The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith

Published: November 2010

Publisher: Atheneum

Pages: 309

Copy provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Since losing both of her parents, fifteen-year-old Katie can see and talk to ghosts, which makes her a loner until fellow student Law sees her drawing of a historic house and together they seek a treasure rumored to be hidden there by illegal slave-traders.

Law Walker knew Katie Mullens before she was crazy. Before her mother died. Law knows Katie’s crazy now, but she’s always been talented. And she keeps filling sketch pads even though her drawings have gone a little crazy as well—dark, bloody. What Law doesn’t know is that these drawings are real. Or were real. Katie draws what she sees—and Katie sees dead people. People who have died—recently, and not so recently—in accidents, from suicide, even a boy who was trapped in a house that burned down more than 100 years ago. And it’s this boy who makes Law want to get to know Katie all over again. So what if his dad doesn’t want him dating a white girl? So what if people think Katie is dangerous? The ghost boy is hiding a secret that Law needs to know—and it’s much bigger, much more shocking than anyone ever expected.

How to describe this book? Here's what I came up with - thrillingly mysterious, historically ghostly, coming of age story - I think that just about covers it. Katy and Law are just wonderful characters, 3 dimensional, flawed, scared, real. My heart just went out to Katy - she is trying so hard to convince herself she's not seeing ghosts, that she's not crazy - and Law, well I just wanted to hug him.

There is so much history in this book it's astounding, but it was interesting history, about a dark time that should not be forgotten. The beauty of it is, the history itself is almost a character in the story, which was so well written. There is a treasure hunt that will have your pulse pounding, some really scary ghosts and a beautiful romance that will leave you smiling. Written in the two voices of Law and Katy in alternating chapters, the story is beautifully represented from both points of view. I just loved it and I'm sure you will too.

One thing I just noticed as I finished the book and I was lovingly rubbing my hand over the cover - there are faces on the cover! Am I the only one who didn't see them originally? I was so busy enjoying the colours in the flames that I didn't see the faces!

Black Hole Sun by David MacInnis Gill

Published: August 2010
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 340
Copy provided by: Library
Summary: Goodreads

Durango is playing the cards he was dealt.

And it’s not a good hand.

He’s lost his family.

He’s lost his crew. And he’s got the scars to prove it.

You don’t want to mess with Durango.


When I finished this book, the thought in my mind was 'I really enjoyed this book .... But!' And I really did enjoy it ....... But there were a few things about it that really puzzled me.

Firstly, why did we not find out how old the main character is until page 199. (He's 17 by the way). Secondly, if he's that young, why is he leading a bunch of trained Regulators (read soldiers) that are mostly older than he is? Thirdly, why is Mars the way it is? And Fourthly, what the heck does the title have to do with anything? Honestly, I can't come up with a reason for the title at all - may'be I just missed it? I definitely felt that there was some serious backstory missing - the reader is plunged into this futuristic Mars and left to flounder around in confusion for quite some time.

Now, that said, the story was GREAT! Have you ever watched an episode of 'Firefly' or seen the movie 'Serenity'? Well, 'Black Hole Sun' reads like an episode of Firefly - I was so bummed when they took that series off the air (serious SF tv fan here). The main protagonist in the book, Durango (or Jacob Stringfellow as we find out eventually) is a shoe-in for a younger Malcolm, Vienne for ?(sorry I can't remember her name without watching an episode again - which I might do later today), and Fuse was perfect as the tv character Jane. There are 2, no 3, really kick-ass female characters in the story, and one of them is the villian, nice change there from the usual male character. One of the best things tho' is the interaction between Durango and Mimi - an artificial intelligence inserted into his brain - it's hilarious and she is a character all on her own.

"Fuse whistles and rubs his head.

"You drew this, chief?"

"Affirmative." With help from Mimi.

"Help?" Mimi says. "I created ninety-nine percent of the design."

"Eighty percent."

"Ninety"

"Eighty-five is my final calculation," I say. "Take it or leave it"

"With your math skills, I'll leave it," she says.

Durango and his team of mercenaries end up on an old, almost abandoned mine out in the wilds of Mars and have been hired to protect the miners from the Draeu. (These are majorly revolting cannibalistic creatures that are very puzzling until almost right at the end of the book.) There is continuous action throughout the book with lots of guns and explosions and blood - this book is definitely more for the guys - but there is a tiny, really tiny, thread of romance in there than might just tweak the girls interest - it did mine!

By the end of the book almost everything was explained and I was really glad I had read it ..... but!

Friday Blog Hop - February 4th

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!Each week, participating blogs are asked questions to post and answer on their websites.

This week’s question -

"What are you reading now and why are you reading it?"

Ok, this is where I begin to sound a bit manic. I'm actually reading 4 books right now if you count the audio book I'm listening to in the car, which is 'Beautiful Darkness', that one is self-explanetory I think - got to keep my hands on the wheel! Actually reading - well I have 'Mistwood' by Leah Cypress, which is my general go-to book, I'm reading 'Wither' at work, so that Christinabean and I can do a joint post before it comes out in March (thank you Simon and Schuster for that one). I'm reading 'Angelfire' on my e-reader and trying to get that finished before its release in about 10 days (thank you Netgalley) and then there is 'Behind Green Glass' which is beside my bed. Oops, I think that's 5 books, not 4. Overachiever or what! Christinabean is away for a few days, but I'm pretty sure she's reading 'The Candidates' right now.

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

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Published: April 2008

Published by: Razorbill

Pages: 327

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…

It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks… This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…

Review:

Ahhh.....another totally satisfying segment of the Vampire Academy saga. I'm starting to feel like this series is a bit like a drug. I love the plotline, most of the characters (even though a few of them infuriate me) and how everything plays out. There are so many things going on at once and always enough that continues to drag you back for more. Like a good soap opera...only with vampires....

So in this book we see Rose starting to take a bit of responsiblity for her bad girl behavior. Sure, she still runs off at the mouth and lets her emotions dictate her outrageous behaviour but our little Rose is slowly growing up. We also see where some of her resentment comes from as her mother enters the picture and the reader learns how female Guardians choose between family and duty.

Again, like the first book, I don't want to get too much into the core story because I don't want to reveal any spoilers. Just know that this book is action-packed, full of surprises, love triangles and hilarious situations (aka, awkward moments via Rose and Lissa's connection). Frostbite is sure to keep you entertained and itching for Book #3 - Shadow Kiss.

Waiting on Wednesday - Here lies Bridget by Paige Harbison February 2

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

Expected Publication Date: February 1, 2011

Summary (by Goodreads):

Heroine, Bridget Duke, rules her high school, but when she crashes her car and ends up in limbo, she must confront the people she has wronged, all of whom want her to go to hell. The outcome of these meetings will decide her final destination.

I am looking forward to reading this one because the premise reminds me of Before I Fall. Does it trigger that memory for anyone else?

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Published: Jan 2011
Publisher: Point

Pages: 231

Copy provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.


This was a light-hearted and amusing YA take on everybody's favourite classic, Pride and Prejudice. Ms Eulberg managed to put a interesting modern twist on the original without forgetting any of the important details. I found myself quite liking Will Darcy and Lizzie Bennet and I kept wondering how the story would progress.

One of my favourite characters was Lydia, who was so amazingly gauche and annoying. There is a scene where she is dancing that had me in whoops - so much fun.

'Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, she did jazz hands. Full-on, Broadway-style jazz hands.'

If you haven't read Pride and Prejudice yet, this is a great introduction. If you have, enjoy this funny adaptation, then go back and reread the original.

In Case You Missed It - The Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead

Published: August 2007

Published by: Razorbill

Pages: 332

Copy Provided By: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school—it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's—the very place where they're most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Review:

OK, so where have I been?? We're posting this as an In Case You Missed It review because apparently, I did miss it!! The first of the Vampire Academy series came out in 2007. I'm sure many of you have already read it...

I'm not sure why I felt that I needed to start up another SERIES but I have read so much about this one in the blogsphere that I just had to check it out. I'm not certain that it was a good idea or not because it's so FREAKING ADDICTING!! This is an incredible series. If you have not started reading it and were in the same group I was a few weeks ago, you need to check it out. Now.

So let's talk characters. At first I thought that Rose came on a little strong and Lissa had much more confidence that she let on but that was not the case. Let's face it. Rose is a bit of a bully. And apparently a very attractive bully at that. I would like to see how this series plays out and watch Lissa's character develop. I felt she was a little weak and I'd definitely like to see her kick some butt like Rose.

Let's talk love. Ahhh...here we go - Rose and her multitude of admirers. Or kissing companions, whichever you prefer. I love how Dimitri and Rose's relationship builds all on its own with this nearly tangible tension. It makes all the rest of the boys seem well, like boys.

Plot. Ms. Mead, you did a great job at setting up the first book and creating an interesting world with heirarchy, intrigue, mystery and fabulous characters. Two thumbs up! It's complicated so I don't want to get into details or spoil the fun. You'll like it though. Trust me.

So let me tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Before I finished reading it, I tried to reserve book 2 (Frostbite) from the library and it wasn't available so I considered purchasing it on Kobo for my Blackberry and realized that I could read the first chapter for free. I am refraining from book purchases though because I already have a huge stack in my dresser. Yes, I do not have bookshelves. I have a dresser....where I keep my books...to be discussed at another time...so back to Kobo. This is how I know that I'll enjoy a novel. If I read the first chapter and it has me screaming for more. Screaming for more people. I'm on book number 3 now. BTW, I don't feel that this series is for a younger audience. I wouldn't recommend it to pre-teens.