Net Galley Review: The Book of Blood and Shadow

Title: The Book of Blood and Shadow

Pub: Random House Children’s Books

Pub Date: April 10, 2012

ISBN: 9780375868764

Author: Robin Wasserman

             I leaned closer, hating myself for noticing the smell, cloyingly sweet and ripe. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”

            “Your. The. One.” He punctuated each word with a fist against the blanket. “Your blood.” And then those nonsense words again that seemed to mean so much. “Lay da chee!”  pg 96

            Nora Kane is not your typical high school student. Her ability to read and translate Latin manuscripts places her as a research assistant to a senile professor at Chapman Prep. She is given the responsibility to translate sixteenth-century letters written by Elizabeth Weston in hopes that she will discover hidden clues to the whereabouts of the Lumen Dei, an ancient religious artifact.

            Nora realizes early on that her involvement with this project has put her life in danger, along with the lives of her friends Chris, Max, and Adrienne. Her fears are confirmed when her professor suddenly falls ill and one of her best friends is murdered. She runs for her life, ending up in Prague, the birthplace of Elizabeth Weston. Every letter Nora translates answers one more piece to the puzzle, and as Nora learns century- old secrets, blood is spilled and friends die. The question is… who is responsible, and is the Lumen Dei meant only for God, and not for man?

            I LOVED THIS BOOK.  The mysteries within its pages are complicated and unpredictable, and as I read, I felt like I was in an Indiana Jones movie- sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time.  Wasserman writes with such descriptive detail, it feels as if you are in the adventure with the characters.  This book also poses serious ethical questions, making you think about the possibilities [and consequences] of man possessing something that is not meant for humanity.  Thanks to the unpredictable plotline and the exciting search for century-old treasure, I give this book my highest rating: A+.  One warning though: once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down!

Net Galley Review: Endure

Title: : Endure

Pub: Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Pub Date: May 08, 2012

ISBN: 9781599905549

Author: Carrie Jones

            “He’s in love with you.”  She watches my face and says all mock angry, “Do not roll your eyes at me, young lady. He is. And it isn’t some weird I-am-a-pixie-king-and-you’re-my-queen-love.  It’s like Willow and Tara kind of love, like Spock and Kirk, like Jack and Kate on Lost, like Princess Leia and Han Solo or Olivia and Peter on Fringe.”

“…It doesn’t matter.”

 “…Zara White, since when has love ever not mattered?” pg 36

            Zara White has a lot on her plate, including fighting and rounding up evil pixies all while trying to stop the apocalypse from happening.  To add to her stress, she must also figure out the complicated relationship with her ex-boyfriend [and sometimes wolf] Nick and her commitment and growing affections towards her fairy king Astley.  Zara must prepare herself and others for a battle prophesized to start the ending of the world. Will her pixie status help her survive, or will her strong character and ability to “look beyond the ugly” save the world? 

            Endure is the fantastic conclusion to the Zara White story. The pixie-pounding action takes you to Hal and back, holding your interest on every page. Astley is truly Prince Charming in pixie clothing, and his love for Zara is captivating.  Zara’s strong character and commitment to love helps her see past evil, even in the midst of battle.  I absolutely loved this book, and I give it my highest rating: A+

Carrie Jones, you are amazing! 

KWN Video Shoot

The KWN Video Shoot at the Oceanside Pier was a success! Watch for the completed competition video by February 2nd, 2012.

Net Galley Review: Halflings

Title: Halflings

Publisher: Zondervan

Pubdate: Feb. 01, 2012

ISBN: 9780310728184

Author: Heather Burch

         “Wow.” She studied the spot and wiggled the finger; no burning, no stinging, just fresh, pink skin.  “What was that?”

         “Another perk.” He laughed. “Misleading though. I can’t do anything when it’s life threatening.”

         “Amazing.” She examined the digit. Angel kisses. He’d just dusted her skin with angel kisses. How many girls on the planet could say that?  “Do you think this is where the term ‘Kiss it and make it better’ comes from?”

         He smiled. “Maybe.”

         She cocked a brow. “My other hand hurts…” pg 139

         Seventeen-year-old Nikki didn’t believe in angels, that is until three devastatingly handsome men suddenly appear when her life is threatened by demonic beings.  Nikki soon learns that Mace, Raven, and Vine are Haflings, part heavenly being and part human, who have sworn to protect and guard the human race.  As they work together to unravel a puzzling mystery, Nikki starts to fall for Mace, which is strictly forbidden. Mace understands that there are severe penalties if he lets himself fall in love, but the strong attraction he feels tempts him to give in, despite the eternal consequences. 

         As the mystery unfolds, Nikki learns that her parents are involved with a wealthy businessman who is controlling their every move. With newfound knowledge that proves she is the target in an evil scientific plan, Nikki is forced to choose between her old way of life and the new, uncertain life with the Haflings. One choice will put her life at great risk, and the other will change her life forever.  

         Haflings is a fantastic and fresh read that captivates you until the very last page. The relationship between Nikki and Mace is electric, and the chemistry between them is enhanced because of their forbidden love.  YA readers everywhere will love this book; it’s a winner!

Net Galley Review: New Girl

Title: New Girl

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: Harlequin Teen

PUB date: Jan 31, 1012

ISBN: 9780373210428

Author: Paige Harbison

         As soon as we touched, it felt like an electrical current ran through me. I remembered the touch of the boy on the stairs the night before and wondered if this was him.  I glanced sideways, not wanting to make it obvious that I was looking at him…pg 42

         Being the New Girl at school can be difficult, especially when the school rules includes school uniforms, no interdorm visitations between boys and girls, no social networking sites, and no cell phones.  “It was like prison, without visitors.” Pg 17   Unfortunately, being the new girl is the least of Callie’s worries.  Upon arrival at the prestigious Manderly Academy, Callie realizes that her spot became available due to the mysterious disappearance of Becca Normandy, an extremely popular student at the Academy. She’s immediately compared to Becca, especially by her new roommate, Dana. Callie places the final nail in her social coffin when she gravitates towards Max Holloway, who just happens to be Becca’s ex-boyfriend. 

         The New Girl covers many of the social situations teens experience including the pressure to fit in and belong. Once thing I found interesting was the alternating point of view, from the infamous Becca Normandy to the new girl Callie. Plot points are slowly revealed as Becca tells her story, and when the two stories intertwine, the mystery is finally solved … or is it?

         This book will definitely appeal to teens because it has all the right ingredients for a YA bestseller: realistic teen drama, forbidden love, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages.  Due to mature content, I recommend this book for teens and adult readers. 

Back to Reality

Are You Ready to Rumble? 

Fill your backpacks with fresh supplies...make sure you have an independent reading book ready to go... and be ready to ROCK the ELA Benchmark #2 this week. Remember- YOU control your destiny- and YOU are responsible for delivering your personal best every day, no exceptions. I can't wait to see you!

Happy New Year! 

Winter Break Reading

Sooo....your only homework over the break was to READ READ READ! Hopefully you did just that, and are ready to share some great books with me when we return on January 9th. I will bring the books that I have read to share with you! Look for my latest book reviews to be posted in the next few days.