Same Book, Second Look - The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Published: January 2015

Publisher: Little, Brown Books

Pages: 328

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

Review:

I had no idea what to expect from this title.  The last series I read of Holly's was the Black Cat series on Curseworkers so this seemed like it might be a fairytale mash-up/remake.  It sounded interesting and unique plus I love Holly's previous work.

How do I even describe this novel? It was so bizarre at first.  There are a lot of things going on and Hazel has flashbacks of her childhood with Ben as she tries to unravel the mystery of the boy in the glass coffin....especially once he wakes up.  What is her role in his disappearance and is he really the sleeping hero that they have always portrayed him to be or is he much more sinister than that?

What I liked about this novel was that it was completely unpredictable to me.  Hazel was a much more complicated character than I had first imagined and while I thought the story would centre more around the mysterious horned prince, I was mistaken.  Give The Darkest Part of the Forest a read if you are looking for a unique stand-alone and prepared to dive into something unusual.  I enjoyed it!

On a side note, have you ever taken the time to read an author's dedication (at the beginning) and notes (at the end of the book)?  Often I see names of other familiar authors that I have read. It makes me feel like I am part of some exclusive club without paying a ridiculous initiation fee.  It is also a great way to find other authors you may enjoy along the same genre vein.

Parents, there was a little bit of language but not much.  

Check out Curlypow's review here

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

This week I got: 

Summary (By Goodreads)

After living as a Mundane and a Vampire, Simon never thought he would become a Shadowhunter, but today he begins his training at Shadowhunter Academy.

**Please don't read this if you have not yet finished all 6 books in the Mortal Instruments series**

Book #6 left us hanging with some big changes in everyone's life.  Surprisingly, Simon's life seemed to change most dramatically.  Now he is a bit lost and looking to find a new path as a Shadowhunter.  I LOVE the novella novels that follow this series.  It's like the characters never go away and I get a quick glimpse into their lives once more....AWESOMESAUCE....

- Christinabean

The Cemetery Boys by Heather Brewer

Published: March 30th, 2015

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pages: 288

Copy: Publisher via Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

When Stephen is forced to move back to the nowhere town where his father grew up, he’s already sure he’s not going to like it. Spencer, Michigan, is like a town straight out of a Hitchcock movie, with old-fashioned people who see things only in black-and-white. But things start looking up when Stephen meets the mysterious twins Cara and Devon. They’re total punks–hardly the kind of people Stephen’s dad wants him hanging out with–but they’re a breath of fresh air in this backward town. The only problem is, Cara and Devon don’t always get along, and as Stephen forms a friendship with the charismatic Devon and something more with the troubled Cara, he starts to feel like he’s getting caught in the middle of a conflict he doesn’t fully understand. And as Devon’s group of friends, who hang out in a cemetery they call The Playground, get up to increasingly reckless activities to pass the summer days, Stephen worries he may be in over his head.

Stephen’s fears prove well-founded when he learns of Spencer’s dark past. It seems the poor factory town has a history of “bad times,” and many of the town’s oldest residents attribute the bad times to creatures right out of an urban legend. The legend goes that the only way the town will prosper again is if someone makes a sacrifice to these nightmarish creatures. And while Stephen isn’t one to believe in old stories, it seems Devon and his gang might put a lot of faith in them. Maybe even enough to kill for them.

Now, Stephen has to decide what he believes, where his allegiances lie, and who will really be his friend in the end.

Curlypow's thoughts:

How to describe 'The Cemetery Boys'?  Lets go with a pinch of Poe; a soupcon of King and a liberal dash of weird and we might just about be there.  This is a strange book that was more than a little disturbing.  I'm not even sure that I really enjoyed it, but I have to admit that I read it pretty much in one sitting and never considered putting it down. It's not quite horror, not quite supernatural, but very atmospheric and quite engrossing.

Cara and Devon are strange - very strange and the way they warp Stephen's mind is so disturbing. Even after finishing this book I'm not entirely sure what happened. And what's with the crows? Seriously! I almost feel that I need to read it again to find out if I missed anything. 

What did you think of it?

Follow Friday

Friday Follow is a blog hop that was started by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we will answer!  This is a great opportunity for bloggers to network and interact. 

This week’s question –

Have you ever been to BEA, if so what was your favorite experience there?

I have never been to BEA but I have wanted to for so many years.  SO. MANY. YEARS.  I know that my time is coming though....maybe next year....or maybe I just need to clear enough room from my shelves to be able to appreciate BEA properly.  So for now, I will resort to drooling over every one else's posts.  :)

- Christinabean

Welcome to the Paperback Princesses! Make yourself at home, take a look around our blog and let us know what you think in the comments section. We would love to hear what you have to say about our posts. We often try to comment on your comments as well so feel free to start a conversation! Since there are two of us running the show, we always have a variety of titles and event postings. Be sure to check out our own personal meme page. Check out Fantastic Fairytales, Let's Hear it for the Boys, In Case you Missed it and a few others. We try to not only focus on new YA books but also great titles from the past.

Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M Lee

Published: August 4th, 2014

Publisher: Skyscape

Pages: 335

Copy: Netgalley

Summary: Goodreads

In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of time. When Kai was eight, she was found by Reev on the riverbank, and her “brother” has taken care of her ever since. Kai doesn’t know where her ability comes from—or where she came from. All that matters is that she and Reev stay together, and maybe one day move out of the freight container they call home, away from the metal walls of the Labyrinth. Kai’s only friend is Avan, the shopkeeper’s son with the scandalous reputation that both frightens and intrigues her.

Then Reev disappears. When keeping silent and safe means losing him forever, Kai vows to do whatever it takes to find him. She will leave the only home she’s ever known and risk getting caught up in a revolution centuries in the making. But to save Reev, Kai must unravel the threads of her past and face shocking truths about her brother, her friendship with Avan, and her unique power.

Is there such a thing as a dystopian fantasy? I'm not really sure there is, but that's the only way I can think to describe 'Gates of Thread and Stone'. There is a definite fantasy feel to the story with Kai being able to manipulate time the way she does, but she and her brother live in a freight container 'suburb' in an old broken-down city, which gives things a definite dystopian feel.  See where my confusion comes from?

Anyway, there is some very complex world building going on here and Ms Lee was very successful at it. When Kai and Avan are spending some time with Famine in his compound I had no trouble at all picturing the strange environment.  Well done Ms Lee.  Kai is a tough, resourceful girl who will accept help, but doesn't always need it and her relationship with Avan though born of neccessity was heart wrenching and tender.  I was intrigued by the story from the start and the pacing really never slowed down.  

'Gates of Thread and Stone' is both thrilling and romantic, mysterious and gripping and the story  keeps the reader wanting more.  So I'm off to read 'The Infinite', which just came out a week or so ago - I can't wait.

Fantastic Fariytales Double Take - Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Published: February 2015

Publisher: Orion

Pages: 320

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: By Goodreads

Summary:

The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of
those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

Review:

It has been ages since Curlypow and I have done a double-take!  So much fun!

So I had only recently heard about Red Queen and what made me intrigued was that I had read some interesting Twitter feeds about Red Queen so I grabbed it from the library and flew through the novel.

Red Queen is based around the idea of a caste system divided by blood type.  Royal blood is always silver but towards the end of the book, we also learn that silver blood has its own hierarchy and even though you are born silver, it does not necessarily mean that you are upper class.

Something that I found fascinating in this society was that conscription occurs across both genders.  In the past, conscription only applied to males.  Here, it applies to both males AND females.  It makes me wonder if we were to experience World War III, and countries installed conscription, if both males and females would be included.  Societal values have changed much since the last World War.  Good point there Christinabean.  

The abilities of Silvers reminded me of X-Men  (Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson)while Mare and her unusual skills reminds me of The Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. Mare may be the one person who will change everything.

Let's talk characters.  There will be spoilers...just saying...for those of you who have not read the book.

Mare.  OK, this girl can be so ridiculous.  Was she friends with America Singer from The Selection in another life? Something tells me they would have gotten along famously. Sorry, I never did get around to reading the Selection so I can't say, but she certainly was determined.

Cal. I like him.  He sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders.  He exhibits emotion and character.  I would have liked to see more interaction between him and Mare.  More talking!- less fighting and assumptions.

Maven...hmmm...well what can I say about Maven.  I was disappointed in him.  Maybe his attitude will change with future titles.  To have all of that hostility and resentment build up through the years.  And at the end, what he and his mother plot to do was hard to read but if he is like his mother, perhaps understandable.  Was she really that wicked?? Yes I think she really was that wicked!

Something that bothered me about this book was the pace in which Maven and Mare connect to assist the rebels is much too quick.  I would have expected the author to develop a relationship and a degree of trust and put this in the second book.  After reading Book #1, I understand the urgency of this event to happen but it was like they were strangers one minute and then plotting together AGAINST the monarchy the next.  Did I miss their connection or was it absent from the beginning?  When did she really start to trust him?  I felt more of a connect with his brother than with Maven. I have to agree there, I much preferred Cal to Maven.  There was something just a little too smooth about Maven for my tastes. 

True, the book was a little bit predictable but still an enjoyable read for me.  It was not as smooth as I would have liked but still a highly recommendable read.  I am eager to see where the story leads and I want to see the author do more world and character building.  Plus, we as readers really need to see what Mare can do with her powers.  I enjoyed this one too. I kept questioning why Mare was doing what she was doing, but the story made sense in the end. I look forward to seeing more of these characters.

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

This week I got: 

Summary (by Goodreads)

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss, and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves, and each other.

I am excited to read this title because Lauren Oliver was one of the first contemporary YA authors who inspired me to keep reading YA.  Her novel - Before I Fall was so touching. It made me laugh and it made me cry.  It made me contact her and tell her how beautiful her writing was and most of all, it made me inspired to keep on reading. 

- Christinabean

Soul Taken by Katlyn Duncan

Published: June 4th, 2013

Publisher: Carina, UK

Pages: 208

Ecopy: Publisher

Summary: Goodreads

After-life just got a lot more complicated 

Maggie is a Soul Collector. It’s her job to transport souls from the Living Realm to the After – but during a mission to New England to find a stolen soul, she ends up stuck in a teen mean girl’s body. Trapped, Maggie’s soul is catapulted into Ally’s life – and the human world she hasn’t experienced for one hundred years.

But, as a descendant of the most powerful beings in the After, Maggie must rescue Ally before the girl’s soul dies... To survive, Maggie must uncover devastating secrets – because with one soul taken by a terrifying enemy, Maggie’s could be next!

Curlypow's thoughts:

What an intriguing version of the afterlife.  Ms Duncan has managed to come up with a unique and different version of what happens to you after death, and I found it plausible. I was able to suspend disbelief and become engrossed in the characters and the mystery.

The characters were fun, with just enough going  on that made them seem believable.  One of the aspects that I really enjoyed was that Maggie is a little different from the others, but we don't really know how different until almost the end and unraveling her story became quite compelling.  I really wanted to know what was going on and why things were happening to her.

Love interests?  Yes of course there are, this is a YA story after all, but it's neither instant nor even really obvious in the beginning and is definitely not the focus for the story.  No, that's wrong - it is the focus, but it is a thread that, once pulled, has to be unpicked carefully or everything will fall apart. People know more than they are saying and Maggie is being kept in the dark, which makes it really difficult for her to do her job, but she keeps going and doesn't give up. 

I'm looking forward to reading Soul Possessed to find out just exactly what's going on in this interesting world.  I'll keep you informed.

Girl Underwater by Claire Kells

Published: March 31st, 2015

Publisher: Dutton

Pages: 304

Copy: Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

An adventurous debut novel that cross cuts between a competitive college swimmer’s harrowing days in the Rocky Mountains after a major airline disaster and her recovery supported by the two men who love her—only one of whom knows what really happened in the wilderness. 

Nineteen-year-old Avery Delacorte loves the water. Growing up in Brookline, Massachusetts, she took swim lessons at her community pool and captained the local team; in high school, she raced across bays and sprawling North American lakes. Now a sophomore on her university’s nationally ranked team, she struggles under the weight of new expectations but life is otherwise pretty good. Perfect, really.

That all changes when Avery’s red-eye home for Thanksgiving makes a ditch landing in a mountain lake in the Colorado Rockies. She is one of only five survivors, which includes three little boys and Colin Shea, who happens to be her teammate. Colin is also the only person in Avery’s college life who challenged her to swim her own events, to be her own person—something she refused to do. Instead she’s avoided him since the first day of freshman year. But now, faced with sub-zero temperatures, minimal supplies, and the dangers of a forbidding nowhere, Avery and Colin must rely on each other in ways they never could’ve imagined.

In the wilderness, the concept of survival is clear-cut. Simple. In the real world, it’s anything but.

Curlypow's thoughts:

Told in a series of flashbacks, Girl Underwater took me completely by surprise - in a good way.  This is a contemporary story with a thread of tension that just never lets up.  I'm not normally a huge contemporary fan, but with this one I sat up way past my bedtime, determined to find out just exactly why Avery feels so incredibly guilty about surviving the crash.  There's something more to it than survivor guilt and I was completely hooked.  

The reader gets to find out what happened in little dribbles - it's a bit like offering the donkey a carrot on a stick.  The story just keeps dangling out of reach and you have to keep reading to find out the answers.  I found myself empathizing with Avery and cheering her on, even while not fully understanding her pain and also getting mad with her at times. Colin is a bit of a handsome enigma and I enjoyed getting to know him as well.

It's hard to pigeonhole 'Girl Underwater'.  Let's call it a thrilling, suspense-fully mysterious romance  and that might just about cover it.  A great read.

Waiting on Wednesday - Half Wild by Sally Green

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

 

Summary (by Goodreads)

 

In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live amongst humans, seventeen-year-old Nathan is an abomination, the illegitimate son of the world's most powerful and violent witch. Nathan is hunted from all sides: nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted. Now, Nathan has come into his own unique magical Gift, and he's on the run--but the Hunters are close behind, and they will stop at nothing until they have captured Nathan and destroyed his father.  

 

Book #2 of the Half-Bad Trilogy...I hesitated to read this when it first came out but started to see so much buzz on the blogs that I had to read it and discover for myself what a great series this is.  I think it would be a great series for those boys who are having a tough time finding reading material as well....



Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

This week I got: 

Summary (by Goodreads)

Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

I have been seeing a lot about this book recently.  I am new to the Jodi Meadows series but her Newsoul series has been on my TBR list for ages.

- Christinabean

Shout Out to Indies - The Keys of the Watchmen by Kathleen C. Perrin

We here at The Paperback Princesses often receive emails from Indie authors requesting reviews and are blessed with free book copies. Often we are unable to get to so many titles before our mass market published books take over our TBR shelves. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of great reads though! We want to give back to those Indie authors and are declaring EVERY SECOND SUNDAY our SHOUT OUT TO INDIES MEME. For those of fellow bloggers, please feel free to add our meme to your regular schedule. We only ask that you quote and link back to us as a courtesy. For all of you Indie authors, we invite you to contact us at the contact link to your top left. We will select 1 - 3 titles (each time we post) that sound interesting.

This week's selection is: 

Publisher:  Langon House, printed by Create Space

ISBN:  13: 978-0692342855, 10: 0692342850

Release Date: November 28th, 2014

During a tourist trip to Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, France, 17-year-old Katelyn Michaels is confronted by two unusual young men, one who insists she is there to save the mount,  and the other who will stop at nothing, even murder, to prevent her from fulfilling her destiny.

Katelyn Michaels plans on hating every moment of her visit to Mont Saint Michel with her father’s new French wife. Once there, she is confused when she experiences sensations of déjà vu and hears voices as she and her younger brother explore the medieval village and abbey.

When the oddly-dressed but alluring Nicolas slips Katelyn a strange medallion, she is whisked back through time with him to the 15th century where her Watchmen hosts tell her she is the only hope to save Mont Saint Michel from the invading English armies.

Even worse, she learns those armies are led by a fallen angel intent on learning the mount's closely-guarded secret.

Katelyn is torn by feelings of anger at being taken back in time, inadequacy at finding a modern solution for a medieval problem, and responsibility for the mount’s starving inhabitants. She is also perturbed by her surprising attraction to the ill-tempered Nicolas. Will she stay to learn why she was chosen by the Archangel Michael and find a way to save his mount?

Why I Write by Kathleen C. Perrin

I come by my passion for words honestly. My father was a storyteller par excellence, often making up tales and poems to entertain his children, and my 94-year-old mother’s life to 

this day is brimming with books. However, neither of my parents had the advantage of being 

college-educated since they came of age during WWII. While my father flew mission after 

mission in a B-24 bomber, including on D-Day and during the Battle of the Bulge, my mother 

gave birth to their first baby. During those dark, uncertain days, he and my mother wrote letters 

to each other every day. However, after my father safely returned, that period was so excruciating for them both that they burned the letters. How I wish I could touch those pages,

filled with words I can only imagine, but they are lost forever. 

Wartime ended, and eventually I came along as the beloved baby in a family where good 

literature, proper English, and imaginative thinking were highly valued. I grew up telling stories 

and concocting poems just like my father. I loved how—like colors—words could create somber scenes or capture bright, blissful moments. 

Now, as an adult, I write to compensate, in a way, for my parents’ lost words, but I also write to honor my future, to leave something permanent for my own posterity, something that links them with their French heritage, because my husband is French. My muse is and has always been La Belle France. We have a cottage in France, I am a French translator, and over the years my husband and I have discovered countless beauties and mysteries in France. I’m always 

getting new inspiration for stories as I explore its historic hills and ancient edifices, and I want 

younger and older readers alike to fall in love with France as well. As I have walked the ancient 

stones of the incomparable Mont Saint Michel—a magical, mystical place, the legendary site of 

the War in Heaven where Lucifer and his followers were cast out—they murmured to me the 

story of Katelyn Michaels, my novel’s 17-year-old protagonist. And if my readers, whether they 

be young or old, don’t come away with a desire to visit Mont Saint Michel (see my photos of the mount on my website at: www.kathleencperrin.com), then I have failed miserably!

Kathleen C. Perrin holds bachelor’s degrees in French and Humanities from Brigham Young 

University and is a certified French translator. She has published several non-fiction articles, 

academic papers, and a religious history about Tahiti.

Kathleen has lived in Utah, New York City, France, and French Polynesia. She and her French 

husband have spent years investigating the mysteries and beauties of his native country—where 

they have a cottage—and have taken tourists to Mont Saint Michel.

The Perrins have three children and currently reside in Utah.

After the Bridge by Cassandra Clare

Published: September 2014

Publisher: Cassandra Clare

Pages: 32

Copy Provided by: free by Cassandra Clare

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Short Story about Tessa, Jem and what happened after that meeting at Blackfriar's Bridge at the Epilogue of Clockwork Princess.

Review:

Tessa, Jem and Will had a unique little love triangle.  You MUST read the entire trilogy of Infernal Devices to understand how amazing this short story is.  And of course, you must be a lover of romance and happy endings.  Cassie Clare used these short 32 pages to sum up the LONG and patient wait for a love that never dies. Read this treasure if you want one last glimpse into the Infernal Devices series because you didn't want it to end.  Be prepared to be swept off your feet as Tessa and Jem finally have the reunion they have been waiting decades for....oh, and there will be sex....

You can read it for free here - After the Bridge 

Thank you Cassie...for giving us Shadowhunter fans one more thing to be happy about.

The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace

Published: March 3rd, 2015

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books

Pages: 432

Copy: Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.

In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.

The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.

With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.

The Storyspinner is a wonderful tale with tight, complex and multi-layered world building, many and varied well-rounded characters and a tense, thrilling story that keeps the reader thoroughly involved in the story.

Johanna and Rafe are the perfect couple, but there is no insta-love going on here.  Their relationship starts out very rocky and takes time to work itself out.  They begin to respect each other first and that takes a while, which is very believable and wonderful to read about.  There are so many layers to this story.  With differing pov's between Johanna and Rafe and the Keepers, the reader is nicely kept abreast of what is going on in all areas of the story, and there are several different story arcs.  There are also 2 different romances going on here and both of them are exceptional. The second is not integral to the story but is no less fun for that.

Ms. Wallace has created a world that is solid and believable. There is a slight medieval feel to it, but also a little bit of ancient Greece.  You'd have to read it to understand why really, but it's the idea that there are higher beings somewhere looking out for you, only not quite.  Sorry, that doesn't really make sense, but it works, on all levels. 

I started reading 'The Storyspinner' with not a lot of expectations and ended up reading it pretty much in one sitting.  I couldn't bring myself to put it down - even sat at the dinner table with it (sorry hubby) because I was at a really good part and I didn't want to miss anything! However I do have one negative and 
I have to get this off my chest - I really don't like this cover.  I realize that it is entirely suitable for the story, but it just doesn't do the story justice at all - it makes it look Robin Hood'ish and that is so inaccurate. I am certain many people will pass this one by because of it.  Just my opinion, but I had to say it. 

If you enjoy complex world building and believable characters in an engrossing fantasy, pick this one up asap.  You won't regret it.

Follow Friday

Friday Follow is a blog hop that was started by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we will answer!  This is a great opportunity for bloggers to network and interact. 

This week’s question –

Have you come up with any special memes or features on your blog that you’d like people to visit more?

Definitely!

We have several memes which we are proud of

Shout Out to Indies
We here at The Paperback Princesses often receive emails from Indie authors requesting reviews and are blessed with free book copies. Often we are unable to get to so many titles before our mass market published books take over our TBR shelves. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of great reads though! We want to give back to those Indie authors and are declaring EVERY SECOND SUNDAY our SHOUT OUT TO INDIES MEME. For those of fellow bloggers, please feel free to add our meme to your regular schedule. We only ask that you quote and link back to us as a courtesy. For all of you Indie authors, we invite you to contact us at the contact link to your top left. We will select 1 - 3 titles (each time we post) that sound interesting. 

A note from Curlypow - this meme now runs on any Sunday that we have content.  Sometimes a few weeks go by with none, then we'll have several weeks with highlights.  Christinabean and I love this meme.  It's just so great to help out new authors.

Musing by Knitwits
Not all of our reviews need be YA based.  Occassionally we pick up other books to read too (when we're not busy doing other things).  Musing by Knitwits will highlight craft and food books that catch our interest.  We may even do samples.  You never know what we'll throw into a giveaway!  

In Case You Missed It  
Curlypow is awesome when it comes to Reader's Advisory.  She has a wealth of knowledge from all of the books she has read.  Not all great books have been published in the current year though.  In Case You Missed It highlights some of our favorite books that may be a bit older but are totally worth a second look. 

Fantastic Fairytales
What's old is new again.  You see it when you look at fashion, trends, even toys.  Why not books?  Before books, tales were told orally and Fairytales were one of the first forms of storytelling.  Modified with each retelling, you may find one of your favorite fairytales is now modernized and has a special twist.  

Let's Hear it for the Boys
Most of our followers are female but that doesn't meant that all of our books should be for women!  Let's Hear it for the Boys is a monthly feature we have to introduce books that might be of interest to the male species.  However, that doesn't mean that us gals can't enjoy them too!

We use our memes to categorize titles which might be of use to our original targeted audience, educators and librarians.  Of course we love for readers of all backgrounds to follow us but when we originally started The Paperback Princesses, it was because we wanted to share information with others in our field.  Now, it's just become something fun that we've been working on for nearly FIVE YEARS!!

- Christinabean

Welcome to the Paperback Princesses! Make yourself at home, take a look around our blog and let us know what you think in the comments section. We would love to hear what you have to say about our posts. We often try to comment on your comments as well so feel free to start a conversation! Since there are two of us running the show, we always have a variety of titles and event postings. Be sure to check out our own personal meme page. Check out Fantastic Fairytales, Let's Hear it for the Boys, In Case you Missed it and a few others. We try to not only focus on new YA books but also great titles from the past.