In Case You Missed It - Control by Lydia Kang

Published: December 2013

Publisher: Dial books for Young Readers

Pages: 393

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.


I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, but I love it when I discover a book at work that seems to have missed my orbit completely and then I end up loving it. It looks as though the second book in the series 'Catalyst' came out in March of this year, but I haven't managed to find a copy of it yet.

Control is just a little bit strange, with shades of 'Steelheart', without all the fuss and fanfare, and a slight nod to X-men.  What I'm talking about is kids with 'powers', but no superhero vibe - they have some odd physical abnormalities as well.  I absolutely loved the diversity of the characters - Vera,  who is green and has an affinity for plants; Hex, who has an extra pair of arms; Wilbert who has a second head/brain and doesn't have to sleep conventionally; Cy, who has an affinity for healing and Zel, our protagonist, who seems not to age or grow.  The bad guys are equally fascinating.  Micah, Tegg, Blink and Caliga and our mastermind SunAj, who gave me the heebee jeebees!  I am constantly in awe of authors who have the imagination to come up with such completely individual characters.

The story trots along at a steady pace with several exciting incidents that get the heart racing and the synapses firing.  I just loved Zel's determination to get to the bottom of things and I enjoyed her relationship with Cy, with all it's ups and downs and insecurities.  There is a fair bit of science in the book as we are trying to find out what is in Zel and her sister Dyl's DNA, but it made sense most of the time and I didn't find it too boring.

There is a great mystery, great romance and great characters and I for one can't wait to see Catalyst.  Your either going to love this one, or hate it - there doesn't seem to be a lot of middle ground here. Me - I loved it.

In Case You Missed It - Royal Exile by Fiona McIntosh

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!

Published: December 2008

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Pages: 441

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

From out of the East they came riding like a merciless plague—destroying kingdom after kingdom and the sovereigns who had previously mocked the warlord Loethar and his barbarian horde. Now only one land remains unconquered—the largest, richest, and most powerful realm of the Denova Set… 

Penraven.

The Valisar royals of Penraven face certain death, for the savage tyrant Loethar covets what they alone possess: the fabled Valisar Enchantment, an irresistible power to coerce, which will belong to Loethar once every Valisar has been slain. But the last hope of the besieged kingdom is being sent in secret from his doomed home, in the company of a single warrior. The future of Penraven now rests on the shoulders of the young Crown Prince Leonel who, though untried and untested in the ways of war, must survive brutality and treachery in order to claim the Valisar throne.

Fiona McIntosh writes adult fantasy that is suitable for YA fantasy readers.  In this first book of a trilogy, many of the main characters are in their teens, or younger, and it is very easy to become vested in these characters.  There is a lot going on in the story, with several  arcs that just seem to fizzle out and go nowhere, but you can bet that they are very important to future books.

By starting out with her characters so   young, the reader gets to see some incredible character development throughout the trilogy (I've started #2 and they really have developed).  There is one character in particular, Freath, that I alternately wanted to punch and/or hug.  He is so complex and multi-layered. Loethar, the bad guy, does something so heinous that I was almost gagging, so those with sensitive stomaches beware, but it is an scene that is integral to his character, and really shows you how low people can go for what they believe.

Royal Exile is set in a world that has been seen before in McIntosh's previous trilogies The Quickening (which is absolutely brilliant by the way) and The Percheron Saga (which is also pretty good), although on a different continent,  so the world is already fully developed and very well set up. With twists and turns and plots and counter plots this book is at turns thrilling and mysterious and just sucked me in.  As I said, I've already started the second one Tyrant's Blood and it's shaping up to be just as good as the first  one.  

If you're ready to try some stretch out a bit in your fantasy reading, give this one a try.

In Case You Missed It - Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Published: January 1st, 2010

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Fire

Pages: 369

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice. 
Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, EMBRACE is a compelling novel of good and evil, seductive desires and impossible choices. A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It's a battle Violet doesn't want, but she lives her life by two rules: don't run and don't quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden. 
LINCOLN: He's been Violet's one anchor, her running partner and kickboxing trainer. Only he never told her he's Grigori--part human, part angel--and that he was training her for an ancient battle between Angels and Exiles. 
PHOENIX: No one knows where his loyalties lie, yet he's the only one there to pick up the pieces and protect her after Lincoln's lies. In a world of dark and light, he is all shades of gray. 
Two sides: Angel or Exile.
Two guys: Lincoln or Phoenix.
The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity... 

Embrace first came out several years ago and I seem to remember passing it by because it was about Angels.  I was on an angel overdose at the time and it didn't appeal.  However, when I saw a few weeks ago that #5 in the series, 'Empower', was due out, I reread the blurbs and decided it was time to give it a try - and boy, am I glad I did.

My first misconception was that Embrace was just about angels, but it's more about angel offspring, or Grigoi than angels themselves.  Ms. Shirvington has developed a very interesting mythology about the Grigori - an angel gives a piece of its soul to a child who loses a parent within the first 20 days of his/her life.  Enter Violet Eden, whose mother died giving birth.  The twist here is that it turns out Violet's mother was also Grigori and that makes Violet special.  Enter Lincoln and Phoenix.  One Grigori, one a fallen angel - both keeping secrets from her and adding major complications to violets life.  As a reader, we are rather more aware of what is going on than Violet and that makes some of her actions somewhat frustrating, but understandable.

There is a nice thread of tension that runs through the story and some mysterious goings on that will delight and enthrall.  I really enjoyed Embrace and I'm impatiently waiting for Entice to arrive for me at the library so that I can find out more about these fascinating characters.

Wanna win some free books? We are hosting a Canada Day giveaway.  Win up to two books up to $20CND each to anywhere the Book Depository ships!  See our post for details!   

In Case You Missed It - Eyes of Crow by Jeri Smith-Ready

 

Published: November 1st, 2006

Publisher: Luna

Pages 480

Copy: My own

Summary: Goodreads

 

 

For Rhia was bound to the Spirit of Crow, gifted with the foresight of Death's approach and doomed to the isolation of one feared and set apart.

There must always be one whose magic can ease the passage of the people of Asermos to the Other Side. But to be the guide her people require, to truly know the depth of her gift--her curse--Rhia must surrender herself to the wisdom of the Great Forest…and drink deeply of Death itself. And though two powerful men stand ready to aid her, even to love her, the Aspect of Crow demands unthinkable sacrifices from one who walks its path.

I was browsing the 'for sale' truck at work the other day and found this one.  I am a huge fan of her Shade series (YA) and WVMP radio series  so I thought to myself 'Self, you can surely afford the $1.50 for these three books!'  Two days later, I have the first one read and I'm ready to start on #2.

The blurb above is a little dramatic for the actual story I think, which was really a coming of age story.  The main character, Rhia, has to come to terms with her 'gift' - which is a little macabre to say the least- and she keeps putting off her apprenticeship.  Rhia keeps trying to escape her future, but she knows she can't and acts like many teens by thinking about it later.  Add in two good looking guys - Arcas and Marek - who are more than willing to offer Rhia a shoulder to cry on and the steam starts rising.  I kept imagining Marek as a younger Gerard Butler because that was his name in the movie 'Timeline'.

A really interesting factor in this story is that all inhabitants of Asermos and Kalindon have magic that is in some way related to animals.  But there are phases, or aspects to this magic.  The first is the 'Bestowing' when each person fasts for three days and meets their animal.  The second more involved aspect arrives when that person becomes a parent, and the third when they become a grand parent.  Cool eh!  Complications can arise with the magic if the 2nd Aspect is  reached before the person is 'ready'  (a lovely nod to having safe sex) and we see that with Marek  The way he overcomes those complications is interesting.

Eyes of Crow is a fantasy with a well explored mythos, relatable characters and good sex.  Yep, this one is not for teens, but it falls squarely into what is now being called New Adult - or it would if NA had fantasy, which it might but I haven't seen anything yet- and in 2006 when this was published, an NA designation was still just a spark in some unknown persons mind.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to following Rhia as she finds out more about what she is capable of.  Great story.

In Case You Missed It - Dangerous Dream: A Beautiful Creatures story by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Published: December 2013

Pages: 46

Copy: Netgalley

Summary: Goodreads

Catch up with Ethan, Lena, and Link as they finally graduate from high school and get ready to leave the small Southern town of Gatlin. But when Dark Caster Ridley makes an appearance, the sometime bad girl can't resist picking a fight with her sometime boyfriend, Link. Angry and rebellious as ever, Ridley ends up alone in New York City and becomes entangled in the dangerous underground Caster club scene, where the stakes are high and losers pay the ultimate price.

Where's a Linkubus when you need him?

Christinabean and I are huge fans of the Beautiful Creatures series and are both waiting with bated breath for the new installment  'Dangerous Creatures' which is due out May 20th (OMG I cant wait, Squeeeee). 

Two of my favourite characters in the series are Link and Ridley. They are really the odd ones out in a sense.  They are geeks and wannabe's and should never, ever be together, but for some reason their attraction makes sense.  They are either going to have this epic love affair, or something bad is going to happen and Dangerous Dream sets up the story.  Right now , I'm thinking something bad, really bad, is going to happen, but I hope I'm wrong.  I'd really like to root for the epic love affair, but this story just reminds us how self-centred Ridley really is.

If you get the chance, read this little ebook.  It'll take you about 10 mins or there-abouts - ok, maybe half an hour - but it will certainly get you ready to enter into this fabulous world again.  I can't wait!

In Case You Missed It - Pure by Julianna Baggot

 

Published: February 8th, 201

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Pages: 431

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

 

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .
Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .
There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again

When this first came out I have to admit that I was a little burnt out on dystopian/apocalyptic titles, so I gave it a pass.  However, a short while ago I was asked to review 'Burn' which is the final book in the series.  I declined unfortunately, because I didn't think I could do the book justice with not having read the first two.  Of course, that got me thinking and I searched out a copy of Pure so that I could give it a go.  I am so glad that I did.

Pure is somewhat unique in its premise in that the 'event' that causes the apocalyptic state has been engineered, and the resulting devastation has produced some incredibly unique individuals, or not so individuals.  Yes I do mean that!  Baggott's world is populated by 'pure's' and by others and the others are like nothing I have ever read about before.  Human beings who have become fused - to other humans or to 'things.


Pressia, the protagonist, has a dolls head fused to one hand.  Bradwell has birds fused to his back.  Pressia's grandfather has a fan fused to his trachea.   The visuals I imagined from the descriptions in the book were eerie and weird.  Add in some people who are fused to the earth itself and others that are fused together and this is a well thought out world that will give you nightmares. Then of course there is the Dome, where the Pures live.  Life as normal right?  No, not at all.  These Pures are being bio-engineered to be bigger, better, stronger, smarter ..... Such world building! The characters, for all their differences, were very easy to connect with

Pure fascinated me from start to finish.  There is some mystery about Pressia's birth.  There is mystery about Partridge's mother. Why did Partridge get out of the Dome so easily?  What is in store for Lyda, whom he left behind.  So many questions, and most of them answered, but not all.  Just enough left unanswered to guarantee that I'll be hunting out the second book, 'Fuse',  very soon - in fact it's already on hold at the library.

An absolute must for fans of apocalyptic fiction if you haven't read it yet.  It's also a great time to read it as 'Burn' came out at the beginning of this month, so you won't have to wait to finish the trilogy.

In Case you Missed it - The Evil Within by Nancy Holder

Published: June 2010

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 272

Copy Provided By: Author

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

In this sequel to NYT bestselling author Nancy Holder's Possessions, Lindsay finds out that she too, is possessed, and must return to creepy Marlwood Academy in order to rid herself of the spirit. Lindsay's afraid of what the spirit is telling her to do. But the secrets of Marlwood go much deeper than Lindsay thought. Sometimes the girls who seem like enemies are actually on your side. And the voices you trust the most - the voices that come from within - are the ones that want you dead.

Review:

I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy of this ages ago from Nancy Holder.  I think I may have won it off her blog.  What attracted me to it is my fascination with scary books.  The cover of this title is certainly horrifying!  I'm not sure what took me so long to read it though.  

The Evil Within is the second book in the Possessions trilogy.  Originally I did not realize that there was a book #1 but Holder did a great job of catching the reader up on the creepy ghosts possessing girls from Marlwood.  The plot was steady and there were many creepy twists throughout the title.  Unfortunately, The Evil Within did not hold me captive enough to want to continue to the next book in the series.  I would add it to my YA horror collection and start with book #1 but only after reading Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake and Possess by Gretchen McNeil.  I liked it but I didn't LOVE it.

In Case You Missed It - Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Published: Oct 2006

Publisher: NAL Jam

Pages: 239

Copy provided by: Won in a contest years ago

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

Review:

My oh my do I wish I had started reading this series earlier....A few years back I won Volume 1 of the Morganville Vampires series.  It includes Glass Houses (book 1) and Dead Girls' Dance (book 2).  Of course, this was when the blog was first starting out and I was attending author signings and we were reading about vampires, zombies, fairies (oh my!).  It was just too hard to catch up to it all!  Since then I had (somehow) signed up for Rachel Caine's newsletter and just last month started to receive emails about her fund-raising efforts to create a Web Television series for the Morganville Vampires.   I watched her YouTube video  plea for money and it was convincing so I decided to be a "backer" on Kickstarter. Besides,  she had some really cool bonuses for those willing to help her out.  :)  Watch her video and tell me if you would have given her money. 

Anyhow, Rachel did manage to get the cash she needed to fund this project (insert polite applause and yahooing here).  Which was fantabulous!  But what now?  I thought I should really take a closer look at what I've invested my money into so I dove into Glass Houses.

It was such a quick read and I soon learned to love the characters in this series.  True, I wish that Claire would develop more of a backbone...especially with Monica.  And, I could not understand why Claire found it more important to attend class then to stay inside and stay alive...but the Morganville Vampire series is such a fun read.  If you enjoy other supernatural series such as Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and The Secret Circle, you will enjoy this one.  

Look for more news regarding the Morganville television series.  I will send updates as they become available.  :)

In Case You Missed It - All Good Children by Catherine Austen

All Good Children by Catherine Austen

Published: 2011

Publisher: Orca Book Publishers

Copy: Library

Pages: 300

Summary: Goodreads 

It's the middle of the twenty-first century and the elite children of New Middletown are lined up to receive a treatment that turns them into obedient, well-mannered citizens. Maxwell Connors, a fifteen-year-old prankster, misfit and graffiti artist, observes the changes with growing concern, especially when his younger sister, Ally, is targeted. Max and his best friend, Dallas, escape the treatment, but must pretend to be "zombies" while they watch their freedoms and hopes decay. When Max's family decides to take Dallas with them into the unknown world beyond New Middletown's borders, Max's creativity becomes an unexpected bonus rather than a liability. 

This floated across my radar for a few reasons – the least of which included it being a White Pine nominee (an awesome award set we have up here in Canada). It was completely different than what I expected – which was just another type of dystopia.

And I wasn’t wrong, but Ms. Austen tackled the utopian/dystopian theme in an interestingly human way. It made some great allusions to today’s society – does your child have too much energy? Are they unfocused? There’s a drug for that! But Ms. Austen took it even further – what if all kids were treated, whether they needed it or not? What if every one of them became the model citizen only uninvolved parents could love?

We find out. Little is known about how this utopia nestled in a dystopia came to be – but we know that the people in the walls will do anything to keep it perfect. But not everyone feels the same. And instead of a “Hunger Games”-esque uprising, we instead watch as a family struggles between what’s right, and staying safe in the walls of their society and falling in line.

The beauty also comes from Max and his art. He’s a pretty typical teen, with a little bit of an attitude, and a love of art as expression. His art isn’t appreciated – where graffiti has become an almost subset artform in today’s society, in Max’s utopia, it is not tolerated. But his bold streak still gets his work – and his magnum opus piece – out there to be seen. I won’t give away the twist (although most savvy readers will catch on – I didn’t until the last moment), but it’s wonderful and subtle and makes me eager to read more of Ms. Austen’s writing.

“All Good Children” is a standalone – it’s not slated to be a series, and so the story wraps up nicely. Well-plotted, with characters you want to hug and shake all at the same time, I can see where it got it’s nomination, and I wouldn’t be disappointed to see it win.

Many thanks to Special K for this review.

In Case You Missed It - Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

 

Published: October 2007

Publisher: Razonbill

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.
I am part of a book club that meets once a month.  Just a small, very informal group of like minded adults, who sometimes spend more time talking about life and work than about books.  We pick and choose our books from any and every genre - we even have a BYOB night once a year - that's bring your own Book by the way, not Bottle - although a glass of wine never goes wrong. 

This March the choice was mine, and I picked Thirteen Reasons Why because I really wanted to discuss it with someone. I first read Thirteen Reasons Why shortly after it was published in 2007 and it has stayed with me.  It was, in fact still is, a profoundly moving book.  It is also a book that can be interpreted in many different ways, by many different people.  I was surprised when time came to discuss this book with my friends, because I discovered that not everyone saw it the way I did.  We had a very intense discussion about the book and not everyone felt the way I did.  One of my friends saw things from a completely different angle and that opened my eyes yet again to everything that is in this book.  There is so much going on here on so many different levels - perfect ISU material.

The blurb states that this book will deeply affect teen readers.  I want to add that it will probably deeply affect everyone who reads it, for a myriad of different reasons. If you haven't read Thirteen Reasons Why yet, go out and find a copy and try it.  You may love it, you may hate it, but I guarantee you will feel something after reading it. 

In Case You Missed It - Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame

Don't forget that we have a giveaway going on for a copy of Jennifer Lynn Barne's Nobody & Every Other Day. ENTER HERE NOW

A lush, historical novel about the secretive Darlingtons of Wentworth Hall!The prettiest people often have the ugliest secrets…

Eighteen-year-old Maggie Darlington has turned into an entirely different person. The once spirited teen is now passive and reserved. A change Lord and Lady Darlington can’t help but be grateful for.

It’s 1912, and the Darlingtons of Wentworth Hall have more than just the extensive grounds to maintain. As one of Britain’s most elite families, they need to keep up appearances that things are as they have always been…even as their carefully constructed faÇade rapidly comes undone.

Maggie has a secret. And she’s not the only one…the handsome groom Michael, the beautiful new French nanny Therese, the Darlingtons’ teenage houseguests Teddy and Jessica, and even Maggie’s younger sister Lila are all hiding something. Passion, betrayal, heartache, and whispered declarations of love take place under the Darlingtons’ massive roof. And one of these secrets has the power to ruin the Darlingtons forever.

When scandalous satires start appearing in the newspaper with details that closely mirror the lives of the Darlingtons, everyone is looking over their shoulder, worrying their scandal will be next. Because at Wentworth Hall, nothing stays secret for long.

 



Wentworth Hall was originally published in hardcover in May 2012 and has just come out in paperback.  I have to be honest and say that I haven't quite finished reading my copy from the library, but so far I am really enjoying it.  On the strength of what I;ve read so far, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, or likes to watch Downton Abbey. 

In Case You Missed It.- Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abbey McDonald

 

Published: January 24th, 2012

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Pages: 319

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Can a twelve-step program help Sadie kick her unrequited crush for good? Abby McDonald serves up her trademark wit and wisdom in a hilarious new novel.

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly one-sided. The object of her obsession — ahem, affection — is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie’s feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett’s constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock — all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder — until he calls to say he’s fallen in love. With some other girl! A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she’s finally had enough. It’s time for a total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.


Getting Over Garrett Delaney was a fun, quick read that will appeal to most readers of contemporary fiction.  There's not a lot of serious angst in it and there is a fair bit of self-deprecating humour, but it manages to cover a fairly serious topic - self perception - and point out some major problems that many of us have when we a 'crush' on someone.

Sadie is an absolutely adorable 17 yr old who comes to the realisation that she has spent 2 years turning herself into someone else's idea of perfection, not her own.  The kicker being, that the someone else hasn't even really noticed.  Ms McDonald shows how easily we fall into the trap of agreeing with other people because it's easier than defending our own opinion.  We are so consumed with being liked by others that we give up our own selves and become what we think others want us to be. 

I realised when I had finished the book that it reminded me very much of myself when I was younger - not in actuality perhaps, but in concept. I spent several years as a pitifull doormat because I was too scared of losing my 'friends' if I stood up for myself.  As it turns out my friends were ok with the real me, as are Sadie's friends.  I've made this sound a little darker than it actually is, but the things is, while the story is light hearted and entertaining, the message behind it is very real. I'll be recommending this one a lot.

For Canadians - you might be interested to know that GOGD has been nominated in the Forest of Reading, White Pine category (grades 9-12) for this year.  I've added the list of all the nominees and there are some incredibly good titles there.  This makes a great reading list if you're wondering what to tackle next, and they are all written by Canadians. Which one would you vote for?


All Good Children
Written by Catherine Austen
Dark Inside
Written by Jeyn Roberts
First Day On Earth
Written by Cecil Castellucci.
Getting Over Garrett Delaney
Written by Abby McDonald
Karma
Written by Cathy Ostlere
The Opposite Of Tidy
Written by Carrie Mac
The Taming
Written by Eric Walters and Teresa Toten
Way to Go
Written by Tom Ryan
The Way We Fall
Written by Megan Crewe
Witchlanders
Written by Lena Coakley
.

In Case YOu Missed It - Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

 

Published: July 2012, May 2011

Publisher: Bluefire

Pages: 408

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

For Nick Pardee and Silla Kennicot, the cemetery is the center of everything.

Nick is a city boy angry at being forced to move back to the nowhere town of Yaleylah, Missouri where he grew up. He can’t help remembering his mom and the blood magic she practiced – memories he’s tried for five years to escape. Silla, though, doesn’t want to forget; her parents’ apparent murder-suicide left her numb and needing answers. When a book of magic spells in her dad’s handwriting appears on her doorstep, she sees her chance to unravel the mystery of their deaths.

Together they plunge into the world of dark magic, but when a hundred-year-old blood witch comes hunting for the bones of Silla’s parents and the spell book, Nick and Silla will have to let go of everything they believe about who they are, the nature of life and death, and the deadly secrets that hide in blood.

Blood Magic was an interesting read.  It took me a little while to get through, but really that was more circumstance than lack of enjoyment.  The story is -of course - about blood magic and how the discovery of it affects Silla and her brother Reese after the death of their parents.

Silla was a slightly different character, who tries to hide her true feelings behind masks.  I was a little confused about these masks, because at first they appear to be real, but in fact they are masks of her imagination.  Thankfully, towards the end of the book we find out where these masks fit into the picture - confusion gone! No love triangle in this one, but there is a romance and the hunk in question is Nick who, it turns out, is aware of the magic.  His connection with Silla is powerful and effective, and I loved the way he was always there for her.

Oh, and there is lots of blood, and magic - some interesting story development with that one. There are interesting diary entries from an older witch that help to bring the story to an exciting conclusion.  But not a final one.  Book 2 of the trilogy(?) came out in August 2012, so you may have missed it too, like I did.  I am positive that the reason I missed catching this one first time around was the cover.  The original cover was very blah and did nothing to excite me, but when I saw this new version, for the paperback, I loved it and picked it up immediately.  It is much more indicative of what the story is actually about.  Try it out for yourself.

I also found out there is a third book Crow Memory, which is tagged as The Blood Journals 1.5, I might have to find that one too. I can't find a title for a third (fourth) book so if you know of one, tellus about it.

In Case You Missed It - The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird

 

Published: April 2011

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Pages: 420

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

In seventeenth-century Scotland, saying the wrong thing can lead to banishment—or worse. Accused of being a witch, sixteen-year-old Maggie Blair is sentenced to be hanged. She escapes, but instead of finding shelter with her principled, patriotic uncle, she brings disaster to his door.

Betrayed by one of her own accusers, Maggie must try to save her uncle and his family from the king’s men, even if she has to risk her own life in the process. Originally published in the UK, this book has a powerful blend of heart-stopping action and thought-provoking themes.

I seem to have been finding a lot of these great books at the library that I missed when they first came out.  The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is a wonderfully engaging tale of a 16yr old girl living in 17th C Scotland.  It's hard to imagine just how cruel life could be in those times.  Adherance to the scriptures was more important than anything else and you could still be hanged for a witch.

One of the things I really loved was that I actually grew up in the area where the book takes place.  I have been on a boat from Largs to Rothsay, looked down on Scalpsie Bay and I had a wonderful time remembering the beautiful Scottish countryside as I was reading about it.  Of course, I wasn't walking it by myself with no shoes on!

Maggie is a strong but sensible character and it's easy to like her.  She's had a really hard life - imagine carrying your shoes with you instead of wearing them, because you are so unused to them.

"I had carried my shoes until we were almost at the church and only remembered to put them on when Nanny whined for me to pick her up and I needed both my hands.  The shoes pinched my feet, but I was pleased to be seen in them.  I even enjoyed the clatter they made on the kirk's stone floor."

It's easy to fall completely into Maggie's world and to feel for her during her hardships.  With all the persecution and bad conditions it made me extremely glad to be living now and not then.  Betrayal is an enjoyable and fairly quick read that will be great for historical fans.

On a side note - what's with the weirdness on the cover?  It took me a few moments to realise what it is that's wrong with the picture - can you tell?

In Case You Missed It - Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury

 Published: Paperback May 2012
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pages: 309
Copy: Library
Summary: Goodreads



An adventurous debutante refuses to settle for society’s expectations—and unleashes international intrigue (and possibly an ancient curse) along the way. Agnes Wilkins is standing in front of an Egyptian mummy, about to make the first cut into the wrappings—about to unlock ancient (and not-so-ancient) history. She sees herself wearing a pith helmet with antique dust swirling around her. She sees herself as a young Egyptologist who has arrived in Cairo on camelback.

She sees herself dreaming. Because reality for a seventeen-year-old debutante in 1815 London does not allow for camels—or dust even. No, Agnes’s encounter with a mummy is happening on Lord Showalter’s verdant green lawn, where butlers abound and strolling sitar players strain to create an exotic “atmosphere” for the first party of the season. An unwrapping.

And a beginning. Not just of Agnes’s debut season and the ever-shrinking scope of her future—home, husband, and high society. No, something else begins as well, because the mummy Agnes unwraps is more than a mummy: It’s a host for a secret that could unravel a new destiny—unleashing a mystery, an international intrigue—and possibly a curse.

Before I say anything about the story itself I have to say that I'm really glad that the book cover changed for the paperback copy (on the left).  The hardcover (right) looks so much younger and I would never have picked it up.  That said, I'm glad I did pick it up, since it was lots of fun.

Wrapped was a wonderful romp through Regency London, with our protagonists chasing Napoleonic spies.  It was atmospheric and dangerous yet full of fun.  Who knew unwrapping a mummy would have such dire consequences?  Agnes and Caedman (don't you just love those names?) are thrown together as they search for the answers to a puzzle that seems to date back to Ancient Egypt. I loved the ingenious ways that Agnes uses to escape from her chaperone so that she can meet Caedman to work on deciphering the clues.  She has such wonderful strength of character and she is absolutely amazing with languages - she speaks 10  of them.  God, I struggled with one in school and promptly forgot it when I left, so I have a great admiration for anyone who is talented that way, even if they are only characters in a book.  Another thing I loved about her was her propensity to quote Austen, in several of those languages, when she gets concerned or worried about things.

Caedman was the perfect foil for her and the two of them together fit so nicely.  He is charming and sweet and I loved his willingness to work out puzzles on his own time.  You'll enjoy the wonderful historic details and the fabulous relationships between the characters as they unravel the mystery and find the bad guys.  Great fun and a quick read. Try it if you haven't already.

In Case you Missed It - Jumping off Swings by Jo Knowles

Published: August 2009

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Pages: 230

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:
One pregnancy. Four friends. It all adds up to a profound time of change in this poignant, sensitively written YA novel.

Ellie remembers how the boys kissed her. Touched her. How they
begged for more. And when she gave it to them, she felt loved. For a
while anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their "one-time thing" is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant. Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character’s point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl’s life — and the realities of leaving innocence behind.

Review:
Jumping off Swings is a title that has been on my TBR list for quite some time.  Teenage pregnancy.  We all know someone who has gone through it or have heard of someone who has gone though it.  We all speculate and judge and make assumptions but do we really know what it was like and how the teen Mom and Dad are coping with it?  

I enjoyed this title and I think it was because of the simple yet sensitive way Jo Knowles wrote the story from 4 different viewpoints.  It touched me how this pregnancy was a huge deal but even the adults were trying to avoid the issue and no one communicated like they should except for a single mom who didn't want Ellie to go through things alone as she had.  


I was broken-hearted to see how Ellie's parents abandoned her in her time of need.  But people hurt one another.  Especially the ones they love.  Knowles took a very difficult subject and made it more identifiable for teens.  She also stripped away the judgments we admonish on those who break societal rules.  Josh knocked Ellie up.  But it wasn't like he didn't have feelings for his actions.  We read about his voice and how he deals with his actions and who he turns to.  I was expecting this read to be more raw but the word poignant as in the summary description by Goodreads is the perfect word

I would recommend this title to a reluctant reader who is going through some teenage angst.  It was a quick read with a lower reading level but would make a great ISU project.

Don't forget to enter our GIVEAWAY for Pushing the Limits

In Case You Missed It - The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Published: June 2006

Publisher: Puffin

Pages: 240

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

They have always scared him in the past—the Rangers, with their dark cloaksand shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied. . . .

I have looked at The Ruins of Gorlan, the first book in the Rangers Apprentice series, so many times - each time thinking that I must try it.  Finally I took it home last week and read it and enjoyed every minute of it.  I don't know why I waited so long.  Actually I think the reason was because at my library it is housed in the junior section, and now, after finishing it, I think it should be in the YA.

Will is a 15 yr old orphan who has the opportunity to apprentice as a Ranger.  This is a tough and somewhat mysterious profession, but Will seems suited for the job.  His is a small, slight young man, but very agile and quick-witted.  He is also extremely honest - always owning up to his mistakes and transgressions.  I loved that about him.  His eventual friendship with another orphan, Horace, is a delight to read about.  They couldn't be more different.  Horace is apprenticed at battleschool and is the physical opposite of Will.  The development of both these characters is well thought out and very believable.  There are some great adult characters as well with the Baron and Halt being my favourites.

The Ruins of Gorlan is a wonderful adventure story, with nasty ogre-like creatures and fierce battles, where the outcome is uncertain and the excitement never ends.  Its a perfect story for reluctant male readers, but girls, dont' pass it by - it's just a great story.  Everything wraps up neatly in this volume, but you just know there is more to come.  Nine more volumes in fact.  I've already put #2 on hold and it should be waiting for me next week.  I can't wait.  Very highly recommended.

In Case You Missed It - The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Published: May 2002

Publisher: Touchstone

Pages: 661

Summary:  Goodreads

Two sisters competing for the greatest prize: the love of a king When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, she catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled by the king, Mary falls in love with both her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realizes just how much she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots as the king's interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king, and take her fate into her own hands.

A rich and compelling tale of love, sex, ambition, and intrigue, The Other Boleyn Girl introduces a woman of extraordinary determination and desire who lived at the heart of the most exciting and glamorous court in Europe and survived by following her own heart.

Ok history lovers, this one is for you.  The quinessential tale of Henry VIII 2nd wife, Anne Boleyn, written with a deft, hand.   Such a captivating, engrossing tale, that you won't even notice it's over 600 pages long.

Ms Gregory has a history degree and a PhD in Eighteenth Century Literature, so she knows her stuff.  She writes in a way that makes the reader fall into the story and feel as if they are a part of history.  Anne was still basically a teenager when she arrived at court and she was completely manipulated by her family, but she had a strong will and that character trait shows clearly in the story.  It's also a wonderful love story and with the main protagonist being so young, that helps make this title a perfect crossover novel for those teens who enjoy historical novels and are ready to branch out.  Try it, I'm sure you'll love it, and when you do, there's a second volume 'The Boleyn Inheritance', to keep you going.  Highly recommended.

And for those of you who recognise the title, it was the basis for the movie The Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson.  The book is better than the movie, just in case you're wondering.

In Case You Missed It - The Comet"s Curse by Dom Testa

Published:  March 2010

Publisher: Tor Teen

Pages: 240

Copy: From Author

Summary: Goodreads

When the tail of the comet Bhaktul flicks through the Earth’s atmosphere, deadly particles are left in its wake. Suddenly, mankind is confronted with a virus that devastates the adult population. Only those under the age of eighteen seem to be immune. Desperate to save humanity, a renowned scientist proposes a bold plan: to create a ship that will carry a crew of 251 teenagers to a home in a distant solar system. Two years later, the Galahad and its crew—none over the age of sixteen—is launched.


Two years of training have prepared the crew for the challenges of space travel. But soon after departing Earth, they discover that a saboteur is hiding on the Galahad! Faced with escalating acts of vandalism and terrorized by threatening messages, sixteen-year-old Triana Martell and her council soon realize that the stowaway will do anything to ensure that the Galahad never reaches its destination. The teens must find a way to neutralize their enemy. For if their mission fails, it will mean the end of the human race….


Last month we were lucky enough to host a giveaway for the full series of 'The Galahad Legacy' by Dom Testa.  I was totally intrigued by the series and set out to read it -  The Comet's Curse is the first. (Thank you Dom for the signed copy.)

I'm thrilled to say, The Comet's Curse did not disappoint.  The story jumps between two timelines - before departure and after, and it was easy to keep the two separate. Dr Zimmer provides a wonderful 'father figure' perspective during the lead up to the departure of the Galahad, and I really enjoyed the obvious emotion he felt for his 'kids'.  The five main characters; Triana, Bon, Gap, Channy and Lita are all very different and comprise the council, or leadership, aboard the Galahad.  Not an easy position to hold when you are only 15 or 16 and going on a 5 year journey through space. The reader slowly gets to know these five brave and very smart kids, and it becomes apparent that we are in for some interesting times throughout the 6 books.   I predict lots of mystery and romance - wonder if I'll be right?

Something is obviously very wrong aboard the ship and Roc - the computer - shows some very human traits as he tries to help the council find a solution to the problem.  There was an almost palpable sense of unease as the story progressed, and the alternating timelines only seemed to enhance this.  I was not able to guess who was responsible for the problems aboard the Galahad, and I'll admit to being surprised - I believe my thought was duh!, when all was revealed - I really should have seen it, but I didn't.  Is it a little convenient that the virus that is killing mankind only affects those over 18?  Yes, of course it is, but this is fiction, and anything can happen when it's fiction.  I rather liked the comet idea myself.  It reminded me just a little of a movie several years ago called Night of the Comet, where everyone outdoors at the time the comet passed turned into dust.  Does anyone else remember that, or have I just aged myself completely?

All in all I really enjoyed The Comet's Curse and I'm definitely going to work my way through the series.  I so enjoy not having to wait for the next book to come out.  If you haven't tried this one yet, give it a go - it's a quick and fun read.

In Case You Missed It - The Scarlet Pimpernel

First published 1903

(This is the Kindle cover)

Armed with only his wits and his cunning, one man recklessly defies the French revolutionaries and rescues scores of innocent men, women, and children from the deadly guillotine. His friends and foes know him only as the Scarlet Pimpernel. But the ruthless French agent Chauvelin is sworn to discover his identity and to hunt him down.


Ok YA's out there, it's time to bone up on your classics.  This is a classic? I hear you saying to yourselves.  Well it is in my book.  This is a wonderfully humourous book about the search for the English spy 'The Scarlet Pimpernel', who is completely upsetting the French in their revolutionary zeal.

The main character is Sir Percy Blakeney, who on the outside appears to be a complete idiot and waste of space. (I think that today we would suspect he was gay.) He has married Marguerite St Just for convenience and he is barely civil to her. The two are struggling and Marguerite is trying to accept that her married life will be a complete sham.  But wait......

'They seek him here, they seek him there,
That demn'd elusive Pimpernel'

There is something mysterious going on here and Baroness Orczy takes the reader on a wild fun-filled ride trying to solve the mystery.  Set amongst the guillotines of the French revolution and the drawing rooms of the British aristocracy the search for the 'elusive Pimpernel' is a thrilling mix of humour and suspense that is so much fun to read. 

I first picked up The Scarlet Pimpernel when I was about 17, and I re-read it every few years just for fun.  It's not a mystery to me any more, but it is just a great book to read.  It's not a very long read, and it's not a difficult read, but it is fun and I highly recommend it.

Oh and for Canadians who need a novel for your ISU - this one fits the bill.