I am hosting Lena Coakley over at my other blog, The Well-Read Wife today for a This or That guest post. Lena is the author of the new YA novel Witchlanders. Check out the book trailer below to see what this mysterious and exciting new book is about!
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Showing posts with label Paranormal Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paranormal Fiction. Show all posts
Book Review: The Hollow by Jessica Verday
Monday, August 1, 2011
Author: Jessica Verday
528 pages, Published by Simon Pulse, Ages 12 and up
Jessica’s Info: Website | Blog | Twitter
Buy The Book: Amazon
Summary:
When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead…and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.
Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity. (Summary provided by Simon Pulse.)
My Thoughts: I have always been a sucker for books and movies with a spooky cemetery setting. So when I heard The Hollow by Jessica Verday largely takes place in Sleepy Hollow cemetery (yes that Sleepy Hollow!), I was hooked. From the eerie Sleepy Hollow locale to the quotes from The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow at the beginning of each chapter, Jessica Verday is a master at creating a hauntingly romantic setting populated by intriguing characters. The plot of The Hollow uses Washington Irving’s classic tale as a backdrop for the events of the story. It is not a retelling of The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow, but more of a tribute to the legendary story. The storyline revolves around Abby trying to come to terms with her best friend’s death while in the midst of developing a relationship with a mysterious boy named Caspian. My only critique is that I wish a couple of things were explained in a little more detail (i.e. what exactly happened to Kristen, why was Caspian able to touch Abby sometimes and not others). However, since this is a series, I have a feeling my questions will be answered in the next two books. And I am definitely going to read the next books!
Jessica Verday has not only created fascinating series, but she is also promoting the books in a unique way. Abby, the main character in The Hollow, wants to be a perfumer and open her own store called Abby’s Hollow. Throughout the book she is creating a new scent (in addition to others that she has in the works) inspired by her friend Kristen as a way to honor her memory. In conjunction with the books in The Hollow series, Jessica Verday has launched an online store called Abby’s Hollow where she sells perfumes and necklaces inspired by the books. I think this is such a cool idea and can’t wait to receive the perfume that I ordered from the site!
Click here to go to the Simon and Schuster page for The Hollow where a preview of the book is available to read.
Click below to view the book trailer for The Hollow:
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Book Review: Dead Rules by Randy Russell
Monday, July 25, 2011
Title: Dead Rules
Author: Randy Russell
384 pages, Published by HarperTeen
Randy’s Info:
Website | Twitter | FB | FB Fan Page
Buy The Book: Amazon
Summary:
Till death
Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.
Do
But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.
Us
Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life—or death—story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon.
Part
But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true—no matter what rules she has to break. (Summary provided by HarperTeen.)
My Thoughts:
I am fascinated by ghosts. In fact, I spent the weekend of my 30th birthday at Myrtle Plantation in Louisiana. It is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in America, and I really wanted to finally see a ghost. But alas there were no ghosts to be seen at Myrtle Plantation on that particular weekend. I’m 35 years old now and still have yet to see a ghost. But I would love to. So what does this little anecdote have to do with Randy Russell’s book? Dead Rules is about a high school for dead teens (aka ghosts)! So, it was totally right up my alley.
I was initially drawn to Dead Rules because of the beautiful cover artwork and design. I was quite happy to find the story was just as intriguing as the gorgeous cover. Dead Rules centers around the school’s newest student Jana. Jana died in a freak bowling accident and is determined to have her boyfriend join her in the afterlife no matter what it takes to get him there. Jana is willing to break all the rules even if it means getting help from the school’s social outcasts the Sliders. Enter Mars Dreamcote the handsome Slider who wants to help Jana. I loved the Risers (“good guys”) vs Sliders (“bad guys”) set up. It reminded me a little bit of a modern day, ghostly version of the socs and greasers from The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.
Another highlight of Dead Rules is the series of breaks in the story where each of Jana’s new friends at the dead school tell their respective death stories (i.e. ghost stories). Each spooky story within this already intriguing novel is sure to send chills up readers’ spines. Jana is an interesting and quite complicated protagonist. Jana has a singular interest in getting her boyfriend to join her in the afterlife, and she is a little psychotic at times in her efforts. She kind of reminds me of a much perkier Veronica from the classic teen film Heathers. And this is a very good thing, because I love me some Heathers. Basically, Randy Russell has created an awesome new paranormal series, and I can’t wait to read his next book!
Note to Parents: While this book sounds incredibly dark, it is actually surprisingly teen friendly despite the dark subject matter. For example, Jana’s favorite curse phrase is “Fudge, fart, popcorn!” The publisher recommends it for ages 12 and up, and despite a couple of very tame sexual references, I’m inclined to agree.
HarperTeen has added even more incentive to read Dead Rules by Randy Russell. They have generously put the first 75 pages of the book on their website for free. Also, according to the Dead Rules fan page on Facebook, Randy Russell is sponsoring a series of indie bookstore credit giveaways to teens, readers, classroom teachers and librarians. Click here to go to the Facebook page for more information. And be sure to “like” the Facebook page while you’re there.
Be sure to check out the awesome trailers for Dead Rules on the HarperTeen Youtube page! Here is one of many of the promotional videos for Dead Rules:
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Contest: Enter To Win 1 of 3 Signed copies Of Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Jackson Pearce, author of Sisters Red and Sweetly, at the ALA conference. While I was there Jackson was nice enough to sign 3 paperback copies of Sisters Red for a giveaway here on Young Adult Smash. Sisters Red is a modern retelling of the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. It is an exciting, spooky, and romantic take on the werewolf legend.
From Goodreads:
Scarlet March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.
Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for? (Summary provided by Goodreads.) Update: Congrats to Amy of Bookgoonie, J.P. of YA Urban, and Mrs. Heise from Heise Reads & Recommends. Thanks to everyone who entered. There will be another contest listed soon!
Fill out the form below for a chance to win 1 of 3 signed paperback copies of Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce. I will announce the winners right here on Sunday, July 24th.
Book Review: Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman
Monday, July 11, 2011
Authors: Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman
275 pages, Published by Flux
Charlotte’s Information: Twitter
Natalie’s Information: Blog | Twitter
Buy The Book: Amazon
Summary:
Bickering frenemies Meg and Shar are doing some serious damage at a midnight sample sale when the fashionistas find themselves arguing over a pair of shoes-with fatal consequences. One innocent bystander later, the girls are suddenly at the mercy of Hades, Lord of the Underworld himself. To make them atone for what they've done, Hades forces the teens to become special-assignment Sirens, luring to the Underworld an individual whose unholy contract is up.
Finding that delicate balance between their fashion addiction and their new part-time job in the eternal hellfire biz turns out to be harder than Meg and Shar expected, especially when an entire pantheon of Greek deities decides to get involved. Then there's the matter of the fine print in their own contracts... (Summary provided by Flux.)
My Thoughts:
I met Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman, the authors of Sirenz, at BEA this past May. They were so nice and funny at their signing that I knew I would most likely love Sirenz once I got around to reading it. And boy did I ever love Sirenz! I haven’t crushed on a book this hard in a long time.
Sirenz is about two girls: Goth attired and artsy, Meg and Shar, a Barbie girl in a Barbie world. Meg and Shar are a classic odd couple. The girls have trouble getting along after they are assigned to be roommates at their high school in NYC. However, once they get tricked into making a deal with Hades, they must find a way to work together. Above all, this book is about friendship. While there is some romance in the novel, there is no overpowering/overdramatic romantic storyline. It is simply about two girls trying to get along, and it is pretty hilarious. If it were a movie, I’d call it a “buddy comedy.”
Following the hugely popular Greek mythology trend in YA, Sirenz is a unique take on the Hades/Persephone story and is told from the perspective of the Sirens (Meg and Shar). Did I mention that Hades is not only haute but a certified hottie? Oh, I didn’t? Well, he is. At the signing, Natalie told me to picture Ian Somerhalder (Damon from Vampire Diaries) as Hades. I have absolutely no problem doing do.;) Hades is written perfectly. Part comic relief. Part tempting charmer. Hades is an awesome adversary for Meg and Shar.
Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman are friends in real life, so it is quite fitting that they would be so adept at writing a story about friendship. I am so happy I got a chance to meet the authors of Sirenz and just as happy that I read the book. I can’t wait to see what kind of antics Meg and Shar are up to in the next book in the series!
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Book Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
400 pages, Published by Scholastic
Maggie’s Information: Website | Twitter Buy The Book: Amazon
Summary: In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in. (Summary provided by Scholastic.)
My Thoughts:
I have been waiting for Forever by Maggie Stiefvater to come out ever since I eagerly devoured Shiver and Linger, the first two books in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series, last year. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the series, Forever is the concluding novel in a trilogy of books about teen shapeshifters. The books are part love story, part action adventure, and they are a wonderfully original take on the shapeshifter mythos. If you love YA with lots of teen angst, romance, and action, this is the series for you.
Throughout the course of the series the characters have grown and changed. The most dramatic change probably occurred in Isabel. Her storyline plays a key role in Forever’s plot, and I adore the strong, young woman she has become. I especially enjoyed the progression of Cole from brooding bad boy into a more evolved person fighting to find a cure for the shapeshifter virus. Cole is my favorite character in the series. Although, I freely admit that this probably has something to do with Maggie Stiefvater tweeting a picture of James Franco when people asked her to describe Cole. As always, Sam and Grace’s characters provide the cornerstone for the story to build upon. In the first two books I viewed Sam as a tragic figure, and I was glad to see him emerge as a leader in Forever. All of these descriptions probably sound pretty vague, but I really don’t want to give any of the major plot points away.
The thing I love about The Wolves of Mercy Falls series is that Stiefvater makes the relationships very realistic. Couples don’t fall in love overnight and friendships are far from perfect. Forever left me feeling bittersweet. It was incredibly well-written and entertaining, but as much as I loved Forever, I didn’t want the series to end. I can’t wait to see what Maggie Stiefvater writes next!
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Book Review: Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Title: Sweetly
Author: Jackson Pearce
312 pages, Publisher: Little, Brown
Jackson's Information: Website | Twitter
Buy The Book:Amazon
Summary:My Thoughts:As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.
Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.
Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past -- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone -- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.
Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry. (Summary provided by Little, Brown.)
Monsters lurking in the forest, eerie reoccurring music, a heroine with a complicated past... Sweetly by Jackson Pearce has many of the elements I love in a good book. Add descriptions of sweet delicacies throughout the book and you've got the perfect literary recipe for this sweet-tooth afflicted reviewer.
My favorite scene in the book involves one of the characters, scared out of her mind, singing the song The Big Rock Candy Mountain to herself.The lyrics to this song appear repeatedly in Sweetly, and Pearce uses the song to heighten the air of suspense and to add to the spooky atmosphere throughout.
Sweetly is a companion novel to Sisters Red, but it is definitely not necessary to read Sisters Red before reading Sweetly. The book can absolutely be read as a stand alone as it has only a couple of references to Sisters Red that will not confuse anyone who hasn't read it yet. Although, with that said, I highly recommend reading Sisters Red. It was one of my favorite paranormal reads of last year.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jackson Pearce at ALA in New Orleans a week ago. (That's me with Jackson to the left.) I love the way she bases her books on classic fairy tales and injects her own brand of creativity into the stories. The stories are not merely a retelling of Red Riding Hood (Sisters Red) or Hansel and Gretal (Sweetly), but a spooky rendering of an alternative fairy tale world.
Below is a video of the song The Big Rock Candy Mountain to get you in the mood to read Sweetly:
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Book Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Schultz
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Title: Spellbound
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz
344 pages, Published by Harlequin Teen
Cara's information: Twitter | Website | Facebook
Buy The Book: Amazon
From Goodreads:My Thoughts:Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.
This contains a couple of spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz is a a fish out of water story about a young girl named Emma who goes to live with her great aunt in New York City. Emma comes from a humble background and has trouble adapting to the fancy private school her wealthy Aunt has her attend. In addition to dealing with a new home environment and trying to find new friends amid a sea of unfriendly sharks, Emma begins having dreams of herself in past lives and has reason to suspect that she is destined to be with Brendan, one of her classmates at her new school.
I love the reincarnation/love curse storyline between Emma and Brendan. Emma is a likable, spunky teen, and she has some truly hilarious comebacks for the mean girls at her school. I also liked Brendan, Emma's love interest. He has that smoldering, sexy loner thing going on. I was definitely rooting for them as I read the book.
My only critique is that I wish the witchcraft storyline were a little more detailed. I would have liked for Emma's natural aptitude for witchcraft to have been showcased in a couple of extra scenes. There are several legends, flashback scenes and dream sequences within the book that help tell a kind of story within the story. I loved these scenes, especially one called "The Legend of Lord Archer." Shultz has a knack for accurately portraying the brutality of high school mean girls (and boys) within the framework of a fascinating paranormal storyline. Overall, I enjoyed Cara Lynn Shultz's novel, and I recommend it.
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