[Review] Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien

Title: Birthmarked {goodreads}

Author: Caragh O'Brien

Publication (dd/mm/yy): 01/05/11

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Source: Publisher, for review
Age: 14+ Moderate violence

Pages: 360

My Rating:

Summary:

In the future, in a world destroyed by the harsh sun, there are those who live in luxury inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside – struggling to survive. Each month the people outside the wall must deliver a quota of babies to the Enclave, to be raised by parents within and brainwashed to forget about the world outside.

This is the way it’s always been, and the way Gaia thinks it should be . . . until her parents are arrested on suspicion of hiding a code; a code revealing the secrets of the “advanced” babies. Realising she is her parents’ only hope for survival, Gaia ventures inside the wall to rescue them. But she soon discovers that the Enclave is not as perfect as it appears; the gene pool has become too small and genetic irregularities are developing – something the brutal government wants to stop. At any cost. Can Gaia break the code and discover the truth, before it’s too late?

My thoughts: 

"THOSE MARKED WITH A CODE WILL DETERMINE THE FUTURE. ONE MARRED BY A SCAR WILL UNRAVEL THE PAST."

What a fantastic debut! I regret not having picked this book up earlier; if I had known how heart-racing, thought-provoking and mind-bending this book was going to be, I definitely wouldn't have delayed. A bit rough around the edges, editing-wise, as might be expected of a debut author, but still well, WELL worth my time.

In BIRTHMARKED, resources have depleted, leaving societies that do not prioritise to perish. There is the Enclave that thrives on its lush and beautiful landscape and government, home of the priviledged and the Advanced. Outside those walls lies poverty in Wharfton - this is where the story really begins. Gaia Stone follows her mother's footsteps as she pursues life as a midwife, where they are the only two n their district. But then Gaia's parents are arrested, and it's time for Gaia to break in to the Enclave.

For me to determine whether a dystopian novel is of quality or not, I tend to consider pacing, world building, character "relatability" and likeability, as well as writing style. I can assure you that Birthmarked really hit the mark with me. What's really outsanding about this book in particular is the mysteries that unfurled. O'Brien had the foresight to really think about how these would look and how they fit in with the story, and they WORKED.

Gaia Stone is bold and intelligent, but also insecure and incredible stubborn. I actually really liked her character despite her naivety and brashness. Her background is revealed bit by bit as you go along, as it should be. There IS a romance, one that I enjoyed. I won't discuss though, because part of the fun of it was the mystery that surrounded it.

Her parents are strong and intelligent people, and though we never get to meet them, there are so many instances in the novel where they are focused on in relation to the mysteries.

"She could do this. She must, somehow. She would think of her father and his sewing things and his capable, wide-knuckled hands. She would use every hint she had and try to read her father's mind. (p. 194)"

The Enclave and Wharfton seems at first such an alien place, but O'Brien settles the reader into it so that it's not too overwhelming. A map is provided, which was a lifesaver. I don't know what I would have done without it. Some things that are off about this world in particular is that technology and life seems to have pedalled BACKWARDS. I guess given the circumstances (lack of resources due to the harsh sun), it doesn't seem so far-fetched.

All in, BIRTHMARKED is an extraordinary debut novel, and its unique exploration of the future and the unknown is effortlessly paired with the mysteries that unfurl with every page turned. Gaia Stone's life in Wharfton provides a stark contrast to those who live in the Enclave. The relationships O'Brien forms with Gaia are well developed for a debut author. Despite the shaky writing style, which can be forgiven for its adequate pacing, BIRTHMARKED is a book highly recommended for fans of Dystopia, the genre on the uprise.

Quotes:

First lines

"In the dim hovel, the mother clenched her body into one final, straining, push, and the baby slithered out into Gaia's ready hands."

Favourite quote

"As he [her Dad] turned slowly to face her again, his eyes retained a lost, ashy glow. "You always have a choice, Gaia. You can always say no." His voice was strangely hollow. "They might kill you for it, but you can always say no."
She didn't understand his intensity, and he was frightening her. "What do you mean?" she whispered.
He took a long, slow breath and seemed to remember where he was. "It's all rght, Gaia," he said. "There are some things, once they are done, that we can never question, because if we did, we wouldn't be able to go on. And we have to go on, every single day." He smiled, more like his old self. (p. 112)"

Buy:

Live in Australia?

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Live elsewhere?

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Links:

Author Site
Twitter | Facebook


I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: Debut 2011 Challenge (AU release)

FIVE Challenge: Great Debuts

I've been wanting to do some sort of a wrap-up post with 2010, with regards to reading books and blogging. What better way to get started than through Persnickety Snark's challenge?

These are in no particular order. All of these scored 5 stars, naturally. And I've limited this to 2010 debuts, since debut in the open-ended way just boggles my mind!

1. Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala {review}

Deeply complex and thought-provoking, Cupala's debut novel took great presence in my bookshelf. TMAS is so much more than a pregnancy novel; it takes providence with dealing with grief, overcoming familial strife, being alone but finding out that there is hope, that things that will be, will be. Not to mention that Ms Cupala is a total sweetie-pie, and the novel and its journey personally correlates to her past.

2. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver {review}

Before I Fall was the first debut 2010 novel that I tackled, and despite reading this one on computer, I sped through it. I love novels that are larger than life and teach without preaching the lesson: that every action has its own reaction. Sam is a total drama queen with a charmed life, which naturally provoked me to hate her. But then she grew as a person! ... *sigh*

3. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins {review}

Come on. What a breath of fresh air Anna was! So, so swoon-worthy with characters that felt real in a world that is real. Both light and heavy, Anna addresses so many different things, but not in an overwhelming kind of way. It was just beautiful, romantic...the romance between Anna and the Etienne was insane.

4. Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber {review}

This book is so, so, so ridiculously underrated. Crossing the Tracks is inspiring and very well thought out. The characters are written extremely well--I remember feigning deep disdain for Iris' father and loving Mrs. Nesbitt and dreamboat Leroy. This book would be perfect for a book discussion.

5. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger {review}

Characters well fleshed out. Bianca is sassy and sees the world for what it is: a giant crap bucket. She's not pessimistic; she's realistic. Keplinger's debut tells a great lesson, that you can't run from your problems forever. Feelings develop, spells are broken, and that-repulsive-guy-you-hate-with-benefits becomes something real. Love that the characters all have their own demons, and that no one character was perfect.

Honourable mentions:

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson {review}

Stork by Wendy Delsol {review}

The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs {review}

I'm very disappointed in myself. I didn't get to reading so many debut 2010 novels. Such as Harmonic Feedback, which I've been dying to read since I started blogging (I finally scored  myself a copy!) So, for some of the top fives I'll be doing "Honourable Mentions", as well as "What Could Have Been" (which will have 5 titles).

What Could Have Been:

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Girl Saves Boy by Steph Bowe
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
Sea by Heidi R. Kling

[Review] Dancing in the Dark by Robyn Bavati

Title: Dancing in the Dark

Author: Robyn Bavati

Publication: 1st February 2010

Publisher: Penguin Australia

Source: PB, for review (Thanks PengAUS!)

Pages: 300
Series: Standalone

My Rating:

Blurb:  

He tossed her into the air as if she were weightless, and just for a moment she seemed suspended there, defying gravity. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I knew what she was feeling. It was in every movement of every limb.


Here was a power I had never seen before, a kind of haunting loveliness I had never imagined. Seeing it made me long for something, I didn't know what . . .

Ditty was born to dance, but she was also born Jewish. When her strictly religious parents won't let her take ballet lessons, Ditty starts to dance in secret. But for how long can she keep her two worlds apart? And at what cost?

A dramatic and moving story about a girl who follows her dream, and finds herself questioning everything she believes in.

My thoughts: 

Dancing in the Dark is a lucid portrayal of a girl with a dream - to dance - that is forbidden due to her culture and heritage. She is Jewish, and her whole world has been built to the standard that this lifetime was only for preparation into the next, that you were only here to serve Hashem (God) and be virtuous and do as you're told. After discovering a TV in Sara's, Ditty's best friend, mum's room, she discovers DANCE. After being rejected permission to persue her new obsession, she takes it upon herself to learn dance in a school in private.

As a debut novel, Bavati has done an amazing job with Dancing in the Dark. While I found myself lose interest a few times - possibly due to a combination of pacing problems and just being tired whenever I got around to cracking it open again - it was a heartfelt and groundbreaking novel that swept me off my feet, and by the end of it I was left wanting more. I guess this leaves me to the point where I explain why I didn’t give this book a higher rating. I didn’t like the ending all that much. It was a resolution, but I wanted a bit more of a familial conclusion.
The novel consists of about 40 chapters, each usually not more than a few pages long, making it easier to pick up where I left off.

I had trouble connecting with many of Ditty's family, which is only to be expected given the extreme differences in customs. They believe in a whole system that I could not even begin to fathom, which made it quite frustrating to continue experiencing how un-cooperative Aunt Rivka and her parents were. However, among all that, Ditty has many allies: Sara, her awesome Jewish best friend who is for the most part supportive of her talents; Linda, her rebellious cousin who defies Jewish customs, much in the way of her clothing, and Miss Mitchell, Ditty's kind dance teacher. I don't want to say much about them, because then I'd have to spoil some of the plot, and I hate spoiling plot points. :(

Dancing in the Dark is inspiring in a way that is universal to all--anyone who has ever had dreams, anyone who has felt constricted within their religious centres, anyone who is interested in dance or even the concept of dance. Also, it was nice to read about Jewish community and customs (I had no idea Jewish families were usually so LARGE, and that arranged marriages still operated!); there is even a glossary at the back! It was all quite fascinating, and I can't wait to see what Bavati is planning for her next release!

Quotes:

'If they do [find out about my dancing in secret], they'll stop me from learning.'
'Maybe they won't,' said Miss Mitchell. 'Maybe you should give them a chance.'
'You don't understand. We're . . . They're very religious.'
'A lot of girls who dance here are religious.'
'Yes, but we're Jewish religious.'
'I know you are.'
'Well, that's different.'
'Why? Wouldn't God want you to use the talent He's given you?'
I didn't answer, though I'd often asked myself that very question.
(p. 176)

Buy:
Live in Australia?
Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?
Amazon | The Book Depository

I am in no way affiliated with the above sites, nor with Bavati or the publisher. I do not receive any money for reviewing or linking.

Learn more about Dancing in the Dark and read more reviews at Goodreads!

Links:

Penguin Site
Robyn's Blog

[ARC Review] Stork by Wendy Delsol

Title: Stork

Author: Wendy Delsol

Publication: 12 October 2010

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Review Copy: ARC, won (Thanks, Rebecca!)

Pages: 355

My Rating:

Blurb from Goodreads:  

Oh baby! A hip heroine discovers that she has the ability to decide who gets pregnant in this witty YA blend of romance and the supernatural.

Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she’s a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born.

Add to that Wade, the arrogant football star whom Katla regrettably fooled around with, and Jack, a gorgeous farm boy who initially seems to hate her. Soon Katla is having freaky dreams about a crying infant and learns that, as children, she and Jack shared a near-fatal, possibly mystical experience.

Can Katla survive this major life makeover and find a dress for the homecoming dance? Drawing from Norse mythology and inspired by The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, debut author Wendy Delsol conceives an irreverent, highly entertaining novel about embracing change and the (baby) bumps along the way.

My thoughts: 

First off, look at that cover! Simple, but striking. Every element of the cover was made so clear to me once I'd read the novel cover to cover. I love covers that are just MADE for the book. It's not just pretty, it represents the very essence of Stork very well.

Stork won me over by introducing to me a whole different setting, concepts, characters that I had never seen or read about before. Stork is set in Minnesota, which I've only ever heard stuff about from How I Met Your Mother's Marshall Eriksen. Stork is, actually surprisingly (or not surprisingly) about a stork, or rather, a stork society. It's more than that, though. The main character, Katla, doesn't focus all her attention upon her recent discovery of being a Stork. She has a world and a life that she explores; everything is new, everything is scary. She makes friends, she finds love, she nearly dies--three times (slight spoiler if you thought Katla would die)!

The descriptions used are so easy to follow, so well-done that the whole setting - and every action - is vividly described. Delsol definitely has a way with words, and has come up with such a breath of fresh air with Stork.

The characters are interesting. While some of them were a bit eh, I liked Hulda, Jack, I hated Wade, and I disliked Grimilla. Now these names won't mean a thing to you unless you have read it already, but it's clear that this book stirred within me certain emotions towards characters! Which is definitely what an author should aim to do, because without alluring and unique characters that should be cared about, what is it doing on the market?

Now, this novel was a bit slow going at times, but the ending is brilliant. I did not put the book down for at least the last 100 pages. Let's just say that things get very heated, in more ways than one. ;)

Definitely worth a shot! Pick up a copy when you get the chance.

Buy:
Live in Australia?
Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?
Amazon | The Book Depository

More reviews:
Book Crazy | A Books Blog | 25 Hour Books | The Compulsive Reader

I am in no way affiliated with the above sites, nor with Delsol or publisher. I do not receive any money for reviewing or linking.

Learn more about Stork and read more reviews at Goodreads!

[Review] Minder by Kate Kaynak

Title: Minder

Author: Kate Kaynak

Publication: June 2010

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Review Copy: Paperback, won (Thanks, Cari!)

Pages: 250

My Rating:

Blurb from Goodreads:  

Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place. Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control. A stray thought can burn a building to the ground. And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey--especially once she meets the man of her dreams...

My thoughts: 

When I won this one at Cari Blogs, I didn't exactly know how Minder was going to fare with me. Fortunately for me, this one was pretty good. :)

Kaynak illustrates in her novel a world (within our world), Ganzfield, full of superheroes. The superpowered groups mentioned include:  
- minders (can read others' minds) 
- charms (can manipulate others through their charming words) 
- "pyros" (can make fires) 
- "movers" (can move objects with their minds)
(I don't remember the official names of the last 2).

The main character, Maddie, believed she was an ordinary person -- until she blasts out the brains of 3 (?) guys from school who were up to no good. Thus, her normal life is over and she is shipped off to Ganzfield, where she is introduced to a whole other environment. She quickly builds a close relationship with Trevor, the only "mover" in Ganzfield, as her minder powers grow ever-stronger. But trouble is afoot, and outsider forces (threatened by the powers of those at Ganzfield) get in the way...

The descriptions used to paint each scene was so well done and elaborate, but, to me, necessary and not excessively used. I mean, the story is a TAD slow going at the beginning, but as most novels are for me, I tore through the second-half of the novel.

The plot and premise are unlike anything I've ever seen before. After reading Minder, I was left wondering Damn, wish there were a real Ganzfield around here...I came to like the many relationships that Maddie forms with many other characters, such as with her and her mentor (another minder)-- the mentor becomes something of a father figure to which filled that void of her absentee father. I liked her relationship with Grace, a newcomer, a charm, there's that innocent glow of a fragile budding friendship . . . you know the type. Grace appears to be, in Maddie's POV, the only good charm that is worth mentioning individually. The charms are kind of like Ganzfield's version of "the jocks" in high school, though these "students" don't really get to choose their powers.

However, one problem I did have with Minder was that the relationship between Trevor and Maddie was, well, where do I start? It was a bit repetitive in that Maddie's mind continually fills with thoughts of What is Trevor thinking/doing? or Where's Trevor? or I can't hear Trevor's thoughts . . . Also, the justification behind their relationship, the reasoning, it didn't ring through for me. It seemed a bit silly or fabricated. I needed a bit more of an oomph on that part, but that may just be me.

I'd definitely re-read Minder in the future, and I definitely recommend it!!

Quotes:
[One quote for page 50, and another for halfway mark page.]

I considered getting a snack or something to drink, but the idea of going back to the dining hall made my appetite vanish. Perhaps I'd discovered a new form of weight loss: the humiliation-avoidance diet. (p.50)

 The sickly, orange glow from the near-dead batteries faded further when I jostled the casing. I sat on my cot, alone with the dim light and my turbulent thoughts. Without the touch of Trevor's mind, I started to feel exposed and insecure. What had happened between us? I'd never experienced anything like it.
My heart caught when I felt him returning. (p.125)

Trailer:




Amazon | The Book Depository

I am in no way affiliated with the above sites, nor with Kaynak or publisher. I do not receive any money for reviewing or linking.

Learn more about Minder and read more reviews at Goodreads!

[Review] The Dead by David Gatward

Title: The Dead

Author: David Gatward [debut novel!]

Publication: July 1st 2010

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

Review Copy: ARC

Pages: 240

My Rating:

Blurb from Goodreads:  

Lazarus Stone is about to turn sixteen when, one night, his normal life is ripped to shreds by a skinless figure drenched in blood.

He has a message: The Dead are coming.

Now Lazarus is all that stands in their way. To fulfil his destiny, he must confront not only the dark past of his family, but horrors more gruesome than even Hell could invent. And it all begins with the reek of rotting flesh ...

 My thoughts: As a contemporary YA lover, this is the first horror novel I have read. Ever. The beginning of the book is great, powerful and really left a great impression on me. The first chapter title is ROTTING MEAT. And yes, throughout the novel, Gatward writes in a way that appeals (or rather, affects) the senses: sight, smell, hearing, a bit of touch... Which is, I guess, especially important to have in a horror story. Leaving the choppy editing (it IS an ARC, after all . . .) aside, this isn't actually half bad. It read pretty quickly for me, and at 240 pages, it was short; not necessarily a bad thing.


The character development could have been more, well, developed. But maybe that's not such a crucial factor for horror, and my limited knowledge in this area is making it kind of hard for me to critically look at this, since this the first time I'm looking at something like this. This is kind of hard.


Last thing I can will myself to say about The Dead is, that there was a fair amount of dialogue. Perhaps a bit too much. Also, some of the dialogue was really unnecessary, or didn't help with pulling along the plot. Um... but, in my opinion, the story wasn't all that bad. The execution was about as good as I could expect of it, and I'm sure as Gatward writes more and more books, some of the things I didn't like so much will be ironed out a bit. {my goodreads "review"}


All in all, if you enjoy anything horror, especially ones dealing with the Dead (what else does horror really address?), you'll probably like this one. I'm interested to read the next book in the series; hopefully I find it as good as I thought this one was. 


Watch out! I'll be giving this copy away next week, on Saturday! (05/09 - 12/09) It will be international, and I will be including a *surprise* bookmark. :) I am giving it away since it's already released, and I'd like another person to read it, too! Please enter only if you're genuinely interested in reading this one!!!

Amazon | The Book Depository

Learn more about The Dead and read more reviews at Goodreads!
The Dead is David Gatward's debut novel, and is book ONE of a planned horror trilogy.

[Review] Girl Parts by John M. Cusick

Title: Girl Parts

Author: John M. Cusick [debut novel!]

Publication: August 2010 -- out now!

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Review Copy: ARC

Pages: 218

My Rating:

Blurb from Goodreads:  

"Hello, David. My name is Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We are now entering minute two of our friendship. According to my Intimacy Clock, a handshake is now appropriate…"

David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot to encourage healthy bonds and treat "dissociative disorder," he can’t get enough of luscious red-headed Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Severed from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal "companion" is about to become her own best friend.
In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uber-connected world.

 My thoughts: Girl Parts is definitely guy YA lit; I enjoyed it, but it was flawed. The writing style was so different to what I'd become accustomed to, so it took a while to get used to it. Which is fine, and probably expected, since this book is for a different audience, and written by a male author.

It took until halfway through the novel to realise what the title Girl Parts was referring to. :P And I guess the sexual passages, while spread apart and slightly (very slightly) graphic, were necessary... since that's kind of a major part/point of this book. I think this is for 15+; I wouldn't be giving this one to a 12 year old, because of what I've briefly discussed.

Keeping in mind that this is a debut novel, there are obviously going to be issues with it, that will be ironed out (hopefully) with each coming release by Cusick. However, since I enjoyed this one, and it is guy lit, I'm rating it 4 stars with all of that in mind. This is completely new territory to me: guy YA lit, sci-fi-esque, with a guy MC and POV . . .


Another short review. School. All in all, I think this is worth a read. It will not win over some people, but I think there is promise-- Cusick drew upon an interesting concept and wrote an entertaining story about it. Plus, it's pretty short. I read it within the span of a day. :) Plus, the cover is gorgeous! I want to see a finished copy of this one-- I'd buy a copy.

Amazon | The Book Depository | Borders

Learn more about Girl Parts and read more reviews at Goodreads!
Girl Parts is John M. Cusick's debut novel.


Book Trailer:

Note: For the handful of people who stumbled across my giveaway post a few hours ago, just letting you know that it wasn't meant to be up until tomorrow. Hope you check back later!

[Review] Manifest by Artist Arthur

Title: Manifest

Author: Artist Arthur [debut novel!]

Publication: August 2010 -- out now!

Publisher: Kimani Press

Review Copy: ARC

Pages: 248

My Rating:

Blurb on ARC:  

KRYSTAL JUST MET THE PERFECT BOY.
TROUBLE IS, HE'S DEAD.

When fifteen-year-old Krystal Bentley moves to Lincoln, Connecticut, her mom's hometown, she assumes her biggest drama will be adjusting to the burbs after living in New York City.

But Lincoln is nothing like Krystal imagined. The weirdness begins when Ricky Watson starts confiding in her. He's cute, funny, a good listener--and everything she'd ever want--except that he was killed nearly a year ago. Krystal's ghost-whispering talents soon lead other "freaks" to her door--Sasha, a rich girl who can literally disappear, and Jake, who moves objects with his mind. All three share a distinctive birthmark in the shape of an M and, fittingly, call themselves the Mystyx. They set out to learn what really happened to Ricky, only to realize that they aren't the only ones with mysterious powers. But if Krystal succeeds in finding out the truth about Ricky's death, will she lose him for good?

 My thoughts: So yeah, Krystal has it BAD, so she says. No one seems to get her, but really, the way she talks about her whole life situation, it's apparent that she hasn't really taken the steps to get to a point where she can allow others to understand her. I think though, because of this, many teens will be able to connect to her situation on some level. But as this novel dictates, everyone has their problems, just different circumstances.

Arthur introduced me to the beginning of what I can only hope to be an exciting, interesting and stimulating series. There were a few parts that didn't bode too well with me, but overall I found myself enjoying the story that unfolded as the pages were turned. The premise is not entirely new, it's what I believe to be some wicked DISTANT spin-off of The Fantastic Four. I mean, there is the medium (Krystal), the all-rounder guy (Jake) and Invisible Girl (Sasha). Well, it's halfway to TFF anyway. :P But anyway, with the Power that the three have been bestowed with since birth, the focus is (surprisingly) turned towards Krystal and her ability to speak to ghosts. More importantly, the novel and the series is shaped around her Power and the decisions she makes in regards to her Power.

Speaking of Krystal, the character development is inspiring and done with good taste. [I mean, at the beginning she comes off obnoxious, but in the last pages you see how she has changed, and really appreciate that. Hopefully in the next book she'll be like that, too.] It didn't come off as cheesy or abrupt. It was necessary and drove the plot to its climax, and satisfying ending. Speaking of which, I actually did NOT expect the “twist” near the end when the mystery draws to a close. I liked most of the characters, though I think I could have done without the repetition of Krystal’s descriptions of how cute/hot Ricky was. But, yeah. That’s paranormal YA for you, I think. I dunno. This was actually my first paranormal book, though I guess Bad Girls Don’t Die is a paranormal book too… Hmm, it’s of a completely different kind though.

Anyway, this book is definitely worth a shot. It’s pretty short, took less than a day to finish this one. I’ll be buying my own copy in paperback, and once I have my own copy I’ll be giving away this ARC. :) I’ll be waiting to see what happens in the next instalment of this exciting and heart-racing series.

Amazon | The Book Depository | Borders

Learn more about Manifest and read more reviews at Goodreads!
Manifest is book 1 of the Mystyx series.

 

[Review] Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

Title: Glimmerglass

Author: Jenna Black

Publication: May 2010

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Review Copy: eBook, Paperback

Pages: 300~

My Rating:

Goodreads description:   Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, Dana decides she’s had ...more 

Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, Dana decides she’s had it with being her mother’s keeper, so she packs her bags and heads to stay with her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Soon, she finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone wants something from her, even her newfound friends and family. Suddenly, life with her alcoholic mom doesn't sound half bad, and Dana would do anything to escape Avalon and get back home. Too bad both her friends and her enemies alike are determined not to let her go . . .

My thoughts: Glimmerglass promised a story of faeries, of magic, of adventure, love, betrayal, friendship, and more betrayal, family and what family represents... did it deliver? Yes, in this way, it did. I was not entirely satisfied, or WOWed, however, and that's what brings me to my final decision on the rating. It had the right premise, the overlapping of the human world and an alternate, faery universe. I was slightly disappointed that it didn't live up to my high hopes. I'll give you one thing, though. The novel ends nicely, and left me wanting to read more. I may have had several qualms about it, but I want to know what happens next!

The writing was fairly substandard. Some of the description wasn't well done, there were a few instances where it was done beautifully. {example} I know that the story was written with the intention of the fact that this is Dana's voice, Dana's words, her story. But there was a WHOLE LOT of telling, rather than showing, which I alarmed myself to by the middle of the novel... "My throat and nasal passages burned from expelling all that water from my lungs. My chest ached from taking all that water in. And all my joints throbbed from being a tug-of-war toy between Ethan and the moat monster. I was also soaked through and chilled to the bone, my whole body shivering violently." I felt that there were just TOO MANY WORDS!! Maybe some people like all this, but to me, it just seemed like Jenna was trying to chuck in some more words, and then some more, and a bit more just for the heck of it. It doesn't push the story along, and that's also part of why I didn't enjoy this as much as I'd have liked to. If it's going to be fantasy, there needs to be more action, less description over and over again.

Sometimes the grammar was clunky, or the word choice was awkward. Also, it felt like the pages were dragging me along, rather than me being genuinely interested to "turn the pages". There was a good interweaving between the beginning and end of the novel. Not giving anything away, so I'll remain subtle. The characters evoked some emotion from me, but sometimes I felt like they could have been fleshed out just a bit more. I liked Keane (Brownie points if you can tell me why :P), but most of the others gave me mixed emotions. Maybe that's how Black wanted me to think of them. However, perhaps the next installment will bring upon more reasons for me to really CARE about these characters.

Yes, the cover is pretty. To be honest, that is what compelled me to read Glimmerglass. I'm actually surprised I didn't enjoy this one as much as I should've. I tried to, I really did. Perhaps I was caught reading this at the worst time possible, in between my trial exams, AND I'm reading this one on computer... Perhaps I should give this book another try. Let me know what you thought of it. Maybe I read it all wrong. If you're going to suggest I read it again, you're going to have to send me an actual copy of it, because no way am I going to read this on computer again! >_< Oh, the agony! 

 

[Breakin' News] #7 BOOK TRAILER - Delcroix Academy, The Candidates

I'm hoping this is official, since it pretty darn well looks it! I've been anticipating this book for a while... Many of you have probably already seen the cool cover, info and synopsis, but here they are anyway.

Title: The Candidates (#1, Delcroix Academy)

Author: Inara Scott

Release Date: August 24th 2010 (2 days!!)
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Synopsis: (From Goodreads)

Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just...happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, belieiving this way she can supress her powers and keep them hidden.

But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia's days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats' kids and child geniuses--not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies. So why are they treating Dancia like she's special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Dancia feel welcome.

And then there's her mysterious new friend Jack, who can't stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at the Academy and wants Dancia to help him figure out what. But Dancia isn't convinced. She hopes that maybe the recruiters know more about her "gift" than they're letting on. Maybe they can help her understand how to use it...But not even Dancia could have imagined what awaits her behind the gates of Delcroix Academy.

Behold... the trailer!

[Breakin' News] #2 Tell Me a Secret *FREE* audiobook!

Great news!!!

So some of you may remember how much I adored Holly Cupala's YA debut novel Tell Me a Secret ... Well, now Holly's book is back on my blog with MORE NEWS!!!

Holly is launching a free serialised podcast on Wednesday (8/18) at http://tellmeasecretnovel.com—the entire novel is read by award-winning actress Jenna Lamia (The Adoration of Jenna Fox, The Chosen One). There'll be 2-3 chapters released per week, which roughly follows the timeline of the novel. These chapters will be available for a LIMITED time, so bookmark it & don't forget! This novel is awesome (5 stars from me!), so if you haven't read it yet, now is your chance-- for free! Also, for those who can't wait, there will be a special edition available, with the full audiobook. :)

Own a blog?

"We have a little fancy graphic for it right here ..."

But wait, there's more!

"... on Wednesday, I’ll be chatting with readergirlz on Twitter 6pm PST/9pm EST (look for the #rgz hashtag). I hope to see you!" 

Oh, and since I've been talking about Holly Cupala so much, I've added a new label, just for her! :) She's totally awesome, so you better go check out her site!

My review

Trailer of TMAS

Teaser Tuesday (4) Glimmerglass

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Grab the book you are currently reading and randomly post a couple sentences.
I haven't done one in a while, and I figure I could do for a bit of filler fun.

Here is a teaser for "Glimmerglass" by Jenna Black (eBook)

“What do you see?” he asked.
I shook my head, still staring out into the mist, trying not to believe what was right before my eyes. I blinked, and the forest was still there. Oh, crap. I shifted my focus to the afterimage of English countryside, and as I stared at it, it solidified once more, the forest fading into the background, but not disappearing.
“What the hell…?” I mumbled.

Glimmerglass was released May 25th 2010, and I've been reading it on and off for a week or two. I mean, it's picked up speed, but I just keep on piling on other books to read on the side. It's a fantasy fairy YA novel. Needless to say, this isn't a bad book. It's just me, and the fact that I'm reading this one not as a physical copy, but on computer/mp4 player, since it's an ebook.

Hope you enjoy this week's Teaser Tuesday! What are you reading?

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
Pages: 304
Release date: May 2010
Genre: fantasy, romance, action
Ages: YA, 14+
Amazon | Goodreads

ALSO, I received another The Versatile Blogger Award, thanks to Once Upon a Twilight! I'm not too sure if I'm meant to list another 7 things about me and tag 15 more people. Just wanted to say thanks! :)

[Review] The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Having received great reviews all around, and with several awards to its name, TSiE is one hot YA contemporary debut novel for 2010.

Title: The Sky is Everywhere

Author: Jandy Nelson

Publication: March 9th 2010

Publisher: Walker Books (UK)

Review Copy: Hardcover, 1st edition (UK)

Pages: 362

Goodreads description:  

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey.


But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two.


Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding. 

My thoughts: The Sky is Everywhere is a beautiful & lyrical but completely different and somewhat contraversial YA novel. The "description" at the back cover (UK)... just disparage that, because I find that it was completely misleading. This novel is so much more than suddenly having the urge to "kiss all the boys at a funeral", or whatever it says. We discover that Lennie's sister Bailey has died, and of course, we don't know her, nor do we really care about her (or at least I didn't). It's rather the effect that Bailey's death has on Lennie, that makes Bailey such a crucial character in the story. Jandy Nelson equips Lennie with a sardonic tone of voice at the beginning of the novel, "My sister has died a thousand times over since this morning" (sorry, can't be bothered finding the real quotes). That tone of voice that we YA lit freaks have grown to love (or just grown accustomed to). 


The book flows through Lennie's slow but steady "journey" towards acknowledgement and realisation of what she must learn to do: let go. The Sky is Everywhere touched me so deeply, I don't think I can really explain it, but in some moments I was crying buckets; others I was laughing or smiling... this book was unconventional, sweet but not cheesy, and for me, it was a book I needed to read slowly. I can't quite explain why that is.


Now, for the actual book, the cover is completely different to the book cover as presented here. The colours are less vibrant, which was a bit disappointing. However, the whole book is printed in BLUE ink!! I thought that was really neat, especially since I've never seen a book like that before. I've seen coloured pages, but never coloured text! And all throughout the book! I want to buy the US hardcover and make a comparison someday. I think those US vs. UK battles around the blogosphere are really interesting, and I love going through them.

Rating: 

4.5/5

Order it (UK) now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, The Book Depository.