Fantasy, Fiction, MG, New (Birds), Note, Psychic Abilities, Rating, Reviews, Sci-Fi

REVIEW: Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis

 Posted by Anastasia on August 29, 2011  6 Responses »
Aug 292011
 
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82. Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis
Publication: Angry Robot (July 7, 2011), ebook, 400pp / ISBN 0857661159
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery

Read: July 18-25, 2011
Source: Author (thank you!)

Summary from Amazon:

Stan Markowski is a Detective Sergeant on the Scranton PD’s Supernatural Crimes Investigation Unit.

Like the rest of America, Scranton’s got an uneasy ‘live and let unlive’ relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that’s when they call Markowski. He carries a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.

Review

I don’t know why, but I basically compare every urban fantasy mystery with The Dresden Files, which can be detrimental to how much I like a book when it’s really not like The Dresden Files at all. Hard Spell is sort of like TDF in that it’s got urban fantasy stuff and a dude who walks around wearing a trench coat, but TDF is fantasy noir and Hard Spell is more like a police procedural (with vampires). TDF has snarky, pun-y humor; Hard Spell has bantering police officers and really dark humor. TDF has more twisty, interconnecting plots; Hard Spell is more straightforward.

Okay, so: did I enjoy Hard Spell? Yes, even though I kept wondering why it wasn’t The Dresden Files. Continue reading »

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 3/5, Alternative History/Earth, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery/Detective, New (Birds), Note, Paranormal, Psychic Abilities, Rating, Reviews, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves

REVIEW: Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

 Posted by Anastasia on July 25, 2011  12 Responses »
Jul 252011
 
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52. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
Publication: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (October 11, 2011), ARC paperback, 232pp / ISBN 1599906449
Genre: MG Fantasy, Adventure

Read: June 4, 2011
Source: BEA 2011 (from the Bloomsbury booth, which I kept circling around like a creepy circling thing)

This book will be released on October 11, 2011.

Summary from Amazon:

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie’s favorite days. That’s because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it’s up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle’s never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic.

Review

How have I never read a Jessica Day George book before? Have you all been hiding her from me? Do you want to hoard her books for yourself, is that it?

I can understand the inclination. Reading Tuesdays at the Castle felt a little like reading my first Diana Wynne Jones book. There’s that tingle of suspected wonderfulness on the first page. The growing realization that, yes, this book really is wonderful. And the the immensely satisfying conclusion where you’ve finished the book so you’re a little bit sad, but you know there’s a whole heap of other books by the same author out there just waiting for your nose to be shoved into them. All in all, that’s one of my favorite reading experiences! Plus I always know that when that happens, the author is something special I should be paying attention to.

So. Tuesdays at the Castle. Let’s talk about why it’s wonderful.

First: it has princesses and castles and royal drama and lots of magic. These are things I really like! Also it has action and adventure and the castle is alive (but not in a creepy way).

The author

Second: the characters, especially the royal family, are exactly the sort of people I’d like ruling over me if I was living in a monarchy instead of democracy. They sort of remind me of the Narnia kids, only without a pre-Witch Edmund. They’re good and kind and very forthright, but they’re also not only those things. For the most part they’re stiff-upper-lip strong, but, being kids, they still have moments of being otherwise. The mix was done very well, I thought, and made them seem more real.

The villains even had depth! Well, sort of. Some of the villains had depth, and some of them didn’t. But I bet if this were a longer book the villains would have gotten some more layers; that’s just the sort of author JDG seems to be. She gives everyone a fair chance.

Third: speaking of “if the book were longer”– the story was exactly the length it needed to be. It wasn’t too long and it wasn’t too short, and though it’s part of a new series there wasn’t an annoying cliffhanger at the end. The pacing was perfect, basically, and I never felt like stuff was being left out or skipped over to save page length.

Fourth: the world of Tuesdays (outside of the castle) was just hinted at, but, honestly, that didn’t bother me. The important part of the story was the castle, which is an amazing place, and longer descriptions about the outside world can wait for another book. I am interested in knowing more about it! But it wasn’t overly necessary in this book, I think.

So, to sum up: I adored this book. I loved everything about it. I don’t think JDG was a step out of place anywhere, and that’s a more rare thing that you’d think. Do you like MG fantasy books? Yes? Then you seriously need to read Tuesdays at the Castle. I’m telling you this for your own good: listen to me! Do as I say! You won’t regret it.

Rating


It’s fantastic! Read it ASAP.

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Pre-order your own copy @ Amazon or BookDepository.com and support Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog through the power of affiliate earnings!

Notes

Honestly, Diana Wynne Jones was an author unto herself so I’m probably never going to find a full-on DWJ clone, but I can’t help looking for almost-DWJ authors to fill the void once I’ve read all of DWJ’s stuff. I know it’s not going to be the same whoever I find, but, well. Sigh.

Some other authors that are sort of like DWJ: Susan Cooper, Diane Duane, Jenny Nimmo, Garth Nix, Megan Whalen Turner, Patricia C. Wrede. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Also, JDG has a list of her favorite books and a lot of them are MY favorite books, too! In fact, almost all the ones I haven’t read yet are ones I’ve been meaning to read, anyway…

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 5/5, Adventure, Age Group, Faerie Tales, Fantasy, Fiction, MG, New (Birds), Note, Psychic Abilities, Rating, Reviews

MINI-REVIEWS: Silver Phoenix, The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman, This Thing Called the Future

 Posted by Anastasia on July 18, 2011  4 Responses »
Jul 182011
 
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I completely by accident picked a group of three books with the same high rating. I don’t know if that makes my mini-reviews less effective than if I had spread them out a bit? But anyway, they’re all really good books, which is why I rated them so high!

Also, click on a book cover to go to its page at Amazon.

43. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
Publication: Greenwillow Books (April 28, 2009), Hardcover, 352pp / ISBN 0061730211
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy

Read: May 6, 2011
Source: Bought

Mini-Review

I don’t remember what I was expecting Silver Phoenix to be, but it was better than anything I imagined. I loved it! It’s got the perfect balance of character growth/development, adventure, magic, romance, and excitement. I loved the historical-ish setting, and the mixing of Real World with Magical World stuff. Ai Ling is a great heroine, with enough flaws to balance out her virtues, and the secondary characters were pretty good, as well. I can’t wait to read the next book, especially since some things weren’t completely answered in this one re:the baddie. AND the romance was basically cut off at the knees– this is the one time I wanted a perfect happy romantic ending! I have great hopes for the next book, haha!

Rating


Please read it now if you haven’t already.

47. The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman by Meg Wolitzer
Publication: Dutton Juvenile (September 20, 2011), ARC paperback, 296pp / ISBN 0525423044
Genre: MG Fiction (magical realism?)

Read: May 27, 20112
Source: BEA 2011

This title will be released on September 20, 2011.

Mini-Review

The lady who handed me this book at BEA told me it was cute, and it IS. It reminds me of some E.L. Konigsburg books, actually, with the emphasis on emotion and relationships between characters over adventurous plot. The fact that it’s set mostly at a Scrabble tournament just fed my dorky side (loved it!), and the slight touch of magical realism was fun. I just wish the cover was less boring.

Rating


Word nerd kids and their relationships = awesome reading!

Note: You can try winning a copy for yourself on Goodreads! Closes August 1, 2011.

49. This Thing Called the Future by J.L. Powers
Publication: Cinco Puntos Press (April 12, 2011), Hardcover, 208pp / ISBN 1933693959
Genre: YA Fiction, magical realism

Read: May 30, 2011
Source: BEA 2011

Mini-Review

I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while, so I was really excited when I got to meet the author at BEA! And yay– the book is really good. It reminds me of Nancy Farmer’s books except without the sci-fi and set in modern-ish times instead of in the future (or past). The whole story is full of tension: tension about the past and the present, tension about science and magic, and tension about the simple act of growing older. Me? I like tension, especially when I’m experiencing it with a character like Khosi. She always felt like a real person to me, and so did everyone else in the book, really.

Rating


I actually feel like reading it again, right now.

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 4.5/5, Age Group, Fantasy, Fiction, Genius Kids, Historical Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, MG, New (Birds), Note, Psychic Abilities, Rating, Reviews, YA  Tagged with:
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