The Diviners

The Diviners (The Diviners #1)

by Libba Bray

3 stars

578 pages
Published Sept. 18, 2012 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
 
I enjoyed this book, mostly. Sometimes the flapper language was annoying and too persistent and the book was a little too long - plus there is a developing love triangle (ick!), but I overlooked all that in favor of a great, twisted, and delightfully dark plot. There is some - no, quite a lot of gruesome killing scenes, so beware. I skipped most of them. All I needed to know was who got dead.

I haven't read many books set in the flapper and prohibition era, so this was a good introduction to speakeasies, spiritualism and old-time New York. What a crazy time.
I may pick up #2 when it comes out. We'll see.

The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney

The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney

by Suzanne Harper

3.5 stars

364 pages

Published July 1, 2007 by Harper Teen

 

This was a solid 3+ star book. I enjoyed it!

It's about a girl, who is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, who refuses to embrace her "destiny" as a medium who talks to dead people. But one ghost refuses to be denied.
I liked Sparrow. It's not often that a character is fully fleshed out in a teen fiction book. They are usually flat, flat, flat. Oh! I love Edward! or Oh! I'm so angst-y! or Oh! I have to fight to survive!

Sparrow actually had a range of emotions!

Anna Dressed in Blood

Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna #1)

by Kendare Blake

2 stars

316 pages
Tor Teen First Edition

Published September 2011 by Tom Doherty

 
I can't recommend this book based on a couple of things.

First the language is horrible. Really, really bad. I felt like I was with a bunch of Marines, not a couple of teenagers. The F-bomb is liberally slathered throughout the book - and for NO REASON! I found myself skipping whole passages in order to cut down on the number of curse words I had to read.

Second, there is quite a lot of guts and gore. People dying right and left. Police didn't do much, which was not believable, especially with WHO the victims were. They asked maybe 3 or 4 questions and decided that was fine. The gore was all very slasher movie-esque.

The ending was OK, but I'm not sure I understood exactly what happened. There was an epilogue, but it only gave information about what happens in the near future. I wanted to know what happens much later on.

I will not be reading any other books by this writer if the cursing continues to taint the stories.

Glimpse (Zellie Wells #1) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Glimpse (Zellie Wells #1)

by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

3 stars

262 pages

Published May 9, 2010 by Write Free (first published Apr. 20, 2010)

I got this ebook for free on Barnes and Noble for my Nook more than 2 years ago. I didn't have high hopes for it, but it surprised me. I actually enjoyed it! If you can overlook some flat characterization and uneven plotting, you will enjoy it, too.

Didn't like the adultery aspect, though. Or the mild swearing.

Born of Illusion

Born of Illusion (Born of Illusion #1)

by Teri Brown

4 stars

373 pages

Published June 11, 2013 by Balzer & Bray

Thankfully, this can be read as is - I can almost consider it a stand-alone book. The writing was good enough that I was compelled to read the novel in two sittings.

I liked that the heroine was struggling between what she knew to be right and what she knew she needed to do to survive.

It was a bit predictable at the end. The bad guy was exactly who I thought it was going to be.

There is some mild swearing and some forays into the occult.

I am looking forward to read the next in the series.

Tryst

Tryst

by Elswyth Thane

4 stars

264 pages

Published June 1, 1974 by Amereon (first published 1939)

 

I got lucky when my friend handed me this out-of-print book. I had never heard of Elswyth Thane, but now that I have I just may find other books by her.

This book melded some of my favorite genres: romance and the supernatural. Basically - a girl falls in love with a ghost. But she's never seen or spoken to said ghost.

I enjoyed such a different and fresh take on the supernatural.
And no swearing and sex made it that much more palatable!

Beautiful Chaos

Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3)

by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

2.5 stars

516 pages

Published Oct. 18, 2011 by Little, Brown and Company

I don't know why I continue to slog through this series. The books are too long, where nothing happens, and I don't really care about the (way too many to count) characters.

And to add to my dismay, this book ends with the cheesiest cliff-hanger ending ever. It's as if the authors knew that the rest of their book was boring and bland, so they decided to try and force the readers into actually caring about what happens next. I'm all for subtle manipulation, but this ventures into the realm of anvil-over-the head maneuvering.

The pacing of the story is dawdling and uneven. There are many chapters where nothing of importance is said or done. I'm a huge proponent of a good editor. I've said it before - USE one who is unafraid of the delete key! And if that shrinks the length of your book - fabulous. Trim the fat! 500+ page books are only as good as the writing. Condense and omit. It will make a better, more entertaining book.

I do appreciate the general lack of swearing and sex, though. That is a positive.

But we'll see if I get to the last book. It's not looking good.

Heartless

Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4)

by Gail Carriger

3 stars

385 pages

Published July 1st 2011 by Orbit

 

A solid fourth performance by Gail Carriger. I love these books! The wit, the charm, the manners! 

So why did I rate this only 3 stars? Unfortunately, the story was weak. The plot thin. In my view, the book only acted as a bridge to the next book in the series.

Yet, that major flaw was oddly easy to overlook because Carriger's writing style is so entertaining and engaging. Her vocabulary is incredibly extensive. After reading a few chapters, I always feel smarter!

I will read the next book in the series.

Beautiful Darkness

Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles #2)

by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

3 stars

503 pages

Published Oct. 12, 2010 by Little, Brown and Company

The second book in the "Beautiful Creatures" series was ... well, gothic, dark, depressing, sad and at time really confusing. But it was also pretty thick on plot and character development - yay! I thought it was well done, mostly. There were problems with a few things: 1) Pacing was molasses at times, especially at the beginning. I almost quit the book 40 pages in, I was so bored. There's only so much self-loathing I can take from a character. 2) The book was so flippin' looooong. I mean, 500 pages?? The book definitely could have used an editor who ain't shy with her "delete" key.
That being said, it wasn't unreadable. It WAS entertaining and clever; it just wasn't a stay-up-all-night page-turner.
Some new baddies are introduced in this book - ones with strange superpowers and abilities that defy "the order of things." And that helped move things along.
I wonder if I'll read Number 3. I've actually got it already. Let's see if it grabs me.

One Hundred Candles

One Hundred Candles (Past Midnight #2)

by Mara Purnhagen

3 stars

240 pages
Published Feb. 15, 2011 by Harlequin

In all honesty, I probably should give this 2.5 stars, but since I liked the first one pretty well, I'll bump it up.

This book was not quite like the first one. It was much, much more dark. The "entity" bugging the main character was not a sad 16 year old.

The book was creepy, which if that's what you are after, it will fit the bill. I'll actually probably read the next in the series if I can find it.

Past Midnight

Past Midnight (Past Midnight #1)

by Mara Purnhagen 

3 stars

216 pages 
Published Sept. 1, 2010 by Harlequin Teen 

If you like the TV show Ghost Hunters, this book is a must-read. It has all the lingo used on the show - EVPs, apparitions, de-bunking, etc. So brush up before you pick this up.
I liked it pretty well. Ghost stories are always better when you read them. And this had a spooky, yet lovely plot.

Sorcerers of the Nightwing

Sorcerers of the Nightwing (The Ravenscliff #1)

by Geoffrey Huntington

3.5 stars

421 pages

Published June 18, 2013 as an ebook by Diversion Books (originally published in 2002)

  

So I got done reading this a few days ago, and it’s been stewing in my brain ever since – invading my dreams (nay, nightmares).  I’m trying to figure out just what I liked so much about this book, since it’s not the type of book I read regularly. It’s all dark and twisty and slightly disturbing. But occasionally, I am in the mood for something like this, especially after reading something super-saccharine, like Debbie Macomber.

This edition is a re-release of  the 1^st edition, published in 2002 – and the cover of that book is deeply disturbing (and the reason I hate clowns). Had I seen that cover first, I probably wouldn’t have picked up the book. The revamped cover is less disturbing but still has a good creepy vibe to it – it will attract more readers, in my opinion. 

Sorcerers of the Nightwing is YA horror/paranormal at it’s best. The gloomy atmosphere, gross (but not gory) corpses/ghosts and town names like Misery Point add to its appeal. 

 

Teens who grew up on Goosebumps and who want a little more “creep factor” in their books will find this novel to their liking. It’s the next step in the horror progression, with Stephen King as reigning king. It is NOT a Juvenile Fiction book, though. It’s targeted towards older teens.

So a solid 3.5 stars – I docked it because pacing was a bit slow at times and the ending was confusing. Plus, a bit more background/development of the characters would have been helpful. But it is #1 in the Ravenscliff series, so more of that is probably in the successive books. Also, I HATE cliffhanger endings.

Thank you NetGalley and Diversion Books for the opportunity to review this book.

If I Should Die

If I Should Die (Die for Me #3)

by Amy Plum 

3.5 stars

405 pages

Published May 7, 2013, by HarperTeen

A satisfying, if predictable, ending to a well-done trilogy.

Classic themes of redemption and good conquering evil encapsulated in good writing and a sweet love story. And some awesome mortal combat! What could be better?

The reason for the 3.5 stars is because the Champion could have been more Champion-y. Better, stronger, more powers, etc. But the champion, when it shows up, is just like any other revenant, except for some pumped-up "perception," which is cool, but just not enough. I wanted a super superhero!

There were some loose ends, too, that were not tied up at the end. Some characters were left with unresolved stuff.

Also, I dropped stars for teen sex. Teens have enough to worry about in this era. They don't need to be thinking sex is all OK, then getting pregnant.

Now I'll remove myself from my moral soapbox.

I am glad that I read this trilogy. It was satisfying and original and had all the elements of a good YA book. I can recommend!

Until I Die

Until I Die (Die for Me #2)

by Amy Plum

4 stars

353 pages

Published May 8, 2012, by HarperCollins Publishers 

 I am so happy! I just read a fantastic sequel! Yay!

I always pick up a sequel with a bit of hesitation because many, many times I am bitterly disappointed in Book #2 or #3 after a wonderful Book #1. (a.k.a. Hunger Games)
In this sequel, we learn more about revenant lore and legend. We meet Violette and Arthur - two revenants from the 16th century who are the "experts" on numa. And Kate is learning how to fight. I love a good fightin' girl.
The focus isn't so much on the looooove between Kate and Vincent - but the goal of making the relationship last.
Pacing was fast. Fight scenes well choreographed and easy to follow. And characters are further fleshed out. Everything a good sequel should have.
I can't wait to pick up #3 in the "Die for Me" series!

The Girl with the Iron Touch

The Girl with the Iron Touch (Steampunk Chronicles #3)

by Kady Cross

4.5 stars

384 pages

Published May 28, 2013, by Harlequin TEEN 

 

Another clever and exciting installment in the Steampunk Chronicles! Cross's bright, original and inventive writing gives birth to a story that is quick-paced, exciting and absorbing.

I love how each book focuses on one member of the "Greythorne 5," and how the others in the group converge to help out and rescue them, while defeating the bad guys. All within a delightfully imaginative universe, filled with automatons, sentient machines, beasties and "organites."

This time, it's "Ginger" who gets into a spot of trouble.

Although, like the first two novels, the "Don't go! It's not safe! I'll go instead!" line of thinking between characters is overdone.

One bit of glossed-over sex and little-to-no swearing.

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. Can't wait for the next one to come out!!

Spellbound (Spellbound #1)

Spellbound (Spellbound #1)

by Cara Lynn Shultz

4 stars

341 pages

 

Ah, yes, another teen romance/fairy tale. At least this one was pretty good. Although I have to admit that I am a sucker for star-crossed love and all that sap.

But besides the good plot, the writing was surprisingly good. Pacing was OK - though slow at times. And I got pretty tired of "those emerald eyes" being obsessed over. There is a smattering of swear words, too.

Great climax, too. I love a good fight scene. And then the book ended. It seems rare nowadays to read a book that is self-contained in one volume. It's all trilogies and such. This book basically tied up all loose ends, but left room for a sequel if so desired. But not at all necessary. Though I believe there is another one coming out. But I don't feel compelled to read it, though I probably will because I enjoyed the first one so much.
All in all, an entertaining read. 

The Shadows (The Books of Elsewhere #1)

The Shadows (The Books of Elsewhere #1)

by Jacqueline West

3 stars

224 pages
 
For a children's book, this was very dark. And scary. And creepy. I don't think I'd let my 10 year old read it - although she does like those Goosebumps books, so maybe.
One positive is that the story can stand alone. There is no silly cliffhanger at the conclusion, but there are some loose ends that can be tied up in another book.
I doubt, though, that I'll read the next books in the series. I just wasn't super impressed.

Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #2)

Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #2)

by Gail Carriger

4.5 stars

I am always happy to deviate from my usual YA books for this adult fiction series.

Why?

The writing is like nothing I've ever read before. Fantastic and colorful vocabulary is used to describe the most normal things. My favorite quote in the book is from Ivy: "Has something untoward happened? Everyone is gesticulating!" That line made me laugh out loud! All the characters are fabulously written. It is difficult to choose my favorite. I love them all!

The repartee between Lady and Lord Maccon is clever, witty and just plain fun to read. You can tell that the two characters are truly in love.

But don't think that these books belong in the Romance category. Oh, no. They are firmly in ... well, a few genres. Paranormal and Mystery, obviously. But there is some Steampunk and Mary Poppins, too. It's such a wonderful and imaginative combination of genres; it just works.

There is little to no swearing, a touch of sex and some of the characters swing the other way.

Can't wait to read No. 3!

The Reckoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #3)

The Reckoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #3)

by Kelley Armstrong

2 stars

What a disappointing ending to a series that had such potential.
What was the point of the changing colors of the crystal? Where had Mr. Bae been all that time? Didn't he ever try and get in touch with his sons? What about Chloe's dad? What about her mom?
Is Rae really gone with her mother? What happened there? What a sloppy end to a character's story.
Too many questions left unanswered. Too many plot lines dropped.

The Awakening (Darkest Powers Trilogy #2)

The Awakening (Darkest Powers Trilogy #2)

by Kelley Armstrong 

3 stars

 
A solid, yet somewhat uninspired sequel to The Summoning. It had just enough action and plot to keep me reading and ultimately to pick up the last book in the trilogy.
Still no swearing - yay! - and just the inkling of a beginning of a love story. Nothing too distracting.