Farewell!

Dear readers,

You may have noticed that I haven’t posted anything in the last little while, and that is because I have been adjusting to a decision I have made about the future of The Crescive Library.

Unfortunately at this time I do not feel that there is any reason to continue with blogging in the way that I have been for the past two years. It has got to the point where it was causing me more stress than enjoyment (I’m sure you’ve all felt that).  I still love reading and reviewing, but I can do that on Goodreads without the stress that comes along with maintaining a blog like this. I miss reading for the sake of pleasure and not to ensure I have something to post the following week.

It’s bittersweet, but it’s time to say goodbye. I’m sure you can understand.

I have activated my Goodreads account and I will still be posting reviews there. You can friend me if you want  (Katie (The Crescive Library)

Thanks for reading my blog. It has been a pleasure.

Sincerely,

Katie

Bloodlines

Bloodlines

By Richelle Mead

2011

421 pages

Book 1

Summary: Just when alchemist Sydney thinks life is going to settle down, she’s sent into hiding to protect Moroi princess Jill. While Sydney isn’t thrilled with the idea of rooming once again with a vampire, at least it will protect her sister from being forced to join the alchemist society. She’s also not going alone, Eddie, Jill’s guardian will be protecting her, and the charismatic wild boy Adrian will be going along as well. Not only is Sydney stuck with a bunch of vampires in a place that doesn’t know vampires exist, but there is no way to tell where the danger is going to come from and who the enemy really is.

Review: Those who love the Vampire Academy series can rest assured that Mead is capable of creating a spin off series to love. Her fast paced and blunt writing style prevails, making a smooth transition for readers into the new series. By doing the story from Sydney’s perspective, readers are given an outsider’s view of the world they’ve come to love. Sydney is a much more compelling character this time around. Not only is she dark and witty which is fun to read, but as she is once again brought into the Moroi world she must struggle between her feelings and what she’s been raised to believe. It’s also great to have Jill and Eddie back. Of course fans of the series who loved Adrian will absolutely love Bloodlines. Not only does his character take a more central role, but readers get to see that there is more to Adrian than meets the eye. A great start to a new series, one that proves it can hold it’s own against the beloved Vampire Academy.

Also by Richelle Mead: Vampire Academy series

If you liked Bloodlines, you might also like The VampireAcademy, The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Evernight by Claudia Gray and Blue Bloods by Melissa De la Cruz

Additional Info: The second book in the series The Golden Lily is set to come out next summer

Check out the Bloodlines website to find out what power you have (Bloodlines tattoo), it’s pretty cool. http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Author website: http://www.richellemead.com/

Rating:

Writing: 4/4

Characters: 4/4

Plot: 4/4

Originality 4/4

Popularity: 4/4

Cover: 3/4

Grade Level: high J or S

(And in case you were wondering I liked is as much, if not more than Vampire Academy...I’m really excited about this series)

Adult Fiction for Teens

While I primarily read YA fiction these days I do enjoy some adult fiction every once in a while. This feature looks at some of the adult fiction I am reading and examines its appeal for those who prefer Young Adult literature.

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

Every expectant parent will tell you that they don't want a perfect baby, just a healthy one. Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe would have asked for a healthy baby, too, if they'd been given the choice. Instead, their lives are made up of sleepless nights, mounting bills, the pitying stares of "luckier" parents, and maybe worst of all, the what-ifs. What if their child had been born healthy? But it's all worth it because Willow is, well, funny as it seems, perfect. She's smart as a whip, on her way to being as pretty as her mother, kind, brave, and for a five-year-old an unexpectedly deep source of wisdom. Willow is Willow, in sickness and in health.


Everything changes, though, after a series of events forces Charlotte and her husband to confront the most serious what-ifs of all. What if Charlotte should have known earlier of Willow's illness? What if things could have been different? What if their beloved Willow had never been born? To do Willow justice, Charlotte must ask herself these questions and one more. What constitutes a valuable life?


Handle with Care is a great fit for teens who read issue fiction or enjoyed the movie adaptation of Picoult’s other novel My Sister’s Keeper. Told in alternate narratives, this story is quick and easy to read. It tackles difficult and interesting topics such as family relationships, fitting in, bulimia and cutting. It also has the element of Willow’s illness, which might be appealing to teens wanting to branch out from typical issue fiction. Teens interested in adult legal fiction will also find this book compelling.

YA Connection: Willow by Julia Hoban

Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation website

Coming Soon to a Library Near You

Coming Soon to a Library Near You is a weekly feature inspired by Jill at Breaking the Spine that looks at upcoming books.

This Week’s Book: Cross My Heart
Author: Sasha Gould
Release Date: March 2012
Summary: Venice, 1585.

When 16-year-old Laura della Scala learns that her older sister, Beatrice, has drowned, she is given no time to grieve. Instead, Laura's father removes her from the convent where he forcibly sent her years earlier and orders her to marry Beatrice's fiancé, a repulsive old merchant named Vincenzo. Panicked, Laura betrays a powerful man to earn her way into the Segreta, a shadowy society of women who deal in only one currency—secrets. The Segreta seems like the answer to Laura's prayers. The day after she joins their ranks, Vincenzo is publicly humiliated and conveniently exiled. Soon, however, Laura begins to suspect that her sister's death was not a tragic accident but a cold-blooded murder—one that might involve the Segreta and the women she has come to trust.

Not only does this sound incredibly interesting, but that cover has got to be my favourite YA cover!!!

Twisted

While I was on my trip I became seriously addicted to the Pretty Little Liars series. Since the books are very similar in plot, writing style, etc., I’ve decided to do mini reviews so I’m not repeating myself as much. For a full review, check out my review here.

Twisted

By Sara Shepard

2011

320 Pages

Book 9

Summary: It’s been a year since the torturous notes from A stopped and the mystery of Alison DiLaurentis’ disappearance was finally put to rest. Aria is jealous of her boyfriend’s new exchange student. Spencer is getting a little too cozy with her soon-to-be-stepbrother. Hanna is one scandalous photo away from ruining her dad’s Senate campaign. And Emily will do anything to get a swim scholarship. Worst of all: Last spring break in Jamaica, they did something unforgivable. The girls are desperate to forget that fateful night, but they should know better than anyone that all secrets wash ashore . . . eventually.


Review: While I’m happy that the series continued, this is my least favourite book. The 8^th book did feel like a good conclusion, and I’m a little worried that the storyline is starting to drag on.  Also, Emily’s secret didn’t really fit with the flow of the plot and just seemed like a weird add on. However, that’s not to say that the book wasn’t good. The rest of the girls had interesting storylines, which is what I liked about the beginning of the series…plus there are quite a few plot twists to keep readers guessing….who is the new A and what are the girls going to do about Tabitha?


Rating: 2.5/4

Wanderlove

Wanderlove

By Kristen Hubbard

March 2012

e-galley

Summary: It all started with a question, Are you a Global Vagabond? 18 year-old Bria definitely isn’t, but she wants to be. So she decides to book a trip to Central America with the hope of gaining some independence and leaving behind the mess her life has become. But when she arrives her bus tour is full of old middle age tourists, not the youthful beautiful people on the brochure –not what she was expecting. So when beautiful backpacker and definite global vagabond Rowan invites her to join him off the beaten path, Bria takes the chance to live bravely for once in her life.

Review: Wanderlove is the perfect travel novel. It has beautiful landscapes, exotic locations, adventure and romance. Hubbard does a great job setting up the novel and introducing readers to the world of backpacking. Bria is awkward and in some ways plain, which makes her completely relatable. Through her reluctance and sometimes hilarious mishaps, the backpacking aspect becomes more accessible to readers. The relationship between Rowan and Bria was slow and sweet to develop, and was written well enough to stand on it’s own outside of the unique landscape of the book. However, it is the landscape and sense of adventure that will provide readers with a type of escapism not commonly found in YA literature. The drawings done by Bria (i.e. Kristen) also add an extra dimension to the novel, making this well rounded book an absolute delight to read.

Also by Kristen Hubbard: Like Mandarin

If you liked Wanderlove, you might also enjoy: Amy andRoger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson or Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Non Fiction Connection: Let’s Go Central America: TheStudent Travel Guide

Author website: http://kirstenhubbard.com/

Rating:

Writing: 4/4

Characters: 4/4

Plot: 3/4

Originality: 4/4

Cover: 3.5/4

Grade Level: S

Book Blogger Hop

Time for the Blogger Hop from Crazy for Books

What a great idea! I love following readers blogs almost more than I like blogging myself. What a great way to get out there and meet new people who share the same interests as you.

This week’s question: What is your favourite spooky book?

As an adult I don’t read books that would scare me, because frankly I am a wimp. However, when I was a kid I was really all things scary and creepy. I loved the Goosebumps books and the show Are You Afraid of the Dark. However, my favourite book was Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz. We would read it out loud to each other during sleepovers and be totally freaked out. I still smile every time I pass it in the library.

Here is a great list of scary stories for kids.  

Coming Soon to a Library Near You

Coming Soon to a Library Near You is a weekly feature inspired by Jill at Breaking the Spine that looks at upcoming books.

This Week’s Book: Dragonswood
Author: Janet Lee Carey
Release Date: Jan 2012
Summary: Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.

Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.

In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted

This is usually more fantasy that I like to read. However, every once in a while I like to try some fantasy books, but only if they sound good, and this one sounds really awesome! Plus, the cover is beautiful. 

Eve

Eve

By Anna Carey

October 2011

336 pages

Summary:  Almost all of the adults have been wiped out by a deadly virus, leaving children and teens in orphanages. When Eve finds out that the bright future the teachers have promised her is a lie, that all the girls will be put in hospitals to produce babies, she risks all to escape to the wild beyond the school walls. There she meets Caleb, who goes against everything that her school had taught her. Together, with authorities and savages on their heels, they attempt to make it to safety and start a life together.

Review: Eve is an intriguing dystopian that feels like a mix between Epitaph Road by David Patneaude and Wither by Lauren DeStefano. The world building is well done, and would be easy for non-dystopian or non-fantasy readers to enjoy. Some areas could have been filled out more (the plague and the ending), but with a possible sequel, the story definitely has room to grow. The naivety and gentleness of Eve combined with her strength and willingness to survive at all cost made her an engaging and dynamic character. Her spunk was especially endearing in her interactions with Caleb. One of the better dystopians to come out in the last few months.

Also by Anna Carey: The Sloan Sisters series

If you liked Eve you might also enjoy: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Colins, Epitaph Road by David Patneaude and Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Rating:

Writing: 3.5/4

Characters: 3.5/4

Plot: 3/4

Originality: 2.5/4

Popularity: 3/4

Cover: 4/4

Grade Level: S

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all the Canadian bloggers. I'm off to spend time with family, enjoy the warm weather and eat a lot of turkey!!!

Trash to Treasure - Sept

Each month there are several books that I start to read but for one reason or another I just can’t get into. I have a fairly low tolerance for the books I read, usually only giving them between 50-100 pages before I quit. There are just too many books to read and not enough time to “trudge” through something I’m not enjoying. However, I recently realized that I never mention them on here. So I’ve decided to do a monthly feature looking at some of the books I just couldn’t get into and why.

Leverage by Joshua Cohen (75 pages) – This is where I wish I wasn’t such a one dimensional reader. This book had a great premise, good pacing and tackled relevant issues from a new perspective. The characterization was really strong, and I was especially drawn to Danny. I really wanted to like this book, however, at the end of the day, I couldn’t get past the sports. It was too distracting, which made keeping up with all the football players names difficult, and I just generally lost. Despite not having finished it, I would still highly recommend it to those who want a really great story and don’t mind reading a little bit about sports along the way.

Missy’s Reads and Reviews, Reclusive Bibliophile and Helen’sBook Blog all have positive reviews on their websites you should check out. 

Month in Review - September

I always enjoy reading blogger’s monthly recaps. It’s a great way to see what you’ve missed, notice trends and see how books compare to each other.  I stole this idea from Imagination in Focus, one of my favourite blogs to follow.

Number of Books Read: 7

Favourite Read: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead. Awesome on all accounts

Least Favourite: Leverage by Joshua Cohen  

Most Original Idea: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Best Character: Sydney from Bloodlines (although the book that had the best characters all around would be The Graveyard Book)

Best Villain:  Jack from Supernaturally by Kiersten White, he was arrogant, strange, a little all over the place and a complete surprise.  

Best Supporting Character: Adrian from Bloodlines (as he was also my favourite character in the VA series.

A honourable mention goes out to Saving June by Hannah Harrington which was also a great read this month. 

Heartless

While I was on my trip I became seriously addicted to the Pretty Little Liars series. Since the books are very similar in plot, writing style, etc., I’ve decided to do mini reviews so I’m not repeating myself as much. For a full review, check out my review here.

Heartless

By Sara Shepard

2010

274 Pages

Book 7

Summary: Four gorgeous girls are telling very ugly stories. First Emily, Aria, Hanna, and Spencer claimed they found a dead body in the woods behind Spencer's house, only to have it vanish without a trace. Then, when the same woods went up in flames, they swore they saw someone who's supposed to be dead rise from the ashes. And even after all that, the pretty little liars are still playing with fire. Call me heartless, but it's about time someone shut these liars up for good. After all, nobody likes a girl who cries wolf—least of all me. . .


Review:  This book was a wild ride with multiple theories, accusations and huge plot twists. I loved how each girl was convinced she knew the identity of A and Ali’s real killer. In doing so, Shepard left a lot of little clues for the readers to piece together. Where other books have been about the girls’ lives as well as Ali and the mystery, this one focused more closely on what actually happened to Ali and her family. Be prepared to be surprised!


Rating: 3/4

TGIF

TGIF is a great Friday Meme hosted by one of my favourite blogs, GReads. It posts fun and relevant questions.

This week’s question: Banned Books: How do you feel about the censorship of the freedom to read? Do you think the education system needs to be more strict on what children are exposed to in books?

As a librarian, I’m obviously against censorship; it goes against everything I believe in (things such as freedom, expression, accessibility and discovery).

I remember as a kid our school library had a section of books that were “off limits”, books that we could read once we were a little older. Even as a kid I remember how oppressive this felt, how limited and restricted I was, especially because I had already read most of what was in my “allowed” section. My mom, being the champion that she is, contacted the library and gave them permission to lend me anything from that section that I wanted. She trusted that I would make good decisions, and she was involved enough to know what I was reading anyways. The kicker was that the librarian told her that no parent had ever done that before. Most of the books were Christopher Pike or R.L Stein books (nothing too graphic, I assure you), and it just breaks my heart that no one else thought to challenge this. So no, I DO NOT think that the education system needs to be more strict.

Some of the best books are banned books; books that challenge the norm, give agency and voice to groups often ignored and speak truth no matter how gritty. Those are the kind of books that I want my kids to read, or at least have the option to read. 

ALA Banned Book Week Website 

Website profile

Since becoming a librarian and starting this blog I’ve come across a wide range of fun and informative websites that teens use and love. There really is something for everyone, from book blogs, to zines, to abuse hotlines. However, sometimes it’s hard to wade through all the available websites to find what you’re looking for, so I created a section of my blog dedicated to YA websites. This feature highlights new websites that I discover that will be listed on that part of my blog.

Love is Respect.org

Summary: loveisrespect.org is a joint project between the National Dating Abuse Helpline and Break the Cycle to provide resources for teens, parents, friends and family, peer advocates, government officials, law enforcement officials and the general public. All communication is confidential and anonymous.

Cool Features:

Relationship Makeover Quiz

Live Chat

Helpline (USA)

Abuse Awareness articles and toolkid

Fundraising Ideas

MTV’s Thin Line Campaign

Website: http://www.loveisrespect.org/

Coming Soon to a Library Near You

Coming Soon to a Library Near You is a weekly feature inspired by Jill at Breaking the Spine that looks at upcoming books.

This Week’s Book: Double
Author: Jenny Valentine
Release Date: Feb 21 2012
Summary: When the sixteen-year-old runaway Chap is mistaken for a missing boy named Cassiel, his life changes dramatically. Chap takes on Cassiel’s identity, gaining the family and friends he’s always dreamed of having. But becoming someone else isn’t as easy as he hoped—and Chap isn’t the only one hiding a secret. As he teeters on the brink of discovery and begins to unravel the mystery behind Cassiel’s disappearance, Chap realizes that he’s in much deeper danger than he could have imagined.

After all, you can’t just steal a life and expect to get away with it.

Oddfellow's Orphanage

Oddfellow’s Orphanage

By Emily Winfield Martin

2012 (January)

e-galley (144 pages)

Summary: What do an onion-headed boy, a child-sized hedgehog, and a tattooed girl have in common? They are all orphans at Oddfellow's Orphanage! Author/illustrator Emily Martin has fleshed out the world of Oddfellow's with an episodic story that follows a new orphan, Delia, as she discovers the delights of her new home. From classes in Cryptozoology and Fairy Tale Studies to trips to the circus, from Annual Hair Cutting Day to a sea monster-sighting field trip, things at Oddfellow’s are anything but ordinary. (Amazon)

Review: Oddfellow’s Orphanage is a sweet and charming middle grade chapter book. It’s easy to read, has fun characters and a simple plot. Readers will enjoy the wonkyness of Martin’s world building without the length of similar books like the Mysterious Benedict Society series. The character back stories and fun illustrations give depth and a fun twist to the story. It’s quirky and fun; a very loveable first novel by Martin.

This is Emily Martin’s first novel

If you liked Oddfellow’s Orphanage you might also enjoy:  The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood and The Nathaniel Fludd series by R. L LaFevers and Kelly  Murphy

Author website: http://theblackapple.typepad.com/

Rating:

Writing: 4/4

Characters: 4/4

Plot: 4/4

Originality: 3.4/4

Popularity: 3/4

Cover: 4/4

Grade: M

Non-Fiction Addiction

Non-fiction for teens sure does have a bad rep. This feature will introduce non-fiction titles that are fun and informative and hopefully bring to life the wealth of relevant and amazing titles that are out there.

Get Real by Mara Rockliff

Summary: Get Real is a consumer guide for tweens and teens that provides insight into a range of topics from truth about fast-food nutrition to the environmental costs of cheap products, and shares related information on how to make informed shopping decisions. Told in a fun and informative way, this easy to read guide is perfect for those interested.

Thoughts: There are so many books available for teens and adults that highlight conscious buying power, the environment, etc. This one is not only well organized which makes it easy to browse, but it’s also fun and easy to read which makes it stand out from the plethora of similar books. 

Bitter End

Bitter End

By Jennifer Brown

2011

386 pages

Summary:  Alex is used to being a friend, someone to count on. So when the handsome and funny new guy named Cole starts to see her as something more, Alex is beyond thrilled. So thrilled in fact that she starts to overlook and excuse some of Cole’s behaviour. He’s jealous of her best guy friend, understandable, he yells at her calling her a slut, he’s had a bad day, he punches her in the face, and it’s just a one time thing. Alex doesn’t want to lose what she has, but is she willing to risk her life for the chance to be loved?

Review: Brown’s second novel proves that she is here to stay, once again tackling a difficult subject with grace and understanding. Alex is a well crafted character, one that is instantly likable but at the same time completely frustrating. People will either love her or hate her, but ultimately I think she reflects the complexity of this type of abuse. Secondary characters were equally complex being friends, villains and victims at the same time.  Zack was an especially compelling secondary character, one that many readers will fall for. Finally, quick pacing and an engaging plot give this novel a great flow that makes it easy to fall into.  Brown’s fluid writing style, honest characters and engaging plots make her one of my favourite authors.

Also by Jennifer Brown: Hate List

If you liked Bitter End, you might also enjoy:  Stay by Deb Caletti, But I Love Him by Amanda Grace and Rage by Julie Anne Peters

Website: www.loveisrespect.org

Author website: http://www.jenniferbrownya.com/

Rating:

Writing: 4/4

Characters: 4/4

Plot: 3.5/4

Originality: 3/4

Popularity: 3/4

Cover: 3/4

Grade: JS

Killer

While I was on my trip I got seriously addicted to the Pretty Little Liars series. Since the books are very similar in plot, writing style, etc., I’ve decided to do mini reviews so I’m not repeating myself as much. For a full review, check out my review here.

Killer

By Sara Shepard

2009

321 pages

PLL Book 6

Summary: Hanna is on a mission to corrupt Rosewood's youth, starting with a very attractive sophomore. Aria's snooping into her boyfriend's past. Spencer is stealing—from her family. And pure little Emily is abstaining from abstinence. The girls should be careful, though. They thought they were safe when Ali's killer was arrested and A's true identity was finally revealed. But now there's a new A in town turning up the heat. And this time Rosewood is going to burn.


Review: Despite being the 6^th book in the series, there is still a lot of mystery and unknowns. Shepard does a good job of giving just enough information to think you’re on the verge of figuring out the big mystery without giving anything away. Each of the girls received incredibly interesting side stories; Spencer’s possible mom, Aria and Jason, Hanna and Mike and Emily and Isaac’s crazy mom, but I was most captivated by the tidbits we’re starting to get about Ali’s family life. One of my favourites in the series!


Rating: 4/4