Starters

Title: Starters
Author: Lissa Price
Reading Level: Young Adult
Location: YA Price (when released)

Summary

After all adults between the age of 20 and 60 died during the Spore Wars, the United States is basically controlled by the Enders, those adults over the age of 60 who were vaccinated against the spores. The Starters, kids and teens under the age of 20 also vaccinated against the spores, must rely on protection from older relatives or find a way to survive on the streets. Ever since her mother and father died, Callie has been living in abandoned buildings with her younger brother and trying to avoid getting rounded up by the marshals, forced into slave labor or pummeled by hostile starters. However, Tyler is sick and getting worse. Callie must find some way to get money for medicine and food so he can recover.

Then another homeless starter tells her about Prime Destinations. Starters can sign over their body to be rented by a rich Ender. Meanwhile, the starter exists in a peaceful state of oblivion. At the end of the three-rental contract, the Ender walks away with their exciting youthful experience, and the Starter receives a ton of cash. Although Callie has reservations she signs up. It seems easy enough and they really need the money. But when Callie wakes up during a rental in the life of a rich ender, she knows things are getting weird. She can hear the renter’s voice in her head whispering one warning, “Don’t go back to Prime Destinations.”

Now, on the run but with her renter’s resources and a helpful new friend named Blake, Callie must figure out the evil aspirations of the Old Man who owns Prime Destinations before her life and that of other Starters is snuffed out for good.

Review

I have to say, Starters was actually pretty amazing, much better than I thought it would be from the description. The main character, Callie, is someone you want to see win. She is incredibly smart. Her father prepared her for a potential life on the streets, so she is sufficiently tough and understands how her world works and ways to circumvent the system to survive. She has one goal, to keep her brother safe, and she never wavers from that commitment throughout the entire book. Even when she wakes up in the life of the wealthy ender, she has a hard time letting herself have any fun. She is loyal and very goal-oriented. You almost feel sorry that she can’t just be a normal teenage girl.

The story itself, while not always action-packed, is incredibly tense throughout. Even when Callie was not running from Prime Destinations or holding people hostage, I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know how it would all turn out. The Old Man is a sufficiently creepy villain. I was literally cringing anytime Callie’s plans included confronting him. There is a huge reveal near the end that I, embarrassingly, did not see coming. While many plot threads in this story wrapped up in a satisfying way, a surprising cliffhanger will keep readers coming back for more.  The last book in this two-book series, Enders, is reportedly due to be released on December 4, 2012.

The Bottom Line:  Starters was an exciting dystopia that I can honestly say reminds me, in some ways, of The Hunger Games. You have a strong heroine, good side characters, fun action scenes and an evil man as the main villain. This book kept me absolutely engrossed in the story and ravenously reading until the wee hours of the morning. Give it to fans of The Hunger Games, Incarceron and the dystopia genre in general.

The Publisher provided me with an advanced copy, through netgalley, for this review. Starters will be released on March 13, 2012

Wildefire

Title: Wildefire
Author: Karsten Knight
Reading Level: Young Adult
Location: not yet released

Ashline Wilde is having a tough year. The psycho actions of her sister, Eve, forced her to transfer to an exclusive boarding school in the middle of northern California. Ash makes friends easily and seems to be getting her life back on track, but weird things keep happening. She gets chased by cyclopean monsters and, along with a few friends, seems oddly compelled to obey the summons of a blind girl. Ash soon discovers that she and her new friends are reincarnated gods and goddesses, tasked to carry out secret, separate missions to save the future of their race. As Ash begins to grow into her powers, Eve shows up with some new skills of her own, seemingly hell bent on creating havoc. Will Ash and her fellow gods and goddesses come to terms with their identity and face their fates? Or will the forces standing against them win out in the end?

Alright, I have to say that the above plot summary was definitely not my best. If you want a more in-depth description of the storyline (with quite a few more spoilers) check out the author’s website. I have to say, that I absolutely did not love this book. I tried very hard to like it. I usually adore paranormal/mythology stories plus this book has an amazing cover! The plot seemed promising and the main character, Ashline, is strong and likeable, but I could not get into Wildefire.

In the end, I really think the shallow, uninspired writing sank this story. This is the classic case of a writer telling you qualities about a character but failing to show anything through the character’s actions. All the characters felt flat and their interactions seemed robotic as a result. I was not the least bit empathetic to their plight. The romance, which should have been a pretty good side story for the plot, was hollow and lacked any convincing emotion. This should have been a great book, the plot had a lot of promise, but it did nothing for me. What a shame!

I will say though that just because I did not like this book, does not mean that you will not enjoy it. I have spoken with quite a few people who loved it and would recommend it. I don’t consider myself a picky reader. I mean, I enjoyed The Goddess Test, a book that plenty of reviewers completely disliked. So I would say to approach this one with caution and definitely check it out from the library or read a little bit of it in a bookstore before you consider purchasing it.


The Bottom Line: I was definitely not a fan of Wildefire. The superficial writing failed to connect me with the characters so I ended up being completely apathetic to their challenges and the story as a whole. If you enjoy supernatural books revolving around gods and goddesses, give it a shot but also try The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter.

The publisher provided me with an advanced reading copy of the book for this review. Wildefire by Karsten Knight has an expected release date of July 26, 2011

Bright Young Things

Title: Bright Young Things
Author: Anna Godbersen
Reading Level: Young Adult
Location: YA Godberson

Set in the roaring twenties, this first book in a new historical fiction series by the author of The Luxe follows three very different girls: Cordelia, Letty and Astrid. Cordelia and Letty fled their small town in Ohio for the bright lights of New York City while Astrid has grown up amidst the luxury and splendor of the New York elite. Once they arrive in New York, Cordelia wastes no time finding the father she never knew while Letty searches for a job that will jumpstart her career as a star on the New York stage. Meanwhile Astrid is becoming increasingly frustrated with her own life, her moody boyfriend, Charlie, and her conniving mother. Will the girls find fortune and happiness amongst the movers and shakers of 1920's New York? Or will the danger, intrigue and betrayal of the big city catch up to them?

I loved Anna Godberson's Luxe series so I was thrilled when I saw that she was writing something new! Unlike The Luxe, this book seemed to focus a little less on the cattiness and more on the characters and their complex interactions with each other. I am continually impressed with Godberson's writing and the depth she lends her characters. I found myself embracing these new characters and enjoying them as much as those in her last series. I grew particularly fond of Astrid simply because she seems so emotionally lost at times but still displays such strength and intelligence. Even though the characters are developed there is still plenty of drama, betrayal and even a death to keep the plot moving. There was not a dull moment in this entertaining story and I am waiting in eager anticipation for the next installment!

The Bottom Line: I absolutely adored Bright Young Things and was so bummed when it was over! The superior writing and character development makes this chic-lit novel stand out from the crowd. Fans of Anna Godberson, Lisa Klein, Marissa Doyle and other historical fiction novels should love this one. Those who prefer their drama set in more modern times, like Gossip Girl and The Clique, should give this a try as well.

The Entertainer and the Dybbuk

Title: The Entertainer and the Dybbuk
Author: Sid Fleischman
Location: YA Fleischman S.

Freddie T. Birch, a former bombardier during World War II, has remained in Europe after the war performing a second-rate ventriloquist act. The spirit of a 12-year-old Jewish boy, who once rescued him during the war, has made a request to possess Freddie so that he may seek his revenge, to which Freddie refuses. However, this spirit, known in this case as a dybbuk, does not have to ask permission, he was just being polite. The dybbuk possesses the ventriloquist with promises of fame and revenge.

The Bottom Line: The novel is an easy read with young adult themes dealing with the brutality of the war, death, and revenge. The story is filled with the humor of people who are familiar with oppression. The author ties in the reality of the annihilation of Jewish Children to a well-crafted tale of love, family and redemption.

Ash

Title: Ash
Author: Malinda Lo
Reading Level: Young Adult
Location: YA Lo

This book opens in a fairy-tale world of mythical beings, magic and evil stepmothers. Ash, still grieving the recent death of her beloved mother, is dumbfounded when her father returns from a long trip with a new wife and daughters in tow. Shortly after, Ash is left alone in the world, except for the evil stepmother and stepsisters. They initially treat her like family, but after a not-so-stunning revelation, Ash is relegated to a role as housekeeper and cook. So begins this tale which just seems like another remake of the, often used but never really interesting, Cinderella story. But don’t give up on it yet! This story is dark and completely beautiful which is exponentially better than any fairy-tale remake or rehash that I have read in a long time. Ash does meet a prince named Sidhean who is a fairy that knew her mother. She also befriends the king’s huntress Kaisa. Both of these two characters show her the kindness she is denied by her stepfamily. It is her developing relationship with both characters that help define this book and set it apart from so many others in this genre. Of course, the question in the end is still, how will she have a happily-ever-after? But I think for this book the real question becomes, with whom will Ash have her happily-ever-after?

The author really does a wonderful job with this story. The book is not long and the author uses every well-placed phrase to further develop her characters and their relationships with each other. The author makes a real effort to bring layers to all her characters and meaning to their actions, whether good or bad. Some characters do still fall flat, despite these efforts. However, the three main characters while not as complex as I would like, still shine bright in this creative re-telling of an all too familiar tale.

The Bottom Line: It sounds like the same old fairy tale, but Ash is a quick, romance with great characters and a unique storyline. Read it if you enjoy a more untraditional happily ever after.

The City of Ember

Title: The City of Ember (unabridged audio recording)
Author: Jeanne DuPrau, read by Wendy Dillon
Reading Level: Young Adult
Location: CDS YA Duprau J.

"There is nowhere but here" the children are taught in the city that has no sky, stars, or moon. The sunshine comes from floodlights that blast during 12 hours of the day. At the age of twelve, Lina and Doon have completed their schooling and are assigned the jobs they will have for the rest of their lives, Lina as a messenger (who is paid 20 cents to run across the city to deliver spoken messages for individuals) and Doon is a pipeworker, spending all day below ground in a massive maze of tunnels and secret doors.

The decaying city is starting to have problems maintaining electricity and is running low on a limited supply of food, lightbulbs, and other necessities that the mysterious "builders" have left them. For 250 years, the people of Ember have lived without questioning their existence in this place that is all that they know, strangely simple and economical- no telephones, re-using all items and nothing is thrown away, and also modern with the expectation of electricity, but soon a secret box is found. What is inside the box is how Lina and Doon discover what was meant to be discovered years before.

The Bottom Line: I really got drawn in to this story, especially with it's hints at the reasons behind the existence of Ember being pre-apocalyptic. I think a younger reader would be interested in this story as well and the content would be fine for an 8-12 year old.

Wendy Dillon's reading of the characters was really well done and the small sounds inserted in different places to represent the fast-moving river and crowds forming helped the story rather than distract from it. I know this one has been out for awhile, but I'm ready to read the next in the series. I won't be watching the movie, at least not until I finish the series. I don't want to ruin what I imagine Ember to be.

City of Glass

Title: City of Glass
Author: Cassandra Clare
Reading Level: YA
Location: YA Clare

This review discusses major plot points from the first two Mortal Instrument books. If you have not yet read City of Bones and City of Ashes, skip ahead to the bottom line.

This third and final installment of the Mortal Instruments trilogy opens with all the Shadowhunters returning to Idris to face an inevitable battle with Valentine. Even though Jace disapproves of Clary going along, she wants to meet up with a warlock who has the power to cure her comatose mother. Upon arriving they realize that Valentine’s attack is indeed imminent and his spies have ears all over Idris. While the Clave argues over himself and the final Mortal Instrument, Valentine prepares a deadly and devastating attack to begin a final war. Everyone who has not yet died in the last two books returns with a few new faces to attempt to thwart Valentine’s selfish plan to acquire the final mortal instrument and desecrate the race of shadowhunters.

Although I enjoyed the previous two books, City of Glass exceeded all my expectations for this trilogy. I enjoyed the change of scenery to Idris and the author does a good job describing this fantastical country and the city of Allicante. Many of the main characters become even more compelling as the author makes them more complicated in this final book. I have always considered Jace to be a deep, multi-layered character, but the author really delves into some of the other character’s feelings and motivations which make the book all the more satisfying. I also loved the deepening relationship between Alec and Magnus. The author succeeds in making their relationship intricate and genuine, instead of using them as the token gay couple. In the end, I love how all the story threads wrapped up in this book, it was truly an enthralling, action-packed conclusion to a very imaginative trilogy.

The Bottom Line: City of Glass was a great ending to the Mortal Instruments trilogy. The author does not shy away from violence, but it is not overdone. Amidst all the action, the characters deepen and the story becomes more intricate resulting in an exciting, satisfying conclusion.

A Really Nice Prom Mess

Title: A Really Nice Prom Mess

Author: Brian Sloan

Reading Level: YA

Location: YA Sloan

Cameron Hayes is excited to go to his senior prom, especially when his date is the most attractive girl at school. The problem is, he would much rather be at the prom with...his boyfriend. They are both deeply in the closet and forced to go on double dates with girls to avoid anyone knowing about their sexuality. Things get worse when Cameron picks up his date. Virginia, the crass, foul-mouthed (and homophobic) bombshell beauty. The entire novel is a hilarious tale of one night involving parties, fights, a high-speed police chase, a go-go dancer and plenty of drama! Brian Sloan uses very realistic teenage dialogue and you can't help by continue to turn the page with this edgy novel. The characters are refreshingly honest and easy to relate to.

Bottom Line: This is a very underrated page-turner that is a must read for older high schoolers. Brian Sloan is a very talented writer in the YA genre and I really wish he would write more. One warning: Don't read it on a school night because you will be up all night waiting to see how the night of madcap adventures all end.

Title: Hunted: A House of Night Novel
Author: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Location: YA Cast
Reading Level: Young Adult

This review may discuss some plot points from the previous House of Night books. If you have not yet read the first 4 books, you may want to skip ahead to the bottom line.

Zoey and her friends are back in this fifth novel in the House of Night series. They have escaped the House of Night after evil Neferet raised the demon god, Kalona, as part of her plan to wage a war on humans and rule the race of vampires. Zoey must stay true to her goddess and, with the help of her friends and family, defeat the combined power of Neferet and Kalona.

As a whole, Hunted was a very disappointing book. It is 323 pages and encompasses three days of Zoey’s life after she and her friends flee the house of night at the end of Untamed. The writing is atrocious as always, but normally an engaging plot makes up for this fact. However, very little occurs in this book and by the end, it really feels like the storyline and the characters just ran in circles. It was while reading this book that I realized that between the first book in this series and the fifth, only a few months have passed in Zoey’s life. This drawing out of the series, particularly obvious in this installment, seems a lame attempt on the part of the author to squeeze as much money out of the series as possible. This is extremely frustrating since I know a good amount of teenagers who truly wasted their money for the sloppy mess that is Hunted. For the next book, the authors might want to attempt to use their limited writing abilities to extend the storyline past a few days of Zoey's life while actually adding depth to the plot and characters.

The Bottom Line: This was a terrible book. Untamed really gave me high hopes for this series which came crashing down in this fifth installment. If you are a fervent reader of the series then you have probably already read Hunted. If not, I suggest you skip this one. Trust me, you won’t miss a thing.

Suddenly Supernatural: School Spirit

Title: Suddenly Supernatural: School Spirit

Author: Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Level: Juvenile

Location: J Kimmel

School Spirit is the first book in the Suddenly Supernatural series. In this book we meet Kat whose Mom is super cool, but a bit of an embarrassment to Kat. I know you're thinking my life would be sooo much better if my Mom was cool. But is your Mom a medium who has seances with weird noises coming out of the room and drops in temperature that make you shiver when you have the most popular girl from school over. And did you suddenly start seeing people who say haven't eaten a meal in awhile and wear clothes that are so far out of style because - oh yeah- they're dead.

Talking to people no one else can see doesn't exactly help you make friends in middle school or survive without taunting, but Kat makes friends with a new student, Jac, who has her own secret and Mom problems. Together they try to figure out what happened to the faded girl in the library and how they can help her.

Bottom Line: A fairly quick, likable, somewhat humorous, middle school read. This book should appeal to any girl who is trying to fit in and avoid embarrassing teasing. So that would be all girls tween or older and those who survived middle school. Look for more titles in the Suddenly Supernatural series this summer.

The Graveyard Book

Title: The Graveyard Book

Author: Neil Gaiman

Location: YA Gaiman

Reading Level: Young Adult and kids 8 and up

Nobody Owens is a pretty weird name for a normal little boy, but Bod does not live an ordinary life. Bod lives in a graveyard with his adoptive ghost parents, his protector and graveyard caretaker, Silas, and all the other ghostly inhabitants. Now it may seem like a graveyard would be a terrifying place to live, but most of the ghosts are kind, and even though Bod is alive, they accept him as one of their own. However, the graveyard does house some very frightening and dangerous apparitions. The demented ghouls, who move between this world and a dark, evil dimension, are always searching for a new recruit to their ways. As well as the Sleer, an ancient spirit that protects the oldest grave. Deep below the earth, the Sleer guards an aged treasure and is always on the lookout for a new master to ensnare in its lair. Although these creatures seem scary, the real danger lurks in the world outside the old graveyard. The man named Jack seeks for the baby, now boy, who escaped from his murderous clutches. Bod loves life in the graveyard, but he yearns for the real world and all of its knowledge. Will he always exist as he is in the graveyard, alive but not really living? Or will he be able to face the man Jack and claim a life for himself outside the graveyard’s walls?

This was a fun, mysterious, and imaginative read. Bod is such a well written, engaging character that young people will instantly relate to him and enjoy accompanying him on his adventures. Neil Gaiman is an extremely talented writer and he seamlessly weaves scary moments into Bod’s everyday existence without the story ever becoming too frightening. The many intriguing ghosts who people Bod’s existence add an enchanting supernatural aspect which helps to make this book so unique. The Graveyard book is truly Gaiman at his best!

The Bottom Line: I know I did not do justice to this amazing book. It is unique, heartfelt, and utterly enjoyable. It won the Newberry Medal for a reason so give it to kids and teens who like fun characters and a suspenseful yet good-natured tale.

Series Review: Runaways

Title: Runaways

Author: Brian K. Vaughan

Location: YA Runaways Vol. 1-7

Reading Level: Young Adult

Have you ever thought that your parents were evil? If you are like most teens, the thought has crossed your mind at least once. But for Nico, Karolina, Molly, Chase, Alex and Gertrude it's a reality. After witnessing their parents kill a girl in a sacrificial ritual, they quickly learn that the parents they loved are actually super-powered villians! Together they unite as one they try to defeat their evil parents.

Along they way, they discover that they also have unique superpowers, like flying and heat. The teens have their own distinct personalities that make the story funny and interesting. For me, one of the coolest things about the series is Gertrude, a sassy girl with purple hair who has a genetically engineered dinosaur that can listen to her thoughts and attack at will! The series has enough twists and turns that you will be dying to get the next book in the series. Look for cameo appearances from Marvel superheroes like Iron Man and Spider-Man.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for an original story with great characters that you can identify with, soap opera drama, thrills and laugh out loud moments, read this series. Even if you don't like superheroes or even graphic novels, you may find this to be surprising. There is something for everyone.

Envy: A Luxe Novel

Title: Envy: A Luxe Novel
Author: Anna Godberson
Location: YA Godberson
Reading Level: Young Adult

Another gorgeous cover meets with another fun, satisfying glimpse into the lives of the elite women in 1900’s New York. Penelope blackmailed Henry into a loveless marriage. Elizabeth is still grieving the death of her secret husband, Will. Diana is attempting to get over her love for Henry, and Lina continues her climb up the social ladder.

This novel is just like the other Luxe novels with all the scheming, backstabbing, and romantic liaisons of the last two. What makes this novel better than its two predecessors is the change of location from New York to Florida, where Penelope, Henry, and all the rest are vacationing. As always, the characters are fun and interesting and I really enjoyed the way all the different storylines played out in this book. I’m excited to see where the next book will take everyone, particularly Diana, and how the author will successfully tie up some of her loose ends. It should be fun!

The Bottom Line: Envy is a quick, entertaining read with engaging characters. It has a lot of teen appeal and fans of catty chick-lit should enjoy all 3 novels in the Luxe series. Be on the lookout for the next novel Splendor, released October 27, 2009.

Diary Of A Whimpy Kid

Title: Diary Of A Whimpy Kid

Author: Jeff Kinney

Location: J Kinney

Reading Level: Juvenile

Greg Heffley is surrounded by morons, as he calls them. Being a scrawny middle school student, isn't easy for Greg, but things seem worse when his mom makes him start writing in a diary. First off, he refuses to use the word diary. Instead, he draws pictures and fun stories of his life as a whimpy kid. His family and friends are very interesting charachters like when he deals with his four-year-old brother who is lead singer in a garage band. Also, his best friend Rowley who he gets into mischief with. Greg's story is very fun to read and the cartoon drawings are hilarious. Whether you have been, are in or will be middle school, you will be able to identify with the crazy fun antics of Greg. I actually laughed out loud several times.

Bottom Line: For a fun, quick read try Diary of A Whimpy Kid. Great for reluctant readers. You will love to look at the honest and hilarious side of the trials and tribulations of middle school.

Beyond Spiderwick chronicles book 2: A giant problem

Title: A Giant Problem

Author: Tony Diterlizzi & Holly Black

Location: J Diterlizzi

Reading Level: juvenile

Nick Vargas and his stepsister Laurie are the main characters once again. Older brother Jules helps out some this time. You will need to have read book 1, Nixie's Song, before reading this book. There is no explanation to catch you up on what happened in book 1. Actually, having waited a while for the book to come in, it took me a couple pages to remember and figure out what was going on. If you are hoping for a connection to the Grace family you won't find it until the very end (as in the last page) when they are waiting to let the Vargas clan know what they found out about the giants.

The giants seem to be waking up in groups and are causing quite a bit of destruction as they fight for territory. Jack Noseeum isn't much help as he is almost blind, so the Vargas kids are on their own to figure out how to stop the giants. Mermaids and something like a hobgoblin are introduced in this book. The hobgoblin like creature is a bit of a let down since it doesn't help much or have the charisma of Hogsqueel(from the Spiderwick Chronicles). Taloa, the nixie in book 1, has taken off to look for her sisters herself. The mermaids are the only creatures who can help, but remember, fairies can't be trusted.

Bottom Line: A Giant Problem is ok. That's about all the enthusiasm I can muster for it. I didn't hate it, but I definitely felt a bit disappointed while reading it. It lacks something the other Spiderwick books had- just doesn't grab you. It may be that the characters just aren't developed enough to form a connection with the reader.The ending gives the reader an idea about the third book, The Wyrm King, and I can only hope the writers will discover what was missing in this one as the third book is suppose to be the last in this series that had a promising start.

Graceling

Title: Graceling
Author: Kristin Cashore
Location: YA Cashore
Reading Level: Young Adult

This story revolves around Katsa who is the niece of a king in one of the seven kingdoms. Katsa is unique because she is graced; she was born with the uncanny ability to perform a special skill. Unlike some other gracelings whose talents are swimming or archery, Katsa’s grace is killing. She is employed by her uncle as his primary enforcer and assassin. Katsa secretly despises her position so she joins an underground society devoted to righting the wrongs that are committed by people in power. While on a rescue mission for her society Katsa meets Po, a prince graced with fighting. Together Katsa and Po have to travel to one of the other kingdoms to solve a mysterious kidnapping and possibly multiple murders. They soon realize that the mystery has deeper implications than either expected and if they do not act, the whole land will be in peril.

This may sound like the typical fantasy adventure tale, but it is entirely unique. In her debut novel, Kristin Cashore uses stellar writing to create an extraordinary world peopled with fascinating characters. Katsa is a wonderful heroine. She is incredibly strong, and even though she grows and matures emotionally throughout the book, the defining elements of her character remain intact. Po is another fleshed out character whose relationship with Katsa is one of the best aspects of the novel. The action sequences are exciting, the plot is entirely engaging and the romance provides the finishing touch to one of the best novels of 2008.

The Bottom Line: I can’t say enough good things about Graceling. Give it a try and I guarantee you will love it! Even though this book is marketed to teens, the characters are not specifically teenaged, so adults who enjoy fantasy should love this book as well. Be on the lookout for Cashore’s next book, Fire, which comes out on October 6, 2009

Stuck In Neutral

Title: Stuck In Neutral
Author: Terry Trueman
Location: YA Trueman
Reading Level: Young Adult

Stuck In Neutral is the deeply moving tale of 14-year-old Shawn. Shawn has Cerebral Palsy and is profoundly developmentally disabled. He cannot eat or move his body without help from his parents. The worst part is that he is very intelligent and fully aware of all his surroundings but cannot communicate at all. Despite feeling guilty for being so dependant on everyone, Shawn remains happy with a positive attitude. Things become problematic when his father considers killing him to put him out of the misery he thinks he's in. Of course, Shawn cannot verbalize his feelings and tell his dad that he doesn't want to die. Stuck In Neutral won the prestigious Michael L. Printz award.

Bottom Line: Giving insight into a little-known disorder, Stuck In Neutral is a beautiful, well-written story of love and feeling helpless. It is one of the most depressing books I have read, but also one of the most profound and moving.

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

Title: Theodosia and the Serpents of chaos

Author: R. L. LaFevers

Location: J LaFevers

Reading level: Juvenile

The cover of this book claims it is a sure bet for Harry Potter fans. I have not read any Harry Potter books so I can't compare the two.

Theodosia spends most of her time at her parent's workplace, a museum. That may seem boring to you, but her parents are archeologists who bring back Egyptian objects found in pyramids. They never seem to be aware of the curses on some of these artifacts so it is up to Theodosia to try to remove the curse. She has a gift for knowing what is cursed and ancient books to help her. When her mother brings home her biggest discovery, the Heart of Egypt, it disappears before Theo has a chance to learn anything about it. Will her amulets be enough protection as she tries to find out what happened to the Heart of Egypt? How can she find it again, get it back, and remove the curse that came with it?

Bottom Line: A good read, with a smart, resourceful heroine who's brave enough to sleep in a sarcophagus. Enough action, suspense and magic to keep me reading each night without a break. Be aware that the story is set in England so a few words are a bit different from the ones we use here. It's pretty easy to figure out what they mean. If you like this one keep a look out for the next book to be coming out soon - Theodosia and the staff of Osiris- I know I will.

Evernight

Title: Evernight
Author: Claudia Gray
Location: YA Gray
Reading Level: Young Adult

Bianca’s life is over! Her parents decided to move her away from the few friends she had in her old town and send her to Evernight Academy. Evernight is an old, secretive boarding school in the middle of nowhere which houses a bunch of rich, attractive teens. Bianca will never fit in with that crowd and the school itself is really creepy. All is not lost because shortly after arriving, Bianca meets Lucas. Lucas is different than everyone else, he is good looking and he seems to really like her. Will Bianca and Lucas work together to survive Evernight Academy or will their personal secrets tear them apart?

The main storyline of Evernight is unoriginal and therefore too familiar. The big secret of Evernight Academy is apparent to even the most basic reader by the 3rd chapter. Claudia Gray tries to spice up the story by revealing a plot twist in the middle that involves Bianca, but it feels too contrived. The revelation ultimately makes the character of Bianca seem incredibly inconsistent. Also, the author fails to fully develop the relationship between Lucas and Bianca so it ends up feeling emotionally shallow. With all of these flaws, it is difficult for the reader to really connect with the main characters in this book which makes the story a chore to read. The 2nd book in the Evernight series, Stargazer, comes out in March. One can only hope that Gray develops the characters further and weaves a more imaginative story.

The Bottom Line: There are many YA chick-lit fantasy series out there right now and this certainly is not among the best of them. The story was so obvious it dragged, the characters were flat and the plot twist was unbelievable. If you are looking for something to read after the Twilight saga, start with House of Night or Vampire Academy, this should not be at the top of your list.

Owly: A Time To Be Brave

Title: Owly: A Time To Be Brave

Author: Andy Runton

Location: Graphic Novel J Owly Vol. 4

Reading Level: Juvenile

Every Owly book teaches a lesson without the use of words, only pictures. This volume is no exception, re-introducing us to "Owly" and "Wormy" who are best friends. Reading about fairy tales, Wormy becomes frightened at the idea of dragons, which leads to him mistaking a possum for a dragon while playing with his friends in the forest. The plot is straight-forward as Owly and Wormy seek to help the injured possum, and while doing so, learn more about the species and why it is in fact afraid of Owly, a predator in the eyes of the possum. Wormy, though afraid of the possum, has to be brave to save the day and the possum learns about friendship.

*Note: It may take you a little while to adjust to following the pictures with no words, but you'll find very quickly that a dialogue starts in your head to lead you through the story---that's how strong the illustrations are.

The Bottom Line:

If you're already an Owly fan you'll love this. If you're new to the idea of graphic novels with few words, I'd suggest starting with the first volume in the series (The Way Home & the Bittersweet Summer) where you'll understand the basis for Owly and Wormy's friendship, and why each story is a shiny, little gem that can make you smile or cry, depending on the story.