Poison Study

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder C+

"Yelena, convicted of murdering the son of a powerful general, awaits execution. But with only a few hours left, she is offered an incredible reprieve -- and agrees to become the new food taster for Commander Ambrose, the military leader of Ixia. Living in a palace and eating only the best meals is a dramatic change for Yelena, who spent the last year locked up in a rat-infested dungeon, eating gruel. But she soon realizes that she has more to worry about than ingesting potentially lethal poisons in the commander's meals. The general whose son she murdered has vowed bloody vengeance, and everyone in the commander's retinue look at Yelena as an untrustworthy criminal. The longer she stays alive, however, the more she begins to understand her own perplexing abilities -- all of which will be put to the test when cunning rebels plot to take control of Ixia. "
-Back of the book

This is a very exciting book with tons of expecting events, but it also is very descriptive.
This book is pretty much about death and blood, so if you have a week stomach, I don't recommend this book. I think I almost through up when reading this because on every page they have to put something about blood, poison, death or rats. A good book for people who love excitement and scary books but not for anyone under 13 I think.

Just One Wish

Just One Wish by Janette Rallison. A+

"Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it's all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika's plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly fi nds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?"

-Back of the book

This was one of the saddest books I've ever read, yet I was still laughing through it. It's a very humorous and deep-heart book. I loved it! Like in the description, Annika is trying to find and convince a movie star to come with her to meet her little brother. But the things she does to get to him is down right hilarious!

I think this is a book for all ages.

The Golden Spiral

The Golden Spiral by Lisa Mangum

"The hourglass door has closed behind Dante, sending him back in time to hunt down Zo, Tony, and V. Abby knows that Dante, as a Master of Time, is the only one who can stop them from destroying time itself. She also knows that he will need her help. But almost immediately, things start to change, and Abby’s worst fears are realized when Zo begins targeting her past specifically.
As Abby’s world fractures around her, she must face a terrible truth: either Dante didn’t make it through the door, or he is lost forever. So with Dante’s blueprints in hand, she begins construction on a new door, a new time machine that will either save Dante—or doom him.
With each new change that ripples into her present, Abby s life continues to spiral out of control. Her relationships with Jason, Natalie, and even her family are threatened to the breaking point—and beyond. Zo’s power is greater than Abby ever imagined, but as she struggles to free Dante, she receives help from an unexpected—and unlikely—ally."

I was so excited to finally be able to read this, It took me weeks to finally get a copy form the library, and of course once i got it I could not put it down. It was even more exciting then the first one with bigger twist, darker villains, and the same lovable characters. It so hard for me because I just know that if I post to much I'm going to give something big away, which I do all the time, and especially with this series because it's all suspense and action I just want to tell everyone about! If you haven't read this yet you HAVE to, I was in love with these books from the beginning of the first.

Ever

Ever by Gail Carson Levine B+

"Falling in love is never easy, but falling in love with an immortal god while your days on earth are numbered is almost more than a young girl can bear.

Gail Carson Levine has created a stunning new world of flawed gods, unbreakable vows, and ancient omens in this spellbinding story of Kezi, a girl confronted with a terrible destiny. Attempting to thwart her fate, Kezi and her love, Olus -- the god of wind and loneliness -- embark on a series of dangerous and seemingly impossible quests."
-Back of book

This book was interesting as much as a little confusing. I really loved it and it was fun once you remember this is fantasy not fiction. But the thing that confused me was it took me awhile to relive that mati and pado means mom and dad. And I'm still confused on what time period this is. My favorite kind of fantasy is modern day fantasy but this is one I liked regardless.

After I read this book I watched the movie "Ella Enchanted." When I picked out this book I expected it to be more like the movie of "Ella Enchanted" but of course I was wrong. I'm happy It's not like the movie to because I also like the serious fantasy's and not to much of a comedy. But my favorite kind of fantasy is modern day fantasy

Water Song

Water Song by Suzanne Weyn B-

"Young, beautiful, and wealthy, Emma Pennington is accustomed to a very comfortable life. Although war rages abroad, she hardly feels its effect. She and her mother travel from their home in Britain to the family estate in Belgium, never imagining that the war could reach them there. But it does.

Soon Emma finds herself stranded in a war-torn country, utterly alone. Enemy troops fight to take over her estate, leaving her with no way to reach her family, and no way out.

With all of her attention focused on survival and escape, Emma hardly expects to find love. But the war will teach her that life is unpredictable, people aren't always what they seem, and magic is lurking everywhere."

-Back of the book

This book was cleaver because it said it was a retelling of "The frog prince" but it's not a fantasy. I also liked it a lot because there was a big, suspenseful, event at the begging and it last all through out the book. And the writing skills made the book sound like it was written in the 1940th when really it's just a few years old. I liked this book and recommend it to ages 13-100 It's something any fairytale, or historical fiction lover would enjoy.

I am Number Four

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. B-

"Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing."
-Back of the book


This book started out good and you'd think it would get pretty suspenseful, and it does, but....it wasn't the most creative Science Fiction I've read, and I thought it was a type of book that boys would enjoy a lot more then girls. I don't really have much to writ about it because to be honest, I kind of spaced out at eh end. But I still recommend this to maybe boys about 12 years old.

The Hourglass Door

The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum A+

"His past. Her future. Can love bring them together in time?Abby's senior year of high school is textbook perfect: She has a handsome and attentive boyfriend, good friends, good grades, and plans to attend college next year. But when she meets Dante Alexander, a foreign-exchange student from Italy, her life suddenly takes a different turn. He's mysterious, and interesting, and unlike anyone she's ever met before. Abby can't deny the growing attraction she feels for him. Nor can she deny the unusual things that seem to happen when Dante is around. Time behaves differently when they are together - traveling too fast or too slow or sometimes seeming to stop altogether. When the band Zero Hour performs at the local hangout, Abby realizes that there's something dangerous about the lead singer, Zo, and his band mates, Tony and V. Oddly, the three of them are also from Italy and have a strange relationship to Dante. They also hold a bizarre influence over their audience when performing. And Abby's best friend, Valerie, is caught in their snare. Dante tells Abby the truth of his past: he once worked for Leonardo Da Vinci, helping to design and build a time machine. When Dante was falsely implicated as a traitor to his country, he was sent through the machine more than five hundred years into the future as punishment. As the past and the present collide, Abby learns that she holds a special power over the flow of time itself. She and Dante must stop Zo from opening the time machine's door and endangering everyone's future. More than one life is at stake and Abby's choice could change everything."
-Back of the book.

I was so shocked with this book. I've been told it was a very good book and I needed a book so I got a copy from the library, sat down, and read. I absolutely loved it! I'm for shur that this author takes a place in my top five favorite authors. It's such a page turner and it keeps you guessing all the way. I can not wait to get the sequel! It's another one of those books that makes you believe everything the characters said was true. I even cryed at the end of this book. And any book that makes me cry is automatically one of my favorites.

Dream Factory

Dream Factory by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler A-

"When the character actors at Disney World go on strike, the teens hired as replacements learn that it isn't exactly the Happiest Place on Earth. Ella gets to be Cinderella, simply because the shoe fits. It should be a dream come true, but Ella no longer believes in dreams. Luke is a fur character, Dale the chipmunk. Chip is played by his girlfriend, Cassie, who is perfect in every way. Why, then, does Luke find himself more drawn to imperfect things like the theme park's Phantom? A team-building scavenger hunt brings Luke and Ella together. As they uncover the Magic Kingdom's treasures, they discover an undeniable magic between them."
-Back of the book.

I don't think I'll ever be able to look at Disney Land the same way ever again. In this book you hear what Disney Land is really like and there's a lot more to it then "the happiest place on earth." It's is for sure one of the funniest books I have ever read! Especially since these are just teenagers who are replacements until the strike ends, so they hardly have any idea what there doing already and still have to walk around in big fur costumes and princess dresses!
A perfect read for anyone who loves Disney land.

Tuck Everlasting

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. A+

"Imagine coming upon a fountain of youth in a forest. To live forever--isn't that every one's ideal? For the Tuck family, eternal life is a reality, but their reaction to their fate is surprising. Award winner Natalie Babbitt (Knee-Knock Rise, The Search for Delicious) outdoes herself in this sensitive, moving adventure in which 10-year-old Winnie Foster is kidnapped, finds herself helping a murderer out of jail, and is eventually offered the ultimate gift--but doesn't know whether to accept it. Babbitt asks profound questions about the meaning of life and death, and leaves the reader with a greater appreciation for the perfect cycle of nature."
-Back of the book.

My mom recommended this book to me, so I bought a copy and went home and read the whole thing in one day. Then once I was done my sister told me we already had a copy. Oh well, now I have my own copy. :)
I adored this book and I think it is one of the few stories were the movie is just as good as the book. I would recommend this book to everyone of all ages. It;s a perfect read for younger kids and a entertaining quick read for teens and adults. Not to mention it's a classic and an adorable story! And once you've finished the book you have to see the Disney movie! It's amazing and I cry every time I watch it!

The Fairy Thorn

The Fairy Thorn by Dorothy Keddington A+

"Small town librarian Lucy Norris longs for romance and adventure, yet her life is a "calendar of sameness"--until the morning she spies a tall ship sailing through Deception Pass. The sighting becomes a catalyst for change and Lucy soon finds herself a key player in a dangerous masquerade and the quest for a legendary lost painting."
-Back of the book

I was super excited to read this book because Dorothy Keddington is totally one of my favorite authors! Her books never get old no matter how many times I read them and each one has a totally different and unique adventure!
But this book was extremely expecting and trilling! The cover it's self is scary and mysterious! And it turns out I know nothing and should do my research because I had no idea Dorothy Keddington was still writing! I read the About the Author section in the back of this book that was published last year, and read that she is in progress of writing another book called Hearth Fire!

Willow

Willow by Carolyn Brown A-

"Willow Gail Dulan didn't like Rafe Pierce when he read her father's will. She sure didn't like him when he tried to talk Hank Gibson out of letting her and her four newly-found sisters travel to California with the wagon train of mail-order brides.

Rafe was totally against the idea of Jake Dulan's daughters going with the train. He would like nothing better than to leave Willow for the rattlesnakes and Indians. The feeling is mutual.

They lock horns and refuse to budge. Both have a scarred heart from previous experiences, and a temper, so the fireworks explode every time they're in each other's presence, which is often since Rafe drew the short straw and has to bring up the rear of the train...right where the Dulan girls' wagon is located.

Willow and Rafe both realize that out there, beyond the sunsets they both love, lies the Promised Land. It's not a place or destination, but a spirit and a journey which draws them into the peace of its bosom to rock away the cares of life. But will they ever admit they need each other to reach that Promised Land?"

-Back of the book.

I read the forth book in the series first because I didn't know there were others. Luckily it didn't give anything away about the other four books. This is the first in The Promised Land series by Carolyn Brow. What I love most about these books are the five sisters the books point of views are in. There all super spunky, don't care at all of what people think, independent, and all unique in there own ways. No, i lied, the best part about this book is after reading it, all you want to do is speak in a western accent all day. I love it! I think I found a series that reach my top ten, though I have had one heck of a time finding her books. Each book is around 100-250 pages long, so there quick reads. I can't wait to get my hands on the other three books, I well keep posting them as I go along.

Where the Heart Leads

Where the Heart Leads by Anita Stansfield A-

"With the loss of his mother, the final threads that bind Jonathon Brandt to home are gone forever, and he leaves Boston, hoping to never return. The year is 1894, and Jonathon is eager to head west to California to find a new life, a new profession, and an escape from the disastrous relationship with his father.

Jonathon's journey westward allows him the opportunity to stop and visit his beloved Aunt Ellie, who lives in a small, Central Utah town. He falls in love with the scenery the same day he falls in love with Maddie Jo Hansen, and suddenly California loses its appeal. Even though Maddie is a Mormon, Jonathon quickly realizes that he likes everything about this place and the people-except for Glen Hansen, Maddie's father, who is determined that no man, especially Jonathon, is going to take his daughter away from him.

Anita Stansfield, the #1 best-selling LDS romance author, delivers one of her finest novels to date. Filled with intrigue and romance, Where the Heart Leads is a compelling story of heartbreaking loss, inspiring discovery, and a love that overcomes all obstacles."
-Back of the book


Sorry that the pitcher on this post is pretty blurry but I couldn't find a better one on the Internet. Any way I enjoyed this book. A very fun LDS novel by a very cleaver author. It's a very quick and easy read and perfect for ages 13+ There isn't much to say about this book except that it's a book about love of family and over coming challenges. You can by this book really cheap at Seagull Book or check it out at a local library.

Chances by Carolyn Brown. A+

"Adelida Broussau took a big chance by saying she was Rueben Hamilton's new bride. But even a rat will stand up and fight when it's cornered and she was surely feeling the pinch of being pushed in the corner. Her sister, Maria, was dead. Her sorry, Yankee loving brother-in-law, Victor, had issued her an ultimatum to be out of New Orleans by night, or else; then stole the rest of her money so she couldn't leave. Then there was Rueben, hit on the head for attempting to thwart a bank robbery, his memory gone and leavingtown that very day. All she had to do was say she was truly his wife. Everyone in the chaos after the robbery already thought they were newlyweds. So she took a big chance andlet them go right on believing she was.

Rueben Hamilton went to New Orleans from southern Pennsylvania at the request of the President of the United States to help with the reconstruction of Louisiana after the Civil War. He'd gone into the bank to finish his business before boarding The Queen for the first leg of his journey home. He didn't remember the bank robbery. All he remembered was awakingwith a headache, no memory, and a wife fresh from the Acadian bayou country. None of it made a bit of sense.

It was supposed to take a month for them to reach Love's Valley, an obscure little valley near Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania. That was if everything went according to plan and Rueben's memory didn't return; if he didn't toss Adelida off at the next port of call to fend for herself, or worse,throw her overboard. But fate played her hand and dealt the two of them some unforeseen cards that turned their world upside down"

-Back of the book

I absolutely love this author! She writes big suspense novels that take place in western time or, like in this one, the Civil War. This one is pack full of action and, like Garnet, has huge unexpected twists and turns. I can't wait to get a hold of Carolyn Browns other books!

Princess Academy

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. B+

"Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have quarried stone and lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her small village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince himself will come and choose his bride from among the girls of the village. The king's ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and every teenage girl must attend and learn how to become a princess.

Miri soon finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires to be chosen and win the heart of her childhood best friend. But when bandits seek out the academy to kidnap the future princess, Miri must rally the girls together and use a power unique to the mountain dwellers to save herself and her classmates."
-Back of the book.

I heard about this book from my friends but didn't really want to read it because I thought her other books were pretty boring. But I got a copy for my birthday and decided to give it a whirl. It wasn't the most exciting book and not the cleverest fantasy, but it was well written and I think it's a good book for girls around the ages of 9-15. I liked it enough to keep reading it and I thought it was a very cute book with fun, creative characters, but I don't think I'd put this other in my top ten list.

Garnet

Garnet by Carolyn Brown A+

"Garnet Diana Dulan swung open the doors of the Silver Dollar Saloon, sucked up a lunch full of cigar smoke, and listened intently to the sounds of men playing poker and the scrape of boots across the wooden floor; she felt right at home. After just minutes inside the doors of the saloon she knew she'd made the right decision to leave her sisters and the wagon train of brides heading to California.

Quickly she negotiates a job with the owner to play piano in the bar for room and board. Garnet is happy with her new arrangement and starts to settle into her new routine, that is until she runs into Sheriff Gabe Walker.

Sheriff Walker is convinced that this unusual, blue-eyed beauty is not the kind of woman he needs taking up residence in his clean town, and he won't rest until he runs her back to where she came from. But Garnet is a sassy Southern woman who speaks her mind and won't listen to a word he says. In fact, Gabe is certain that he can see lightening streak across her blue eyes in brilliant, jagged lines when she's angry.

The two lock horns on more than one occasion, but when her life is threatened and she is wrongfully accused of murder and robbery, it is Gabe who saves her from lynching. Considering all the damage already between them, it will take a miracle for either of these two to put aside their stubbornness and admit their love."

-Back of the book.

I really loved this book! It was just one of those random books I found at the library and decided to read, I had no background on it. These are series of books all about all five sisters. Willow, Velvet, Gypsy, Gussie, and of course Garnet. There is a book for each sister! It's totally fun and takes place in the good old western times. I totally have to pick up the other books! If there as good as this one was then I'm sold! The best part of this book is that it's so unexpected! I mean there were somethings that are really predictable but others were...wow! I won't say any more about the surprises. I also really liked it because it's not a real famous book so i can recommend it to my other book worm friends :) It's not that old of a book and I liked how the author wrote it. It's so intense the the characters are down right hilarious!

Wildwood Dancing

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier. B-

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."
-Back of the book.

I liked this book because when the book starts they already know about the other world and the very first thing that happens is they go there on a full moon. I kind of liked that because you don't have to go through the sometimes boring part of them finding it. What I didn't like was that it was kind of a rip off of Pride and Prejudice. There are five sisters, the oldest falls in love, the creepy cousin wants to marry the second oldest, Their rich and the dads worried they'll lose everything to there cousin, and it's in the second cousins point of view who is the "sensible" one. But it wasn't very advencres ether. It was an ok book but but I wouldn't by my own copy or read it again.

Spells

Spells by Aprilynne Pike. A+

"Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?"
-Back of the book.

I really love these books and the author! There good clean romance fantasy and this one is better then the last! In this one you get a hole lot more about the fairy world in the book and a whole new adventure! I can't say much without giving anything away. But there is sort of a love triangle here between David and Tamani. (Personally I like Tamani.) And I read on Aprilynne Pike's blog that the next book is called "Illusions" and should come out around May 2011. I hope!

Linger

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater. D-

"In Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past…and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves…and is nonetheless drawn to Cole."
-Back of the book

Sometimes a series gets better as the books go on like Twilight, Wings, or The Hunger Games(except the last one.) But this is not one of those series! I REALLY think she should have stopped with the first book and I REALLY hope she'll stop after this one. The ending was fine the way it was in the first book and now it's all confusing and weird. And I just really didn't like the way his book was written. I usually like the books that have different point of views but in this book It it was not fun because I hate half of the characters in the story. But the bottom line is I really regret buying this book.

Wings

Wings by Aprilynne Pike. A+

"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."

-Back of the book

This is a phenomenal book! It was such a fun fantasy book! I'm pretty picky about fantasy books because a fantasy book isn't fun unless the author makes it seem real. I relate it to the Twilight books a little because they both have mythical creatures but the author makes them different, like this book is about fairy's. But there different; they have wings that look exactly like flowers, they only have wings once a year, and there are four different kinds of fairy's based on what season they were born. It's creative and adventurist! This book totally makes it in my top ten and is a must read!

The Cupcake Queen

The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler. A-

"When her mother moves them from the city to a small town to open up a cupcake bakery, Penny’s life isn’t what she expected. Her father has stayed behind, and Mom isn’t talking about what the future holds for their family. And then there’s Charity, the girl who plays mean pranks almost daily. There are also bright spots in Hog’s Hollow—like Tally, an expert in Rock Paper Scissors, and Marcus, the boy who is always running on the beach. But just when it looks as though Penny is settling in, her parents ask her to make a choice that will turn everything upside down again. A sweet novel about love, creativity, and accepting life’s unexpected turns."
-Back of the book.

This book is SO cute! It has the funniest things you'd never expect in a book but things that you expect to happen at a Jr. High. I really loved it because most of the characters were my age and it was very ratable. I would recommend this book to all girls from 6th grade to 10th grade. The funniest thing about this book I just HAVE to put in is about the cover. You know your not suppose to judge a book by it's over (which I still do) but this cover is perfect in every way! I just want to eat it! The funny part is that a guy from one of my classes took one look at the cover and said, "Amazing, A chick flick in book form!" Extremely funny...and true :)

Flower of the Winds

Flower of the Winds by Dorothy Keddington A+

"Cassandra Graves returns to Winwood Cottage....a place of childhood haunts and memories... hoping to find a few weeks of solace in her painting and the sea. Instead, and impulsive walk on a misty Oregon beach results in the discovery of two Russians scientists on the run. From the moment she meets Nikolai and dark-eyed Seriozha, Cassandra's safe, secure existence is challenged and changed, along with her perception of what love should be."
-Back of the book.

I SO admire this author, epically her writing skills! In this book two of the main characters are Russian, so they have accents and there are even some Russian words in the story. She makes it sound so convincing! In some books the say once or twice at the character has a accent but other then that the writing is the same like there talking like every other character. But in this one the Russian characters talk so different from the others that it's extremely believable. I even learned a few Russian words! I love this book SO much! it's a totally different story from everything other story and I love the twist and turns the story goes through. Again this is another one of her books that arn't in print. But if you can get a copy then you HAVE to read it!!

Flipped

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. A

"Juli Baker devoutly believes in three things: the sanctity of trees (especially her beloved sycamore), the wholesomeness of the eggs she collects from her backyard flock of chickens, and that someday she will kiss Bryce Loski. Ever since she saw Bryce's baby blues back in second grade, Juli has been smitten. Unfortunately, Bryce has never felt the same. Frankly, he thinks Juli Baker is a little weird--after all, what kind of freak raises chickens and sits in trees for fun? Then, in eighth grade, everything changes. Bryce begins to see that Juli's unusual interests and pride in her family are, well, kind of cool. And Juli starts to think that maybe Bryce's brilliant blue eyes are as empty as the rest of Bryce seems to be. After all, what kind of jerk doesn't care about other people's feelings about chickens and trees?"
-Back of the book.

This was an adorable book! It's funny because you do think Juli is weird in Bryce's point of view and you think Bryce is a jerk in Juli's point of view. I recommend this book to middle school. 7th graders especially because it's a perfect coming of age story.. Read it soon because the new movie well be released soon and you HAVE to ALWAYS read the book before you see the movie! It makes it funner.

Shiver

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. B+

"For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human ... until the cold makes him shift back again.
Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever."
-Back of the book.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it seemed like the author read New Moon and tried to make the book her own by putting different characters and changing the wolves,. But it was a little creative like I love the character Sam and I think it's kind of cool how she had the them turn into wolves only when it's cold. I actually think this book would be a big hit...if there wasn't a way better werewolf book already. But it's the kind of book that I think would make a fun and pretty terrifying movie.

The Last Song

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks A-

"Seventeen-year-old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside down when her parents divorced her father moved from New York City to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, particularly her father ... until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she and her younger brother spent the summer with him in North Carolina.
Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will be the centerpiece of a local church. Resentful and rebellious, Ronnie rejects all of his attempts to reach out to her and threatens to return to New York before the summer's end. But soon Ronnie meets Will. the town's local heartthrob, and the last person she thought she'd ever be attracted to. As Ronnie slowly lets her guard down, she finds herself falling deeply in love, opening herself up to the greatest happiness-and pain-that she has ever known."
-Back of the book.

First thing I'm going to say (even though I'm not reviewing movies) The movie has NOTHING on the book! I actually really hated the movie. Mostly because Miley Cyrus was in it. But anyway, this book was a fun read because I had no idea what would happen. Like you get little hints through out the book and some times the back of the book gives a lot away. But with this one I was totally shocked with the twist of events and charecters. It might not be the case though if you've seen the movie. But even if you have you still have to read the book. Everyone who's seen it says how they kept crying through the movie, and I saw it and the only thing I was thinking is, this movie could be a ton better if they kept to the book....and didn't cast Miley Cyrus. :)

Mockingjay

Mockingjay by Suzann Collins B+

Mockingjay is the third book from The Hunger Games series. I LOVE Hunger games and Catching Fire! And I was really excited for this book but to be honest i was a little dissapointed. It was very well written and cleaver but VERY depressing and was like watching a rated R horror movie in my head. It was hard to finish because I was felling sick reading it! Not a book for children under 14. Don't get me wrong I love the books but this one was.....a little disturbing.

Jayhawk

Jayhawk by Dorthy Keddington. A+

"Timeless best selling JAYHAWK now available by award winning author Dorothy Keddington.
To Angela Stewart, a summer on a Wyoming ranch with her college roommate's family seemed like an ideal vacation. For Jay Bradford,his return to the Triple J Ranch involves a potentially dangerous quest and the search for an answer to a 26-year old mystery. Jay and Angela's chance meeting on a lonely road at dusk, marks the beginning of their unforgettable journey into danger and love."
-Back of the book

This is the second Dorothy Keddington book I read and one of the few ones they have in the library. It's full of Native American history, and the characters are so unique and unexpected, as are the events. You'll hear me go on and on about her books mostly because there brilliant, and so totally clean! Also because I rant when I'm mad and I'm furious these books aren't in print anymore! I've been looking high and low but I can't find any of her books anywhere! But they do sometimes have them in the library so if you can get your hands on a copy you have to read it!

Return to Red Castle

Return to Red Castle by Dorothy Keddington. A+

"Red Castle ... an ancient citadel of wine-red stone in the heart of Utah's primitive High Uinta Mountains. Hidden away near its rocky base, a small plane lies twisted and broken.
The four men ... desperate, ruthless, will stop at nothing to retrieve the plane's valuable cargo,
but their only clue to its location are the words ... Red Castle.
Jesse Chisholm ... rugged, lonely, one of the new breed of modern Mountain Men. As a geologist for the Forest Service, he calls the wilderness his home and only the mountains know the secrets of his heart.
Melissa Heydon ... spirited, young, in love with life, the mountains, and Jesse Chisholm."
-Back of the book.

This is the first book I read by Dorothy Keddington. Her books aren't in print anymore because she wrote them around 30 years ago. My ant had all her books and she lend them to me. There all amazing! But this one is my favorite. A good clean romance novel with big action! I wasn't sure when I first started to read this book because they were so old but from the first page I was hooked! It's right along my ally! I love Melissa! She's strong, spunky yet knows how to play the damsel in distress. And Dug is the best part! He's the perfect annoying big brother! And the best part is that it takes place in Utah! Perfect!

Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. A+

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."
-Back of the book.

More suspense, drama, action, violence, and insane energy. This sequal to The Hunger Games, is a cliff hanging page turner! It's one of those books were I can't say anything without giving everything away. :)

Big A+!!

Desire of our Hearts

Desire of our Hearts by Sariah S. Wilson. B+

"It is a time of pleasure and luxury — if you belong to the inner circle of King Noah. It is a time of servitude and deprivation if you don't. And if you dare to believe the words of Abinadi, it is a time to fear for your very life."
-Back of the book

A fictional story of Alma (a high priest of king Noah) and the prophet Abinadi. This author adds fictional characters to a real Book of Mormon story. In this story she adds Sam, a lovely young women with a spunky attitude and and a short temper.
A fun read with heat tugging characters and dramatic events. Very adventures.
I give it a B+ because even though it is a good book, it's not my favorite from this author. My over all favorite is Secrets in Zarahemla, then Servant to a King, this one is a least favorite. But still a great book.

Star Girl

Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli. B-
This book has a great message of being your self and being kind to others no matter what they do. An adorable story.

From the first day Star Girl arrives at quite Mica High she was very different. She steels Leo Borlock's heart with one look and everything about her seemed to enchanted the students. At first.
Then suddenly they turn on her. Leo, despret, trys to get her to act like everyone else, changing everything about Star Girl. A story about the price of popularity and first love.

I recommend this book to anyone 8-12 years old. It's totally adorable.

Secrets in Zarahemla

Secrets in Zarahemla by Sariah S. Wilson. I read this book at girls camp. I love this author she takes Book of Mormon stories and creates action-packed romances with the minor characters. I highly recommend this author.
In this novel Caption Moroni's Daughter, Kiah, is a brave girl who gets stuck in a hunting trap and is found by Jarom, a Lamanite, with a secret past.
Villains, love, book of mormon history, this books got it all!!!!!
Must read 5 out of 5 stars!!!!!!!!!

Servant to a King

Servant to a King by Sariah S. Wilson.
This book is a fictional story of Ammon and the King. It's really fun with lots of adventure, love, and action. She takes you right into the story! And it's a great Sunday book! I found it at Seagull Book. A very cute story!
Another 5 out of 5 star book!

The Hunger Games!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins! Amazing!
In this book there is 12 Districts. And every year a boy and a girl from each district have to compete in the hunger games, were they have to fight to the death on national television.
A thrilling story! Love, death, action, and family. A great read for girls and boys! It's filled with lovable characters like Peeta, Katniss, Gale, Prim, and Rue.
This book is most definitely in my top 10 books! There is no way to describe this book, you HAVE to read it!
A totally clean book, just a lot of violence.
5 out of 5 stars!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer! This book is Bree's point of view of Eclipse! And for anyone who hasn't read Eclipse, or doesn't remember Bree, she's one of the new born Vampires. This book is another amazing novel! You get somethings you didn't catch in Eclipse, and frankly it made me cry. Again, it's hard to say much without giving it away.
This book is around 178 pages long. A good quick read.
DO NOT read until you've read Eclipse! Big plot spoiler!
5 out of 5 stars!!!!!!!!

The Host

The Host by Stephenie Meyer! Once again she has created a romantic adventure with stunning twists, remarkable characters, and most of all happy endings!
The Host is about aliens who take over the world. But not the stupid, green, big head, over used aliens. Different aliens called "Souls." They are placed in human bodies and erase the human mind. But one human refuses to be erased.....
I cant say any more without giving something away. But this book is a MUST read! If you loved the Twilight Saga you will love The Host!!!!!!
5 out of 5 stars!

The Twilight Saga!

My first book is the twilight saga: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. I'm putting this as my first post because it is pretty much the first book I read willingly. Also you well NEVER find a author better then Stephenie Meyer. In my opinion:) There suspenseful, romantic, exciting, scary and most of all the characters are funny, hot, scary, adorable, and you believe there real people! Not to mention there clean books. I know, I know, Breaking Dawn. But it's really not bad! If my mom read it, then let me read it then you know its ok!
The best part about Stephenie Meyer is that she makes her books believeable! Not like Harry Potter. Isn't that the point of a fantasy book? To make you believe that Vampires and Werewolf walk the earth? Well she Nails it! Some people (mostly boys) say something like, she made Vampires look weak and sissy. Are you kidding me! There terrifying! The best thing she could have done is change the Vampires. Sparkling instead of burning in the sun, no fangs, no creepy goth cloth, no bats, no garlic, no stake to the heart, and no coffins. The wolfs to! Makes it so much better!
Out of 5 stars I give ALL these books 5! (P.S team Edward!!!)

New Blog

Hey Friends (and fans :)

I've started this new blog so I can highlight the books I've been reading and give helpful reviews and suggestions. I read 1-2 books a week so there should be plenty to write about! I'd love your feedback and suggestions too! Thanks for reading!!

Talbie