Book Review: Strands of Bronze and Gold, by Jane Nickerson

Strands of Bronze and Gold, by Jane Nickerson
The Bluebeard fairy tale retold. . . .

When seventeen-year-old Sophia Petheram’s beloved father dies, she receives an unexpected letter. An invitation—on fine ivory paper, in bold black handwriting—from the mysterious Monsieur Bernard de Cressac, her godfather. With no money and fewer options, Sophie accepts, leaving her humble childhood home for the astonishingly lavish Wyndriven Abbey, in the heart of Mississippi.

Sophie has always longed for a comfortable life, and she finds herself both attracted to and shocked by the charm and easy manners of her overgenerous guardian. But as she begins to piece together the mystery of his past, it’s as if, thread by thread, a silken net is tightening around her. And as she gathers stories and catches whispers of his former wives—all with hair as red as her own—in the forgotten corners of the abbey, Sophie knows she’s trapped in the passion and danger of de Cressac’s intoxicating world.

Glowing strands of romance, mystery, and suspense are woven into this breathtaking debut—a thrilling retelling of the “Bluebeard” fairy tale.

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (March 12, 2013)

Praise:
SLJ Teen, February 5, 2013:
"Jane Nickerson adroitly weaves the threads of the 'Bluebeard' story into Strands of Bronze and Gold to create a spellbinding tapestry of mystery, romance, and suspense...A grippingly gothic tale, with a lavishly described and lushly atmospheric setting and likable heroine."  

About the Author:

For many years, JANE NICKERSON and her family lived in a big old house in Aberdeen, Mississippi, where she worked as the children's librarian at the local public library. She has always loved the South, "the olden days," gothic tales, houses, kids, writing, and interesting villains. She and her husband now make their home in Ontario, Canada. 

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My Thoughts:
If I was given only one word to describe this book, this would be it: captivating.  From the moment I picked this book up, I could not set it down.  I dragged it around with me for an entire day, reading while I cooked dinner and pretended to vacuum.  I must admit that I didn't get much sleep in that 24 hours because I was glued to the page.  

I loved this book!  It was beautiful and mysterious and dark and thrilling all at the same time.  Bernard is so seductive and so creepy.  He was fantastic.  I found Sophia to be a very believable teenage girl.  She chose to ignore the signs and feelings she had as she continued to make excuses for Bernard's wacky behavior.

I'm giving this book 4 stars.  The only drawback for me was that some of the descriptions got a little too long. Seriously though, if you are looking for a good young adult novel, I would recommend this!

Parents: Some innuendo throughout the book, a bit of kissing, and one instance of attempted rape.  It is pretty dark, but not over the top.

The Cover: Love this cover!  It caught my eye immediately and I was instantly intrigued.  I have to admit that I am a sucker for a pretty cover.

Amazon | Goodreads

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Book Review: Wish, by Michael Tolkien

Wish, by Michael Tolkien
Farmers in their alpine valley are haunted by Fængler, a cunning old enchanter, who ruins their lives by using an ancient wishing chain of powerful stones to spoil crops and steal children, cows and goats.

Young Berwald and his sister Clara set out, without their parents knowing, to climb into the next valley, seize the chain, free their neighbourhood of fear, and wish for whatever they want. But they soon learn that the wild world beyond their home is full of strange forces – some good, some dark and twisted – and almost every wish they make adds new complications and disagreements.

Who can rescue them from this fearful and dangerous adventure? Before Adam, their angry and worried father, can reach them, he must learn to follow seemingly useless leads, and to listen carefully to the tale that lies behind the villain’s bitterness.

A timeless fantasy tale given new life and enchantment in this vivid retelling in verse.

Age Level: 9 and up
Hardcover: 124 pages
Publisher: Thames River Press (March 1, 2013)

My Thoughts:
Wish is similar in many ways to Michael Tolkien's other book, Rainbow.  The children can speak to flowers, birds, and insects through a language they forget as they grow up.  It is also similar to Tolkien's grandfather's series, The Lord of the Rings in a few ways.  The children embark on a journey to recover a magical piece of jewelry (in this case, a necklace) that will give the owner power and wealth.  This necklace was discovered at the bottom of a pond by Faengler, a miserable, ugly old man.  It reminds me of Gollum and the Ring.

In spite of these similarities, Wish is a unique fairy tale of the heart. Through the children's journey, we learn that only true kindness and selfless desires will bring about the defeat of their enemy.  Their father eventually comes after them and learns this lesson quickly.  He must relearn the language of the forest and follow the guidance given to him by seemingly less than reliable sources.

Since I read both Rainbow and Wish, I can't help but compare the two a little bit.  They are both retellings of Florence Bone's old stories and both written in narrative verse, but I must admit that I enjoyed Wish a bit more.  There is more adventure and action, and Tolkien's writing shines through.  While Rainbow seemed to be directed at an older audience, I think Wish appeals to a broader audience.

About the Author:
Born in Birmingham in 1943, Michael Tolkien grew up in South Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire. He studied classics and English at St Andrews and Oxford. He has lived in Rutland since 1968 and was a secondary school teacher until early retirement in 1994. Since 1998 his verse has been published in two booklets and five full collections, most recently in 2012. His work has been widely and favourably reviewed. Two of his major themes are deceptive appearances and the conflict of active and contemplative approaches to life. This is also apparent in his recent narrative verse adaptations of Florence Bone’s now largely forgotten fantasy fiction for children.

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Blog Tour and Giveaway! The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back, by Sariah Wilson

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back, by Sariah Wilson

Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.

But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old?

Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.

Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.

Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.

And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.

Print Length: 194 pages
Publisher: Fire & Ice Books (August 15, 2012)

*Purchase*

Amazon

My Review:
This book is hilarious.  It is a contemporary teen romance told from the viewpoint of the "ugly" stepsister. 

Mattie is your very not-so-typical teenage heroine.  She wears heavy black eye makeup, has fuchsia hair, and likes to draw manga.  She is surly, irritable, and has a long List of Grievances against her oh-so-perfect stepsister, Ella.  Mattie's voice is very fun to read.  She is full of wit and sarcasm that will make you laugh.

One of the things that I like the most about this book is that even though she has self esteem issues, Mattie won't allow Jake to use her.  She refuses to lie for him, even though he makes her knees buckle.  She doesn't let him get away with skipping out on detention or not doing their project, even when he flashes his dazzling smile at her.  I love the way she sticks to her guns and does what she knows is right even if it means she loses her chance with the boy she adores.

I love the way her relationship with Ella evolves over the course of the story.  She starts off being bitter and jealous of her perfect stepsister to being appreciative and understanding.  The charactes are all well developed with strengths and weaknesses that make them believable and fun to read about.

Given the title, I had expected this to be a modern fairy tale, but there is no magic in this book (other than flying sparks and a few makeup brushes).  It is an adorable and humorous story of two stepsisters trying to figure out their place in the world.  And it is a love story.  A very funny and sweet love story.


Tens List:
What are ten things your readers probably don't know about you?

10.  That until recently I was really into World of Warcraft and was a raid tank.

9.  I watch a lot of television.  A Lot.  My DVR is my friend.

8.  My husband is the first guy I Seriously Kissed (which means not a spin-the-bottle type way).  What?  I was picky.

7.  I used to write fanfic.

6.  I skipped first grade, which meant I was always the youngest person in my class.

5.  Until a couple of years ago, I had never gone out of the country.

4.  I met Stephenie Meyer in person once and took a picture of her with my plastic frog, who was my blog mascot at the time.

3.  I am deathly afraid of eels and crocodiles.  They freak me the freak out.

2.  That my favorite actor of all time once called me on the phone and we had an actual conversation until my husband picked up the extension and ruined the whole thing.  I’m still a little bitter over that one.

1.  That I am the most introverted introvert who ever introverted, but I love giving speeches and talks and teaching class.  Yes, I am aware of how weird this is. 

Praise
“My top pick of 2012 YA… This book is just. plain. fun.”

~Jordan McCollum, author of Saints & Spies and I, Spy

“Sariah Wilson's new book, The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back, is hilarious…What follows is a story of fun and romance with some good non-preachy life lessons thrown in.  The voice in the main character, Mattie, makes the whole thing.  I thought it was definitely a book I'd recommend to anyone with teenagers or who just want to read a good teen romance.”

~Julie Coulter Bellon, author of All Fall Down and All’s Fair

“Sariah [Wilson] has written one of the funniest stories I've read in such a long, long time. I literally couldn't put it down. Yes, my poor Kindle's battery died and I was attached to a short power cord, contorted in a very uncomfortable position while I read to the end…. Sariah Wilson captured the back-biting, insecure, hormone-driven, clique-riddled high school atmosphere so perfectly you'd think she never grew up. I dare you not to laugh as you read this witty and oh, so, romantic story.”

~Debra Erfert of Windows into Writing

“Sariah Wilson writes like the best of/most popular YA teen fiction/teen romance authors - Sarah Dessen, Jennifer Echols, Susanne Collins, Cassandra Clare.  She sucks you in and never lets you go.  I finished the ~194 novel in one night because I just couldn't go to sleep without knowing the ending!  I hope that Sariah comes out with more novels, I know I'll be re-reading this one all the time!  She's extremely talented and needs to be talked about.  I highly recommend The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back! to anyone (over the age of 12) who wants a YA novel that's a real modern-day fairy tale.”

~Hilary at Novel d’Tales

“This was such an entertaining story! I shouldn't have started reading it so late in the evening, because I didn't want to put it down to go to sleep…This is a book I can see myself reading several times. It's a fast, clean read with great characters, and I highly recommend it.”

~Andrea of Literary Time Out

The book is wonderful.  It’s quirky and fun.  The story makes you laugh and you fall in love with the characters right from the beginning…This is a well-written book.  It is one that will make you smile and sigh as you remember your first love.  And it has a moral…be yourself, believe in yourself and maybe, just maybe, your fairytale will come true.  Pick up this book.”

~Ana of The Book Hookup

Author Sariah Wilson

Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, never climbed Mt. Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soulmate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance. The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back is her fourth happily ever after novel. She grew up in southern California, graduated from Brigham Young University (go Cougars!) with a semi-useless degree in history, and is the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children. She currently lives with the aforementioned soulmate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster that is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers).

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/10/13


Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Book Review: Beautiful Beast, by Cindy C. Bennett

Beautiful Beast, by Cindy C. Bennett
Calli is cursed by her beauty.

Though she knows it's cruel, Calli agrees to accompany her friends to Monster House where it is rumored the beast howls at the moon each sunset. When she hears him for the first time, her heart is wrenched by the anguish she hears in the sound.

Facing trespassing charges for her folly, Calli is forced to move into Monster House where she is to befriend the beast. Using the bribery offered by his father to gain some desperately needed money for her father, Calli accepts his terms. Horrified but trapped by her circumstance, Calli steps inside the doors of the great house to face the unknown.

Alex is cursed by his beastliness.

Alex believes Calli has bribed her way into his home in order to get a look at the beast of Monster House, and is determined to hate her. He isn't prepared as she batters down the hard walls of his soul with her kindness and humor.

Alex allows Calli into his inner sanctum, sharing with her the most private parts of his heart. But when he finds out the truth, will her love be enough to convince him of her true feelings, or will she lose him forever?

Ages: 13 and up
File Size: 243 KB
Print Length: 94 pages

My Review:
Generally I'm not that fond of self published titles, but I've read some of Cindy Bennett's traditionally published work before and so I figured this was a pretty safe bet.  I really enjoyed the contemporary take on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. It was very short and I read it in one sitting.

There were some elements to the story that I didn't find believable, but chose to overlook them.  There were some grammatical issues that drove me a bit crazy, like using the wrong spelling for the same word over and over.  But other than the little things like that, I really enjoyed the book.  It was a fun, romantic teen read that stayed nice and clean throughout.

The characters were fun and I enjoyed their teasing and bantering.  Callie has a bright personality and she is able to win over just about everyone she come in contact with.  Alex is complex, and carries a lot of weight emotionally and physically.  Callie quickly looks past Alex's appearance to uncover the beautiful person underneath the skin.

This book is only $0.99 for the Kindle version.

Amazon | Goodreads | Author Website

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Book Review: Rapunzel Untangled, by Cindy C. Bennett

Rapunzel Untangled, by Cindy C. Bennett

Rapunzel is not your average teenager. For one thing, she has a serious illness that keeps her inside the mysterious Gothel Mansion. And for another, her hair is 15 feet long. Not to mention that she’s also the key to ultimately saving the world from certain destruction. But then she meets a boy named Fane, who changes all she has ever known, and she decides to risk everything familiar to find out who she really is. Filled with romance, adventure, and mystery, Rapunzel Untangled is one story you won’t want to put down. Discover the true meaning of love and friendship in this modern twist to the classic fairytale.

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (February 12, 2013)



My Review:

 I have to admit, I am a huge sucker for a retelling of a fairy tale.  Some of my favorite books are new versions of old stories.  Rapunzel Untangled has joined my list of favorite teen reads for the year.  

I found Rapunzel to be a little naive and blindly obedient, but she doesn't know anything else, so it makes sense.  She was a total sweetheart, and I just loved her.  Fane was a fantastic hero.  He was a typical teenage boy while still managing to be thoughtful and courageous.  

One of the enjoyable aspects of this story was that it takes place in the present day.  Rapunzel has a computer that is hooked up to the internet.  She gets a Facebook account and "friends" Fane.  I love her reactions to modern day technology (like cars) and other things like movies, pizza, and M&Ms.  I enjoyed the relationship between Rapunzel and Fane, and I loved that while they were instantly attracted to one another, it took time for their relationship to develop into something more than friendship.  The content was perfectly clean, and I really appreciate that in a young adult novel.  

Bit of a spoiler here:  I was frustrated with the mystery behind Rapunzel.  I think it worked, but it could have been more believable than it was.  Vedmak played too small a part in the whole thing.  I spent the entire book reading about Gothel and figuring out what her motivation and plans were, just to have Vedmak swoop in during the last couple of chapters and change the game entirely.  I thought that his motivations were solid enough, but I wish that I could have learned more about him throughout the rest of the book.

In all honesty though, I enjoyed the story far too much to really complain about Vedmak.  It was a delightful modern day fairy tale full of adventure, romance, and even Facebook!

The Cover: I absolutely adore this cover.  That hair is simply gorgeous!  I like the way the braid is loose and a little messy.  The blonde color contrasts very nicely with the darker background.  I also really like the title design.  Super cute and still easy to read.


Amazon | Goodreads | Website


About the Author:

Cindy C Bennett lives in the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains near Salt Lake City. She has spent several years doing volunteer work with teen girls, whom she finds to be fascinating creatures - hence, her writing stories for and about them. When not reading or writing, she loves to spend time with her family which includes a husband, two sons, two daughters, two daughters-in-law and two dogs. She thinks the best things come in pairs! She does her best creating while cruising down the highway on her Harley Davidson Fatboy. GEEK GIRL (a Sweetwater book) is her first published novel. HEART ON A CHAIN, IMMORTAL MINE, BEAUTIFUL BEAST (book 1 of Enchanted Fairytales), RED AND THE WOLF (book 2 of Enchanted Fairytales), RELUCTANCE (a Noble YA short story), IN THE BEGINNING (part of the It's a Love Thing anthology), and WATCHED (part of the Screams in the Night: Tales of Terror anthology) are her others.



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Review: Entwined, by Heather Dixon

From Goodreads:
Azalea and her younger sisters dance in the mysterious silver forest every night, escaping from the sadness of the palace and their father’s grief. What they don’t understand—although as time passes they begin to get an inkling of the danger they are in—is that the mysterious and dashing Keeper is tightening his snare with deadly purpose. Luckily, Azalea is brave and steadfast. Luckily, a handsome young army captain also has his eye on Azalea. . . . Lush, romantic, and compelling, this debut novel by Heather Dixon will thrill fans of Shannon Hale, Robin McKinley, and Edith Pattou.

***

Entwined is absolutely breathtaking - beautifully written and deliciously told, it has everything a good story should.  Romance, dancing, magic, a brave heroine, and a devilish villain.  Dixon wove an intricate fairytale of mystery and intrigue coupled with sisterly camaraderie and ancient secrets.

I was hooked on the very first page and quickly drawn into the story.  Azalea is the oldest daughter of her father, the King.  As such, whomever she marries will become the next King.  It made for an interesting twist to the love story.

After her mother passes away, the palace is draped in mourning.  Confined to the indoors and black clothing, Azalea and her eleven sisters seek refuge in dancing late at night in a magic pavilion beneath their bedroom.  The only catch is Keeper, the dashing gentleman that grants their access to the pavilion each night. 

Keeper was a fantastic villain.  He was handsome, mysterious, and completely terrifying.  He was so utterly creepy.  It doesn't take long for his charm facade to fall away and for his true horrific nature to appear.  But by the time it does, Azalea and her sisters are already entangled in his web.

There were underlying currents to the story that I enjoyed.  Throughout the book, Azalea and her sisters feel that their father, the King, is distant and cold.  In turn, they distance themselves from him.  As the plot progresses, the girls learn to forgive their father for his shortcomings and to love him openly.  The King also learns how to handle his grief and repair the damage that was done after the Queen died. 

A word about the love story:  I was absolutely in love with Azalea's heartthrob from his first appearance.   I hate reading books where the girl is desperate and always falls for the guy that is the meanest to her.  I was extremely pleased in the man that Dixon created for Azalea.  He was perfect for the story, and perfect for the princess.

This book was original, beautiful, and funny.  It was a fantastic escape from reality into a beautiful world of dancing princesses, handsome gentlemen, and a magic palace.  

Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books; Reprint edition (March 27, 2012)
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Review: Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

From Goodreads:
For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

***

If there is a contender for #1 on my favorite series list, this would be it.  Brandon Mull wove an intricate and intoxicating thrill ride that I just couldn't pull myself away from.  His imaginative writing kept me coming back time and again for more adventure.

Mull employed the classic quest  story plot for his books and used that concept repeatedly throughout the series.  It worked very well with his elaborate story.

Seth and Kendra start out as very normal siblings: bickering, pestering, and shooting off sarcastic remarks.  In the first book, I found Seth to be very typical of your average pre-teen boy.  He was annoying and careless.  He thought only of himself and what could bring the most amusement.  Kendra was nauseatingly well-behaved and followed rules to the letter.  They could not have been more opposite.  As the series progresses, so do the siblings.  They mature and grow into their personalities, each one developing their strengths and learning from their mistakes.  Seth learns how to use his bravery to his advantage, and Kendra learns to step out of her comfort zone and take a few risks.

As a mother of girls, I am always looking for books with strong female characters that my kids would enjoy.  Kendra is a wonderful example of such a girl.  I absolutely loved her.  I loved Seth as well, but since I only have daughters, I was mostly focused on Kendra.

One of the things that makes a good series in my mind is when each book builds off the previous ones.  The story continued through each book seamlessly.

If Harry Potter were to meet his match, Fablehaven is the series to do it.

Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Paperback: 2512 pages
Publisher: Aladdin (October 4, 2011)
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Review: Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

From Goodreads:
When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren's refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment.
As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren's two suitors--one welcome, and the other decidedly less so--brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows.
With Shannon Hale's lyrical language, this forgotten but classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset on the central Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.

***

I am a sucker for a good story and beautiful writing.  Shannon Hale provides both in this retelling of a Brothers Grimm Fairytale.  Her language is poetic and musical.  This was a book that I wanted to slowly digest, word by word and relish the taste of each one.  

The characters developed beautifully over the course of the story.  Both Dashti and her mistress, Saren, grow and change over the course of their companionship.  I loved Dashti dearly, and cheered for her constantly.  There was more romance than I had expected in this story, but I was glad of it.  I was also glad that the story wasn't only about romance.  I love books with a story to tell, and this one filled just about everything on my "must have" checklist.  

I borrowed it from the library when I read it, but I just purchased the Kindle Edition.  It's only $0.99 right now, so if you've ever been curious about Shannon Hale or this story in particular, it is the perfect time to try it out.  

Happy reading!

Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens; First Edition edition (September 18, 2007)
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Review: Prince Charming Must Die!, by Isabella Fontaine and Ken Brosky

From the Authors:

On the eve of her 18^th birthday, high school junior Alice Goodenough feels on top of the world. Classes are almost finished. She’s about to start her summer job at the local library, where she’ll be surrounded by all of her favorite books. And she has a wonderful boyfriend.

Then the rabbit shows up. The giant talking rabbit. He has a message:

200 years ago, the Brothers Grimm unleashed their stories upon the world.

Literally.

With the help of a magic pen and paper, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm brought all of their characters to life. The world was a more magical place … for a time. Slowly, the Grimms’ characters began to change for the worse. They became Corrupted. Evil. They didn’t belong in our world, but it was too late for the Brothers Grimm to destroy them.

Only a hero could save the day. Every generation for the past 200 years, a hero has been chosen to fight the Corrupted and rid the world of the Grimms’ fairy tales. To her horror, Alice has been chosen as the next hero. As her 18^th birthday nears, she begins to realize life is never going back to normal. School will never be the same.

As for her boyfriend, Edward … well, he just might be hiding a terrible secret.

***

I was pleasantly surprised by this book.  Judging by the title, I was expecting something a little corny, a little funny, and a little entertaining.  I was more than a little entertained, and the story was much more adventurous and action packed than I had anticipated.  It wasn't a very long book, but from what I understand, another installment will be coming out in a couple of months.  I will definitely be reading it.  

I had only one complaint with the book (other than a few minor typos) and it had to do with the age of the heroine, Alice.  She seemed a little old to be in the 11th grade.  There were also a few inconsistencies  surrounding her.   Sometimes she was dealing with very grown up issues, and other times she was playing tag.  Tag?  And I don't think I've heard a teen use the phrase "we necked" in...well...ever.  

Other than my issue with the age inconsistencies, I really enjoyed this read and I can't wait for the next installment.  Alice is a character that I would love to learn more about and see how she develops over the course of this series.  I would love to find out how and why she was chosen to be the hero of her generation.  I am also interested to see if her newest friend will prove loyal to her, or possibly be her downfall.  

Title: Prince Charming Must Die!

Authors: Isabella Fontaine, Ken Brosky

Publisher: Brew City Press

Release Date: April 25, 2012

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Review: The Golden Acorn, by Catherine Cooper

From Goodreads:
Jack Brenin's life changes the moment he finds a golden acorn lying on the grass. He gets caught up in an extraordinary magical adventure and enters a world he only believed existed in legend. He's sure he's been mistaken for someone else. He's neither brave nor strong so how could he be "The One" an ancient prophecy speaks about? He's no idea why he's expected to help, unsure if he wants to, or even if he can.

***

Even though this book has had very mixed reviews, I really enjoyed it.  I grew to love all the characters, especially Camelin.  It was a little straight forward sometimes and a little slow in parts, but all in all, I did like it.  

 For the intended audience, it is a fun and age appropriate adventure.  It was clean, with no cursing or innuendos.  It is a nice length too.  Not too short, but definitely not too long.  I would definitely recommend this book to any parent or child looking for an clean story full of whimsical adventure.  Right now it is only available in the Kindle edition (which is free), but you can sign up to be notified when the paperback version comes out.


On a side note, I absolutely love the cover!


Reading Level: 10 and up
Hardcover: 376 pages
Publisher: Infinite Ideas (Academic) (August 20, 2010)
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Review: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente

From Goodreads:

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

***

This book was an acquired taste for me.  When I started reading, I found it very hard to pay attention to.  The story was interesting enough, and the writing was beautiful, but it was wordy and difficult to push through.  I almost gave up on it a few chapters in, thinking that it wasn't moving quick enough for me, but the more I read, the more I grew to love it.  By the end of the book, I was wishing there was an entire series for me to read.  I absolutely fell in love with Valente's way of writing.  I devoured every description and savored every word up until the very last page.  September is a magnificent heroine who shows bravery and wit throughout the story.  I grew to love her and admire her (even if she is only 12 years old). 

The book is very clean.  There are several instances of action and peril, but nothing the intended audience can't handle.


Reading Level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (May 10, 2011)
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