Challenge Completed- 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. There are four levels:
--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
--Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.
--Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.
--Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.
3. Audio, eBooks, re-reads all count.
4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

I am going for the Stepping it Up level..if I can read more, then I'll change it later.
**ETA I am done with the Stepping it Up level and now trying for the Super Size Me level (6/4/10)
***ETA I have completed the challenge, but I am going to keep track of how many YA books I read during the year. (8/8/10)

1. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
2. Need by Carrie Jones
3. Captivate by Carrie Jones
4. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
5. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
6. Gone by Lisa McMann
7. Explorer X-Alpha by LM Preston
8. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
9. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
10. The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
11. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
12. In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
13. Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
14. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
15. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
16. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
17. Still Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
18. Princess For Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
19. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
20. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
21. Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison
22. For Keeps by Natasha Friend
23. Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu
24. Invisible Touch by Kelly Parra
25. Beautiful Dead, Book 1: Jonas by Eden Maguire
26. Winter Longing by Tricia Mills
27. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
28. Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
29. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
30. Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby
31. Ruined by Paula Morris
32. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
33. Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
34. Siren by Tricia Rayburn
35. The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
36. Everlasting by Angie Frazier
37. Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala
38. Spell Hunter (Faery Rebels #1) by R.J. Anderson
39. Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey
40. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
41. The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
42. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
43. We Hear the Dead by Dianne Salerni
44. Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey
45. Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann
46. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
47. Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson
48. Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
49. You Wish by Mandy Hubbard
50.  Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
51. The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells 
52.  Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
53.  Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
54.  My Double Life by Janette Rallison
55.  Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman
56.  The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis
57.  Change of Heart by Shari Maurer
58.  Sleepless by Cyn Balog
59.  Numbers by Rachel Ward
60.  Matched by Ally Condie
61.  Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
62.  The Line by Teri Hall
63.  The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
64.  Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw
65.  Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien
66.  Forget-Her-Knots by Amy Brecount White
67.  After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy
68.  Salvaged by Stefne Miller
69.  Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
70.  The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
71.  Forget You by Jennifer Echols
72.  Stork by Wendy Delsol
73.  Firelight by Sophie Jordan
74.  Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin
75. Crusade by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
76. My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent
77. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
78.  The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
79. I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure
80. Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
81. Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
82. Across the Pond by Storyheart
83. Monster High by Lisi Harrison
84. Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin
85. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
86. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
87. The Mystery of the Third Lucretia by Susan Runholt
88. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
89. Rescuing Seneca Crane by Susan Runholt
90. Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley
91. Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
92. Grace by Elizabeth Scott
93. Ghostgirl Homecoming by Tonya Hurley
94. Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love edited by Tricia Telep
95. Trance by Linda Gerber
96. Out for Blood by Alyxandra Harvey
97. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
98. Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann
99. The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
100. The Candidates (Delcroix Academy #1) by Inara Scott
101. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
102. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
103. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
104. Cloaked by Alex Flinn
105. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
106. Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick
107. The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green
108. Arizona (Beautiful Dead #2) by Eden Maguire
109. Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
110. Pastworld by Ian Beck
111. The Immortal Realm by Frewin Jones
112. The Enchanted Quest by Frewin Jones
113. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
114. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
115. Slayed by Amanda Marrone
116. Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton
117. Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber
118. The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
119. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
120. The Frenzy by Francesca Lia Block
121. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
122. Steel by Carrie Vaughn
123. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
124. The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Book Review- The Mockingbirds

Early this morning I finished The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney for a Star Book Tours.

From Goodreads:

Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it.

I feel like this is such an important book.  Date rape is unfortunately something that way too many teens (and females in general) are a victim of.  And this book seemed so real.  The main character, Alex, seemed to handle it the way a real teen might.  She didn't want to go to the police because she didn't want her parents to find out (although, I do think she should have gone) and she went through the emotions that I imagine a date-rape victim would go through.  At the end of the book, in the authors note, we learn that the author was a date-rape victim.  And while that is horrifying, I don't think the book would have been as real as it was without that tragic event.

And I love the idea of the Mockingbirds, although I'm not sure that a system like that would really work in a school.  I can't really see the kids who think they have the power at the school really let a school-run organization "police" them, especially when the adults don't do anything about it.  But like I said, I do like the idea of it.  And I did like the checks and balances that were put into place.

I liked all of the main characters--Alex and her roomies T.S. and Maia.  And I loved Martin--such a good guy (I always like the geeks!) And I loved the students who made up the Mockingbirds board. 

I think that every female teen should read this.  Especially ones who are rape victims.  I think it would help them see that they aren't alone and that their feelings are normal.  My heart goes out to Alex and to all other victims.

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 159
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 124
2010 Debut Author Challenge: 41
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 113

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Star Book Tours.

Book Review- Angelfire

I finished reading Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton for an Around the World Tour.

From Goodreads:

This debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.
 
This book seems to be a good start to an awesome trilogy!  I really liked the main character, Ellie. She was sarcastic and girly and kick-butt, all at the same time.  I liked that she kind of remembered who she really was, while staying true to normal teenage self.  And Will was great too!  It's so sweet and romantic, in a twisted kind of way, that he always looks for Ellie every time she dies and comes back to life.  I mean, I know that its his job, but you could tell how much he cared about her.
 
Some of the plot got a little weird for me towards the end. Sometimes I found myself getting a little confused at which villain was which. And I want to know more about Ellie's father.  I think there is some reason why he is suddenly so mean and I think there might be a subplot there somewhere.
 
Anyways, I can't wait to see what is going to happen in the next book, Wings of the Wicked.
 
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
 
Angelfire will be released on February 15, 2011.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 158
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 123
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 112
 
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- Steel

I finished reading Steel by Carrie Vaughn for an Around the World Tour.

From Goodreads:

When Jill finds a rusty sword tip on a Caribbean beach, she is instantly intrigued—and little expects it will transport her through time to the deck of a pirate ship. Will a dark enchantment, salty kisses, and a duel with an evil pirate captain leave her stranded in the eighteenth century forever?

Drawing on piratical lore and historical fact, Carrie Vaughn creates a vivid world of swaying masts and swelling seas, where blood magic overrules the laws of nature, romance is in the air, and death can come at the single slip of a sword.
 
This was definitely a unique story.  You don't find many pirate stories that have a girl as the main character (or at least, I haven't read any).  I liked reading this from a female point of view.
 
This was definitely an action drived story.  There really didn't seem to be much character development.  But hey, its a pirate story.  It's going to be action-packed, right?  I would have liked to get to know a little more about Jill and even Henry.  And while the summary of the book says that romance was in the air, I find that to be kind of false.  There was only one brief romantic scene at all.
 
If you're looking for a unique, action-packed story, then I think you'll like this one.
 
I gave this book a rating of 3/5.
 
Steel will be released on March 15, 2011.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 157
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 122
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 111
 
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

I finished reading Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan for an Around the World Tour.

From Goodreads:

"I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.
 
First off, let me say that I love the plot of this story.  I mean really, really love it.  I love scavenger hunts and I love anything romantic and this story kind of tied both of them together.  I think it would be incredibly neat to find a notebook and leave clues and notes for each other around a city.  (Anyone want to tell my boyfriend this?  *hint hint*)
 
But for some reason I didn't really get any of the characters.  Dash was okay.  He wasn't your stereotypical male lead character--wasn't a jock, wasn't big into drinking, wasn't a player.  He was a sensitive soul.  But I didn't really care for Lily.  Once again, her character seemed too young for her age.  I don't know, maybe she was just too eccentric for my taste.
 
That being said, back to the plot.  I loved reading about all of the places that Dash and Lily went to leave the notebook or to get it.  I love NYC so reading about the touristy (and the not-so-touristy) spots were fun.  And I liked how the book ended.  Not too far-fetched but just right.
 
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 156
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 121
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 110
 
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- The Frenzy

I finished reading The Frenzy by Francesca Lia Block for a Book It Foward ARC Tour, but I just got a chance to write up a review now.

From Goodreads:

Liv has a secret.

Something happened to her when she was thirteen. Something that changed everything. Liv knows she doesn’t belong anymore—not in her own skin, not in her family . . . not anywhere. The only time she truly feels like herself is when she’s with her boyfriend, Corey, and in the woods that surround her town.

But in the woods, a mysterious woman watches Liv. In the woods, a pack of wild boys lurks. In the woods, Liv learns about the curse that will haunt her forever. The curse that caused the frenzy four years ago. And that may cause it again, all too soon.

While Corey and Liv’s love binds them together, Liv’s dark secret threatens to tear them apart as she struggles to understand who—or what—she really is. And by the light of the full moon, the most dangerous secrets bare their claws. . . .

Unfortunately, this another book that just didn't do it for me.  I didn't like the writing.  It seemed very juvenile and like the main character was a lot younger than she really was.  I just couldn't make any connection with the story.

I didn't really care for any of the characters.  I wanted to feel bad for Liv but I just didn't care that much.  And I guess I did like Corey.  But not enough to make the book work for me.

But it was a nice change of pace to have the main female NOT fall in love with a werewolf and to stay in love with the boy she'd been in love with for a while. 

I felt that the plot jumped around a lot.  It was pretty choppy.  There was a whole other plot line with Pace, Liv's best friend.  But it only hints at us and leaves us wanting to know more about him and the situation.  And I felt the ending was wrapped up too quick and I wasn't satisfied with it. 

I gave this book a rating of 2.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 155
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 120
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 109

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Book It Forward ARC Tours.

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge- December Update

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. There are four levels:
--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
--Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.
--Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.
--Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.
3. Audio, eBooks, re-reads all count.
4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

I am going for the Stepping it Up level..if I can read more, then I'll change it later.
**ETA I am done with the Stepping it Up level and now trying for the Super Size Me level (6/4/10)
***ETA I have completed the challenge, but I am going to keep track of how many YA books I read during the year. (8/8/10)

1. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
2. Need by Carrie Jones
3. Captivate by Carrie Jones
4. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
5. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
6. Gone by Lisa McMann
7. Explorer X-Alpha by LM Preston
8. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
9. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
10. The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
11. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
12. In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
13. Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
14. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
15. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
16. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
17. Still Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
18. Princess For Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
19. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
20. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
21. Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison
22. For Keeps by Natasha Friend
23. Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu
24. Invisible Touch by Kelly Parra
25. Beautiful Dead, Book 1: Jonas by Eden Maguire
26. Winter Longing by Tricia Mills
27. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
28. Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
29. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
30. Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby
31. Ruined by Paula Morris
32. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
33. Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
34. Siren by Tricia Rayburn
35. The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
36. Everlasting by Angie Frazier
37. Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala
38. Spell Hunter (Faery Rebels #1) by R.J. Anderson
39. Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey
40. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
41. The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
42. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
43. We Hear the Dead by Dianne Salerni
44. Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey
45. Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann
46. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
47. Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson
48. Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
49. You Wish by Mandy Hubbard
50.  Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
51. The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells 
52.  Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
53.  Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
54.  My Double Life by Janette Rallison
55.  Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman
56.  The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis
57.  Change of Heart by Shari Maurer
58.  Sleepless by Cyn Balog
59.  Numbers by Rachel Ward
60.  Matched by Ally Condie
61.  Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
62.  The Line by Teri Hall
63.  The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
64.  Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw
65.  Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien
66.  Forget-Her-Knots by Amy Brecount White
67.  After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy
68.  Salvaged by Stefne Miller
69.  Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
70.  The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
71.  Forget You by Jennifer Echols
72.  Stork by Wendy Delsol
73.  Firelight by Sophie Jordan
74.  Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin
75. Crusade by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
76. My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent
77. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
78.  The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
79. I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure
80. Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
81. Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
82. Across the Pond by Storyheart
83. Monster High by Lisi Harrison
84. Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin
85. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
86. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
87. The Mystery of the Third Lucretia by Susan Runholt
88. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
89. Rescuing Seneca Crane by Susan Runholt
90. Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley
91. Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
92. Grace by Elizabeth Scott
93. Ghostgirl Homecoming by Tonya Hurley
94. Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love edited by Tricia Telep
95. Trance by Linda Gerber
96. Out for Blood by Alyxandra Harvey
97. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
98. Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann
99. The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
100. The Candidates (Delcroix Academy #1) by Inara Scott
101. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
102. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
103. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
104. Cloaked by Alex Flinn
105. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
106. Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick
107. The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green
108. Arizona (Beautiful Dead #2) by Eden Maguire
109. Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
110. Pastworld by Ian Beck
111. The Immortal Realm by Frewin Jones
112. The Enchanted Quest by Frewin Jones
113. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
114. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
115. Slayed by Amanda Marrone
116. Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton
117. Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber
118. The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
119. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Book Review- A Touch Mortal

I just finished reading A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford for a We Love YA! Tour.

From Goodreads:

Eden didn’t expect Az.

Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.

Yeah.

So long happily-ever-after.

Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.

She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else’s game. Her heart is her own.

And that’s only the beginning of the end.

Maybe it's just me, but I found a lot of this book confusing.  In the beginning, I had no clue what was going on.  Nothing was explained well.  And then when things were explained, there was too much new terminology for me to keep straight: Siders, Screamers, Fallen, Bound, Upstairs, Downstairs, Touch, dosing, storing, and so on.  And there were so many different characters that I had a hard time with them too.  I don't feel like we really got to know any of them.  And while I wanted to like Eden because she was trying to help the Siders, I never really did.  And I never felt sympathetic for her. 

This story was definitely action packed.  There was tons of action and it was very dark.  A lot of the story had to do with people who had committed suicide.  And it was pretty gruesome, especially towards the end. 

I'm not really sure what I expected from this book, but this storyline definitely wasn't it.  From the way the end of the story left off, I think there might be a sequel.  I think I will have to read the summary of the next book before I decide whether I am going to pick it up or not.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

A Touch Mortal will be released on February 22, 2011.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 154
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 119
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 108

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of We Love YA! tours.

Book Review- The Lost Saint

I just finished reading The Lost Saint by Bree Despain for an Around the World Tour.

From Goodreads:

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace’s relationship with Daniel is put in danger — in more ways than one.

Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her — not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

Bree Despain delivers sizzling romance and thrilling action in the heart-pounding sequel to The Dark Divine.

I have a truly horrible memory when it comes to remembering plots of books and movies.  And while sometimes, once I start to read a sequel, it will all come back to me, unfortunately it didn't happen with this book. So after a couple of chapters I had to go look up a spoiler summary of the book.  And once I did that, I remembered why I had loved the first book so much.

This book was a roller coaster of emotions.  I loved Daniel and Grace together.  And then I didn't like Daniel because of his behavior and I was starting to like Talbot more.  There times I felt both hopeful and hopelss about Jude. Yeah, I was never sure which guy to trust and like.  It made for an intriguing and gripping story.

I don't think I enjoyed this book as much as I did The Dark Divine, but I think that's because Daniel and Grace's relationship was kind of strained in this book.  And I felt that there was a lot more action in the book and not so much a character driven storyline.  But that doesn't make it bad.  It definitely makes it a griping read and one that I couldn't put down.  And the end.  Oh boy, I definitely didn't see that one coming!  And how I want the next book now so that I can find out what happens next!

Once again the cover is absolutely gorgeous.  Both the cover for The Dark Divine and the cover for The Lost Saint are so totally striking. I just love the coloring!

I gave this book a rating of 4/.5

The Lost Saint will be released on December 28, 2010.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 153
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 118
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 107

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- Once in a Full Moon

I just finished reading Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber for an Around the World Tour.

From Goodreads:

Beware of a kiss under the full moon. It will change your life forever.

Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves—Legend's Run is famous for them. She's used to everything in the small town until Brandon Maddox moves to Legend's Run and Celeste finds herself immediately drawn to the handsome new student. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight.

Her best friends may never forgive her if she gives up her perfect boyfriend, Nash, for Brandon, who's from the wrong side of town. But she can't deny her attraction or the strong pull he has on her. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run.

Psychic predictions, generations-old secrets, a town divided, and the possibility of falling in love with a hot and heroic werewolf are the perfect formula for what happens . . . once in a full moon.

Okay, I'll admit it.  I'm one of those people who sometimes judges a book by its cover.  Or at least a cover can make me want to read a book.  And that's how this book was for me.  I just loved the cover--the colors and picture are beautiful to me.  Unfortunately, I couldn't say the same about the story.

There were so many times that I rolled my eyes in this book or put it down in my lap thinking "really??"  There were so many cheesy and corny lines.  It was almost written immaturely.  Like Celeste's thoughts of Brandon and love were something a younger teen would think and say.

And I don't feel that there was really any substance in the book.  Yeah, Celeste falls for a guy from "the wrong side of town" but having to hide it from her so-called best friends is not the greatest idea.  And we don't really get to know that much about what Brandon does when he's a werewolf.  The ending definitely left off at a place where it seems like there will be a sequel, but honestly, I'm not sure that I'll read it.  This is the first book by Ellen Schrieber that I've read, although I have all of the Vampire Kisses books in my TBR pile.  I sure hope they're better than this one.  Maybe tweens will like it better than I did.

I gave this book a rating of 2.5/5.

Once in a Full Moon will be released on December 28, 2010.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 152
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 117
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 106

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- Tyger Tyger

Last night I finished reading Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton.

From Goodreads:

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right.

The goblins are coming.
 
I've read some great things about this book and was looking forward to reading it.  Unfortunately, it just didn't do it for me.  I had a hard time getting through it. 
 
Normally I like books that are based in mythology, but I couldn't get into this one.  The story was confusing to me.  I couldn't follow the mythological story that went along with the plot in the book.  And then how that mythological story related to the actual plot was sometimes hit or miss for me as well.
 
 For some reason, I found some of the characters to be confusing and I mixed them up.  Who was who in the mythological story versus in the plot of the book.  Blah.  Too much thinking.  I did however like the two main boy characters.  Teagen was just okay for me.  She wasn't strong enough or sympathetic enough for me to really feel strongly about her.  But Aiden and Finn were great.  I like that Finn cared about Teagen and wanted to help her and her brother, even when he finds out the truth about them.  And Aiden was just too cute--so smart for a five year old!  I teach Kindergarten so I could easily picture this little boy in my head.  He was precious.
 
I recommend trying the book.  There are a lot of great things being said about this story and I wouldn't let my opinions sway you too much.
 
I gave this book a rating of 2.5/5.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 151
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 116
2010 Debut Author Challenge: 40
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 105

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free from the publisher for an honest review.

Book Review- Slayed

I've had a stupid computer virus for 3 days (blah..finally got rid of it, but my computer is still slow and freezes for a couple of seconds).  But I finished reading Slayed by Amanda Marrone on Thursday for a Star Book Tours review.

From Goodreads:

The Van Helsing family has been hunting vampires for over one hundred years, but sixteen-year-old Daphne wishes her parents would take up an occupation that doesn’t involve decapitating vamps for cash. All Daphne wants is to settle down in one place, attend an actual school, and finally find a BFF to go to the mall with. Instead, Daphne has resigned herself to a life of fast food, cheap motels and buying garlic in bulk.

But when the Van Helsings are called to a coastal town in Maine, Daphne’s world is turned upside down. Not only do the Van Helsings find themselves hunting a terrifying new kind of vampire (one without fangs but with a taste for kindergarten cuisine), Daphne meets her first potential BF! The hitch? Her new crush is none other than Tyler Harker, AKA, the son of the rival slayer family.

What's a teen vampire slayer to do?

This was a cute and fun vampire slayer story.  I liked Daphne and how she was a kick-butt girl but still wanted a normal high school life.  And Kiki, Daphnes new friend and trainee (after things go wrong and Kiki witnesses a vampire slaying, she wants in on the action) is great fun too!  I loved her personality!  She was bubbly but had vulnerability too. 

The plot was pretty good, although it did get a little weird at one part involving the father of the rival slayer family.  But I'll leave you to read that and find out why.  I hope there is a sequel to this book and we to know more about Daphne and Kiki!

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 150
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 115
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 104

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Star Book Tours.

Book Review- The DUFF

Last night I finished reading The Duff by Kody Keplinger for a We Love YA! review.

From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.
 
Wow.  I wasn't prepared for how in-your-face this book was.  I mean, don't get me wrong...I curse with the best of them but I guess I'm just not used to reading that in YA books or at least not with this much frequency.  And the blantat no-strings-attached sex.  Definitely not for the younger crowd.
 
That being said, after I got used to the cursing and the sex, I enjoyed this book.  It seemed to be a pretty real look into some teenagers lives.  I'm not sure if I really liked Bianca or not.  Sometimes I did, but sometimes she just seemed so standoffish.  But I did like Wesley.  Even though he was a player, he didn't deny it.  And underneath that playboy exterior, there was really a boy wanting attention underneath. 
 
There were some definite themes in the book.  That everyone feels like they're the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) sometimes.  And everyone screws up and makes mistakes.  And towards the end, I couldn't put it down.  And I was very happy with the ending.
 
I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 149
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 114
2010 Debut Author Challenge: 39
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 103
 
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of We Love YA! tours.

Book Review- Unearthly

I finished reading Unearthly by Cynthia Hand earlier tonight for an Around the World Tour.

From Goodreads:

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees. . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
 
I love a good character-driven story.  And Unearthly was definitely that.  The main character, Clara, was just great!  She was pretty but down-to-earth.  She was true to herself when it came to friends.  She wasn't rebellious, yet she wan't perfect either. And she was witty.  I loved her comeback lines against Tucker.  And speaking of Tucker--yeah, a perfect male character.  He is the ultimate guy.  Gentlemanly, funny, sarcastic, romantic, and has Clara's best interests at heart.
 
The plot of the story was interesting.  For a while, I thought I knew what Clara's purpose was when it came to Christian, but I was very wrong.  The only critique I have of this book is that I didn't like the ending.  I think maybe it's a cliffhanger and that there will be a second book.  At least I hope so.  Because I ended up having a lot more questions.  And we don't really get to find out what Clara's purpose is.  Which was kind of the whole point of the book.  I think there is a way to wrap up the book but still have a cliffhanger.  And I don't feel like this book really wrapped up anything.  But I do have to say, I really got into this book and it leaves me wanting more!
 
I gave this book a rating of 4/5.
 
Unearthly will be released on January 4, 2011.
 
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 148
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 113
ARC Reading Challenge 2010: 102
 
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- The Enchanted Quest

Yesterday I finished reading The Enchanted Quest (The Faerie Path #5) by Frewin Jones for a review for TeensReadToo.

From Goodreads:

A terrible illness is sweeping through the Faerie Realm. Now, with a strange spirit guiding her, Tania must search outside the borders of Faerie—the dark and magical worlds beyond—for the only one who can help her renew the Faerie Covenant of Immortality.

True love is tested, bonds are betrayed, and the Dark Arts lurk behind every bend in this exciting new book in the series. Teen fairy books are more popular than ever, and the Faerie Path series is perfect for readers who are looking for action, romance, and adventure.

Wow!  What a journey!  There were so many obstacles for Tania and her traveling mates to overcome.  There are several surprises in this one.  Some of the challenges that need to be overcome are unexpected.  And one member of the group is not completely honest.  But I won't give away who!

And once again, there are so many things that I don't want to ruin, that it's hard to review this book.  I'll just say that I really enjoyed it.  I flew through it and easily got caught up in the world of Faerie.

And the ending--I definitely did not see that coming at all!  I really want to read the next book in the series, The Charmed Return, but I guess I'll have to wait until it comes out.

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge: 147
2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 112

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free by Jen from TeensReadToo for an honest review.

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge- November Update

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. There are four levels:
--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
--Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.
--Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.
--Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.
3. Audio, eBooks, re-reads all count.
4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

I am going for the Stepping it Up level..if I can read more, then I'll change it later.
**ETA I am done with the Stepping it Up level and now trying for the Super Size Me level (6/4/10)
***ETA I have completed the challenge, but I am going to keep track of how many YA books I read during the year. (8/8/10)

1. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
2. Need by Carrie Jones
3. Captivate by Carrie Jones
4. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
5. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
6. Gone by Lisa McMann
7. Explorer X-Alpha by LM Preston
8. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
9. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
10. The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
11. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
12. In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
13. Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
14. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
15. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
16. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
17. Still Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
18. Princess For Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
19. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
20. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
21. Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison
22. For Keeps by Natasha Friend
23. Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu
24. Invisible Touch by Kelly Parra
25. Beautiful Dead, Book 1: Jonas by Eden Maguire
26. Winter Longing by Tricia Mills
27. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
28. Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
29. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
30. Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby
31. Ruined by Paula Morris
32. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
33. Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
34. Siren by Tricia Rayburn
35. The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
36. Everlasting by Angie Frazier
37. Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala
38. Spell Hunter (Faery Rebels #1) by R.J. Anderson
39. Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey
40. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
41. The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
42. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
43. We Hear the Dead by Dianne Salerni
44. Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey
45. Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann
46. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
47. Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson
48. Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
49. You Wish by Mandy Hubbard
50.  Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
51. The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells 
52.  Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
53.  Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
54.  My Double Life by Janette Rallison
55.  Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman
56.  The Turning: What Curiosity Kills by Helen Ellis
57.  Change of Heart by Shari Maurer
58.  Sleepless by Cyn Balog
59.  Numbers by Rachel Ward
60.  Matched by Ally Condie
61.  Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
62.  The Line by Teri Hall
63.  The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
64.  Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw
65.  Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien
66.  Forget-Her-Knots by Amy Brecount White
67.  After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy
68.  Salvaged by Stefne Miller
69.  Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
70.  The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
71.  Forget You by Jennifer Echols
72.  Stork by Wendy Delsol
73.  Firelight by Sophie Jordan
74.  Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin
75. Crusade by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
76. My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent
77. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
78.  The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
79. I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure
80. Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
81. Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
82. Across the Pond by Storyheart
83. Monster High by Lisi Harrison
84. Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin
85. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
86. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
87. The Mystery of the Third Lucretia by Susan Runholt
88. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
89. Rescuing Seneca Crane by Susan Runholt
90. Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley
91. Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
92. Grace by Elizabeth Scott
93. Ghostgirl Homecoming by Tonya Hurley
94. Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love edited by Tricia Telep
95. Trance by Linda Gerber
96. Out for Blood by Alyxandra Harvey
97. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
98. Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann
99. The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
100. The Candidates (Delcroix Academy #1) by Inara Scott
101. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
102. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
103. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
104. Cloaked by Alex Flinn
105. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
106. Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick
107. The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green
108. Arizona (Beautiful Dead #2) by Eden Maguire
109. Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
110. Pastworld by Ian Beck