InkHeart

Inkheart

Cornelia Funke; Scholastic  2003

Summary: Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can "read" fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service. 

Characters from books literally leap off the page in this engrossing fantasy. Meggie has had her father to herself since her mother went away when she was young. Mo taught her to read when she was five, and the two share a mutual love of books. He can "read" characters out of books. When she was three, he read aloud from a book called Inkheart and released characters into the real world. At the same time, Meggie's mother disappeared into the story. This "story within a story" will delight not just fantasy fans, but all readers who like an exciting plot with larger-than-life characters.

My Review:  I love the Inkheart series! There I said it. Have any of you ever wanted to journey into your favorite book? Well I have. Can you imagine being able to read the words and just like that a character or object comes out from the book? O I just love it!

 Mo is such a great Dad and cares so much for his daughter Meggie. I swear I want his job. He gets to be with books all day and gets to fix them up and put them into great shape. Meggie is a lover of books and has good taste. She is also a skilled writer. And then there is Dustfinger who I have a crush on. Even though at times he is cowardly he still has a heart of gold. 

 In this book at the beginning of the chapters there are quotes from different  children's books that really add to the overall appeal of this book. I love it when authors do this because he leads you into the chapter and then you figure out why they chose that quote.

I honestly fell more deeply in love with books after reading Inkheart. The literary references make this book worth reading. This is also a great book to read-aloud with children.  I give it two thumbs up!

Watch Out For: Fantasy, threatening, kidnappings, and weapons.

Oh.My.Gods.

Oh. My.Gods. 
By Tera Lynn Childs; Speak 2008

Summary:When Phoebe's mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe's plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uberexclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That's right, they're real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes: supersmart and superbeautiful with a few superpowers. And now they're on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.

My Review: Oh. My. Gods. And interesting take on modern day Greek Mythology. Dealing with the facts that the Greek Gods have descendants who develop powers. I am always up for a good modern day Greek mythology novel. I loved the Percy Jackson Series  and I actually enjoyed this one. 


The thing that bothered me the most was that there wasn't  much fantasy.  The kids all seemed pretty normal and acted like teens. Occasionally there would be a zap of powers, but nothing quite as drastic as Percy Jackson stuff (fighting evil, etc...). 


I thought Phoebe to be a determine little thing and a well rounded character. She would push herself to the limit in running. I really envied her for her running abilities and awesome Nike gear. I felt really sorry for her at the beginning because she had to leave America, her friends, and school to go live with a new step father, on an island, and go to a school full of Gods. So I imagine it was a little rough for her. But then  cross country, Griffen, and other friends make a difference. 


I would say it is an ok book. Not bad, but not great. If you like Greek Mythology and just a regular ole YA novel then this is ideal for you.

Watch Out For: Supernatural powers, some kissing, mild profanity, and Greek Mythology.

Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush

Becca Fitzpatrick;  Simon & Schuster 2009

Summary: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. 

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn 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 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 far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

My Review:  I totally just read this book in one sitting. I really did quite enjoy it because of a certain man.  I am a sucker for hot male characters with a dark past. Patch was so mysterious, sly, a teaser, and a huge flirt.And that my friends is why I enjoyed this read. It is horrible, but hey I am being honest here.

It has some similarities to other books I’ve read like The Mortal Instruments, Devils Kiss, Twilight, and The Blue Bloods Series, but then again it had some original ideas as well.  It was a lot like these other books because it starts out with a normal girl who is draw to this really hot guy in a class. I already see a Twilight similarity there. She wants to know everything about him so she researches online, interrogates people who know him, etc…. Similarities again come to my mind. There is mentioning’s of fallen angels and Nephilim which made me think of The Mortal Instruments and The Blue Blood Series. But the original stuff that came up intrigued me. Like how a fallen angel can become a human and fallen angels stories found in a book. There were a lot of unanswered questions about The Book of Enoch and fallen angel stuff, but I am pretty sure the next two books in the series will solve the answers.

Overall if you are into the supernatural stuff and have read multiple YA books with supernatural/love themes then this is a book for you!

Watch Out for:  Death, Murder, attacks, break ins, a sex ED class, kissing, angels, mind powers, some drinking, and medical drug use.


Book Trailer:

Wings

Wings

Aprilynne Pike; HarperTeen 2009

Summary:    Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

My Review: This is a very different take on faeries. I’ve always imagine faeries with wings, glitter, and being rather small, but the faeries in this book are highly evolved plants. Just a tad bit different right?

Laurel at the age fifteen goes through a great deal of change. She was mostly homeschooled throughout her life and then her adoptive parents decide that she needs to attend public school. She is vegan and goes on a sprite-only diet. She is beautiful, with willowy looks and has a thing for the woods and sunlight.   She discovers how truly different she is from her classmates when she discovers a growth on her back the blooms into wing-like petals.


I find this take on faeries to be fascinating. Even though at first I thought it was super weird that she was part flower. But then more I read the more I got into the idea of it.


What I liked the most about this book is that Laurel is a great noteworthy character. She handles the changes she goes through very weel. She loves her adopted parents and her new friend David. She is careful with her emotions and doesn’t blame anyone for her issues. Laurel discovers who her true parentage is and recognizes danger for her family. All around she just kicks trash!


I love fantasy and I recommend it to those who like a bit of fantasy in their reading.




Watch Out for: Violence, brief language, passionate kisses, trolls, fairies, guns, and the use of morphine. 

Wildwood Dancing

Wildwood Dancing

By Juliet Marillier; Knopf 2006

Summary: High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm.

But their peace is shattered when Father falls ill and must go to the southern parts to recover, for that is when cousin Cezar arrives. Though he's there to help the girls survive the brutal winter, Jena suspects he has darker motives in store. Meanwhile, Jena's sister has fallen in love with a dangerous creature of the Other Kingdom--an impossible union it's up to Jena to stop.

When Cezar's grip of power begins to tighten, at stake is everything Jena loves: her home, her family, and the Other Kingdom she has come to cherish. To save her world, Jena will be tested in ways she can't imagine--tests of trust, strength, and true love.

My Review:  This is basically a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.  I thought it was an interesting take on the fantasy world. The Other Kingdom sounds like a magical place, but at times I thought it was a scary place. I was constantly worried for Jenna and her sisters.  Jenna is a smart girl and she really step ups to the plate and runs the household. She really takes care of her sisters which I thought was admirable.

The thing I found difficult about this book is the names of places and characters. But there is a glossary at the back to help those who struggle to be able to pronounce the words.  Overall I think it is a good book, not the greatest, but a good book.

Watch Out for: Enchanted creatures, magic, love, some kissing, and mild violence. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

 By J.K. Rowling; Scholastic Inc. 1997

Summary:  Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He’s never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry’s room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that’s been waiting for him…if Harry can survive the encounter.

My Review:  J.K Rowling has created a world that everyone wants to be apart off. This is the first installment to the Harry Potter Series and it is one of my favorites.

 Harry is new to the idea of magic and that there is a different way of life out there. I feel like in a way he is just like us. We all live this average life and then one day something hits us and we are introduced to a whole new way of living.  Harry starts out as such a sad miserable character and you really feel for him. I mean this poor little 11 year-old sleeps in a closet, wheres clothes that are too big for him, and has to put up with the Dursleys. And then when he goes to Hogwarts you see Harry really come out of his shell and become happy. He finds friends and becomes a kick trash seeker!

I could honestly say a million things about this book, but I won’t because I got to keep this review short. I know that some people often say that this series should not be read, but honestly I think that every person should read this book and series.  I highly recommend this book and series!

Watch Out for:  Fantasy creatures, fighting, death, chases, and kids are in peril often. 

Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood

Sarah Blakeley-Cartwright; Poppy 2011

Summary: Valerie's sister was beautiful, kind, and sweet. Now she is dead. Henry, the handsome son of the blacksmith, tries to console Valerie, but her wild heart beats fast for another: the outcast woodcutter, Peter, who offers Valerie another life far from home. 

After her sister's violent death, Valerie's world begins to spiral out of control. For generations, the Wolf has been kept at bay with a monthly sacrifice. But now no one is safe. When an expert Wolf hunter arrives, the villagers learn that the creature lives among them--it could be anyone in town. 

It soon becomes clear that Valerie is the only one who can hear the voice of the creature. The Wolf says she must surrender herself before the blood moon wanes...or everyone she loves will die.

My Review: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!  That is just one of the many words I could say about this book. The only reason I read this was because the movie was coming out. I am a firm believer in reading the book before going to see the movie.  Well the writing isn’t that great but I started to like storyline until it ended suddenly! That’s right! It never finished instead it told me to go to this certain sight and finish it once the movie came out! UGH! I was so ticked I just went to watch the movie instead and never looked up the ending chapters. My best advice to those who are interested in this book is to just watch the movie.

Watch Out For: Very little cussing, drinking, violence, animal sacrifice, a terrorizing wolf, torture, and fighting.

Movie Trailer: 

Kissed by an Angel

Kissed by an Angel

Elizabeth Chandler; Simon Pulse 1998

Summary:  Ivy and Tristan are meant to be together. Both stunningly attractive, brilliantly talented and very much in love, they think their happiness will last forever. When a terrible car accident shatters their world, killing Tristan and injuring Ivy, she must face life alone - or so she thinks. However, Tristan is watching over her as her guardian angel - so close she can feel his touch and hear his voice. And no one needs a guardian angel more than Ivy, because someone is trying to kill her. But if Tristan saves Ivy, his mission on earth will be finished, and he'll have to leave her behind. Will saving Ivy mean losing her forever?

My Review: Thank you Target for putting this book on your shelve all those years ago.  When I first picked up the book I didn’t know what to expect.  I guessed from the title that it would be a love story, but it was more than that. It was also a murder mystery.  I love mystery and this book gave it to me. I loved trying to guess how things connected or matched up.  I was on my toes towards the end. I started to speed read through this book just so I could see what happened next.

Here is my favorite quote from the book! "When you love someone, it’s never over. You move on, because you have to but you take them with you in your heart" –Kissed by an Angel

Tristan(Love that name) is such a sweet heart  and really cares about Ivy and looks out for her.  I feel so badly for Ivy because losing someone like that would be hard and I wouldn’t know how to move on. And it doesn’t help that some creeper is trying to kill you either.

Chandler  presented interesting ideas about guardian angels. She really knows teenagers and the lives that they live. She also presented about the nature of first love and relationships.

I thought it was good book and just something to nice to sit down and read.

Watch Out for:  Murder, death, obsession, Love, kissing, and some language. 

City of Fallen Angels

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, Book Four)

 By Cassandra Clare; McElderry Books 2011

Summary: The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

My Review: This book had a lot to live up to since the last three books and to be quite honest it didn’t live up to it at all in my opinion. The story took a long time to get started. I really felt like this book wasn’t needed. The ending however, grabbed my attention and I will most like read the next one in the series just to see what happens. This book brings new evil forces to fight and the cult activities and their project gave me the creeps!  I love the Jace and Clary love story, demons, werewolves, vampires, warlocks, and fairies. That must be why I keep reading this series. I will let yourself decide whether or not to read this book.

Things to Watch Out for: Violence (fighting, killings, torture, possession), Sensual acts (Kissing, embracing passionately, homo-sexual), Language, Mythical creatures (vampires, werewolves, demons, etc…)  and some drinking.

Recommendations:

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

By C.S. Lewis; Harper Collins 1950

Summary:

Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie move to a professors house in the country. While they are there they open a door in the wardrobe which leds to a world called Narnia. They discover the magic, an evil plot, and the Great Lion Asland. In a blink of an eye their lives are changed forever.

My Review: O how I wish I could travel through the wardrobe and into the land of Narnia! The atmosphere of this whole book is incredible. The descriptions of the land, the amazing characters, and the whole plot is astounding. I love the beavers, Mr. Tummus, Asland, the White Witch, and the Pevensie siblings all intertwin in the novel and make is a fabulous story to tell and tell again. 

 

Watch Out for:  Violence, torture, and a battle.

Cinderella

Cinderella 
K.Y.Craft- Chronicle Books 2000


Summary:Cinderella is a forever-loved story about a maiden  who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, meets her fairy godmother, and has a magical night.


My Review: Cinderella has always been a fairytale favorite for me. I love the glass slippers, the pumpkin that turns into a carriage, the stroke of midnight, and happily ever afters. I loved the illustrations in this re-telling especially. I thought that they were well done.


Things to Watch Out For: Evil stepmothers and stepsisters and magic.

Tuck Everlasting

Tuck Everlasting

By  Natalie Babbitt; Farrar 1975

Summary: Winifred a ten-year-old rich girl longs to go outside the fence. When traveling through the her family's forest she comes upon Jesse Tuck drinking from a spring. Soon Winifred is thrown into the Tucks life and is keeping thier extraordinary secret. This secret transforms her life and it leads her to make a noteworthy decision.

My Review: Its interesting to see the changes and feelings I have since I've last read this book. I remember reading this when I was in the sixth grade and walking away feeling nothing at all. Now I feel so many things. I admire Winifred and the decisions she makes in this book. She is an amazing girl who just wants to be free and have fun. The Tucks are those naturally good people who love each other and do whats best for thier family.  I really like this book and suggest you see the movie as well. Jesse is both beautiful in the movie and the book. Just saying!

Things to Watch Out For: The man in the yellow suit, violence, death, eternity type dealings.

Movie Trailer:

Keturah and Lord Death

Keturah and Lord Death
By Martine Leavitt; Front Street

Summary: Keturah follows a legendary Hart into the forest, where she becomes hopelessly lost. After three days,  her strength diminishes until, she feels that Death has come for her.  Little does she know that he is a young handsome lord, who is melancholy, and stern. Renowned for her storytelling, Keturah is able to charm Lord Death with a story. Lord Death grants her one more day to live. Keturah must find her one true love within that time, or all is lost. She searches desperately while the village prepares for an unexpected visit from the king, and Keturah is thrust into a prominent role as mysterious happenings alarm everyone in the village. Lord Death's presence hovers over all until Keturah confronts him for one last time. 




My Review: I have read this book multiple time and it still gets to me every time I read it. I absolutely love this book with so much passion its insane. It is on my top five favorite books of all time. I first read this during my sophomore year in high school and I knew right away that I would have to buy this book and read it multiple times throughout my life. I will try my best to describe why I love this book so much.


First of all, the writing in this book is fabulous. The language and style of this book is like an old fairytale and it makes it appealing to readers. Keturah and Lord Death  is a beautiful told tale about finding your true love and a journey of self discovery. When reading this you will ask the questions "What is death?" and "What is love?"  Death and love are two experiences that intertwine and form a deep bond in this book. You come to grasp this two terms firmly and figure out your own meanings for each term.  


Keturah is a profound character and she will always hold a place in my heart. The journey she takes to finds her true love is remarkable. With the help of her friends and a magic eyeball, Keturah goes through the village searching for her true love. If the eyeball holds still it is her true love.  The trials she faces when on that journey shapes her into a woman, instead of the girl she once was.  Because of her encounter with Lord Death the villagers begin to reject and avoid her. Keturah is unlike any other girl because she actually knows death and death has been with her all her life. Through her experiences with Lord Death she comes to see the world with different eyes.


As Keturah says in the book, this books is full of "magic and love, of daring and death, one to comfort your heart."  It a short book and you can finish it in one night if you get addicted. ;)
You should really consider reading it!


Things to Watch Out For: Lord Death, the plague,  and death.

A Kiss in Time

A Kiss in Time

By Alex Finn; Harper Teen

Summary:

Talia fell under a spell . . . . Jack broke the curse. 

I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic. . . .  stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all - even time?

I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind. 

I awakened in the same place but in another time - to a stranger's soft kiss. 

I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen. 

Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner! 

Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels. . . . The good news: My parents will freak! 

Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing


My Review: I have always loved the story of Sleeping Beauty, but this story made love it even more. This modern day tale of a princess being awaken by a regular teen is fantastic. The story is told from both point of views; Talia the princess and Jack the American Teenager. Jack acts out in order to get his parents to notice him and Talia just wants to be free.  They both help one another. Jack helps Talia escape her home and brings  her to his world where there are buses, Judge Judy, and French fries! Talia has beliefs in modesty, justice, and  democracy in all things.

When reading this I came to realize how much I rely on the the things of this world. Technology and peoples approval are things I live for. Through Talia I realized that just by being one's self you can gain peoples approval and that by conversation you can find happiness. I loved watching Jack grow throughout this story. How he came to be a respected and responsible guy, instead of the slacker loser everyone thought he was.

I really loved this novel and I highly recommend it! If you are a lover of fairy tales, true love, and destiny then this is a book for you!

Things to Watch Out For: Partying, drinking, sensual acts, and witch craft.

the short second life of bree tanner

Warning: only read this if you've read all the Twilight series


the short second life of bree tanner:an eclipse novella
By Stephanie Meyer;Little Brown   (178pgs)

Summary:
Bree Tanner can hardly remember her life before she became a vampire. All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has certainties and even rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself, and above all, make it home by sunrise or die. But what she doesn't know is that her immortal life is slowly coming to an end.

Bree finds a friend in Diego, a newborn who is just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator. They come to realized that the newborns are pawns in a game, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a life, how do you find the truth?

My Review: Stephanie Meyer has done it again! She has totally and completely drawn me into a world of vampires, romance, and excitement! I really loved reading the other point of view of the Newborns. It gave me a better insight to both kinds of vampires in the twilight series.  I especially loved Bree Tanner's point of view! Her curiosity and courage to find the truth really impressed me and I loved reading about her. I came to love her as much as I love the other twilight characters. I must say that the newborns were so clueless when it came to being vampires. Just throwing that out there. But overall I  highly highly recommend it! That is if you read the other series first.

What to Watch Out For: Violence, Blood, Vampires, killings, fighting, and some sensual stuff.

A House of Night: Marked

Marked
By P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast; Saint Martins Griffin

Summary: Zoey Redbird is 16 years old when she gets Marked. She enters the House of Night standing out. She has been Marked as special by the vampire goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the schools elite club, is using her Goddess-given gifts in a wrong way. Zoey must find courage within herself to embrace her destiny.

My Review:I'm not quite sure what I think of this series quite yet. I'm not the biggest fan of the language in this book. The story line on the other hand, is intriguing. The powers and rituals really draw you in. The prayers to the goddess Nyx are worded beautifully.  The characters really add to the story. Erik who is drop dead gorgeous.Stevie Rae who is a  twangy country girl. And Zoey Redbird who is a good person who wants to change things for the better.  So over all I think it is an ok book.


Things to Watch Out For: Extreme use of  Language, Sexual Acts, Bullying, Drinking, Partying, Violence.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

The Forest of Hands and Teeth
By Carrie Ryan; Delacorte Press


Summary: In Mary's world these things are known. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village form the Forest of Hands and Teeth.
But everything that Mary has ever known starts to fail her. She's learning things she's never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, the Gauridans and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.


When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, Mary must choose between her village and her future. She must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there really be a life outside a world surrounded in so much death?




My Review: This was such an amazing book! I seriously could not put it down. I even brought it with me to work out with. ha ha. I have never been into the zombie type books, but this one changed my views completely.The hungry unconsecrated beings tearing at the fences surrounded by the village would literally send shivers down my spine. All the mysteries of the sisterhood,village, numbered gates, and never ending paths really got me hooked and intrigued about what I was reading.


The descriptions in this book made the images and characters so clear to me, as if I was really there, witnessing the whole story first handed. Can you imagine being trapped in a world where you are told that there is nothing beyond the fences, but the unconsecrated? Or to only have your mother's story of the ocean to keep you hoping that there is a world beyond the village? I know I can't. The emotions and imagery in the this novel is incredible and definitely worth the read.


The Forest of Hands and Teeth is an intense story of hope, faith, and dreams. In this book, the character Mary has this undying faith in her mothers stories of the ocean and will stop at nothing until she sees the ocean and gets away from the village that holds her there. Her hopes and dreams of her mothers stories test her faith and courage to give up the world she's always known, and push past the gates into the unknown.


 I'm not even going to lie, I cried like a baby throughout this whole book. I would put myself in the character of Mary. I felt all her emotions through the things she faced throughout the whole story. Making the story more terrifying and thrilling. It push reading to a whole different level. We will call it "Being one with the book." ha ha. Try it sometime.


All in all,this was truly a masterpiece and well written novel. I give two thumps way up for Carrie Ryan and her excellent writing skills. I highly recommend this novel to those who aren't afraid to face the unconsecrated.


P.S. I can't wait for the next one in the series, The Dead-Tossed Waves, which I will be buying as soon as possible!!


Things to Watch Out For: Sensual acts, religious ceremonies, killings, unconsecrated beings(zombies basically), graphic detail, death, violence, and terror.


For More information: Carrie Ryan and her books: GoodReads-Carrie Ryan,
                                      The Forest of Hands and Teeth: Common Sense Review

The Devil's Kiss

The Devil's Kiss 

By Sarwat Chadda; Disney/ Hyperion Books

Summary: Bilquis SanGreal also known as Billi is the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar. Instead of living a normal teenage life she spends her time training as a solider in her order's ancient battle with the Unholy. When her childhood friend Kay comes back from Jerusalem, he is ready to reclaim his place in her life again. But Billi has meet someone new, Michael, who seems to understand her like no one else and shows her there is more to life than following orders. But before Billi can enjoy the pleasant new twist in her life, the Templars are called to duty. An ancient enemy has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have protected for hundreds of years. A cursed mirror powerful enough to kill all of London's first borns. Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than any of the Templars could have imagined.

My Review: I really got into this book. I loved Billi and all her mad fighting skills. I felt for her through those trying times with her dad and not wanting to be apart of the Knights Templar. All she wanted was to be normal, but family duties always come first. The thing about this book  is that it involved some things that some people might find objectionable. Satan, Michael the Arch Angel are characters in this modern tale. So fair warning of that. It was an excellent read for me, but the question is...will it be for you?

Watch Out For: Violence, mild language, dark creatures, and bloody/graphic scenes.

The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book
By Neil Gaiman;HarperCollins 2008


Summary: Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. Except for the fact that he lives in a graveyard and is raised and educated by ghosts, and a guardian who belongs neither to the living or the dead. Nobody finds dangers and adventures in the graveyard. But outside the graveyard, Bod is hunted by the man Jack who has already killed his family...

My Review:You know the saying "It takes a village to raise a child" well now its "it takes a graveyard full of ghosts, ghouls, werewolves and other creatures of the night to raise a child." This was a fantastic read, the whole plot and characters kept me reading till the late hours of the night. I loved reading about the adventures of Nobody Owens. A very creepy, suspenseful, and satisfying read!


Watch Out For: Violence and the man named Jack

Here is the Book Trailer narrated by Neil Gaiman himself.

Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely
By Melissa Marr

Summary: Aislinn can see faeries, but no one knows she can except her grandma. She is trying to stay seperate from this other world, but she won't be able to for long. The Summer King must marry someone to stop the Winter Queen, his mother from ruining the faery world. Aislinn is in love with Seth, but the Summer King knows that Aislinn is the only one who can save the faery realm. Will she be able to help the faery world and still remain close to her mortal world?

My Review: At first I didn't know what to think of this book.I couldn't get into it at first, but then it finally picked up speed and got me interested. Its not like all the other faery books I've read, this one defiantly had some twists and turns I didn't expect to see. Overall I liked it, but some the language was hard to handle. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series just to see where this story will go.


Watch Out For: Violence, Language, and Sensual acts.