Sleep No More by Aprilynne Pike

Published: April 2014

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 340

Copy Provided by: Borrowed

Summary: Goodreads

Summary: 

The blockbuster film Inception meets Lisa McMann's Wake trilogy in this dark paranormal thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Aprilynne Pike. This supernatural young adult novel is perfect for fans of Kelley Armstrong, Alyson Noël, Richelle Mead, and Kimberly Derting.

Charlotte Westing has a gift. She is an Oracle and has the ability to tell the future. But it doesn't do her much good. Instead of using their miraculous power, modern day Oracles are told to fight their visions––to refrain from interfering. And Charlotte knows the price of breaking the rules. She sees it every day in her wheelchair-bound mother and the absence of her father. But when a premonition of a classmate's death is too strong for her to ignore, Charlotte is forced to make an impossible decision: continue following the rules or risk everything—even her sanity—to stop the serial killer who is stalking her town. 

Review:

So I loved Aprilynne Pike's Wings series.  She has a great writing style and I was able to identify with ALL of her characters.  If you enjoy the writings of Kimberly Derting and Kelley Armstrong, you would enjoy Aprilynne Pike as well.  I have to be honest though, Sleep No More has been lower on my reading TBR list because of the cover.  I hate to say that but it is true.....I REALLY don't like the cover and it didn't motivate me to want to pick up the book so it has been sitting in my pile for the past year.  Sorry Ms. Pike  :(

So here are my thoughts on the novel....there were a lot of abstract ideas in this novel that I found it hard to wrap my head around.  Although I had compassion for Charlotte and her situation, I found that she really flipped back and forth between trusting her aunt and trusting a stranger who seemed to have a few answers.  It bothered me that she didn't discuss her premonitions and how frequent they were with her aunt.  Instead, by seeking information on her own, she was blind to who she could really rely on and underestimated how important her powers were to other people.

The concept of an oracle was interesting to me and how someone else was able to "enter her mind" was as well.  I don't think I have read a novel with this idea and I would like to see more with this kind of special ability.  We see plenty of vampires, demon hunters and zombies but I haven't seen Oracles before this.  YA needs a new hero.  :)

Sleep of Death is book #2 of this series and I don't think I will continue with it. While it was entertaining for a while, I'm afraid the concept did not hold my interest long enough to want to continue with the Charlotte's character on her journey into discovering her Oracle powers.  The ending of this novel didn't feel satisfying to me and I just didn't feel invested in the plot.  

Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike

Published: April 2013

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 320

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Kimberlee’s dead. Has been for a while, actually. Stuck haunting the halls of her high school, she’s doomed to an afterlife of boredom. That is until the new kid shows up.

The first thing Jeff spots is Kimberlee lying on the floor as other students walk right through her. Pretty soon she’s harangued him into helping her escape to the afterlife.

Kimberlee guesses that once Jeff rights her mean girl wrongs she’ll be able to move on. But nothing is simple in life after death...

Review:

To be honest, I knew nothing about this title until I read the novella One More Day.  I added it to my TBR list because I am a fan of Aprilynne Pike's Wings series.  It was a good twist on a modern day thief trying to redeem herself in the afterlife by convincing someone to help her return the good she has stolen.  It reminded me of a made for TV movie and lacked the depth I am used to from this author but it was still a fun read!

Jeff goes through the usual peer pressure of trying to fit in at a new school while being coached by the ever popular Kimberlee only to realize that he is better off being himself to attract the girl he likes.  We also discover a few things about Kimberlee that are not so likeable.  Towards the end of the book, I felt like I wanted to punch this girl out.  There are definitely themes you could draw out for an ISU assignment - shop-lifting, peer pressure, dating, bullying.  Tons to analyze for a stand-alone title.  Overall I would recommend it to a pre-teen audience just heading into high school.

On a side-note, the beginning of Chapter 30 is like an updated version of Say Anything...without the boombox (for those of you old enough to know what a boombox is and can quote "Say Anything")....

One Day More - Aprilynne Pike

Published: April 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 50

Copy Provided by: bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

This captivating and poignant 50-page digital original short story is a prequel to New York Times bestselling author Aprilynne Pike's Life After Theft—a haunting novel about the true cost of paying for one's mistakes.

Most teenagers would do anything to have Kimberlee Schaffer's life. But beneath the beauty, the wealth, and the popularity, Kimberlee has a terrible problem: an uncontrollable, insatiable need to steal. Over the years, she's learned to hide her secret from those closest to her, but now it's completely consuming her life—and Kimberlee is afraid that if she doesn't find a way to put an end to her compulsion, she may see her perfect world come crumbling down.

Review:

I love novellas.  They are like a little snack-sized brownies that I don't feel guilty about.  Not many calories and satisfying but they don't take much time.  Don't get me wrong....I mean I LOVE to read great big 700+ page books as well but novellas give you the satisfaction of finishing something when you have a long to-do list. 

Aprilynne Pike is a favourite author of mine (and I'm sure she is on Curlypow's list as well).  She is the author of Wings, a series we both whole-heartedly recommend.  When the Life After Theft book came out, it went onto my TBR list but I wasn't familiar with the storyline.  I picked up One Day More to see if it would catch my attention and it certainly did!  

One day More is the prequel to Life After Theft.  We meet Kimberlee Schaffer and right away we start to note that she is a big jaded and has some issues with property.  She is a compulsive liar and kleptomanic but yet as a reader, you can sense her loneliness and wonder what the reasons are behind her actions.  She collects all her treasures in a cave and her conscience has had her organize all of these items with the intent of returning them.  If you want a bite-size book to get you interested in a mystery G-rated teen novel, this might be the one you've been waiting for.

Stacking the Shelves - September 16

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

Summary (by Goodreads)

Tavia Michaels is the sole survivor of the plane crash that killed her parents. When she starts to see strange visions of a boy she’s never spoken with in real life, she begins to suspect that there’s much about her past that she isn’t being told. 

Tavia immediately searches for answers, desperate to determine why she feels so drawn to a boy she hardly knows. But when Tavia discovers that the aunt and uncle who took her in after her parents' death may have actually been responsible for the plane crash that killed them--and that she may have been the true intended victim--she flees for the safety of Camden, Maine, where the boy she sees in her visions instructs her to go.

Now, Tavia is on the run with no one to trust. No one, that is, except for her best friend and longtime crush, Benson.

Tavia feels torn between the boy who mysteriously comes to her at night and the boy who has been by her side every step of the way. But what Tavia doesn't know is that the world is literally falling apart and that to save it she will have to unite with the boy in her visions. Only problem? To do so would mean rejecting Benson's love. And that's the one thing Tavia Michaels swore she'd never do.

This week I downloaded Earth Bound to my e-reader.  I really enjoyed the Wings series by Aprilynne Pike and I an interested to see how Ms. Pike does when fairies are not involved.....besides, I like her love triangles.  :)

Fantastic Fairytales - Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

Published: May 2011

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pages: 375

Copy Provided by: Borrowed 

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice. 

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

Review:

I really enjoy this series and I'm not sure what it is.  I find that so many titles these days (like movies) place more emphasis on sex, violence and language.  Sometimes these aspects of books and film overshadow the real plotline.  Aprilynne Pike does a great job of creating a fairly clean teen read.  There is no language and overall the story is interesting and perfect for a younger teen audience, especially those who are just starting to notice the opposite sex.

For those of you who have not already read Book 1 and 2, we are back to the complicated love triangle.  However, to throw a bit more interest into the mix, Ms. Pike has added another player.  Yuki is a foreign exchange student but there is something odd about her and Laurel and her friends must try to figure out what it is.  Is she really as innocent as she seems to be or is it all an illusion?  

Illusions was an enjoyable read and it picked up quickly at the end of the book.  I would have liked more background information about the different abilities of each seasonal fairy as I could not remember the details from past titles.  Tamani totally took centre stage for me this time around.  Previously, I had been partial to David as being a good choice for Laurel but who could resist the confidence of a guy who says things like this - 

Pg 51
"I just don't want to cozy up to the guy whose girl  have every intention of stealing..."
- Tamani

Cocky, yes.  Also ballsy but not quite jerk-like.  At least he's honest...

I had originally thought this would be a trilogy but I'm so glad it wasn't.  Looking forward to book 4, Ms. Pike!

Curlypow here - I know this isn't exactly a fairy tale, but it is partially about faerie, so I figured that would count for this  month.  Hope you don't mind.

Due to the changes with Google Follower, we are now asking all new, and returning, followers to use Linky Follower in the right hand column of our page. Google Follower Connect will be discontinued at the end of February. Thanks!

Fantastic Fairytales - Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

Published: May 2011

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 375

Copy: From Library

Summary: Goodreads

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

Illusions is the 3rd book by Aprilynne Pike in what I thought was going to be a trilogy - but no, it turns out it's going to be a series.  How do I feel about this?  Furious, because I was really, really hoping for a happy ending, and pleased, because it means there will be more of Laurel, Tamani and David.

I really enjoyed Illusions - just as much as I enjoyed Wings and Spells - and it was great to become re-aquainted with all the characters.  Two of my favourites are Laurell's parents.  They just seem to be such likeable people.  Strict enough to ground Laurel for thoughtless behaviour, but always loving and understanding.   Chelsea,  David, Tamani - all the people we expect to see from the previous books are back again and some new ones as well.  Who exactly is Yuki, and why is she at school? I'm not telling. David and Tamani are struggling with each other this time around and I found myself unsure just exactly who I was rooting for.  They are both so lovable, in their own special ways, and both such typical boys even if one of them is a fairy. 

The story references several well known mythologies and gives them all very plausable explanations, yet this Avalon is very different from any we have read about before.  Ms Pike has woven such a complex society that it is easy to fall into the story and accept it as real.  There is excitement and mystery and some wonderful romantic angst that was all just so much fun to read. At about the half-way mark in the story it dawned on me that there was no way it was going to wrap up neatly, and of course there is an amazing cliff hanger ending that just about had me screaming with frustration.  I can't find any news about a fourth book, so I can't tell you how long we will have to wait to find out what happens, Grrrrrrr! Yet another success Ms Pike.  Please don't make us wait too long for the next one.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Published: May 2009

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 294

Copy Provided by: Purchased

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

Review:
I have to admit, this is my first fairy book. I'm not sure why I have never tried reading about fairies before. Perhaps I am more interested in vampires, demons and werewolves but I thought I'd give it a try. Part of the reason why I love this blog is because it pushes me to try new genres of reading. So to give you an idea of the depth of fairy knowledge Curlypow and I have, if we were to be reading about fairies, I would be reading Fairies for Dummies and Curlypow would be writing the Fairy Encyclopedia. I guess that makes me a fairy virgin...so does that make Miss Curlypow a fairy ho? (hahahahaha! Sorry, C, that was such a funny comment....I didn't mean to make it rhyme though!)

OK, back to the book. This was an easy read and at first I felt that it could be aimed at a younger audience (pre-teens). I feel that older teens would like it as well but the reading level was set lower than some of the books I have been reading as of late.

Laurel is such a lovely girl - cautious, careful and always thinking of others. Ms. Pike captured her innocence beautifully and slowly built up her relationship with David. When Tamani steps in, he really throws her for a loop as he is so familiar to her and understands her well without taking the same time to know her as David has. This book gives perspective in growing up one way and then discovering that you belong to a different culture. I can't wait to see how she develops as a character in future books (plus, will she choose David or Tamani?).

The pace of the story was steady and the author took the time to develop the characters well before the real action began. Overall, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to adding Spells to my TBR pile.

Curlypow reviewed the 2nd book, Spells last month so stop by and take a peek. Ms. Pike is coming out with two more books in the series. Book # 3 is called Enchantments (release date is May 2011) and #4 is Illusions. I visited her website and unfortunately, she does not have any appearances planned. I did find out that she is the mother of 3, she just finished a draft of Book #4...now not entitled Illusions, and is also working on a stand-alone title! Busy girl! Learn more about Aprilynne Pike on her website and her blog....she's also on twitter.

Don't forget to enter our contest! We are giving away a copy of Wings + a pair of hand-knit socks. The contest is open to Canada and the USA and ends at midnight on September 2nd. You must be a Google Follower to enter but there are many ways to gain extra entries as well. Good luck!

Spells

Author: Aprilynne Pike
Released: May 4/2010
Publisher: Harper Teen
# Pages: 359
Copy provided by: Library
Summary: Goodreads

Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever. When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

Ok, you can call me a dork or whatever else you would like, but I am officially in love with Tamani. Check these out:

"He was leaning against the front gate, a long black cloak hanging from his shoulders, his knee-length breeches tucked into tall, black boots." (p264)
"Tamani stood and offered her his hand. He had relinquished his cloak but still wore the black breeches and boots, paired with a loose white shirt with the string loosened in the front, accentuating his tanned chest. He looked like a hero out of a movie; Wesley from The Princess Bride or Edmond Dantes from The Count of Monte Cristo. Laurel smiled and took his hand."(p297)
" 'I can't just storm in and proclaim my intentions. I can't 'steal' you away. I just have to wait and hope that, someday, you'll ask,' Tamani said. 'And if I don't?' Laurel said, her voice barely above a whisper. 'Then I guess I'll be waiting forever.' "(front blurb)

I don't know about you, but my imagination was working overtime after reading those. (They just happen to be two of my favourite movies, what can I say?) If Twilight can have team Edward and team Jacob, this series can have team David and team Tamani - me, I'm Tamani all the way!

If you haven't already read the first in this four volume series, 'Wings', do yourself a favour and go and read it now. Then try this one. Without giving away too much of the story, Laurell is still trying to come to terms with her fairy side and goes to spend time in Avalon to learn some of her heritage. When she gets back, her Mum is less than friendly, and there are still nasties - read trolls - out in the world to be dealt with. There are some new characters introduced and Klea in particular raised a lot of questions in my mind - I look forward to her development in the next book. David is such a 'guy' in this book. You'll understand what I mean when you get to the bit about the guns. It was quite funny actually and I enjoyed it.

I grew up reading Andrew Lang's fairy books and I know I just aged myself terribly by admitting that, but it gave me a life-long love of all things fairy. Ms Pike has just added to that love. Her version of Avalon is well crafted and her four tiers of fairy society are really wonderful. If I'm honest, the only thing I didn't like about this book was the fact that it ended! I may just have to go out and buy my own copy of this one.