2013

I've been on hiatus for about a year and a half. No posting and shamefully little writing, but I had a lot of "life" (aka, growing up) to do. Today--miracle of miracles--I finally opened a book of writing prompts, and the flow of creative writing felt AMAZING.

I've missed my writing, and I've missed all the book reviews and friends' blog posts. I still don't have as much time as I would like for blogging, but as I work my way through 642 writing prompts, I want to share my writing and read work from other people.

Writing will always be a part of me. It's good to be back!

Oh, and Happy New Year!

Read 146 books

My 2012 resolution: read 146 books in 2012 (one more than in 2011).

My list:

January:

1. Crossed
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
4. The Thin Man
5. Mere Christianity
6. Daughter of Smoke and Bone
7. Breakfast at Tiffany's
8. Clockwork Angel
9. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
10. Clockwork Prince

February/March:

11. DNAngel Vol. 1
12. The Secret Notes of Lady Kanoko Vol. 1
13. Michael Martone
14. Delirium
15. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
16. Twilight
17. Anthem
18. Hounded
19. Across the Universe
20. Charmed Life
21. The Lives of Christopher Chant
22. Pandemonium
23. The Secret Notes of Lady Kanoko vol. 2
24. Summers at Castle Auburn
25. Fall of a Kingdom
26. Rise of a Hero
27. Forging the Sword
28. The Wolf-King's Bride Vol. 1
29. Mariana
30. The Wolf-King's Bride Vol. 2
31. The Shadowy Horses
32. Austenland33. Vesper
34. The Day Before

April:
35. Clan of the Cave Bear
36. The Secret Life of Bees
37. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
38. Valley of the Horses
39. Heir Apparent
40. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
41. Nine Coaches Waiting
42. Born at Midnight
43. Wither

(try to get to 49 by month's end)

The Lost Gate
The Hobbit
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

List of books read for Descent of Angels Challenge

here's my list of books completed for the Descent of Angels reading challenge, hosted by Books Over Boys. while i won't be posting reviews (so my entry isn't official) i will be reading the required number of books! for this challenge, i have to read 12 books in 2011 that have an angel as a main character or a main part of the plot.

1. Halo
2. City of Fallen Angels
3. Hush, Hush
   
4. Crescendo
5. Unearthly
6. Airel
7. My Soul to Lose
8. Branded (Fall of Angels)
9. Forsaken (Fall of Angels 2)
10. Torment
11. City of Bones
12. City of Ashes
    

it finally happened.

Tahereh just announced the release of her debut novel--the first in a trilogy!!!! to see her entire post (if you haven't already), click here. to pre-order her book, Shatter Me, on Amazon (release date: Nov 15th, 2011) click here.

i can't wait!!! CONGRATS to Tahereh!!!

Incarceron review

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

(synopsis from Catherine Fisher's webpage)

Imagine a living prison so vast that it contains corridors and forests, cities and seas. Imagine a prisoner with no memory, who is sure he came from Outside, even though the prison has been sealed for centuries and only one man, half real, half legend, has ever escaped.
Imagine a girl in a manor house in a society where time has been forbidden, where everyone is held in a seventeenth century world run by computers, doomed to an arranged marriage that appals her, tangled in an assassination plot she both dreads and desires.
One inside, one outside
But both imprisoned.
Imagine a war that has hollowed the moon, seven skullrings that contain souls, a flying ship and a wall at the world's end.
Imagine the unimaginable.
Imagine Incarceron.


my thoughts:

this was another one of those books that i had high expectations for and then it didn't quite live up to them.

it was original and entertaining, but ultimately unsatisfactory. it was hard to get really engaged in the story or the characters. at the end, the story veered into the dangerous territory i refer to as "the abstract" where i couldn't understand what was happening...this book just wasn't what i'd hoped.

it also had an inconclusive ending. what more can i say?

my rating: 3.5

Mistwood review

Happy March, everybody!


Mistwood by Leah Cypess

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwood. But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty—because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

my thoughts:

i have slightly mixed feelings about this book. the idea was very original, something that seems hard to find in fantasy lately. i was very excited to read the book.

i had trouble warming up to the MC, though. the Shifter sounds cool in theory, but when actually seeing everything through her eyes...well, it was kind of cold. it made it hard to really feel very affectionate about her as a character. (maybe this was just me, though)

on the plus side, i never knew what would happen next. this is the main thing that kept me reading. while this made Mistwood an interesting read, i don't know that i would want to re-read it.

however, i gotta say, Ms. Cypess didn't leave me hanging! she gets some credit for that.

my rating: 4.1

Nevermore review

okay. so i know i'm not around much these days. i missed Valentine's Day (hope everybody enjoyed their day as much as i did mine!). i just finished a couple of exams (accounting and microeconomics) and i finally feel like i can breathe! school and life are a bit crazy, and meanwhile, my poor blog is being neglected.

i'm sorry.

i can't promise i'll be around more, but i'll try to be better about posting. i promise!! in the meantime....


Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

my thoughts:

i loved the idea of this book the first time i heard it. the whole premise, the cover--it was seductive and enticing. actually the whole book sounded (and felt when i was reading it) like Beautiful Creatures minus the To Kill a Mockingbird influence plus some Edgar Allen Poe influence. if that makes any sense at all.

if you're a fan of Poe and a fan of YA lit, this book is for you. i loved it. i devoured the story. i liked that the author wasn't afraid to use characters that weren't necessarily instantly lovable. she made them dynamic, changing them throughout the story, which i think is missing from a lot of stories; i like being able to watch the character grow as the story goes on. it's more engaging and personal. this change was especially evident in Isobel, who went through some seriously-needed character development.

despite definite opportunities to do so, Ms. Creagh kept the story from veering into what i'd call "the abstract". the abstract never makes any sense to me. she let the story have some creative freedom without completely losing me, and i really appreciated that.

of course, no story is perfect (or at least, almost no story is). my complaint about Nevermore was....you guessed it, the cliff-hanger ending!! i cannot tell you how much these are starting to annoy me. oh well. i guess it means there's more from Ms. Creagh to look forward to, even if Nevermore had no closure.

my rating: 4.6

Hush, Hush review

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick


Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen--and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.


my thoughts:

with all the mixed reviews on Amazon, i didn't have terribly high expectations for this book. but i needn't have worried--it was better than expected!!

Hush, Hush was like a slightly less transparent Twilight. it was less predictable. i actually didn't know what the deal was with Patch (unlike in Twilight, it was obvious Edward was a vamp). i didn't know what would happen throughout the story, even right up to the end. indeed, the plot was the highlight of the story.

the setting wasn't very strong, and some of the characters were weaker than i liked. still, the plot was interesting and strong enough to overshadow these flaws. and there was no cliff-hanger ending!!! even though there is at least one sequel, the author didn't feel the need to leave readers without any closure. and yet, i'm still eager for the sequel! nicely done, Ms. Fitzpatrick.

my rating: 4.7

Firelight review

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

(synopsis from Ms. Jordan's website)

With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda's rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can't resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she's risking not only her life but the draki's most closely guarded secret.


my thoughts:

this book surpassed my expectations. i didn't really know what to think when i bought this, but after reading it, i was glad i'd gotten it!

Firelight was different from the other paranormal romances i've been read. it was subtly enchanting in it's own way. it didn't have the normal paranormal creatures (instead, it had the unique drakis), and Firelight had no love triangle! kudos to Ms. Jordan for breaking that trend!

Will presents a fascinating dilemma. Jacinda can't stay away from him, but being near his family is the surest way to get herself killed...it's a new level of forbidden romance.

i could feel and see the setting (an element that is too-oft neglected), which was enhanced by the draki's unique traits. the story was neatly written and sewn together so that all the elements meshed. i liked that.

on the other hand, Firelight left me hanging....just like half of the other books i've read lately. *sigh* at the very least, i wish i knew that these books were the first in a series and not stand-alones like i'd assumed.

my rating: 4.4

Matched review

Matched by Ally Condie

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

my thoughts:

this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2010. i was waiting for months before i finally read it, and i wanted so much to love it.

well...it wasn't everything i'd hoped.

it took me a while to really get caught up in the story. however, once i did, i will admit that it was completely engaging. fighting against the government? reminiscent of The Hunger Games, definitely a plus. the concept of your true match being chosen for you? original. a fluke causing you to have two matches? very intriguing.

the story did rely on a love triangle, though, and that is quickly becoming one of the more frustrating cliches in YA lit. at least the triangle wasn't dragged out past the ending of the book. but there-in lies another of my peeves with Matched: there was no conclusion! i have to wait many more months to find out what happens?? i am so sick of waiting!

i know i'll be in line to get the next book, though. Xander, Ky, and Cassia were all compelling characters in their own way and i really, really want to know what will happen next. but i'm not forgiving Ms. Condie for leaving me hanging like that!

my rating: 4.1/5.0

Aurelia review

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

(synopsis from Fantastic Fiction)

Princess Aurelia is next in line to rule the kingdom of Tyralt, but she would rather be one of the common folk, free to learn and roam and . . . not marry the next tyrannical prince that comes courting. Naturally, the king wants Aurelia to marry for political power. Aurelia wants to marry for love. And someone in the kingdom wants her . . . dead. Assigned to investigate and protect Aurelia is Robert, the son of the king's former royal spy and one of Aurelia's oldest friends. As Aurelia and Robert slowly uncover clues as to who is threatening her, their friendship turns to romance. With everything possible on the line - her life, her kingdom, her heart - Aurelia is forced to take matters into her own hands, no matter the cost.

my thoughts:

Aurelia wasn't what i'd expected from Ms. Osterlund. i'd read Academy 7, and the two books are completely different!

pros:

Aurelia was historical fiction and mystery. i like both of those genres.
the ending was a surprise.
i liked Aurelia and the other MC, Robert.

cons:

Aurelia was definitely lacking the originality that defined Academy 7! Academy 7 was an ingenious blend of scifi/fantasy that i couldn't put down...Aurelia was pretty conventional. politics, a non-descript kingdom, and rather flat characters weren't what i was expecting after reading Academy 7.
as far as subplots go, there wasn't much to speak of. it was a fairly simple, straightforward story.

bottom line:

Aurelia was a good debut, but my experience was greatly overshadowed by how much better i know Ms. Osterlund can write. however, i am looking forward to the sequel, Exile, now that Ms. Osterlund has some additional experience writing.

my rating: 3.8

Skate review

Skate by Michael Harmon

(synopsis taken from here)

Kirkus Reviews This remarkable first novel features a rebellious, smart outcast who's battling life as he struggles to take care of his little brother. Their crack-addicted mom has essentially abandoned Ian and Sam. Ian manages to protect Sam, but can't protect himself from an unscrupulous high-school principal who's determined to get Ian out of the school. When Ian loses his temper and decks his coach, he decides to take Sam and flee across the state in an effort to find their long-absent father. Harmon has crafted a tale of compelling suspense-part adolescent psychology and part survival tale-painting sharply clear portraits of his characters, particularly Ian. The result is a sense of strong realism and sympathy for the characters, even when they screw up. Were it shorter it would be perfect for reluctant readers, but surely will appeal to a wide audience. A marvelous debut. (Fiction. YA)


my thoughts:

this book was great. i honestly didn't know what to expect--i only bought the book because of it's title, Skate. (i was disappointed to discover that this book had nothing to do with either figure skating or in-line skating...) however, the title actually captures the essence of the book: should Ian stay and face people who will never treat him fairly, or should he give up and run away?

Ian's dilemma had me rooting for him from the start; he's not stupid (in fact, his smart mouth is what often gets him into trouble) but the school principle has it out for Ian. everyone from his family to the teachers at his sports-oriented school is trying to hold Ian back. he has real, in-your-face problems, and he has no one to help him figure out what to do. finally, he does the only thing he can think of: he skates away.

Skate is, ultimately, a story about when to stop skating and face your demons. it was a thought-provoking, deep story that left me feeling satisfied and introspective. it reminds the reader of what's important in life. it was one of those rare reads that i want to recommend to all teenagers and that i think would appeal even to teens who hate reading.

i would highly recommend this book.

my rating: 4.5

Stylish blogger award

first and foremost, i want to thank Jess from She Known as Jess BlogSpot for giving me the Stylish Blogger Award!!!! thank you SO MUCH, Jess :)

of course, with this award comes responsibilities (yes i just totally made that sound more impressive and serious than it really is...)

these rules are as follows:

1. thank the person who gave you the award and link back to him/her
2. share 7 things about yourself
3. pass the award along to 15 other bloggers whom you have recently discovered and who you think are great
4. contact the bloggers you have chosen and let them know about the award

simple, right?

here's seven things about me:

1. i love pumpkin pie.
2. i learned to read when i was three.
3. i own about 800 books.
4. i love to take pictures but hate pictures of ME.
5. i recently discovered and fell in love with the game Catch Phrase.
6. my favorite color is lilac (but i love all shades of purple).
7. i have only 5 more days of my winter break left :(

AAAAND, the 15 bloggers i have chosen to pass the award on to are:

1. La Femme Readers
2. Nikki Katz
3. Writer's Ally -> sa larsen
4. Darlyn & Books
5. Book Whisper
6. Books over Boys
7. Confessions of a Bookaholic
8. I'd so rather be reading
9. Young Adult Literature Lover
10. Words on Paper
11. Notes from and Aspiring Writer
12. Luv Series Books
13. Literary Rambles
14. Kiwi's Life
15. Literary Explorations

congrats and enjoy, everyone!

Rise of the Renegade X review!

Rise of the Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell

normally, this is where i'd post the "official" summary. however, i thought that the summary i found on Goodreads contained WAY too many spoilers. instead, i shall endeavor to write my own...

His sixteenth birthday. This is the moment that Damien Locke has been waiting for his entire life. It's when he will get the "V" on his thumb that marks him as a supervillian. It's the age when he can finally apply to the supervillian university and start his real training. It's the moment when hundreds of people in the city are watching him.

Except suddenly nothing's going according to plan. When the "X" appears on his thumb instead of the much-anticipated "V", Damien has to figure out what went wrong. He has to uncover his mother's shocking secret. And then he has to put everything right by proving once and for all that he is worthy of becoming a supervillian, not--heaven forbid--a superhero.


my thoughts:

first of all, don't you just love the title? i know it doesn't really have anything to do with anything, but this book has serious cover appeal.

but i digress.

this book started out a little slow (something that been happening a lot recently for some reason) but once it picked up, it was addictive. i really did not want to put the book down. Rise of the Renegade X is so different from the typical YA book--i had no idea what to expect, and the author kept delivering new surprises, twists, and turns. it was a fun, fast-paced ride.

at first, some of the characters almost felt a little cliche, but after the story picked up, they started to make their own paths and become more interesting. the characters now feel much more real to me than many YA characters (perhaps this is because none of them fell in love with a vampire/fairy/werewolf/angel/two-guys-at-the-same-time?) they provided a very refreshing break from some of the over-done plot elements in YA lit. AND Rise of the Renegade X actually had a conclusion! amazing! i was afraid that YA lit had become a solely series-based market full of books that leave me hanging....

i would definitely recommend this book (however, if it was a movie, it would have a PG13 rating for references to sexual content, so use discretion with younger readers). i can't wait to see more from this author!

my rating: 4.6

and...another challenge!

aaaand here's my sign-up post for the fourth challenge i'm entering this year:

2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge

i'm choosing the Obsessed size (read 20 books)

1. Rise of the Renegade X
2. Firelight
3. Perchance to Dream
4. Hush, Hush
5. Mistwood
6. Leviathan
7. Crescendo
8. Halo
9. Glimmerglass
10. Sweep Vol. 1
11. Midnighters: The Secret Hour
12. Eon
13. Howl's Moving Castle
14. Unearthly
15. Shadow Kiss
16. The Clearing
17. City of Fallen Angels
18. Tiger's Curse
19. The Fellowship of the Ring
20. Divergent

List officially completed May 16th!

some more challenges....

hey all! i've scrounged up some more interesting book challenges for 2011. here's one of them:

Into the Old World Challenge

i have to read 12 books in 2011 that were published before 2009. my (incomplete) list is below:

1. A Study in Scarlet
2. Sign of the Four
3. Aurelia
4. The Choice
5. Sweep Vol. 1
6. That Summer
7. Midnighters: The Secret Hour
8. Howl's Moving Castle
9. Eon
10. Never Eat Alone
11. The Fellowship of the Ring
12. Ella Enchanted
13. To Kill a Mockingbird

Challenge completed May 18th.

Clockwork Angel

i now know. Cassandra Clare is the best YA author there is. i used to debate the fact (as if reading her Mortal Instruments series wasn't enough to decide me), but now that i have read Clockwork Angel, i must bow to her literary genius (in my opinion, this seductive read should have won Favorite Read of 2010, but i guess not everyone agrees with me).

bottom line: Ms. Clare is incapable of writing a book that i do not swoon over.


Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
synopsis from B&N (warning: does contain some mild spoilers. i would recommend merely scanning it to pique your interest)

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

my thoughts:

this book was AMAZING (as are the rest of Cassandra Clare's books). as with City of Bones, it took perhaps 50 pages for me to really get immersed in the story, but once i did, i was hooked.

it was similar to the Mortal Instruments books, but Clockwork Angel offered a fresh cast, new setting (including a different time period since this is the PREQUEL to the Mortal Instruments books), and completely original plot. it was the best of Cassandra Clare with a new face. what more could a fan ask for?

i found myself just as torn as Tessa between the two love interests, Will and James. this was important for making the "love triangle" viable because, of course, love triangle are a much-overdone element in YA lit right now and they hardly ever fail to frustrate me. JUST PICK A GUY AND STOP TORMENTING EVERYONE!!! uh *cough* did i just say that out loud? anyway, when the decision is obvious, i get angry with the vapid and indecisive MC for procrastinating. at least Tessa had adequate reason to do so.

i am hopelessly addicted to Cassandra Clare's books. if you haven't yet, i would highly recommend reading the Immortal Instruments series and THEN reading Clockwork Angel. although, i do have one disclaimer: Clockwork Angel left me hanging at the most painfully exciting part--so if you have the self-restraint, you might want to wait to read it until the sequel is out.

it is because of my extreme impatience due to the unfortunately-timed ending that i must mark Clockwork Angel down slightly:

my rating: 4.9/5.0

of course, if i somehow got a sneak peek at the next book (read: an entire ARC) i would definitely add on the missing 0.1 to that rating.
no? oh well, a girl can dream....

check out the prizes at Blogalicious

Bookalicio.us is hosting a two-year blogoversary giveaway, and the prizes, which include THIS, (hint, hint, it's a NookColor) are AWESOME! i highly recommend checking it out!

Perchance to Dream review

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev (blurb from Goodreads)

From the critically acclaimed author of Eyes Like Stars

We are such stuff as dreams are made on.

Act Two, Scene One

Growing up in the enchanted Thèâtre Illuminata, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith learned everything about every play ever written. She knew the Players and their parts, but she didn’t know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and determined to follow her stars. She is ready for the outside world.

Enter BERTIE AND COMPANY

But the outside world soon proves more topsy-turvy than any stage production. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the protective walls of the Thèâtre, nothing goes as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between—

Nate: Her suave and swashbuckling pirate, now in mortal peril.

Ariel: A brooding, yet seductive, air spirit whose true motives remain unclear.

When Nate is kidnapped and taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him. She and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey aboard the Thèâtre’s caravan, using Bertie’s word magic to guide them. Along the way, they collect a sneak-thief, who has in his possession something most valuable, and meet The Mysterious Stranger, Bertie’s father—and the creator of the scrimshaw medallion. Bertie’s dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it’s Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love the most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess’s lair?

Once again, LISA MANTCHEV has spun a tale like no other—full of romance, magic, adventure, and fairies, too—that readers won’t want to put down, even after the curtain has closed.

My review:

I was so excited to read this. I LOVED Eyes Like Stars, and I had high expectations for the sequel. I read it yesterday, and all I can think is "what just happened??"

I hate to admit that this book didn't live up to my expectations. I don't like to give an author a negative review, especially when I've liked their writing in the past, but half the time, I couldn't figure out what in the world was happening! In my opinion, the action in a well-written book shouldn't be difficult to follow if you've been paying attention, and creativity does not involve strange, abstract action. When I could follow what was happening, I enjoyed the book. When I couldn't, I just tried to get through to a part that made sense. Unfortunately, I have to say that my overall impression of this book was that it fell short. It seemed like the author was rushed and was trying too hard.

My rating: 3.0

a typical day in my house....

A scene greets my gaze as I bound down the stairs:

My mom and my dog ‘cross the room.

The first is quite mad and is standing stock still,

The second prepares for her tomb.

I watch the scene slowly unfold with the air,

Of a duel ‘tween two favorite champs,

And I think to myself as I stare at my dog,

“She hasn’t got a biggeting chance.”

My mom flings her arm towards the dog-darning proof:

Two socks and a much-chewed-up shoe,

And she says in a voice that thunders with fury,

“That’s IT! Dog, I’m all done with you!”

I leap to Dog’s aid and drag her away,

Her tail alive with new spite,

As she barely escapes from the murderous wrath,

That ought to have made her contrite.

My mom fumes at me now instead of the dog,

And I listen with head rightly bent.

Her reprimand’s tough but I hold on until,

Her bitter cold fury is spent.

Later that day I walk down the stairs,

Ending my coward’s retreat,

And I see on the couch in a rock-solid sleep,

My mom with the dog at her feet.

should make a good Mother's Day Present, don't you think?