Blog Tour: Dance of Shadows Review and Author Interview

 

Today we have the pleasure of hosting the Triple Threat Blog Tour with Dance of Shadows and Yelena Black!!!!  Yelena was nice enough to indulge us by answering a few questions!

 

1.) If you could pick 5 YA novels that could be choreographed into a ballet, which ones would you choose?

 

Bunheads by Sophie Flack, Mystic City by Theo Lawrence, Vixen by Jillian Larkin, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Elemental by Antony John.

 

2.) Why did you choose ballet as a focus for your novel?

 

There is something very “ancient” about ballet as an art form to me, and I’ve always been intrigued by it. I studied dance when I was younger, and I loved the idea of taking that quality of dance and stretching it into a story about legend and ritual. Ballet especially is so rigid and structured that I think it creates a very atmospheric setting for a novel. Plus, the dance apparel is so iconic that people have great imagery of ballet “items” (pointe shoes, tutus, and more) that it adds another visual layer to the story that’s already there.

 

3.) So many people have said that the cover of Dance of Shadows is the prettiest cover they have seen.  What was it like seeing the cover for the first time?

 

I’m so glad that people love the cover, because I think it is stunning. My jaw literally dropped to the floor when I first saw it. (Well, not literally, but you know what I mean!) It was so fun to see the cover because I’d worked on the book for so long and thought about what the cover might look like … but I never imagined anything as beautiful as this. I am lucky and honored and so thrilled to be working with the fabulous team at Bloomsbury.

 

4.) What projects are in the works for you right now?

 

I’m hard at work to the sequel to Dance of Shadows, which is going very well and I’m super excited about.

 

5.) Just for fun….what are you favorite:

Drink: Diet Coke

Candy: M&M’s

Book: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Animal: Cats!

Holiday:  Christmas, of course!

 

**************************************

 

Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

eARC received from Bloomsbury via Netgalley

Release Date:  On Shelves Now

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Dark and Chilling

I will admit that the cover is what drew me to this book.  It is easily one of the best covers I’ve seen so far in 2013, and although the book did not live up to the amazingness of the cover; I still enjoyed it. 

This is the first ballet book I have read, and I will say that I spent most of the book picturing the people from the movie Center Stage (probably because it’s the only ballet movie I’ve ever seen).  That did make it more enjoyable because, having never taken ballet before, I actually had an idea of the moves so I wasn’t just picturing some random leaps into the air.  I actually enjoyed the ballet aspect of the story better than anything else.  It’s a world that is so beautiful and severe, and Yelena definitely captures that stress and flawlessness of ballet in her writing.  I could see the tension in their nerves melt away as the characters started dancing.  The ballet made this book captivating, and it is the ballet that will bring me back for book 2.

The characters were, unfortunately, hit and miss for me.  I really enjoyed the minor characters, while I didn’t like the main ones.  Vanessa is one of those heroines who doesn’t see what’s going on right in front of her, and that really irked me.   Plus, her friends tried to get her to see reason at times, and she wouldn’t hear them out.  I guess she was just kind of dense, and at times, it was like the world revolved around her—and that type of heroine really bugs me.  I’m hoping she will become more mature in the next book because she  has great potential.  Her best friends were great though, especially Steffie and Blaine.  They were each quirky in their own way, and you could tell they really cared about what Vanessa was going through. 

So, let’s get to the guys.  First, there’s Zep—the amazing dancer who makes jaws drop all over the place.  He’s the kind of guy who should be on the cover of magazines, and he definitely has the charm and charisma to back up his good looks.  However, from the start, I got the feeling that his charm was fake, and it bugged me to see Vanessa fall straight for it.  But, I probably would have fallen for it, too, if he was as good looking as everyone says he is! Still, I could feel that he had secrets that he didn’t want discovered. 

Then there is Justin, another boy who has secrets.  He comes off as this big jerk who is a bit of a bully.  I liked him because he just seemed to tell the man to “Suck it,” and I love guys who are rebellious in the face of authority.  However, like Zep, I just didn’t trust him because he was obviously hiding something.  Still, when Vanessa describes him, I can’t help but get a bit swoony.  Add that to some of the smexy dreams Vanessa has about him, and I might be giving him another look.

Even though the story was slow, I still found myself lost in the hauntingly beautiful dance.  When Yelena described the world slipping away as the dance unfolds, I was just completely lost in the imagery.  I could see time stop as the dancers transcended reality and became almost dream-like in their beauty and grace.  Yelena’s words were beautiful and foreboding at the same time, and I fell straight into her macabre world.

So…survey says?

Would I recommend it to others? 

I would recommend it to YA fans who are looking for something different, who don’t mind pushing through slower moments to revel beautiful writing.  YA fans with a history or love of dance—you should definitely check it out.

Will I read the sequel?

 Yes, although it won’t be one of those that I pre-order and start reading the day it arrives.

 

 

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

ARC received from Disney Hyperion at ALA

Release Date:  1-22-2013

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Brilliant, Bewitching and Beautifully Written

Wow!!!! At first this was not high on my TBR list. I had heard good things, but there was so much more I needed to read. And then I made a trade with another blogger, so I read it quickly before sending it off. And I am SO GLAD I did! This book was so uniquely addicting that I read it in one sitting. The characters were full of life (or death...you know, if they were a History) and Victoria's world bled from the page.  It was perfect--I wouldn't change a thing!

From Chapter 1, I was immediately entranced by the poetry in Victoria’s words.  I could immediately relate to Mackenzie, and my heart broke for her loss.  She has lost Da, her mentor, and Ben, her little brother; and through Victoria’s words, I felt Mac’s pain as if it were my own.  There was one part in the first chapter where Mac says, “The silliest things shatter you.”  She goes on to talk about how after you suffer a loss, you try to move on—but the small things, a ball under a bed, a crumpled up t-shirt in the corner of a room can bring all the pain flashes back to you at the speed of light.  But instead of that light, you are shrouded in darkness.  The writing was so full of emotion that I just knew this book was going to be amazing.  And it was.

Mac was the perfect heroine—strong-willed, curious, but flawed and easily broken (in spirit, not in body).  She was truth wrapped up in the guise of a Keeper, one who returns Histories who have escaped the Archives.  I loved watching her as the digs deeper and deeper into the conspiracy.  I loved watching her fall victim to her own insecurities and suspicions.  But most of all, I loved watching her conquer those insecurities and fight back for her world and her life.  She pushed through, even when the cards were stacked against her.  Trust me, Mac will have you punching a fist into the air and yelling, “Go get ‘em!”

And then the guys…oh, there are so many guys that will leave you with a bit of drool on your chin.  I don’t know how Victoria did it, but there were so many guys that caught my attention:  Roland, Wes, and Owen.  I mean, wow!  I didn’t know who to choose!

I loved Roland’s sense of humor and his loyalty.  I felt like I could trust him immediately.  He was charming and, maybe I’m wrong, but I think he has a thing for Mac.  I really enjoyed the conversations between him and Mac.  They were clever and heartfelt.  Even when Roland was being a jerk, you could tell it was for Mac’s own good.

And Wes...otherwise known as “Guyliner.”  I’m not normally a fan of guys that wear eyeliner, but somehow, Wes makes it hot.  He seems like he has a dark side, and if you know me, I’m a sucker for the dark side.  But, Wes was more than that—he was mysterious, and at times I just knew he was hiding something.  But he still managed to sweep me off my feet.

And Owen…he’s a complete mystery.  He’s sexy in his own way, and Mac immediately feels for his position.  She wants to help him, and darn it, so do I!  Not much is known about this mystery man, but, if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself wanting to know more!

So…there’s this entire slew of guys that Mac can pick from, and let me tell you, when she does—it is oh so steamy hot!  There were some kissing scenes that left me blushing from head to toe, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I re-read them once or twice….okay, three times.  The question is…with who?  I won’t tell, you’ll have to check it out on your own.

 Victoria builds an amazingly captivating world that will draw you straight into the romance, betrayal, and suspense.  She keeps you guessing right up until the very end, and I, for one, can’t wait for the next book!

Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell

Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell

ARC received by St. Martin’s Griffin via LibraryThing

Release Date:  10-30-2012

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Mystical, Mysterious and Malevolent

In a post-apocalyptic world controlled by alien invaders, two teens and a young girl with mysterious powers embark on a dangerous journey. What they find will change everything...


Earth has been conquered. An extraterrestrial race known as The Assembly has abducted the adult population, leaving the planet’s youth to fend for themselves. In this treacherous landscape, Holt, a bounty hunter, is transporting his prisoner Mira when they discover Zoey, a young girl with powerful abilities who could be the key to stopping The Assembly. As they make their way to the cavernous metropolis of Midnight City, the trio must contend with freedom fighters, mutants, otherworldly artifacts, pirates, feuding alien armies, and perhaps most perilous of all: Holt and Mira’s growing attraction to each other.



Midnight City is the breathtaking first novel in the Conquered Earth series, and a stunning work of imagination from debut author J. Barton Mitchell.

When I first read the synopsis for Midnight City, I was intrigued; but not really sold.  I had that same outlook that I get when I see ANOTHER end-of-the-world alien movie coming out.  You know the attitude—seen one, seen them all.  I will say, with this book, I was pleasantly surprised.  Hooked from Chapter 1, Mitchell kept me guessing, page by page, mystery by mystery, and near-death experience by near-death experience.

This book wastes no time getting to the good stuff.  Straight off, I was thrown into a post-apocalyptic barren wasteland where it’s everyone for themselves.  It’s kill or be killed.  Betray or be betrayed.  This world doesn’t have the luxury of time or calm or even love.  In fact, love is the thing most likely to get you killed.  As a result, Holt and Mira are both loners, highly skeptical of anything and everything—but they must learn to put aside those instincts and embrace each other—because the future of the world rest of their shoulders, as does Zoey—the key to it all.

I really enjoyed watching Holt and Mira bicker and torture each other.  They are both such powerful people and are used to getting their own way, so when you throw these two in a ring, it’s wham-bam!  Who is out for the count, though?  You’ll have to read for yourself; and trust me, you’ll enjoy every minute of it.

My favorite part of this book was the paranormal aspects of the world—the Shadowlands.  Things that originate there have some sort of magical quality—put them together and you can be invisible, create light, or even fly on the wind.  I loved watching the new things that Mira made, and it gave a much needed mysticism to the plot.  The thing that bothered me:  the details!  It got really confusing when Mira was mixing this coin with that essence and blah blah blah.  I don’t need to know how it happens…just rub them together and show me the result.  I tended to skip over the ritual parts and go right to what happens next.

Zoey, the little girl with powers, was cute and innocent; yet you didn’t know if you could trust her.  I liked watching her cling to Holt and Mira, but then start to discover herself along the way.  I have a feeling she’s going to be clutch as the series continues.

The suspense and mysticism were amazing—and I really look forward to these aspects in the next installment. 

So, what bugged me?

There were some elements that were just too much like Independence Day and Signs and War of the Worlds.  They didn’t feel original, and part of me felt cheated at the similarities.

There wasn’t enough romance woven throughout the action.  It needed a softer touch to relieve all the tension.

Overall, this was a thrill-ride of a novel.  And the ending?  Let’s just say I have a feeling Book 2 is going to be even better!!!!!  I highly recommend this to sci-fi lovers and those looking for something a little different than your regular dystopian or paranormal book.

Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance by C.J. Redwine

ARC received from Balzer & Bray (Harper) at ALA

Release Date:  8-28-2012

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Dangerous, Daunting, and Delicious!

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making. 

I had been eyeing the cover of Defiance for months, and when I got a chance to read it I might (emphasis on the might) have jumped up and done a happy dance while singing, “I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it!”  Then for a moment I got distracted by Saved By the Bell memories, but soon I was right back to dancing for joy about it!!  It already had so much buzz around it, and I knew it was going to be one of this year’s biggest books.

From Chapter 1, I was completely drawn into C.J.’s world—I mean, it was a world with ancient roots yet filled with powerful technology.  It was like a world out of the 1800s was snatched up, thrown through a wormhole and ended up in an alternate future reality where danger from evil tyrants, wandering highwaymen, and immortal beasts is the norm.  C.J.’s writing is rich with imagery and as you read, you are lifted from your world and thrust into her’s—be careful or you might never want to return!

I loved how dynamic her characters were.  It is very rare that I have an extreme emotional reaction while reading a book.  I run the everyday gamut of emotions—happiness, sadness, jealousy, etc, but it is truly a feat for me to embrace such strong emotions and let them take over just from a book.  But, C.J. did it with the Commander.  His evil is rivaled only by Voldemort or Sebastian in my opinion.  As I witnessed his despotic actions, I could feel my hands closing into fists and I quite literally wished I could jump into the book just to punch him in the face (with brass knuckles).  Every move he makes is methodical and calculated; every word he says is dipped in cruelty; and every feeling he shows is laced with manipulation. 

Rachel, her heroine, is feisty and tough.  I will admit, she is a typical bad-a heroine who is forced to grow up too fast.  While she is unique in her own way, she does resemble other many other heroines we see in ya literature.  That didn’t really bother me, though, because while she started out like many other heroines, she ended up in a completely different place.  Many of today’s heroines go through something brutal and then hide away into themselves—Rachel fought back with every fiber of her being, and I enjoyed watching her character struggle and rise against.

I really loved Logan.  He’s strong and convicted, and tries not to let anyone get in his way.  I love the way he stands up to the Commander even when he’s in a losing situation.  It makes him all the more admirable and I found myself rooting for him to just grab the Commander and shove his face into the ground!  He is the perfect mix of anger, love, strength and weakness; and I can’t wait to see what is in store for him in the next books.  Plus, he’s a hottie—which always makes a book better!  I’m slightly jealous of his attraction to Rachel—and I can’t wait for more scenes to make me even more jealous!

The only thing that bugged me about the book was the length of the wilderness scenes.  At times I felt like they just went on too long after we had already got the point that they were alone, scared, and hurt.  While some of those scenes were too long, I wish the ending climax would have been longer.

A Warning about Content:  I would rate this Mature-YA because of the violence in the book.  It is very descriptive with murder and death, and there were times when I was bothered by how grotesqueness of some of the scenes.  Besides the violence, everything else would be fine for any teenager.

With all that said, I really enjoyed reading this book.  C.J. creates a world where violence is the foundation and people cower in fear of a murderous tyrant.  The fear that this world instills is real and palpable, and she really opened her imagination up to me.  She creates a world full of black and white, light and dark, where evil is easily seen, yet fear and tolerance keeps it in power.  I love that her heros are just the opposite, not white or black, but riddled with shades of grey.  I loved C.J.’s world, and I can’t wait to push through the wilderness with her again in the future.    

 

Waiting on Wednesday: Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but ones that you should pre-order today! This week's book that we are anxiously awaiting is Velveteen by Daniel Marks. It is published by Random House Children's Books and is set to be released on October 9, 2012.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Velveteen Monroe is dead. At 16, she was kidnapped and murdered by a madman named Bonesaw. But that's not the problem.

The problem is she landed in purgatory. And while it's not a fiery inferno, it's certainly no heaven. It's gray, ashen, and crumbling more and more by the day, and everyone has a job to do. Which doesn't leave Velveteen much time to do anything about what's really on her mind.

Bonesaw.

Velveteen aches to deliver the bloody punishment her killer deserves. And she's figured out just how to do it. She'll haunt him for the rest of his days.
It'll be brutal . . . and awesome.

But crossing the divide between the living and the dead has devastating consequences. Velveteen's obsessive haunting cracks the foundations of purgatory and jeopardizes her very soul. A risk she's willing to take—except fate has just given her reason to stick around: an unreasonably hot and completely off-limits coworker.

Velveteen can't help herself when it comes to breaking rules . . . or getting revenge. And she just might be angry enough to take everyone down with her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This cover was just recently revealed, and ever since it was, I find myself going back to look at it!  I mean, before even reading the synopsis, I knew I would want to read this!  I love the premise of this book!  I love the idea that her haunting causes cracks in purgatory--it's so original!  But even more, I think Velveteen sounds like a kick butt heroine, and I love how it sounds like Daniel Marks is going break down the idea that a heroine must be all good.  And lastly, it has a forbidden hottie--one of my favorite aspects in a book!!!

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

ARC received by Balzer & Bray (Harper Collins)

Release Date:  3-27-2012

The Sisters Say:  A breath of fresh air

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.  (from goodreads.com)

If you have ever found yourself tossed around in a sea of tumultuous trilogies of the same old angels, demons, witches, powers, and other such paranormal phenomenon; then, Slide by Jill Hathaway just might be the life saving breath you need.  Don’t get me wrong; I do have a love affair going with certain YA books, but it’s nice to see something new every once in a while. 

Jill Hathaway puts an interesting twist on the idea of possession.  Instead of possession being dark and evil where the victim always ends up hurt in one way or another, Hathaway uses the idea of possession as something other than a curse.  Vee, her protagonist, has narcoleptic episodes where, when she passes out, she slides into the body of another person.  The storyline gets interesting when Vee slides into the body of a murderer, standing over Sophie’s (her friend) body with a knife.

I find Vee’s powers interesting because I haven’t seen possession portrayed in this way—where the possessor is the good guy.  However, I felt like Hathaway didn’t dig deep enough into Vee’s powers, and I found myself wanting more.  I wanted to see her really test her powers, and more importantly, I wanted her to have to rely on her powers in a climactic event—but that event never really came around for me.   But, this is only Book 1, so maybe she didn’t wanted to leave something to be discovered about Vee’s powers in future books.

Besides the interesting twist on possession, I liked the dimensions of the characters, mainly Vee’s family.  Their family continues to be broken again and again, and I liked to see the real reactions that each character made—they hide from their pain.  Instead of facing it dead on (like so many heroes and heroines do), they break down first; and I really felt like their family was believable, like that’s how a real family would react to such tragedy.  Because of this, I think Jill Hathaway would be a brilliant contemporary author, but for a paranormal thriller, I was a little bummed.

A lot of the reviews of Slide were positive, saying that it was a twist and turn ride, but for me, it was very predictable.  I mean, I knew who the killer was before I was 50 pages into the book, and that’s really depressing for me.  I still enjoyed the book because I wanted to see how Vee was going to figure it out (because she, apparently, doesn’t have my gut instinct) and how she was going to save the day.

So overall, this book was interesting and I can see how it would appeal to many readers, but it just wasn’t for me.  For me, the interesting powers and dynamic relationships were not enough to override the predictability and anti-climactic ending.  If you’re looking for a quick read that’s different from the plethora of angels, demons, and witch books already out there, then give Slide a try.  It might surprise you, but at the least, give you a whiff of something different.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Release date: September 27, 2011

Published by: Simon and Schuster

Received from the wonderful Brooke @ Brooke Reports

Sisters Say: Steamy, Snarkie, and Stirring

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong. (summary from goodreads)

First off, let me start off by saying, "how unbelievably beautiful is this cover?!?!" From moment I saw this art work, I knew that I would read this book regardless of the summary! However, with a cover like this, one might wonder if the words can live up to the art? I would have to give you a resounding "Heck yes!" Before this book, I had been in a reading slump and Mara or maybe I should say Noah snapped me right out of it. The novel has it all, endearing characters, a hot boy, a great mystery, and creepy bad guys!

I honestly loved all of Michelle's characters! Each character in this novel actually correlates with real people in my life! When an author can pull that off it adds a believability and a familiar comfort to their story! Mara's little brother, Joseph has a love of the news, stock reports, and is all around, basically a 35 year-old businessman in a child's body! That is pretty much my youngest sister, Brittany! Those of you who read our blog regularly, know her as Baby Sister Brittany. When she was a little girl (early elementary), her favorite book was the biography of Nelson Mandela! Not kidding folks! We were also frequently corrected on our use of affect/effect, further/farther, who/whom etc. Being 7 years older than her, as you can guess this did not go off well. I do look back on those times fondly and with a smile though! So, when Joseph was doing his quirky little things, I found him so endearing!

And, Noah......What can I say about Noah? All of you know how much I love Jace, well, let me tell you, if you have thing for Jace, then Noah is going to make those butterflies in your stomach do a flash mob! He has the witty, aloof, snarkiness of Jace only a tad more bad boyish!  Oh yeah, and did I mention he's British?!?!  He's completely irresistable! I was seriously sporting the goofy grin every time Noah appeared on the page. I have a feeling Noah is going to be a huge contender in the Crush Tourney next year!

Now, for the boy next door, Jamie! He had me at Ebola!!! That's a little inside joke, but Jamie is wonderful! He's everything a best friend should be! Plus, all of his Harry Potter references caused me some serious squeeing!  I want Jamie as my best friend!

Lastly for characters, I can't not mention Mara! (dang double negative) I love characters that use sarcasm to deal with life. My sisters and I tend to do the same thing, maybe that's why we are constantly raving about how much we love snarkie female heroines! Life is too hard to take everything so seriously and be a Debbie Downer. Sarcasm makes light of situations that on most days would break us. I love that Mara has suffered a horrible tragedy but hasn't lost the sense of who she is.  She's still funny and relatable even though most of us haven't experienced the kind of tragedy she has endured.

Okay, this is getting a tad long, so I will try to wrap this up quickly!  Not only does Mara Dyer have amazing characters, it has a great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end!  Several times I wondered if I was reading a paranormal or contemporary only to have what I thought I knew turned completely upside down and inside out with the shocking ending!  There are several villains through the entire story that will send tingles up your spine from bullies in the school room to the courtroom, and some you never even see coming!  All I can say, is the ending will leave you speechless.  I think I have more questions at the end than I had at the beginning, but its the fun questions.  The ones you spend hours trying to sort out and predict where the story is headed.  Pre-order this book, read it as soon as you get, and you won't regret it!!! 

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Reviewed by: Baby Sister Brittany

Received from: ARC provided by Jen Bigheart at I Read Banned Books

The Sisters say: Historical, Humorous, and well… Haunting.

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

I really, really, REALLY loved this book. Like… really. I don’t read historical fiction that often, but this one was refreshing! It still has a paranormal twist for those of you, like me, who gravitate toward the supernatural.

One of my favorite things about this book is the fact that Violet’s mom is a fake medium. From a young age, Violet helps her mother swindle rich people out of their money by pretending she can speak to the dead. It was fascinating to see Violet and Colin setting up all the little tricks that they use to make the act seem real.

Violet’s mom is such an intriguing character. You hate her because she’s a terrible mother, but she just has this charisma that is fascinating. She’s a star, plain and simple. People are so drawn in by her that they don’t even really look for her to fool them.

When Violet starts seeing ghosts—the visions are downright creepy. I’ve read a lot of ghost books, and too often the ghosts seem friendly or non-threatening, and I’m like “What’s the point in writing a ghost book if it’s not to be a little scary???” This is not one of those books. Dark, sinister, and again… haunting. :)

All of the relationships in the book are clearly defined and very three dimensional. Violet’s relationship with her Mother (who uses her to make money), her best friend Elizabeth (who is rich and anything but proper), and Colin (a love interest who used to sneak worms into her food when they were little).

There are several dreamy boys in this book—from the rich and wholesome and proper to the poor and confident and rakish.

This book is also FUNNY. I never expect historical books to be funny, but this one was. Early on in the book, Violet is trying to loosen Elizabeth’s corset, and she’s crawled up underneath her skirt, when Elizabeth’s crush walks in the room and catches them. I died laughing, and the humor didn’t stop through the rest of the book.

I seriously loved this book. It’s pretty similar to a book that came out a while ago called THE VESPERTINE by Saundra Mitchell. I liked the Vespertine (check out my review), but it has nothing on this book. Haunting Violet blows it out of the water!

This book is already on the shelves. Definitely go buy it! It’s worth the money! 

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

Reviewed by: Baby Sister Brittany

The Sisters say: Seductive, Sweet, and Sinister—SIRENS!

Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. Each day she goes to school like a normal teenager, and each night she must swim, or the pain will be unbearable. She is a siren - a deadly mermaid destined to lure men to their watery deaths. After a terrible tragedy, Lexi shut herself off from the world, vowing to protect the ones she loves. But she soon finds herself caught between a boy at school who may have the power to melt her icy exterior, and a handsome water spirit who says he can break Lexi's curse if she gives up everything else. Lexi is faced with the hardest decision she's ever had to make: the life she's always longed for - or the love she can't live without?

I’ve been on a contemporary kick lately because I needed a break from all things paranormal. Ripple was the perfect book to jump right back into the genre.  Lexi is a siren, and this book was just enchanting and addicting as a siren’s song. I didn’t even feel like there was an option to put the book down. I was just so completely sucked in! This book is dark and seductive and completely worth your time!

Every night, Lexi feels called to the water. She must swim, or she’ll be weak and in pain the entire next day. But when she swims, she sings. And when she sings, any male nearby is drawn to the water, and drowns. To keep everyone safe, she drives far into the wilderness to swim in a pond that no one else can find. Except some one else does find it—Cole, the best friend of her former boyfriend, who she accidentally killed on her birthday.

Lexi is an interesting narrator. She’s not shallow or self-absorbed. In fact, when the book starts she’s sort of a punching bag for the other students in school, and she takes it because she thinks she deserves it. It can be a little depressing, but her attitude does feel realistic.

But then Cole starts to pull her out of that world, out of the guilt. Their relationship is downright addicting. But then another love interest appears, offering a solution to Lexi’s problem—a cure for her siren abilities. It’s possibly one of the most realistic love triangles I’ve read, because it’s a battle between Lexi’s mind and her heart.

A few moments in the book were predictable, but that didn’t change my enjoyment of it.

This story is as dark, beautiful, haunting, and seductive as the ocean that plays such a pivotal role in the book. I encourage you to dive in head first!

And I completely forgot to mention-- how beautiful is that book cover! A perfect fit for the book!

Thanks to Brooke Reports for the recommendation!  

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (Final book of the Wolves of Mercy Falls Series)

Reviewed by: Baby Sister Brittany

Release Date: Already on the shelves!

The Sisters say: Beautifully written, but somewhat underwhelming

I received an ARC of this book in conjunction with a book tour from “I Read Banned Books” 

This Review is for the third book in the series, and does contain spoilers. Read at your own risk!

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

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 that 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 deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Unearthly

by Cynthia Hand

Reviewed by: Baby Sister Brittany

The Sisters say: Unbelievable. Unpredictable. Unearthly. J

I have this tendency to get annoyed with trends really fast. I’ll read a couple fairy books, then be loathe to read anymore. I read two angel books, and that was quite enough for me. But then a book comes along like Unearthly that makes me wonder if I’ve been missing out on some amazing books in my haste to ignore trends. It’s certainly not a book I would have ever picked up on my own, but I kept seeing recommendation after recommendation for it on Twitter. And can I say how thankful I am? Because I loved Unearthly!

It was long, which if you’re anything like me, is a major plus. I read so frequently and so quickly that I’m often left feeling like a book ended too soon. But Unearthly is very filling!

The Angel folklore definitely had a unique twist! Cynthia Hand definitely didn’t rely on the same old same old information. She created a world of Angelbloods that was uniquely her own, and I personally loved getting to be a part of it.

Jackson Hole made for a wonderful setting. I never thought I’d have a desire to vacation in Wyoming, but you can bet I’ve changed my mind!

I also really loved that this book didn’t follow the normal paranormal formula. For one…. Clara already knows she’s an angel. So you don’t have to suffer through pages and pages of waiting for her to wake up already. As I read the book (and loved it), I had this recurring fear that it was going to fall into that same predictable pattern, but thankfully, IT NEVER DID! YESSSSSSSS!!!!!

And now… to my favorite thing about Unearthly. THE BOYS. Oh, the boys. Christian is your classic YA boy. Clara’s been having visions of him, and she’s pretty sure that her Angel purpose is to save him. And Tucker… well, Tucker is her best friend’s brother. And he’s kind of a pain in the butt. But a charming pain in the butt. And I won’t give anything away… but once again, Cynthia Hand goes against the grain and doesn’t let the romance fall into predictable patterns.

And there aren’t just twists when it comes to the oh-so-predictable YA formula. There are also plot twists galore.

I loved this book. LOOOOOOVED IT. And you will too.

So read it.

(And yes, in case you were wondering, that’s an order). 

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

The Vespertine

By Saundra Mitchell

Reviewed by: Baby Sister Brittany

Release Date: March 2011 (That’s right! Buy this one now!)

The Sisters say: Sophisticated. Sinful. Sassy.

I was sort of taken back by how much I liked this book. I don’t usually go for historical novels, but this one just reeled me in! Baltimore felt like a nice change of pace when so many historical novels are focused on London or New York. The historical details were fascinating, and I felt fully immersed in Amelia’s world. And my favorite part? THE HUMOR. So often, historical fiction feels stale and stiff, but I distinctly remember laughing so hard in this book that I had to put it down. (Corsets… those things make for some funny happenings).

The paranormal element of Amelia’s visions, though not completely new, felt fresh and interesting. Perhaps it was because her visions weren’t flashes or pictures or movie like reels in her head. They folded out of the firmament at sundown, and I could just picture the swirling golden rays morphing into her visions. And a second paranormal element even finds it’s way into the book in a surprising twist. I wish the second had been a bit more developed, but it added a second layer of mystery and excitement nonetheless.

Nathaniel is everything you could want as the love interest! He’s dark and brooding and mysterious and totally off-limits. He’s a poor, scandalous artist—the exact opposite of the wealthy, upstanding kind of gentlemen that Amelia is supposed to be looking for.

What truly grasped me about this story was really Amelia’s story—and not even her visions. Peel away the fabric of the time period, the gothic setting, and the paranormal twists—and you are left with a girl struggling to find herself while remaining within the confines placed on her by society. Amelia has always been a good girl, and in deed she’s been sent to Baltimore to learn how to be a good woman. But she holds a fascination for the darker side of life—what she calls wicked. She’s a strong female character who feels the world at her fingertips, and her fingers are itching to grasp it. But in her world and her time period, a woman who thinks and acts for herself is sinful. So, Amelia is faced with a decision.

Good girl or wicked girl?

Wicked always wins. ;)

Add this to your To-Be-Read pile today!