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)

Fury

Fury

By Elizabeth Miles

2011

e-galley

“sometimes sorry isn’t enough...”

Summary: Emily and Chase both have penance to pay. Emily who has been in love with her best friend’s boyfriend forever loses control when her friend is gone for the winter break. Chase, in an attempt to stay popular, humiliated someone he once cared for. Both were mistakes, but in Ascension where three beautiful and mysterious girls lurk, mistakes can be deadly.

Review: In one word, Fury is an eerie novel. Told in alternating perspectives Miles demonstrates how easy it is to make mistakes and the consequences that follow. The characters were easy to identify with, which is perhaps what makes the novel so compelling. It suggests that it could be anyone on the wrong end of the Furies’ wrath. The writing was well done, stark but fast paced, and the supportive characters and back story were well developed. Miles is not afraid to throw out certain rules when it comes to the plot, which makes this a completely unique and well told story.

This is Elizabeth Myers first YA novel

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

Series website: http://thefuryseries.com/

Additonal Info: Fury is the first book in a trilology, Envy and Eternity are the second and third titles in the series.

If you liked Fury, you might also enjoy: Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

Rating:

Writing: 4/4

Characters: 3/4

Plot: 3/4

Originality: 4/4

Popularity: 3/4

Cover: 4/4 (LOVE)

Grade Level: S

Wherever You Go

Wherever You Go
By Heather Davis
October 2011
Netgalley (320 pages)

Summary: Ever since her boyfriend Rob died, Holly has been living in a haze. She does what she has to in order to survive and take care of her family, but she’s still drowning in grief. That is until her grandfather with Alzheimers moves in and Rob’s best friend Jason starts to spend time with her. Soon Holly starts to feel things she didn’t know she still could and with the help of Jason and her ghost seeing grandfather, she starts to put the pieces of her life back together.

Review: Wherever You Go is a sweet ghost story that touches on many relevant issues including depression, grief, death, family and forgiveness. The story is told from the perspective of Holly, Jason and Rob (as a ghost). This serves to give the reader a full dimensional look at the story. We see how grief affects each of the characters separately and then how Holly and Jason’s relationship starts to mend the brokenness. The writing is fast paced and easy to read. Those who enjoy stories with a romantic undertone will get lost in this touching love triangle. Holly’s grandfather Aldo adds another interesting dynamic as Davis is able to give readers a glimpse of the devastation of Alzheimers. Overall, a good read, one that mixes heartache with happiness.

Also by Heather Davis: Never Cry Werewolf and The Clearing

If you liked Wherever you Go, then you might enjoy: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Author website: http://heatherdavisbooks.wordpress.com/

Rating:
Writing: 3/4
Characters: 4/4
Plot: 3.5/4
Originality: 3/4
Popularity 3/4
Cover 3.5/4
Grade Level: S

Illusions

Illusions
by Aprilynne Pike
2011
375 pages
Book 3

Summary: Laurel is looking forward to spending the year with David. Now that she’s made her choice and sent Tamani away, life can go on as normal. But things are never normal for Laurel. When Klea returns with an unidentified teen faerie Tamani must return to protect Laurel once again. Laurel quickly finds herself torn between Tamani and David, whose jealous rivalry might put Lauren and Avalon in the path of an unknown danger.

Review: This is a much slower paced novel with very little of the nail biting action that takes place in the first two books. The slower pace gives Pike the opportunity to not only set the stage for the next book, but also provides more of a window into the Laurel, Tamani, David triangle. Laurel’s struggle between deciding between the two boys is central to the novel and readers get a glimpse at how David and Tamani feel about the relationship between the three of them. While readers may become frustrated with Laurel’s flip flopping, no one can deny her authentic voice. Her indecision lends to a more realistic character, one that is complicated and not perfect. With romance, suspense, and one heck of a cliff hanger, readers who enjoy the series will not be disappointed.

Also by Aprilynne Pike: Wings, Spells

If you liked Illusions, you might also enjoy: Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore, Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston, Ash by Malindo Lo, and Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

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

Rating:
Writing: 3.5/4
Characters: 3/4
Plot: 3/4
Originality: 3/4
Popularity: 3.5/4
Cover: 2.5/4 (I like the look of it, but wish it matched the other two)
Grade Level: JS

The Dark and Hollow Places

The Dark and Hollow Places (Forest of Hands and Teeth Novel)
By Carrie Ryan
2011
374 pages
Book 3

Summary: Annah, tired of waiting for Elias to come back and desperate to find her sister, attempts to leave the Dark City. But when she tries, she catches a glimpse of a girl who looks just like her, but beautiful and unscarred. Elias is back, with her sister and a mysterious and complicated guy named Catcher. They also bring with them an awoken hoard about to devour the City Annah calls home. If they are to get out alive Annah must come to terms with Elias’ relationship with her sister, learn her own strength and find something to live for in Catcher.

Review: The Dark and Hollow Places has everything readers love about Ryan’s stories: zombies, love triangles and heart stopping, page turning action. While I’ll admit I didn’t connect as well to Annah’s voice as I did to Garby’s and I missed the connection with Mary’s story, there was still a lot to love in this final chapter. I liked the bleakness of the world married with the hope of the little group who refused to give up. Despite there being happiness and completion to the characters’ stories, the novel is still very gritty, staying true to the original two books. I would recommend reading the other two books again if it’s been a while; the story jumps to a different character and doesn’t put a lot of time into explaining connections. It took a while for me to remember what was going on. However, a solid ending to one of my most favourite series.

Also by Carrie Ryan: Forest of Hands and Teeth and Dead Tossed Waves

If you liked The Dark and Hollow Places, you might also enjoy the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins or the Maze Runner series by James Dashner

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

Rating:
Writing: 4/4
Characters: 3/4
Plot: 3/4
Originality: 3.5/4
Popularity: 3/4
Cover: 4/4 (fits perfectly with the rest of the series)
Grade Level: S

Demonglass

Demonglass (A Hex Hall Novel)
By Rachel Hawkins
2011
359 pages
Book 2

Summary: Turned out that Sophie isn’t a witch, she’s actually a demon, and there is a good chance she could kill someone if her powers get out of hand. In order to get control of her powers, Sophie, Jenna and Cal head to England to live with Sophie’s dad and the council. However, it looks like things are about to get dangerous, because Sophie isn’t the only demon there...which means someone is raising them to fight.

Review: Demonglass was a good sequel to Hex Hall. The writing was still fluid and fast-paced and the characters charming. Readers get a bit more back story in Demonglass as it sets the stage for the third book. Having a greater context to the world that Sophie lives in added more depth to her as a character. She was still the witty and sarcastic girl readers loved, but with a little bit more substance. While there wasn’t as much humour or action in this novel, there were still quite a few plot twists to captivate readers. A good second book that will no doubt leave readers wanting more.

Also by Rachel Hawkins: Hex Hall

If you liked Demonglass you might also enjoy: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White and Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough.

Author website: http://www.rachel-hawkins.com/

Rating:
Writing: 3/4
Characters: 3/4
Plot: 3/4
Originality: 3/4
Popularity: 4/4
Cover: 3/4
Grade Level Interest: JS

Unearthly

Unearthly
By Cynthia Hand
2011
435 pgs (ARC)

Summary: Clara has recently discovered that she is part angel, which isn’t as exciting as one might think. She’s been given a vision of saving some guy and now her entire family must move to the middle of nowhere to fulfil her purpose. Figuring out the pieces to her vision is somewhat complicated, especially because Clara feels that her mom isn’t telling her the whole truth about being an angel. Will she be able to figure out the vision in time to save Christian, and what if her purpose takes her from the people she loves? Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart. (last sentence from amazon)

Review: Unearthly is a brilliant addition to the YA paranormal genre. Unlike many other books in this genre, Clara is the paranormal, making her a fascinating and worth while character. Readers will relate to her insecurities and voice and she tries to fit in and figure out who she is despite everyone else’s expectations. I like that she was complex and didn’t always make the choice that might be expected. The rest of the characters were well crafted, especially her brother who added a lot of mystery to the ending. The setting added an extra dimension and served to draw readers in even further to this enchanting tale. It also contained quite possibly the most swoon-worthy male character I’ve read in a long time.

This is Cynthia Hand’s debut novel

If you liked Unearthly, you might also enjoy: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto, Fallen by Lauren Kate, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl and Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Additional Info: This is a series, so expect a sequal in the near future (author’s website says Jan 2010). Also, there might be a spin off about Maggie, Clara’s mom.

Author website: http://cynthiahandbooks.com/

Ratings:
Writing 4/4
Characters 4/4
Plot 4/4
Originality 3/4
Popularity 3.5/4
Cover Art 3/4
Grade: JS

Always a Witch

Always a Witch
By Carolyn MacCullough
August 2011
netgalley

Summary: Since learning that she not only has powers, but that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision that could harm her family forever, Tasmin has been dealing, sort of. When she discovers that her enemy Alistair Knight has wasted no time in attempting to wipe out her family, she quickly decides to act upon her grandmother’s prophecy; going back in time to square off with Alistair and protect her family, no matter the cost.

Review: If you enjoyed Once a Witch, you will not be disappointed by the sequel. The story jumps right in, picking up where it left off with Tasmin still coming to terms with all the changes in her life. However, she doesn’t get a lot of time to think about it because the action starts right away. One of the things I loved so much about the first book was Tasmin’s family which unfortunately does not make much of an appearance in this instalment. However, the pacing was well done with a lot of suspense and surprise to move the reader along. Despite the historical setting and the abundance of new characters, readers will still connect with Tasmin and her story. There is still a down to earth element that makes MacCullough’s writing so appealing and a wittiness to Tasmin that makes her so likable. There were times when I was a little confused because it had been so long since I read the first book, but overall it was a very enjoyable read.

Also by Carolyn MaCullough: Once a Witch, Falling Through Darkness, Stealing Henry and Drawing the Ocean

If you liked Always a Witch, you might also enjoy: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Evermore by Alyson Noel and The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Rating:
Writing 3/4
Characters 3/4
Plot 4/4
Originality 3.5/4
Popularity 3/4
Cover Art 2.5/4
Grade: JS

The Last Sacrifice

The Last Sacrifice (A Vampire Academy Novel)
By Richelle Mead
2010
594 pages
Book 6

Summary: The Queen is dead and Rose is being framed. In order to buy time before her execution her friends break her out of prison and once again Rose is on the run. This time, however, she has Dimitri and Sydney with her, and they have plans to find someone that could change not only Lissa’s life, but alter the lives of all Morois and Dhampirs. Hearts will be broken, lies will be uncovered and in one last sacrifice, Lissa’s and Rose’s relationship could be changed forever.

Review: One of Mead’s strengths is consistency. It is hard to maintain quality of story and writing over such a long series, yet she does it with every book. The Last Sacrifice is a perfect ending to the series. There was enough action, suspense and surprises to propel the plot forward but there were also tender moments of character development. For those who have come to love Rose and her friends, there will be a sense of satisfaction and completion; a feeling that, despite the long and dangerous journey, all is as it should be. Completely engaging, this series is one of the best available for young adults.

(It was very hard for me not to start rambling on about how much I love this series)

Other books in the series: Vampire Academy (2007), Frostbite (2008), Shadow Kiss (2008), Blood Promise (2009), Spirit Bound (2010)

If you liked Vampire Academy you might also enjoy: The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Evernight by Claudia Grey and Blue Bloods by Melissa De la Cruz

Additional Info: Don’t forget there is going to be movie in the future, and there is a spin off series in the works.

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

Rating: W3.5/4 C4/4 P4/4 O3/4 PP4/4 CR3/4 (my favourite cover of the series)
Grade Level Interest: high J or S

Infinite Days

Infinite Days
By Rebecca Maizel
2010
325 Pages

Summary: Lenah has been given a second chance at life. Having been a Vampire for decades, she receives the gift of life through the sacrifice of her partner Rhodes. Now she must navigate the modern world while being a teenager, and she must begin to let go of her past before it comes to destroy her once again.

Review: Infinite Days will be enjoyed by the hoards of Vampire fans that exist in the YA world. However, there is lot more depth and charisma that set it apart from the ample collection of paranormal stories. Infinite Days is slower paced and there is a lot of emphasis put on history and legend. Having the rich flashbacks to Lenah’s life as a Vampire create an interesting balance with the typical high school plot. It really is the best of both worlds, creating a good read for a wide audience. For those who enjoy romance, there is a lot, as most of the characters are romantically linked to Lenah in one form or another. The style of writing makes it well suited for an older audience and has an Interview with the Vampire feel to it (which I loved).

Also by Rebecca Maizel: Stolen Nights (2011)

If you liked Infinite Days, you might also enjoy: The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice and Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block

Author website: http://rebeccamaizel.com/

Rating: W4/4 C4/4 P3.5/4 O3/4 PP3/4 CR4/4
Grade Level: S

Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy
By Kiersten White
2010
335 pages

“I hate the vampire jobs. They think they’re so suave. It’s not enough for them to slaughter and eat you like a zombie would. No, they want it to be all sexy, too.”

Summary: For Evie, the odd and strange are normal. Her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a troublesome faerie and the guy she is crushing on is some sort of shape-shifter. Sometimes with all the paranormal around, being human is the thing that feels strange. That is until paranormals start to die and Evie finds herself at the centre of a dark faerie prophecy that promises that not everything is normal.

Review: This quirky and charming tale had me laughing out loud and falling in love. Evie is my favourite kind of main character; witty, sarcastic and a little bit dark. Her ability to rationalize the abnormal was perfection. White does a really great job of balancing the strange aspects of the paranormal with the every day life of being a teenage girl who feels a little left out and lonely. Humor, action and an adorable romance move along this hilarious and compelling story, leaving the reader hanging in the end. Overall, a great addition to the paranormal genre.

If you liked Paranormalcy you might also enjoy: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Spells by Aprilynne Pike, The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead and Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Additional Information: Paranormally will be part of a trilogy, with the next one set to come out in the fall 2011. There could also be a possible movie in the works.

Author website: http://www.kierstenwhite.com/home

Rating: W4/4 C3.5/4 P3.5/4 O3/4 PP4/4 CR4/4
Grade Level: JS

Spirit Bound

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy Novel)
By Richelle Mead
2010
489 pages
Book 5

“one of them dies tonight. Lissa or Dimitri”

Summary: As much as Rose would like to move on and be happy with Adrian and Lissa now that she’s returned from Russia, she is struggling and Dimitri with his creepy letters is making it worse. If there is a chance she can bring him back she has to take it, regardless of the risk. Once again in a quest to save her love, Rose unleashes a string of unfortunate events that might be too much, even for her. Victor is on the loose, the queen’s life is threatened and Rose is a suspect. In a final show down Rose will have to choose between Lissa and Dimitri once and for all.

Review: Mead does the nearly impossible and keeps all the novels in the series as engaging and compelling as the first. While some of the storylines are beginning to get a little old (Dimitri), there are a lot of new developments to captivate the reader. Adrian is given more story time and there is more insight into court life which gives the audience the feeling of a larger subplot brewing. There is non-stop action, quite a few twists and turns, surprise cliff hangers and a few steamy scenes. Readers who enjoy vampire stories will be hard pressed to find a more exciting series. I cannot wait for the final book.

Other books in the series: Vampire Academy (2007), Frostbite (2008) Shadow Kiss (2008), Blood Promise (2009) and Last Sacrifice (Dec 2010)

If you liked Vampire Academy you might also enjoy: The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Evernight by Claudia Grey and Blue Bloods by Melissa De la Cruz

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

Rating: W4/4 C4/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP3.5/4 CR3/4
Grade Level Interest: high J or S

Blood Promise

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy)
By Richelle Mead
2009
503 pages
Book 4

“He was the man I loved, the man with whom I’d been so perfectly in sync that it was hard to know where I ended and where he began. My heart refused to let him go – even if he was technically a monster.”

Summary: Dimitri has been turned Strigoi, Rose has run off to find him and Lissa has been left back at school with a reckless new friend. Things are not good for those in the Vampire Academy series. Will Rose find Dimitri and if she does will she be able to kill him before he kills her and how will Lissa fair without her shadow kissed guardian to protect her?

Review: Blood Promise is a complex story, one that is incredibly well developed. It is rather fast-paced with respect to action and suspense. The author creates a lot of danger situations for all the main characters, leaving the reader at the edge of their seat. Yet there is still a lot of character and story development that adds depth and places the book within the larger series. Some of the story felt cyclical, but I enjoyed this novel a lot more than the previous two. A great addition to the series with enough action, romance and strong female characters to keep me wanting more.

Other books in the series: Vampire Academy (2007), Frostbite (2008) Shadow Kiss (2008), Spirit Bound (2010) and Last Sacrifice (Dec 2010)

If you liked Vampire Academy you might also enjoy: The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Evernight by Claudia Grey and Blue Bloods by Melissa De la Cruz

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

Rating: W4/4 C4/4 P3/4 O4/4 PP3.5/4 CR3/4
Grade Level Interest: high J or S

Fade

Fade (Dreamcatcher Trilogy)
By Lisa McMann
2009
248 pages
Book 2

Summary: Dreamcatching is taking its toll on Janie physically, but also on her relationship with Cabel, who hates to see her hurt. On top of that she’s been asked by the Captain to help find a possible sexual predator in her school. While Janie tries to use her dreams to catch the predator, she comes to find that she’s more involved than she wants to be and she’s dangerously close to a nightmare she won’t be able to wake up from.

Review: For those who enjoyed the first book in the series (Wake), this second instalment will not be a disappointment. While it still contains the choppy writing style that the first book does, Fade demonstrates growth with respect to story and character development. There is a lot more time given to Janie’s thought process and her life outside of the dreams. This resulted in a lot of room for readers to connect with the story, especially with Janie, that wasn’t there in the first novel. There is also a significant amount of action and suspense, which also makes this book feel fuller. It was a quick, easy and enjoyable read, one that would be applicable to wide audiences of varying ages and genre preferences.

Also by Lisa McMann: Cryer’s Cross (2011), Wake and Gone

If you liked Fade you might also enjoy: Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Haria Stolarz, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, Sleepless by Cyn Balog, Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling, Evermore by Alyson Noel

Author website: http://lisamcmann.com/

Rating: W3/4 C3/4 P4/4 O3/4 PP3/4 CR3/4
Grade Level: S – low level for reading but mature elements.

Shadow Kiss

Shadow Kiss ( AVampire Academy Novel)
By Richelle Mead
2008
443 pages (paperback)
Book 3

Summary: Rose has finally started her exams as a guardian and she’s excited to spend some more time with Lissa. However, when she is assigned to Christian instead, Rose unwillingly must learn to protect someone without the power of the bond. What does it matter right? It’s just a training exercise...until Strigoi show up and capture Dimitri. Now Rose must decide, go after Dimitri and risk Lissa or stay and protect Lissa and lose Dimitri forever.

Review: This was a much slower paced novel than the first two. Mead gives a lot of attention to dealing with the outcome of the last books and preparing the way for the rest of the series. The result is a novel that for the most part feels like filler. That’s not to say a lot of good things didn’t happen and that there wasn’t any action, but the good stuff was really pushed to the last part of the book. This change in pacing, however, did really leave room for character development, especially with Rose, Dimitri and Adrian. While not my favourite book of the series, it definitely left me wanting more.

Other books in the series: Vampire Academy (2007), Frostbite (2008), Blood Promise (2009), Spirit Bound (2010) and Last Sacrifice (Dec 2010)

If you liked Vampire Academy you might also enjoy: The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Evernight by Claudia Grey and Blue Bloods by Melissa De la Cruz

Additional Info: There is a graphic novel version and the movie rights have been sold, so expect to see Rose and Lissa on the silver screen sometime in the future.

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

Rating: W3/4 C4/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP3.5/4 CR2/4
Grade Level Interest: high J or S

Wake

Wake (Dreamcatcher Trilogy)
By Lisa McMann
2008
210 pages
Book 1

Summary: Seventeen year old Janie has a big problem; she can see into other people’s dreams. Not only is it annoying (how many falling dreams can you stand, really?) but she doesn’t have control over when they happen. Usually they are nothing more than a huge inconvenience, but when she enters into someone’s gruesome nightmare things take on a whole new level of scary. Will she find out the identity of the dreamer, and will mysterious Cabel still like her if he finds out her secret?

Review: Wake was an unexpected read. The writing it very stylized with short choppy sentences and the story is structured around a time line. While it serves to move the reader along at a quick pace, it does limit the amount of depth the novel can reach. This will no doubt frustrate some readers, but I found the writing style unique and refreshing. While I would have liked more depth to the story and the characters, I was happy to be along for the ride. The concept of dream watching is interesting, and I liked how McMann jumped into the story without a lot of background explanation. The elements of mystery and romance will make this book appeal to a wide audience. The style of writing and fast paced plot will also make it accessible to reluctant readers. A very fast and enjoyable read.

Also by Lisa McMann: Cryer’s Cross (Feb 2011)

If you liked Wake you might also enjoy: Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, Sleepless by Cyn Balog, Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling, Evermore by Alyson Noel

Additional Info: There are two more books in the series: Fade and Gone. There will be a movie, possibly with Miley Cyrus as lead.

Non-fiction Connection: Dreams: Close Your Eyes and Open your Mind by Tucker Shaw

Author website: http://lisamcmann.com/

Rating: W3/4 C2.5/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP3.5/4 CR3/4
Grade Level: JS – low level for reading but somewhat mature elements.

Frostbite (A Vampire Academy Novel)
By Richelle Mead
2008
327 pages (paperback)
Book 2

“Things die. But they don’t always stay dead. Believe me, I know.”

Summary: Winter break is proving to be more disappointing than Rose could have imagined. She still has feelings for Dimitri, but it looks like he might like someone else, Mason has a crush on her and Lissa has been spending all her time with Christian. On top of that there has been a massive Strigoi attack, putting everyone on edge. Just when she thinks things can’t get worse her friends take off to strike against the Strigoi, and in order to save them she must team up with Christian. Only this time, she might find herself in a danger she can’t get out of.

Review: I really enjoyed the first book in the series and Frostbite didn’t disappoint. Rose is still as interesting, sarcastic and bad ass, and her relationship with Dimitri is still as steamy. I liked that Mead built up Mason and introduced Adrian. Having new people in Rose’s life added a little bit more dimension. However, it seemed to be at a cost to the storyline between Rose and Lissa. Overall, I was pleased with Mead’s ability to maintain all the key elements through the second book. The novel is fast paced with a lot of action. Those who enjoy paranormal romance with fast paced plots will really enjoy this second novel (it could be a stand alone, although I would suggest reading all of them).

Other books in the series: Vampire Academy (2007), Shadow Kiss (2008), Blood Promise (2009), Spirit Bound (2010) and Last Sacrifice (Dec 2010)

If you liked Vampire Academy you might also enjoy: 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

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

Rating: W4/4 C4/4 P3.5/4 O4/4 PP3.5/4 CR2/4
Grade Level Interest: high J or S

Vampire Acadmey

Vampire Academy
By Richelle Mead
2007
332 Pages – paperback
1st in Vampire Academy Series

Summary: Rose’s one job in life is to protect her best friend Lissa, a vampire princess, from any danger, including Strigoi, evil vampires that never die. That’s what she thought she was doing when she took Lissa and ran away. However, things didn’t turn out as planned and both Lissa and Rose find themselves once again at boarding school. Once they are back, it’s not just rumours and cliques they have to face, but truths about who they are and why mysterious things have started to happen since they returned. Not everything is what it seems at the Academy and that includes Lissa.

Review: Vampire Academy is captivating from the first page. Mead does an excellent job at world building, creating a complex hierarchy of vampires that differs slightly from previous vampire legends. The novel is also well paced with a lot of action and suspense moving it forward. Even scenes that might seem to be slower provide the reader with a sense of movement and anticipation. One of the highlights is Mead’s ability at creating absorbing characters. Rose and Lissa are captivating and relatable. Even though a paranormal novel, Mead is able to normalize her characters with issues such as bullying, peer pressure and cutting. Rose has an authentic voice and this novel easily sets the stage for the rest of the series. There is also some romance for those interested. In the end it exceeded all my expectations.

Other books in the series: Frostbite (2008), Shadow Kiss (2008), Blood Promise (2009), Spirit Bound (2010) and Last Sacrifice (Dec 2010)

If you liked Vampire Academy you might also enjoy: 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: There is a graphic novel version and the movie rights have been sold, so expect to see Rose and Lissa on the silver screen sometime in the future.

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

Rating: W4/4 C4/4 P4/4 O4/4 PP3.5/4 CR1.5/4
Grade Level Interest: high J or S

Hex Hall

Hex Hall
By Rachel Hawkins
2010
323 pages
Book 1 in Hex Hall Series

“Jenna shook her head. “Let’s just say you may regret that second piece of cake.” Oh my God. Regret cake? Whatever was about to happen must be truly evil.”

Summary: Sophie is definitely a witch but sometimes her powers get her into a little bit of trouble. For example, she tried to do a simple love spell and ruined prom. So it’s not really a surprise to her to find that she’s being shipped to Hectate (Hex) Hall, a school for troubled Prodigium (witches, vampires, fearies, shapeshifters, etc). By the end of the first day she’s made enemies with a powerful coven, been attacked by a werewolf, stalked by creepy ghosts and is now roommates with a vampire rumoured to have killed her last roommate. Needless to say, things are about to get a little crazy at Hex Hall.

Review: I loved Hex Hall! It was witty and charming, had a lot of action and suspense, great characters and a steamy romance. What’s not to love? The book is well paced and there is a certain amount of fluidity to Hawkins writing. Sophie is a hilarious character whose wit and sarcasm had me actually laughing out loud. Her awkwardness and frankness will make her an instantly likable character to readers. The book is a lot fun and I liked the lightness in which the supernatural elements are addressed. A great start to a series and I can’t wait for the second book.

This is Rachel Hawkins debut novel

If you liked Hex Hall you might also enjoy: Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough, Jinx by Meg Cabot, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Additional Info: The second book in the series Demonglass is set to be released March 1 2011
Author website: http://readingwritingrachel.blogspot.com/

Rating: W4/4 C4/4 P3.5/4 O2.5/4 PP3.5/4 CR3.5/4
Grade Level Interest: JS

Kiss of Life

Kiss of Life (A Generation Dead Novel)
By Daniel Waters
2009
410 pages
Book 2 in Series

“All Phoebe could think about before going next door to Adam’s house was the night he died in her arms. The rose of blood blooming on the white shirt he’d worn to homecoming, his strangled cry as he came back from wherever it was the dead went.”

Summary: A few weeks have passed since Adam died trying to save Phoebe. Now he’s back as a zombie and Phebs has chosen to stay with him, much to Tommy’s disappointment. After the attack that killed Adam, people in Oakvale are on edge. Some of the zombies have banned together in a group called Sons of Romero, pulling pranks and calling for segregation. The Hunter Organization isn’t what it seems and some people in the town are taking it upon themselves to end the zombies once and for all. Once again Pheobe will be pulled between her two worlds (the living and the dead) and the two guys she cares about most.

Review: Kiss of Life is a much slower paced novel than the first in the series. Waters spends more time developing Adam and Phoebe’s relationship and the lives of those in the underground zombie movement. Readers will feel that Waters is setting the stage for the next book, especially in light of the action packed ending. Much of the witty humour from the first book is missing, but I appreciated the storylines and the build towards the ending. Waters does a great job of looking at prejudice and acceptance and entertaining the reader looking for a little paranormal romance. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Also by Daniel Waters: Generation Dead and Passing Strange

If you liked Kiss of Life you might also enjoy: Undead Much by Stacey Jay, Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby, The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade and Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Additional Info:
Tommy’s Blog - http://mysocalledundeath.blogspot.com/
Haunted House Forum - http://hauntedhouse.omgforum.net/

Author’s website: http://watersdan.blogspot.com/

Rating: W3/4 C3.5/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP2.5/4 CR3/4
Grade Level: JS