Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Published: May 2009
Publisher: Puffin

Pages: 259

Copy from: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Aerin Renning is a scarred fugitive, Dane Madousin a rebellious son of privilege. On the surface, they have nothing in common. But the two most competitive freshmen at Academy 7 share an undiscovered bond. Both harbor a dangerous secret that threatens their own destruction. And while their safety depends on their staying apart, the two are inexplicably drawn to each other.

Even as unknown forces conspire to separate them, their competition turns to friendship, and their friendship to romance. Now not only their lives—but their hearts—are at stake. To survive, the two must unite all their knowledge, skills, and gifts to uncover a secret bigger than either could have imagined. A secret as big as the entire universe...

I discovered Academy 7 on the shelf at the library when I was looking for something else. I had never seen or heard of it before, and I was not aware of the author, so I was doubly delighted when I read and really enjoyed it. The 2 main protagonists, Aerin and Dane are from 2 wildly different backgrounds and are both emotionally scarred for wildly different reasons - a match made in heaven? You'd think so wouldn't you, and eventually, yes, things do turn out well, but they have a long harrowing road to get there.

Set at some unknown point in the future, when space travel is taken for granted and there are many inhabited worlds, Aerin and Dane end up together at the most prestigious school in the universe. Not the 'World', but the universe! Other than that, it could be any boarding school in America. What I found interesting was the lack of secondary characters in the school. This story really was centred just around the 2 students, and other than an annoying queen bee who pops up every now and again, most of the other characters are adults, good and bad.

I enjoyed the growth of the characters, who despite their differences, had a lot in common, and the journey to acceptance of each other was fun to read. There were a couple of rather disturbing interludes with Dane and his father, and Aerin's parents, but they added dimension to the story. The romance was gentle, the mystery exciting and the characters were real. If you haven't already come across this one, try it out, I think you'll enjoy it.

It turns out that Anne Osterlund has also written 'Aurelia' and 'Exile', so I'm off to see if I can find a copy of either, or both!

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

Published: March 2009

Publisher: Bloomsbury Press

Pages: 308

Copy: Borrowed from Library

Summary: Goodreads

When Lucinda Chapdelaine was a small child, her parents left for the royal ball and never returned. Ever since, Lucinda has been stuck in perpetual servitude at her evil aunt’s jewelry store. Then, on the very same day, a mysterious visitor and an even more bizarre piece of jewelry both enter the shop, setting in motion a string of twists and turns that will forever alter Lucinda’s path. In this magical story filled with delightful surprises, Lucinda will dance at the royal ball, fall under the Amaranth Witch’s spell, avenge her parents’ death, and maybe — just maybe — capture the heart of a prince.

While not strictly a fairy tale, Julie Berry's 'The Amaranth Enchantment' certainly reads like one. There were definite shades of Cinderella going on here, but enough differences to make it a wonderful tale all on its own.

After being orphaned and brought up by an Uncle and Aunt, Lucinda is thrown onto the streets by her Aunt when her Uncle dies unexpectedly. So begins the start of a magical adventure full of Princes and balls, fairy godmothers and evil would-be wizards (of sorts). With the help of a young pick-pocket, Lucinda is able to navigate her way through misfortune and out into happiness.

Ms Berry has written an imaginative story that is suitable for all ages. The main character, Lucinda, is 15 - if my math is correct - but there is nothing in the story that could not be read by younger tweens. In fact it ended up in the junior shelves at my library. 'The Amaranth Enchantment' was a sweet, adventrous love story that was quick to read and full of fun. Highly recommended for fans of fairytales, cracked or otherwise.

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Published: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Harper collins
Pages: 256
e-arc provided by: Netgalley and publisher
Summary: Goodreads


Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.


Ok, how do I tell you how great this book was without giving out major spoilers? With difficulty! I loved this book. I started reading yesterday, read about 20 pages and thought - it's ok, and went for supper. At 1.00 am this morning, I finally put the book down with about 40 pages to go because my eyes just would not stay open. Flash to later this morning, where I finished it and now I'm disappointed because I have to wait I don't know how many months to find out what happens to Clara, Tucker and Christian.


Before we go any further I have to let you know I'm team Tucker all the way. He is my new heart-throb. Tall, tanned, blond, dimpled, kind, well-mannered, popular, hot -I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Then there's Christian - tall, dark, handsome, popular, no dimples, hot in a god-like sort of way - are you getting that picture too! And then there's Clara, blond, conflicted, confused, gorgeous and she doesn't know it, kind, not popular, on a mission, angelic(!).


Throw in a younger, popular brother of Clara's, Jeffrey; a twin of Tucker's, Wendy; a girlfriend of Christian's, Kay; Clara's friend, Angela, who's a bit of a mystery; Clara's mother, Maggie and a mysterious bad guy, Sam, and you have all the ingredients for an amazing story. It was complex and exciting, with a build-up of tension towards the end that was almost palpable. The love story(ies) is beautiful and believable . The characters were well-written and real (especially Tucker), and I can't wait for the next two books.


I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes from page 165 (?), enjoy.

'A lot of girls would be thrilled to receive Tucker Avery as a present, I know, what with the stormy blue eyes and the golden tawny skin and hair, the dimple carved into his left cheek. I have a mortifying flash of Tucker standing in front of me wearing a big red bow and nothing else.

Happy Birthday, Clara.'

Once in a Full Moon - Ellen Schreiber

Published: Dec 28, 2010

Publisher: Katherine Tegen books

e-ARC provided by: Netgalley and Publisher

Summary: Goodreads

Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves—Legend's Run is famous for them. She's used to everything in the small town until Brandon Maddox moves to Legend's Run and Celeste finds herself immediately drawn to the handsome new student. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight.
Her best friends may never forgive her if she gives up her perfect boyfriend, Nash, for Brandon, who's from the wrong side of town. But she can't deny her attraction or the strong pull he has on her. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run.
Psychic predictions, generations-old secrets, a town divided, and the possibility of falling in love with a hot and heroic werewolf are the perfect formula for what happens . . . once in a full moon.

I haven't read anything by Ellen Schreiber before, so I really wasn't sure what to expect, although her Vampire Kisses series has been really popular. What I got was a little bit of a disappointment, unfortunately. I felt as if something was missing, no excitement, which is what we've come to expect from werewolf books. The main protagonist, Celeste, was supposed to be 17 (I think), but she read to me as if she was much younger. Perhaps I'm just getting a little jaded, but the whole book felt younger to me.

Celeste seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about the 'bad' boy, but in a totally vapid way, and I was a little put off because she refused to completely break with her boyfriend, Nash. He deserved better. Sorry if that was a spoiler. She just seemed very young! And the whole idea Brandon as a handsome werewolf with a goatee just didn't work for me. I kept seeing pictures in my mind of cartoon characters. - particularly Shaggy from Scooby-doo - not sure why. The secondary characters never really felt fleshed out, and the fact that Celeste kept lying to them was a bit off-putting.

One good thing is that is was a very clean read. No bad language, and no sexual situations (that I can remember). I thought for a moment that perhaps that was why I didn't enjoy it so much, but I don't think so. There are plenty of other 'clean' reads that I have thoroughly enjoyed - like 'Paranormalcy'. Truthfully I felt as if I'd only read the first half of a book - I believe there may be a follow-up - so perhaps the action will pick up in a second volume.

All in all, I didn't dislike the book, but I certainly wouldn't recommend everyone rush out and buy it - get it from the library, definitely! Sorry, Ms. Schreiber, but I just was not that into 'Once in a Full Moon'.

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Published: October 2010

Publisher: Philomel Books

# Pages: 452

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

In 'Nightshade' Ms Cremer has written a complex and multi-layered story set in a wholly believable world. She has also populated it with multi-faceted characters that you can't help but become attached to. I very quickly became absorbed in the story of Calla, Ren and Shay and all of their friends and pack mates. Calla and Ren are strong and vibrant, and fit well in the world that Ms. Cremer has set up for them. Shay is the 'unknown' factor. Pivotal to the mystery that is at the heart of the story.

There is a major OMG moment about half-way through the book, which had me turning pages at a rapid rate from then on. I sort of guessed what was coming, but at the same time, so many new puzzles were thrown in that the ending came as a huge shock - although on hindsight I am convinced that I should have seen it coming, but I didn't - not really! Ok, if that just sounded confusing, I'm sorry. This book is exciting! It's full of twists and turns and yet at the same time seems very straight forward. The amazing world that has been created became very real and the characters were so believable. It is a completely new world with Guardians, Keepers and Searchers - good fighting evil - and you're never quite sure who is who and which is which. It is small town urban fantasy, and it works, in just about every way. It's new and different and well worth reading. I'm certain you won't be disappointed with this one.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Released: August 2010

Publisher: Harper Teen

# Pages: 335

Copy provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal. Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. So much for normal.

Evie is a normal human with a special gift. Or is she? Lend is a paranormal who can look like anyone he wants, male or female, but what is he? Reth is a seriously creepy fairy with an obsession for Evie. Put them all together and you have Paranormalcy, a story filled with mystery, intrigue, death, love, obsession, fae and wonderful humour.

'Lend's dad, two werewolves, and a vampire. It was like the setup to a bad joke or something. A doctor, two werewolves, and a vampire walk into a bar. "What'll you have?' the bartender asks. "We were thinking him," the vampire answers, eyeing the doctor.' (206)

Evie is such a loveable dork. She like to wear sparkly pink, her weapon of choice is a pink taser, and her biggest dream is to go to a real highschool and have a locker. Plus, she can kick serious butt. What's not to love about her?

' "I give you - my locker." It was a sickly teal, paint chipping off the corners to reveal a previous tan coat. I reached out and put my hand on the cold metal. "So, is it everything you imagined?" he asked. "Everything I imagined and more," I whispered,' (241)

And the fact that the book is full of swearing, without having one actual swear word - only lots of bleep! So cool!

Lend's father, David, was a rather nice parental role model. There has been a lot of discussion about negative parenting in YA lately, so it was a change to have a father who was concerned about Lend and grounded him for his indiscretions, without going over the top. I liked him. Lend himself - swoon. I am having a serious case of lust. Just can't decide which of his outward appearances I liked best. I just loved the fact that he wasn't too macho to admit he was scared. Another thing I liked was the acceptance of differences, which was aparent in many areas of the book. I love tolerance!

'My jaw dropped. Underneath her glamour her back was hollow like an old tree, and she had a tail. "What is she?" I whispered. "Nona? Oh, she's a huldra. Tree spirit." Watching her and the other paranormals in there, things shifted for me. They were vibrant, happy, not hurting anyone. This was a good place.' (229)

' "So you really are one of a kind, aren't you?" ......... "You are so freaking awesome." ' (226)

Paranormalcy was one of those books where I want to quote from almost every chapter. I loved just about everything about this book. the story skipped along at a nice pace with tension, laughter and sadness in equal measure. It was so much fun to read. My only regret is that I have finished it way too soon and there won't be another one for a while - but at least there will be another one, two even. 'Supernaturally' is due out in the Fall, 2011. I would say 'Paranormalcy' is an absolute must for YA paranormal fans. Lots of what you love, but different. Try it.

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

Mass Market Release: Oct. 5, 2010

Publisher: Signet

Pages: 400

Copy provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Deciding that true romantic heroes are a thing of the past, Eloise Kelly, an intelligent American who always manages to wear her Jimmy Choo suede boots on the day it rains, leaves Harvard's Widener Library bound for England to finish her dissertation on the dashing pair of spies the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. What she discovers is something the finest historians have missed: a secret history that begins with a letter dated 1803. Eloise has found the secret history of the Pink Carnation the most elusive spy of all time, the spy who single-handedly saved England from Napoleon's invasion.
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, a wildly imaginative and highly adventurous debut, opens with the story of a modern-day heroine but soon becomes a book within a book. Eloise Kelly settles in to read the secret history hoping to unmask the Pink Carnation's identity, but before she can make this discovery, she uncovers a passionate romance within the pages of the secret history that almost threw off the course of world events. How did the Pink Carnation save England? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly find a hero of her own?

I first read 'The Secret History of the Pink Carnation' back in March of 2005, not long after it's original release in February. I've always enjoyed historical novels and I thought it looked intriguing. Besides, the title reminded me of one of my favourite books 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' by Baroness Orczy, and the Scarlet Pimpernel was mentioned in the blurb - I just had to try it. How glad I am that I did - I had fun with this book from start to finish. It's witty, exciting, romantic, adventurous and downright funny in places.

You're really getting a two'fer with this book. We have the story of Eloise, who is trying to finish her dissertation, escape her bad luck, and find out if heros really do exist. Then there is the historical story of the Pink Carnation, which takes place during the Napoleonic wars and is full of excitement and intrigue.

History has identified the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian, but no-one has ever been able to identify the Pink Carnation, and Eloise finds herself in London chasing clues. After meeting Mrs Selwick-Alderly, she is given access to a series of letters that will eventually lead to the identity of the elusive 'carnation'. Eloise has to navigate her way through the English countryside and cope with English 'upper crust' and at the same time the Pink Carnation is trying to save England from France. The two stories mesh seemlessly, and at times I had a hard time remembering that it is all fiction.

One of the best things about this novel to my mind is the fact that the story trancends age barriers. It is totally appropriate for teens as well as adults. There are a few sexual references, but nothing explicit (a fact that was confirmed by Ms. Willlig herself - thank you), and for any older teens out there who enjoy historical fiction I highly recommend this novel. It is a great transitional novel for those of you who have finished all the YA historical titles and don't know what to try next.

In fact, I highly recommend the series. Secret History is the first, closely followed by: 'The Masque of the Black Tulip'; 'The Deception of the Emerald Ring'; 'The Seduction of the Crimson Rose'; 'The Temptation of the Night Jasmine' and 'The Betrayal of the Blood Lily'. 'The Mischief of the Mistletoe' is due out later this month and 'The Orchid Affair' is due Jan. 2011 - I have to add those last two to my Christmas list. Check out THIS LINK to find out more about all the titles in the series. Now that Secret History is out in a mass market edition it makes it more affordable for teens and I'm certain you will absolutely love it. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Released: October 19th, 2010

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Copy provided by: ARC from publisher

Summary: Goodreads

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.
The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

'Crescendo' is the much anticipated sequel to Becca Fitzpatrick's hugely popular 'Hush, Hush'. I read 'Hush, Hush' when it first came out and I remember really enjoying it. Strangely though, when I started reading 'Crescendo' I found myself with absolutely no recollection of what had happened in the first book. Oh, I remembered the character names, Patch and Nora, and I remembered that Patch was a fallen angel, but I couldn't remember any of the details. Sorry Ms Fitzpatrick.

Now, once I began reading, the details started to come back to me, and of course, the more I read the more I remembered. To be completely honest, my memory lapse did not affect my enjoyment of Crescendo in the end, but I did find it strange! May'be I've just been reading too many books?

Anyway, on to the book. Crescendo picks up right where 'Hush, hush' left off and Patch and Nora are enjoying coupledom. It would be too much to expect things to go smoothly for the pair of them, and before long a few spanners have been thrown in the works. One of the things I found myself thinking while reading this was how easily we think the worst of people. There are very few of us out there that, when faced with a nasty 'truth' about someone, will not believe the worst immediately. It is so much easier to believe the bad things than to fight to believe the good.

Patch and Nora are joined by Rixon, Scott and Vee, and Nora is tring to find out more about the death of her father. Vee is such a wonderful sidekick for Nora - I love the way that she is so comfortable in her own skin - I'm thinking it would be a good thing if more of us were as happy about ourselves as she is. Scott and Rixon are nicely presented as the good guy/bad guy - but are they good or are they bad? Nice bit of confusion going on there that I had fun unravelling. The mystery played out well and the characters worked for me.

All in all I quite enjoyed 'Crescendo'. Not one of my favourites, but a good read anyway.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Published: April 2010
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Audio Copy provided by: Overdrive courtesy of library
Summary: Goodreads

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.
Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both them legions of faithful fans.

I had read quite a bit about this title in various blogs and found it quite intriguing, so when the opportunity arose for me to listen to it, I jumped at the chance. What an experience it has been. The story is narrated by MacLeod Andrews and Nick Podehl, who provide the two different voices of both Will Graysons. They are absolutely superb at projecting the differences between the two characters and even burst into song when the occasion demands it. I was completely enthralled by the story, and I can't actually imagine just reading it now.

This was a wonderful story about discovering who you really are and allowing yourself to be ok with that. The cast of supporting characters are perfect, with Tiny Cooper taking the prize for best overtly gay teen ever - think of the character Damian in the movie 'Mean Girls' x10 and you've got the picture. His is so much larger than life that you can''t help but love him. The two supporting female friends are fleshed out nicely and are allowed to make mistakes that they learn from. The parents of both boys are a very real presence without being too obtrusive and I liked that.

The story is about finding love, falling in love, being in love, coping with love and all the consequences that arise from that. Perhaps I should add, surviving love. I thoroughly enjoyed Will Grayson, Will Grayson. It made me laugh out loud and cry too - which gets you strange looks when you're driving the car in traffic! - and I would highly recommend it for boys and girls. It might even work for an ISU as a portrait of contemporary coming of age.


Note, perhaps this isn't for younger teens, there is a fair bit of language and sexual suggestion throughout the book, but I honestly can't imagine the book having such a strong impact if it wasn't there. If you don't like language or non-heterosexual relationships it won't appeal to you, but otherwise, give it a try.

In Case You Missed It - Tamar by Mal Peet

Published: 2007
Publisher: Candlewick Press
# Pages:424
Copy provided by: Bought from Book Closeouts
Summary: Book closeouts

In the "Hunger Winter" of 1944, two Allied spies parachute into Nazi-occupied Holland, sent to support the Dutch resistance movement. Half a century later, fifteen-year-old Tamar inherits a box from her grandfather containing a series of clues and coded messages. Out of the past, another Tamar emerges - a man involved in the terrifying world of resistance fighters. His story is complex, filled with passion, love, jealousy, and tragedy set against the daily fear and casual horror of the Second World War. Unraveling it will transform Tamar's life.

I have long been a fan of novels that have 2 stories running parallel to each other, particularly 2 different time-lines. Tamar is an amazing example of this. The first story is that of 15 yr-old Tamar, who is trying to solve the mystery left by her grandfather when he commits suicide. She and her friend Yoyo travel around Britain trying to puzzle out the clues, and the interaction between these two characters in wonderful.

The 2nd story-line is a harrowing account of 2 spies in war-torn Holland during one of the coldest winters on record. This story is so well written that you are transported into the cold dutch countryside and it feels real. I used to sit with a blanket wrapped around my knees when I read it, because I never felt warm enough. The hardships that the two spies encounter are completely unknown to us and are extremely compelling. There is a love story that runs through this that will break your heart and completely surprise you as you reel from the betrayal between friends.

Another very interesting part of the story are the activities of the Dutch resistance. It's hard to imagine how anyone survived at all. For anyone who is at all interested in World War II and how it affected 'regular' people, you will really enjoy this book and the journey Tamar takes you on. The ending of the book will leave you reeling and you will remember the characters for many weeks afterward.

I'm going to leave you with a quote from the prologue that I think, sets up the mystery quite nicely.

'Marike was pouring gravy onto Sonia's plate. She looked up, puzzled. "Name? What name is this?"
Sonia said, "Tamar. It's perfect. I love it."
Marijke dropped the jug. It fell onto Sonia's plate, snapping a chunk off the rim. Gravy ran across the table and, before anyone could react, spilled onto Sonia's distended belly. ' (p6)

Note: This would make a great ISU novel, but don't let that put you off. It's just one of the best YA war stories I have read.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Published: March 2010
Publisher: Harper Teen
#Pages: 329
Copy provided by: Christabean via Library
Summary: Goodreads

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers. Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

Christinabean was ahead of me on the hold list for this one, but she very kindly gave it to me to read first and I am really glad she did. This book was absolutely amazing! I finished it in less than 24 hrs and I loved every minute of it. It's really 2 stories in one. A beautiful tale of first love that just swept me away, and a gritty, frightening mystery that had my stomach churning.

Violet's growing feelings for her childhood friend are real and believable and I found myself smiling while I was reading. 'He was like an eager five-year-old. It was kind of childish. But also really adorable.' (p65) I really enjoyed exploring the new feelings Violet and Jay have for each other, at times happy and at others bittersweet. Never once did they feel forced or false. I also very much enjoyed Ms Dertings descriptions of life at school., 'Violet had never really stopped to watch the groupings before, and it was a bit like watching spastic monkeys at the zoo.' (p116)

But the other side of the book, the mystery over the deaths of several teenage girls, had me holding my breath, and checking over my shoulder. Ms. Derting uses italics for the chapters that are written from the killers POV and it got to the point that whenever I saw the change in typeface my stomach would clench. There was one point, around p180, where my heart almost leapt into my throat. I was so involved in what was going on that I started to feel nervous, and I could feel the adrenaline in my system. I was completely hooked.

Violet has a psychic ability, but this is not the focus of the book. The focus was on the characters and the tension that builds from the murders. Violet has come to terms with her ability (she refuses to call it a 'gift'), and is very down to earth about it. It is used as a tool to help solve a mystery. There is no drama attached to it, she just accepts it and I really liked this in the book.

There is a very important message that becomes obvious early in the book about never talking to strangers. We all know we shouldn't, and as little kids we are very aware, however as a general rule, as we get older we tend to forget and become more trusting. After reading this book, you won't be going out at night by yourself, or talking to anyone you don't know.

Excellent romantic suspense Ms Derting. I loved it.

Ghost Huntress 4: The Counselling

Author: Marley Gibson

Published: Sept. 6, 2010

Publisher: Graphia

E Arc provided by: Publisher and Netgalley

Summary: Netgalley

Kendall has just discovered who Emily really is, lost her boyfriend, and nearly died doing the thing she loves most—ghost hunting. It's time to take a break and try to reconcile all the changes she's going through. So Kendall heads to the Sierra Mountains, where there's a camp especially for young people with gifts such as hers. It's a time for reflection and self-discovery. But when she gets to California, she once again finds restless spirits—and the boy in her last vision. It may be the end of one chapter of her life and the beginning of a new one.

I really enjoyed reading this book and felt the story had a sense of reality to it, as if the author knew what she was writing about. I read an interesting note attached to Ghost Huntress # 1, which I read in May of last year, that said ' The story is fiction, but the science is real'. It turns out that Ms Gibson knows a lot about ghost hunting and this comes through very clearly in her writing. She talks about different types of psychic abilities without ever making them seem far-fetched or unreal. Some people might think that guiding a restless spirit into the light is a bit hokey, but I found it rather beautiful.

The main character, Kendall, seems like a genuinely nice person and I found myself really rooting for her. She has a rather wry sense of humour, which was wonderful.

"My vessels pulse under my skin in my anticipation and eagerness, coupled with, quite frankly, my being scared shitless. I'm crawling on my trembling hands and knees on the dirt and grass with Talking Feathers's butt in my face as he leads the way in ........Sort of like how Luke Skywalker went to fight Darth Vader in the cave on Dagobah, or, in actuality, into his own dark side. Will I have a vision of slashing off some unknown enemy's head only to find my face on the decapitated portion? Jesus, Kendall. Get a grip, I hear Patrick say in my head."

Kendal is at a retreat with 12 other boys and girls. In the story they all pair up and I loved the way this happened so naturally, with no scheming or nastiness.

"Our unintended pattern of boy-girl-boy-girl seems fine with our two leaders."

As Kendall and Patrick are trying to solve the mystery behind one ghosts' death, their relationship developes slowly and carefully, both of them feeling their way around without rushing and Ms Gibson made it all seem so natural. Aaah, I wish I was 17 again - or not! Unfortunately I haven't read the 2nd and 3rd novels in the series, but luckily that wasn't too disastrous. I was able to follow along with the story quite nicely, and I am now determined to read them both so that I can find out what I missed.

If you like stories with a psychic element you're just going to love this one.

In Case You Missed It ....

Author: P C Cast

Released: Originally Dec. 2004, released Sept. 2009

Publisher: Luna/Harlequin Teen

# Pages: 426

Copy Provided By: Library

Summary: Goodreads

I was marked from birth as belonging to the Goddess Epona--but that didn't make my life easy. Because of my "blessings," I was set apart, worshipped, unable to make real connections with others. Then came the Feeling, and with it a glimpse of my destiny. It led me to the MacCallen castle of legend, deserted since the terrible Fomorian war.
I followed the wordless call to breathe new life into a place long dead, but I didn't realize there were dark remnants of the war lingering in the nearby forest--victims and survivors who remained hidden. Others marked as different, powerful. Feared.
My choice was now twofold. I could keep to the happiness and safety of my newfound home, or I could choose a path that led to something more terrible, more dangerous, more thrilling than anything I'd ever expected.
And in that future I might never be alone again...

Elphame's Choice is a love story. It tells the tale of Elphame and Lochlan, and Cuchulain and Brenna. It made me cry, both tears of happiness and sadness - and that's a bit embarrassing at 7:30 in the morning. What a great start to the day.

Elphame has been touched by the Goddess, and as she gets older she decides to follow her destiny and rebuild Castle MacCallen. There she meets Lochlan - and you'll have to read the book to find out more. I'm not giving away the story. Ms Cast's writing is lyrical and tender, descriptive and exciting, and I finished the story in 24 hours. I was immediately enfolded in the world of Partholon and found everything believable and satisfying. The mythology is loosely based on Irish legend and she uses some wonderful Irish names - Cuchulain (pronounced Cuhulin - I had to look it up)is just one of them. Her cast of characters is varied and interesting, if somewhat startling, and I loved all of them. Are you getting the idea that I enjoyed this book. You'd be right.

Readers will remember P C Cast as the author of the very popular 'House of Night' series, written with her daughter Kristen. My understanding is that Harlequin decided to reissue this story as part of the new Harlequin Teen imprint. I don't think it was originally published as a YA novel, but other than one notable exception it fits nicely as a YA. The exception is one beautifully written, but none-the-less explicit, love scene, and this does make the story unsuitable for younger teens.

The follow-up to this tale is 'Brighid's Quest', which I haven't read yet, but plan on doing so immediately. Romance lovers, if you missed it first time around, do yourself a favour and hunt out a copy of Elphame's Choice. You won't be disappointed.

Blood Feud

Author: Alyxandra Harvey

Released: June 22/2010

Publisher: Walker Books for Young People

# pages: 272

Copy provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

It’s been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she’s made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That’s if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks.
The clans are gathering for Helena’s royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha’s reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy.
This second adventure in the Drake Chronicles—told from both Logan’s and Isabeau’s perspectives—has all the same butt-kicking action, heart-pounding romances and snarky humor that readers loved in Hearts at Stake, as well as exciting new revelations about the vampire dynasties to keep readers coming back for more.

This story is the sequel to 'Hearts at Stake', which was about Solange and Kieran, and Lucy and Nicholas. While all those characters are in this book, they take a back seat to Logan and Isabeau, who were introduced briefly in Hearts at Stake.

I liked Logan, he's my kind of guy. Not afraid to be different - who else wears frock coats and carries a sword - yet still very likeable. The love element of the story happens fairly quickly, but it didn't seem forced or unbelievable. I think I fell for Logan myself, in fact. I just love the world building and the layers of society with rules and regulations, and I found it intriguing that vampires are not only made, but can be born and that they experience regular life for their first 16 years. The story is full of strong purposeful women and Isabeau is no exception, but she was nicely flawed, not too perfect. Her need for revenge on her maker almost overshadowing her duty. Although I have to admit that my favourite is still Lucy - she is a hoot.

My note to myself after finishing Hearts at Stake was 'very funny teen vampire story with a twist', and I would have to say that is exactly how I feel about Blood Feud. Lets face it, what's not to love about a story that has 7 handsome brothers who just happen to be vampires. All in all I just loved this one and I'm already looking forward to #3 'Out for Blood' which is due out on Dec 22nd, 2010