Anna Dressed in Blood

Author:
Kendare Blake

Pages: [hardcover] 316

memorable quote:
“It feels so separate, like I’ve touched something that’s taken the color out of me. Or maybe I’m in color now and they’re in black and white.”

favorite characters: Thomas & Cas

summary:

Just your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story. . .

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father’s mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn’t expect anything outside of the ordinary: move, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he’s never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, but now stained red and dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

And she, for whatever reason, spares his life.

review:

 I started this thinking I was in for a good, creepy ghost story, and knew that somehow romance would be thrown into the mix. Even though I knew it wouldn’t be a conventional paranormal story, it fell slightly short of my expectations, though I still enjoyed it.

For those looking for a psychological horror, this isn’t for you. It’s full of horrific ghosts, murders, mayhem, battles with spirits-and great descriptions of all of those. The writing in that respect was brilliant, and I could easily imagine a movie being made of this. The dialogue fell a little flat, as did the characters. Some of the things they did didn’t seem to make any sense, with their pasts, and some didn’t have reactions at all when something extremely life changing happened to them, just because they weren’t the main guy. Even he had his down moments.

I liked the new-ish take on the bad guys. While it’s hard to be original about ghosts, these weren’t the typical bump in the dark kind. Each one had their separate story, their own tricks up their sleeves, and a knack for killing people who happened to wander their way. This book isn’t for those who get squeamish at death scene descriptions.

 I did not, however, know that this is going to be a series. While I’m going to read the next book, whenever it comes out, I really need to start paying attention to that, so I’ll know what to expect. I thought everything would be resolved by the end of Anna Dressed in Blood, and while most was, there was still enough to keep me hooked. Which was the point. And . . I think it could have worked well enough as a stand alone.

GHOULISHLY GRUESOME. 4/5 stars

The Iron Knight

Book 4 in the Iron Fey series
Book 1: The Iron King 
Book 2: The Iron Princess
Book 3: The Iron Queen

Author: Julie Kagawa

Pages: [paperback] 361

memorable quote:
“Geez, you guys. I know I’m popular and all, but seriously, you’re a bit too co-dependent for me. I’m going to need you to step away from my personal bubble.” A wispy vine-woman curled ivy tendrils around his arm, and he sliced through them with his dagger. “No! Bad Wraith! No touchie!”

favorite characters:
puck & grimalkin

summary:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

review:

 Halergr;ogljrgaerifrlaqoiereo.

I think that about sums up all of my love, frustration, and Team Puck-ness for this fourth and final installment of the Iron Fey series. Or maybe it’s just a bunch of random letters.

I first fell in love with Julie Kagawa’s characters all the way back in 2010 . . . Okay, not so long ago, but that’s nearly two years of anxiously wanting to get my hands on each installment and devouring them as fast as possible, then still wanting more. While I was disappointed to learn that this wouldn’t be from Meghan’s point of view, as it’s all about Ash’s journey and wouldn’t really make sense any other way, I liked it more than I thought I would. (Possibly because Puck was in nearly the entire thing. But I won’t let my review be partial to him . . . much. )

Filled with the humor, suspense, romance, and action that I’ve become accustomed to in the Iron books, The Iron Knight is equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking. The world Ash lives in isn’t the safest place to roam in, and more than once I was convinced they would all end up dead, stuck somewhere, and the rest of the book would be empty pages, to fool everyone. Maybe that was just paranoia. But that would be a good, unexpected tactic to use . . .

One thing that I didn’t like about it was how some parts-and I can’t point them out specifically without being spoilery-seemed to drag on longer than I thought necessary, while others were rushed over or plainly summarized when I thought they could have used more explaining. At one point, I knew what was happening and wanted to know what would happen next, but was stuck in a writing-rut for a while to get to where I wanted to go. And I’m glad that, picky as this is, it’s the only thing I can think to complain about in this finale.

The characters were, as always, awesome. (And not just Puck. I swear.) Ash the stoic, brave knight he needed to be; Grimalkin, the cunning and ever-clever cat; even the Big Bad Wolf was exactly how I’d picture he would be, did he exist as a manifestation of his many incarnations.

I love Julie Kagawa’s writing style, and can’t wait to read more by her. Now that this is over. That’s painful to type. But, good news on the horizon! I heard she’s at work on a new series, this one about vampires. Not sure about that transition, but I’m definitely reading it. Bring it on!

A STUNNING CONCLUSION. 4.5/5 stars

The Handmaid’s Tale

Author: Margaret Atwood

Pages: [paperback] 311

favorite characters: ofglen & nick

summary:

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining fertility, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now…

Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing, The Handmaid’s Tale is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.

review:

And just when I thought I was getting used to the creep factor brought on by most dystopian novels, I read this.

Okay, so it could be worse. But not by much. Picturing a society where every woman’s movements are so controlled they’ve had to do their best to make sure there’s no way they can commit suicide, throw in all the forced attempts at pregnancy and tearing apart of families and . . well, I don’t really want to list everything in the novel, but, goodness. Margaret Atwood sure knows how to create the perfect imperfect world. Ha.

While I can definitely appreciate the books that have more symbols and other devices imbedded within the work, The Handmaid’s Tale makes it fairly easy to pick out what’s important and what can be discarded. The narrator herself-and we never learn her true name-comments on how this or that now means something else, and the ironic tones are never left untouched for long. Thank goodness.

Originally, I was disappointed and frustrated with the ending, for reasons I won’t specify for fear of giving anything away. But, thinking back on it now, it’s perfect. I don’t think I’d have wanted it to be any different, if I could change it myself, and after this reflection, I’m glad that I can’t. Score one for Margaret Atwood!

I think what makes this book so appealing, so powerful, is the knowledge that something like this might actually happen. Maybe not exactly this; it’s impossible to predict the future. But it’s easier to take away liberties than to hand them out, and it’s not hard to imagine a world, years from now, with a more controlling government (a more censored internet?) and a whole lot of creepiness. Everywhere. And while dystopian authors might be trying to warn us, or entertain us, or try to prove some other point altogether, I think all that matters is picking up a book (like this: it’s worth it, I swear) and learning something from it. Something positive, hopefully. I don’t want to go around telling people to get bad habits . .

Heh. Like the habits they wear in this book.

Anyway, go read this. Not everyone has a school to force them to, so use that free will of yours, and give into peer pressure. About books like this, at least.

DISTURBINGLY INSIGHTFUL. 4/5 stars

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Author: Brian Selznick

Pages [hardcover]: 533

memorable quote: Even if all the clocks in the station break down, thought Hugo, time won’t stop. Not even if you really want it to.

Like now.

favorite characters: Hugo & Etienne

summary:

Orphan Hugo Cabret lives in a wall. His secret home is etched out in the crevices of a busy Paris train station. Part-time clock keeper, part-time thief, he leads a life of quiet routine until he gets involved with an eccentric, bookish young girl and an angry old man who runs a toy booth in the station. The Invention of Hugo Cabret unfolds its cryptic, magical story in a format that blends elements of picture book, novel, graphic novel, and film. Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Brian Selznick has fashioned an intricate puzzle story that binds the reader like a mesmerist’s spell.

review:

 I was really looking forward to reading this book-mostly, I’m not going to lie, because of the pictures. Yeah, that’s right. There are so many of them, because Brian Selznick is going for a new feel in this book. Sort of a cinematic reading experience. Sounds crazy? Maybe it is, but it sort of works. Seeing pictures of a fight scene helps me picture everything better than simply reading about it, but some chases in books can be particularly descriptive, too. I can just say it was a good experience, the images were wonderful, and I hope to read more books like this in the future. Pictures shouldn’t be just for kids!

This book was a bit predictable, which disappointed me. I was looking for some conspiracy, some twist, that would shake me up and make me look at the book in a different light. I know not every novel can work out that way, but I don’t want to be able to see the end from before the middle of the book. While I kept reading on, that definitely detracted from my enjoyment of the entire thing.

This is really a quick read! I read it in a few days, but could have easily done so in a couple of hours. What with the big font, small pieces of writing, and page after page of illustrations, I was literally flipping through the pages to see what would happen next.

While I recommend this book, mainly for the unique premise, I wouldn’t see to hold your breath while waiting to read it. It’s a sweet little story, but not one that knocked my socks off.

PREDICTABLY PLOTTED. 3.5/5 stars

Don’t Breathe a Word

Author: Holly Cupala [also wrote Tell Me a Secret]

Pages [hardcover]: 320

Favorite Characters: Creed & Joy

Summary:

Joy Delamere is suffocating…

From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take her cruel words until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe…if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the hurt of bullying, the meaning of family, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.

Review:

 This book was amazing! I loved Cupala’s first book, Tell Me a Secret, and was excited to read something else by her. Little did I know that once I picked up this book, I literally wouldn’t stop reading it (except to catch a few hours of sleep) until I finished it the next morning. The plot is so captivating, the characters are interesting , and I desperately wanted to know what would happen to everyone next!

Joy seemed like she would be a flat, unimpressive character at first . . . Then, as I began to learn about her past and every decision that led her to this point, I realized she was more complex than I could have imagined. What she does, thinking that it’s the right and only way for her to live her life, has a grave impact on herself, and those around her.

From the despicable, like Asher, to the lovable, like Creed, every character has a chance to reveal themselves for better or for worse. Joy lets us know what she thinks of everyone, but the reader’s left to form their own opinions about the characters, as sometimes she doesn’t see what’s right before her eyes.

Even though I can’t say I like asthma, I do think it added a lot to the story. It gave Joy something to deal with that she didn’t really have control over, and that drove her and the ones who had to look after her crazy. I know most people would react the same in that situation.

The plot is packed with so many twists, I could never expect how things actually ended up. I loved the end because it fit perfectly with the story, but I hated it because it ended everything! This is one of my new favorite books, and I’ll read it over and over!

LEAVES YOU BREATHLESS. 5/5 stars

And, yeah, there was a bit of time for reading, too. These are my definite favorites of 2011, with all of their pretty covers, because who doesn’t like pictures? They’re in no particular order, or category, because I didn’t want to limit myself to choosing one from each genre, or something like that. I just want to be able to share books I love!

 
Delirium by Lauren Oliver is such a great start to a series, and it might be my overall favorite read for the entire year! Great dystopian, controlling setting, great romance. And the best plot twists around.

You by Charles Benoit. Definitely one of the most heart-wrenching, tear-jerking books I read all year. And because it’s written in second person, all the more powerful.

Atonement by Ian McEwan. What? I picked a book I read in school as one of my favorites? That has to be some kind of blasphemy. But I can’t put down an ending like that, which turned me head over heels and really made me think about the book. And life. And people. And lies. If a book can make you feel like I did when I finished this-incredibly smart and sad and wanting to read more and knowing you weren’t going to get any-it’s definitely fantastic.

I read so many books that were the finales of series and trilogies I’ve been following for ages. The last, Scorpia Rising, is an end to the Alex Rider series, which I’ve been reading for . . . five years now? At least. And I couldn’t have been happier at the farewell I got. Same goes to Everfound, the last book of the Skinjacker trilogy. (And, if I had to pick a favorite of the four, this would be it. Neal Shusterman is a genius.) Goliath, which makes me want to read more steampunk. And Scott Westerfeld. Now. And Monsters of Men, which was AMAZING. OH MY GOODNESS. 

If I had to pick the best YA historical fiction book of the year, it’d be Song of the Sparrow. Not only does it make me want to get started on reading more like this, it’s lyrical prose and wonderful characters make me want to read it again and again. And again.

I’ve loved Peter Pan ever since I first saw the Disney movie. And I wanted to read the book before I re-watched the 2003 version with Jeremy Sumpter (<3) and fell in love with that as well. I was reluctant to start a series that ‘comes before’ this book that I would marry if I could, but, seriously. Peter and the Starcatchers? Couldn’t ask for more. All the little witty references to the original, and a plot that can do more than stand on its own? Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson . . . I worship you.

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This book was everything I wanted, and more. ‘Nuff said. Get me the sequel now!

I love this book so, so much! What makes it weird is that had it not been for chance, I’d probably have never read it . . . I won a contest, and the publisher took longer than usual to mail the book I’d been waiting for out, so they included Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings as an apology! Thank you, fate.

I loved this book so much! It reminds me of something I read a long, long time ago, and I absolutely adored the mythology mixed in. Addictive, great, fun!

Can’t forget Percy! Well, technically not Percy, as this is a spin-off of the series, and he’s MIA. The Son of Neptune, the sequel to this, is also in my top books of the year! Yet another great series by Rick Riordan! Yay!

-

And that’s all! I hope all of you had a fantastic 2011, and have an even better 2012!

Warm Bodies

Author: Isaac Marion

Pages [paperback]: 239

memorable quote:
“I want to change my punctuation. I long for exclamation marks, but I’m drowning in ellipses.”

favorite characters:
R & Julie

summary:

R is a young man with an existential crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. His ability to connect with the outside world is limited to a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing.

After experiencing a teenage boy’s memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim’s human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His choice to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.
Scary, funny, and surprisingly poignant, Warm Bodies explores what happens when the cold heart of a zombie is tempted by the warmth of human love.

review:

 Oh, my God.

So. Good.

I haven’t read many zombie books, and none set in an apocalyptic setting like this. Of course, I’ve wanted to read one, which resulting in me picking this up. I’m so so so incredibly glad that I did! It’s already one of my favorite books of all time!

R is such a great character. He’s a bit different from the zombies around him, as he’s more apt to listen to some old records and think deep thoughts than shuffle around aimlessly and wait around for things to happen to him. He knows that, even among the Dead, he’s an oddity. Which is saying a lot. I’d have never thought that reading a book from a zombie’s perspective could have been anything like this, but now I can’t imagine it any other way. That was really a big part of what makes Warm Bodies special.

I also like how the romance part of it-which is really being played up for the movie being released in August-isn’t a major part of it. Because that’d just make it creepy. Well, creepy in a way different than having masses of zombies going after the Living so they can eat them. Know what I mean? And I really want to see this movie-especially because Nicholas Hoult will be R!-but I’m afraid they’ll try and make it into a Twilight with zombies. Ew.

The writing was perfect for this! There was humor, horror, poignant quips, sprawling descriptions, and characterization that can’t be beat. Will I read more by Isaac Marion? Absolutely. Throw at it me now, because this guy definitely has talent. Even the characters who are easily detestable are clearly defined, with motives and back stories and three-dimensional lives.

Even if you don’t go for zombies, don’t think romance could work in here, are reluctant to read this-pick it up. You won’t regret it. It’s definitely a new take on zombies, one more hopeful and heart-wrenching than anything I’ve known so far.

KILLS ME TO SEE IT GO. 5/5 stars

Thanks to Kayla for inviting me to Caught Between the Pages and for hosting the Don’t Breathe a Word tour! The book is now on the shelves, and I hope you readers love it!

In DON’T BREATHE A WORD, Joy escapes her suburban life for secret reasons and lives on the streets, where she must fight for survival. She meets allies along the way, a group of homeless teens who have secrets of their own—and she falls in love. But life on the streets is definitely not easy. Here is Joy to give her top ten reasons for not wanting to leave:

Joy’s Top Ten Reasons for Not Wanting to Leave the Streets

10.       Asher.

9.         The one person in my family who could help turned me away.

8.         I reached a breaking point—it was safer to live on the streets than to live at home.

7.         Asher was looking for me, and I knew he wouldn’t stop until he found me.

6.         May, Santos and Creed. They became my family on the streets. I would die for them.

5.         If they found out I wasn’t kidnapped, my family—my life—would be in danger.

4.         Ice cream. With Creed.

3.         I was afraid for May, even though she made her own choices.

2.         I was terrified to go back to face Asher, but I couldn’t let my friend die because of me.

1.         Because I fell in love. And I couldn’t bear the way Creed looked as he watched me drive away.

I loooooved this book. Not sure if you’ll want to read it? Can’t wait to get it? Read a preview now!

Find out more about Holly here.

And view the book’s official website over here.

Dying to read the book? Want to win a copy for yourself?

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GOOD LUCK!

The Goddess Test

Author: Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test #1

pages: [paperback] 293

memorable quote:
“Do you think he’s cute?”
I rolled my eyes. “He’s a god, Mom. Of course he’s cute.”

favorite characters:
ava & kate

summary:

It’s always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate’s going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won’t live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he’ll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he’s crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she’ll become Henry’s future bride, and a goddess.

review:

I loved this book so much! I’ve only just started to get into reading modernized bits of mythology-most recently, through Meg Cabot’s Abandon, or the Percy Jackson series-but I think I’ll be reading these books for a while. Kate is a fun character to read about, because she definitely isn’t perfect. While I don’t agree with all of the decisions she made, they didn’t make me like her any less. And Henry seemed to be the stereotypical tall, dark, and brooding love interest, but there was definitely more to him than I saw at first.

The only negative thing about The Goddess Test I can say is that I found it predictable. I’m not sure if it was because I already knew a lot about Greek mythology, both from school and my own interest, or if it was purposefully put in that way, or what, but I figured out most of the plot twists before they happened. While this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book, I can only hope that the sequel, set to be released later this year, will up the ante a little.

But I don’t regret already having a good grasp of the Greek gods beforehand, because there were little things embedded in the story that could have been easily overlooked, but made me laugh because I could figure out how it either was or wasn’t relevant or was just another play on mythology.

I definitely recommend The Goddess Test. For those who like mythology, for those looking to ease into it. Someone looking for a good romance or story about the power of a mother and daughter’s love, this is for you.

RIDICULOUSLY ADDICTIVE. 5/5 stars

Glow

Author: Amy Kathleen Ryan [also wrote: Zen and Xander Undone]

Sky Chasers #1

pages: [hardcover] 307

favorite characters: sarah & samantha

summary:

What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you’d been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth’s collapse, the ship’s crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader’s efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don’t know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them…

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he’s the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren’t all from the outside.

review:

This book  was so many things to me. Addictive, amazing, creepy, annoying. Sometimes I wanted to throw it all the wall, but only because I was so frustrated because I wanted to know what was going to happen next, haha. The book has several sections in it, each told from either Waverly or Kieran’s point of view, and they alternate. So if they leave you on a cliff-hanger for one section, you have a whole other person’s experience to get through before you can learn more. Frustrating. Yes. In a good way. Let’s move on.

The characters were a bit stale after a while, and I could see the little love triangle that was going on (despite the fact that the girls were separated pretty early on) but didn’t really like either of the guys. Which stinks for Waverly, because it’s not like there are many options for her. There are only so many boys on the ship near her age, and they’re the only humans up in space. Not like she can meet any new people.

Which leads me to the creepy side. Of course, I read Across the Universe and that has the same basic concept. Dead Earth. People sent into space. Last hope. Blah blah. But that didn’t induce the same mental claustrophobia this gave me-which may sound very worrisome, but I suppose it was a good thing?-and no one was getting stolen so other people could have babies. Ew. Ewwww. Creepy.

Anyway. The plot was well-played and interesting, keeping a bit of mystery, a lot of suspense, and tons of action in there. I always get worried that monotonous settings like this will get boring, but in this case, it worked out well. The conspiracies, the little twist at the end, it all added together to make a good read. I’ll definitely be reading the next book, though I’m doubtful about how much I’ll like it after this one.

OUT OF THIS WORLD. (Ha.) 5/5 stars