Nyxen's Review of "Through Her Eyes"

Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer
379 Pages
HarperTeen 2011

EVERY GHOST HAS A STORY TO TELL...

The last place Tansy Piper wants to move to is Cedar Canyon, Texas, in the middle of nowhere. But once there, she's immediately drawn to the turret of their rickety old house, a place that has a disturbing history. Yet it's the strange artifacts she finds in the cellar-a pocket watch, a journal of poetry, and a tiny crystal-that have the most chilling impact on her.

Soon Tansy finds herself lured into the mind and world of the mysterious, troubled Henry, who once lived in the very same house. Through the lens of her camera, Tansy enters a surreal black-and-white world, only to find her life and Henry's linked by fate and the artifacts she found. But the more time Tansy sends in the past, the more her present world starts to fade away-and Tansy is in danger of losing touch with her own life forever.

First off, I just want to thank Teen Book Scene for letting me be apart of a blog tour where I got to be able to read this book.

This book really captivated me from the beginning. I remember trying to read in school or just wishing the school day would be over just so I can read it. I loved the fact that Tansy was a photographer. That made me relate to her just a bit. To me, though, she just seemed a little bit too average. Henry was very dark and brooding. Whenever I read about him I always shivered. It was just interesting reading about Henry.

The storyline was absolutely amazing. I just seemed to really enjoy it for some reason. It wasn't different but for some reason it worked. Jennifer Archer did a great job writing this. Not only that, but the poems! The poems were just something to die for. I knew how Tansy felt when reading the poems. I sometimes felt they were also meant for me. I think it was just an "in the moment" type of thing.

The paranormal aspect was also very beautiful. The way Tansy saw the past was pretty awesome. It made me wish I was her sometimes. I also loved that Archer brought up the fact that Tansy could be going crazy. I honestly thought that's how it would have all ended, with her going to a hospital for mental illness. But I did like the ending, it was bittersweet, a very good way to end it. And I'll be honest, I did get teary-eyed..but I shall not say why. You'll just have to read it.

I rate this Four Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Dash & Lily's Book of Dares"

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn
260 Pages
Knopf Books 2010

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 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 disasterous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers persuing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

This was such an amazing read! Let me tell you a funny story. I read this books at the end of 2010. It wasn't until I got towards the end of the book that I realized we (the book and I) were coinciding with eachother. I mean to say that I was in the same time as them. I read the last chapter, Chapter twenty, the same day it took place, December 31st.

I really enjoyed that. I felt powerful. Well, Dash & Lily were an extremely cute yet awkward couple. They reminded me of my friends. Rachel and David have such powerful chemistry when it comes to writing. Everything about their writing just speaks to me.

The plot was wellwritten and the characters were very well rounded. I sort of wish there was a sequel to this book, wanting to see how their story progresses.

I'm not sure what else to say because I loved it so much that I don't know what how to put it into words.

Either way I recommend this book. You'll love it! It's not your average, typical love story. GET IT.

I rate this Five Stars

Nyxen's Review of "Tell Us We're Home"

Tell Us We're Home by Marina Budhos
297 Pages
Atheneum 2010

Jaya, Maria, and Lola are just like the other eighth-grade girls in the wealthy suburb of Meadowbrook, New Jersey. They want to go to te spring dance, tehy love spending time with their best friends after school, sharing frappes and complaining about the other kids. But there's one big difference: All three are daughters of maids and nannies. And they go to school with the very same kids whose families their mothers work for.

That difference grows even bigger-and moer painful-when Jaya's motehr is accused of theft and Jaya's small, fragile world collapases.

When tensions about immigrants start to erupt, fracturing this perfect, serene suburb, all three girls are tested, as outsiders-and as friends. Each must find a place for herself in a town that barely notices she exists.

This book really wasn't one for me but I actually did enjoy it, nonetheless.

Tell Us We're Home tells the story of three immigrant girls who all have a few things in common: They're not from New Jeresey and their mothers are all nannies for the rich kids' family they girls go to school with.

They find each other when times get rough and they've stuck through it all. They just want to fit in, some more than the others but in the end they remember who their friends truly are. These three girls just don't know what to do when they're left alone, in this cruel, rich kid world, when their parents are in trouble.

I'm not really sure how to explain it but this book gives you hope, and an open mind about important issues. I highly reccomend it.

Marina Budhos did a tremendous job on this book.

I rate this book Four Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Trickster's Girl"

Trickster's Girl by Hilari Bell
288 Pages
Houghton Mifflin Books (January 3rd, 2011)

A century after 9/11, in a high-tech, high-security world, magic is the last thing on anyone's mind.

Something bad is happening. Trees are dying. People are getting sick. Fifteen-year-old Kelsa's father died from cancer-a particularly aggressive case, the doctors said. Science has no answers.

Then Kelsa meets a boy. He's the most beautiful boy Kelsa's ever seen, but he's also very strange. He claims to be Raven, the mythological creature. He keeps going on about magic and an impending ecological disaster and that Kelsa must help him save the world.

Maybe he's crazy.

Or maybe he's telling her truths people have forgotten. And maybe she should help him, even if doing so means risking her own life.


Trickster's Girl takes place in 2098, in America, where things haven't changed a lot from today's society. Security is tighter, and Earth is changing, dying. Kelsa is a regular girl who experiences a tragedy. Her father dies and she starts to become represssive. In an effort to take a stand and rebel, she steals her father's ashes to have a proper burial at a park. But at the park, she meets someone, someone different.

Raven, a shape-shifting mythological being, who needs Kelsa's help to cure the tree plague and all the disasters happening to the Earth. But Kelsa can't really believe him because magic isn't something very easy to handle. It doesn't exist, very hard to believe. But Kelsa agrees to help Raven and go out on this expedition seeing as how she doesn't belong anywhere after he father died.

Trickster's Girl is an dystopian novel that really is interesting. I loved the idea that the author used something that is happening in our everyday life, global warming, and how she intermixed it with a dash of fantasy. It was interesting but up until a certain extent.

Kelsa wasn't a character that was like 'WOW' to me. She did an exceptional job but that was it. She didn't captivate me as much as I would have liked. Raven, though, he was interesing. I loved him in a way that made up for Kelsa...Does that sound bad? He was quirky, mysterious and just plain weird. I enjoyed reading about him.

The adventures they have together were okay for my taste. Kelsa had to escape from Raven's enemies about a thousand times (not really) just because she was trying to help. I liked their adventure to save civilization and Earth but it just didn't captivate me as much.

I'm sure other people would enjoy it and as a whole I would probably give it Four and a half stars......

But I wasn't too fond with it so I rate it Three Stars

Nyxen's Review of "What My Mother Doesn't Know"

What My Mother Deosn't Know by Sonya Sones
259 Pages Paperback
Simon & Schuster 2001

My name is Sophie.
This book is about me.
It tells
the heart-stoppingly riveting story
of my first love.
And also my second.
And, okay, my third love, too.

It's not that I'm boy crazy.
It's just that even though
I'm almost fifteen
it's like my mind
and body
and my heart
just don't seem to be able to agree
on anything.

This book was published awhile back and is one of those books that you just completely forget about. Sophie is just a regular teenage girl who is trying to find the right guy, despite being so young.

She just wants that special somebody to be in her life like a lot of us do. I really related to this book because I remember when I was almost fourteen (four months ago) almost fifteen wanting that special someone.

This book was just very entertaining and hilarious. Despite the verse like format I really enjoyed it. I wished it could have been longer, with actual descriptions but I was content with it. Sonya Sones can really write in a teenager's perspective. Sophie is at the age where pretty much she is starting to develop in all ways and everything else that comes in that territory.

It's a very heart-warming book (does that make sense?) that you'll hopefully love if you pick it up. Sophie may go through many love interest but you can always tell if she's found the right one. It's a very bubbly tale that I reccomend if you want a quick read. Literally, it took a few hours to read this book.

I rate this novel Four Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "The Samantha Granger Experiment: Fused"

The Samantha Granger Experiment: Fused by Kari Lee Townsend
208 Pages
Sourcebook Jabberwocky
November 1, 2010

When you make a face or cross your eyes, do you parents tease that if you're not careful, your face might stay that way FOREVER?

Well, my parents said that if I'm not careful, I'll turn into one of my gadgets.

I thought they were joking, people!

But-somehow,someway-I have become a living, breathing, walking piece of technology. Apparently my head now has a built-in GPS and my palm is equipped with a talking and texting capabilities-just like my cell phone!

Now I'm a techno-superhero with powers that seem to have a mind of their own. Any, in my case, keeping a secret identity is harder than it sounds. I short-circuit every time Trevor Hamilton looks my way.

Like Being a girl isn't stressful enough.

This book was phenomenally hilarious. I was at the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was going to happen. Samantha Granger was cute, funny and very much a kid/teen that I adored.

Samantha is a regular teenage girl who is starting eighth grade. All she wants are friends, a regular life and her first kiss to be with Trevor Hamilton. She's walking home, a little lost, when she runs into a meteorite type of thing in the middle of the woods. Her "regular" life as she knows it is over as her mega-technologic phone, the Electro Wave, is fused into her.

She is now the town's superhero but no one considers her an actual superhero. They think she's behind everything bad that suddenly has happened in her town. Not only is has she gained some power, she has also become very intelligent, thanks to the power of the internet in her head. And now Trevor Hamilton has noticed her. And everytime he does somthing to Samantha, her hormones get out of control which evidentaly controls her powers.

Kari Townsend has a quirky sense of humor and writing style. I spend at least three days reading this novel because I didn't want it to end. The most heart-warming, actual teeneage relateable life(besides the fantasy portion of it) best novel I've read in 2010. Just because it isn't YA doesn't mean I can't love it. :D

I rate this novel Five Stars.

Until next time,

Nyxen's Review of "Elixir"

Elixir by Hilary Duff
330 Pages
Simon & Schuster 2010

A SOUL MATE FOR LIFE...OR DEATH.

Seventeen-year-old Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent politician, she has become a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a world that allows her to travel to many exotic place. But after Clea's father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea begins to notice eerie, shadowy images in her photos of a strange an beautiful young man-a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. A they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father's disappearance, and they discover the centuries-old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives-and their futures.

Let me just say: Hooray for this being my first review of 2011!

Elixir was a book I wanted to read almost immediately. And yes, maybe it was only because of Hilary Duff. I was very skeptical at first to read it though, because when I picture celebrities I don't see them writing. I'm still a little on the 'eh' side if Hilary actually wrote this book. But enough about that.

I want to talk about the cover. I think it's gorgeous! The font is amazing even if it looks plain and it's purple. The iris gives it the right touch. It is a beautiful looking flower, and one of my favorites.

Elixir starts off with the main character, Clea, out dancing in Paris with her best friend. They're on vacation and everything isn't going great for Clea. After her father dies, her life just isn't the same. She doesn't relate to her mom at all and all she has are her two best friends.

This novel is all about life, adventure, and figuring out who you really are, and possibly a love interest along the way. As much as I loved this book, I didn't really like the main character. There was just something about her that seemed off.

The plot takes off right from the beginning. After her vacation in Paris, Clea gets a job in the place her father disappeared from. Everything is filled with twists and turns. I never realized there was going to be a paranormal aspect to it and I just went wild for it!

The fact that this novel talked about soul mates, though, was just something I had to get used too. I've read plenty of books with reincarnation and soul mates so I thought this would end up the same. But it didn't, and i was quite glad.

Overall, this book was very good. Besides some aspects of it which I diidn't like I think some of you would like it! For this, it all depends on the reader.

I rate this book Four Stars.

(I realized this wasn't a very well written review. Forgive me?)

Until next time,

Nyxen's Review of "Hourglass"

Hourglass by Claudia Gray
339 Pages
HarperTeen 2010

BIANCA WILL RISK EVERYTHING TO BE WITH LUCAS.

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire barding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas take refuge with Black Cross, a fanatical group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at its hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend-the vampire Balthazar-hiding is no longer and option.

Soon, Bianca and Lucas are on the run again, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they travel, Bianca can't escape her destiny.

Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything . . . but can it survive what's to come?

Hourglass takes place more or less a week after Stargazer. Bianca, Raquel, and Lucas are now staying and training with Black Cross after the battle at Evernight. For Bianca, she thinks everything has fallen into place but she's wrong. Everything is about to get worse and she can't stop it.

I think Hourglass is the best novel out of the series, so far. it give us more action, more drama, more romance, and even more twists and turns. Once you think it's over, Claudia Gray surprises you.

The characters have really evolved and matured in this one. From beginning to end, you really see Bianca and Lucas grow as one, taking the world by storm. They are faced with decisions that will either make them or break them, whether they can survive the grown up world or not.

I really enjoyed the fact that Bianca had to start makind desicions for not only herslef, but the people around her. Lucas also seemed very different, either that or he was developing. Either way I think he was well written then. Overall, I think the characters were outstanding in this novel.

The plot in Hourglass was just amazing, like nothing I've ever read before. Not only are there vampires in this one, but the wraiths, or ghosts, are back. They're back and out to get Bianca for themselves. Like I said, there was definitely more action and adventure and I practically jumped out of my seat with anticipation.

Claudia Gray really stepped it up with Hourglass, but will she keep it up in Afterlife, Bianca and Lucas's next adventure? Let's hope because so far, I haven't been dissapointed.

I rate this novel Five Stars.

Bee's Review of "Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers"

Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers by Megan McDonald
130 Pages
Scholastic Inc. 2007

Gross Me Out! Stink-O! Skunksville!

When Stink goes to the Everybody Stinks exhibit at the science museum, he discovers that his nose has amazing sniffinh abilities. Before long, he's engrossed in toilet water, corpse flowers, and all things smelly, and he and Sophiee of the Elves are set to go toe-to-toe in a stinky-sneaker contest! Will Stinnk's sneakers be foul enough to win the Golden Clothespin Award?


Today, I am not revewing something. Today, my little brother, Bee, will be writing a review. This was a book report but I asked him if he'd like to be apart of my blog and he said yes. I got this idea from Melina over at Reading Vacation when her little brother wrote a review. So give it up for my brother!

---------------------


HI! Like it, and follow my sister.

The title of the book I read was Stink and the World’s Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers. The author of the book was Megan McDonald. The genre of this book is middle grade fiction.

There were many characters in this book. Stink was the main character along with Judy, Sophie, Stink’s parents, and Ms. D, Stink’s teacher. Stink was a very weird and outgoing character. He would smell three day old pizza and rotten eggs for fun. Judy was Stink’s older sister and was very mean, always teasing her brother. Sophie, whose real name was Elizabeth which she didn’t like, was Stink’s friend. She was similar to Stink except she wasn’t as weird because she wouldn’t smell what he smelt but she did help him create perfumes. Stink’s parents were like your average parents who weren’t overprotective but loved their kids very much. Stink’s teacher, Ms. D, was an average teacher. She loved to see her students learning and being enthusiastic about their studies. The settings in the story place in several places. For instance, in the beginning of the story the setting was at a Science museum, where Ms. D took them on a field trip to the “Gross Me Out” exhibit. In the middle of the story, the setting took place at Stink’s house where Stink and Sophie would make perfumes. At the end of the story, the setting took place at the park where they held a carnival.

Many events took place within this book. One main event was Ms. D taking her class to the science museum where Stink was overjoyed about it. He smelt the world’s worst things that would make other people pass out. Another main event that occurred was when Stink showed a flyer, that he received at the museum, to his parents. The flyer was a “World’s Worst Super-Stinky Sneaker” contest. Ms. D gave all her students a flyer to enter the contest. The last main event was the actual contest where Stink and his family went to carnival where the problems started.

There were not a lot of problems in this book. One of the problems was Sophie also entering the contest. Stink didn’t want to face his friend in the competition because he thought his sneakers were stinkier than Sophie’s and he didn’t want to see her lose. The second problem was when Stink and his family went to the park. Sophie got there before Stink so she knew that a judge for the contest had gotten sick. Stink felt depressed that there was no contest being held. The solution to these problems was very simple. Stink filled in for the judge, disqualifying himself from the contest because he couldn’t be a judge and a contestant. At first he wasn’t happy about this but he also thought it fair. At the end of the book, Sophie ended up winning the contest and Stink got an autograph from a professional smeller.

What I learned from this book is that when it comes to friends and you don’t be selfish and always help the other person. If you want to enter in a competition but also be a judge, you can’t because people will think you’re a cheater. I also learned that cooperating in competitions help you make new friends because you will have something to talk about. I really liked this book because the characters weren’t selfish and loved meeting new people.

--------------------

My brother rates this book Four Stars.

I hope you liked this review. He worked hard on it.

Happy Reading!

Nyxen's Review of "The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud"

The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood
265 Pages
Bantam Books 2004

In a snug New England fishing village, Charlie St. Cloud tends the lawns and monuments of an ancient cemetery where his younger brother, Sam is buried. After surviving the car accident that claimed his brother's life, Charlie is graced with an extraordinary gift: He can see, talk to,, and even play catch with Sam's spirit. Into his magical world comes Tess Carroll, a captivating woman training for a solo sailing trip around the globe. Fate steers her boat into a treacherous storm that propels her into Charlie's life. Their beautiful and uncommon connection leads to a race against time and a choice between death and life, between the past and the future, between holding on and letting go-and the discovery that miracles can happen if we simply open our hearts.

I first bought this book when the movie adaption came out. And I'll be totally honest. I only bought it because of the fact that Zac Efron was going to be in the movie. I know, I'm a loser but I really am sort of obsessed with him. Haha. I bought it so I could read it before I watched the movie. But I never read it and didn't watch the movie until recently.

Charlie St. Cloud is a very emotional and powerful novel. It's a mixture of life, romance, adventure and even the paranormal. Ben Sherwood really captured what it's like to be a very tough situation.

Charlie St. Cloud doesn't know what to do with his life after his brother, Sam, dies in a terrible car accident; one that Charlie thinks is his fault, one that gives him the power to see his spirit. So he into the old shed of the cemetery, becomes the caretaker and every day at sundown, Sam and Charlie play catch. The love that emits from their relationship is amazing. The way they bond, being brothers, is very heart warming.

Charlie thinks his life is going nowhere, and he's okay with that as long he has his brother. But things start to change after Charlie meets Tess. He wants to be with her but his promise to Sam still lingers. He doesn't know who to choose, he doesn't know if he should live his life.

The character development in this novel is outstanding. You can really see Charlie go from a boy to man, from someone lost to someone who knows what he wants. I just love the fact that this novel made me think. It left me wondering by the end of the novel, of all things in life and how it's so short.

If you want a bittersweet novel with a dash of paranormal romance then this is the one for you.

I rate this Five Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Halo"

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
484 Pages
Feiwel and Friends 2010

AN ANGEL IS SENT TO EARTH ON A MISSION.
BUT FALLING IN LOVE IS NOT PART OF THE PLAN.

Three angels - Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human - are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.

Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, an neither of them is able to resist the attractions between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, bu the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong.

The angels' mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?

Alexandra is a genius! Halo is a compelling, beautifully written novel that makes me wish it were my life. The world she creates is magical and sometimes I can even imagine myself within her world. The description is beautiful, the characters are well written and it's just a great novel in general.

Bethany, the youngest of the angels, is just like a regular teenage girl, except more graceful. She's someone I would love to befriend and possibly look up to. The only problem is she does have a human heart (not in a literal sense). Bethany is an angel who cares too much about the humans she must protect and that gets her to fall in love with Xavier. *Sigh* Xavier is just dreamy. He's the kind of boy who you would love to have as a boyfriend. He's every one's dream boy; sweet, charming, charismatic, and loveable. Bethany and Xavier take the world by storm, even if their love is forbidden.

Yes, it's one those forbidden romances but with a twist. And an excellent one at that. It may start of that way but towards the end of the novel you will be at the edge of your seat, literally biting off your nails with anticipation at what's to happen next. I could go on and on about Alexandra's creation, but it would probably be too long. All I can say is that her way with words is like magic; beautiful imagery and an amazing voice. I thoroughly enjoyed Halo and I'm sure you would too.

It was a rather long novel, though. But don't let that stop you from reading it. I cannot wait for Alexandra Adornetto's upcoming novels.

I rate this novel Five Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Rich and Mad"

Rich and Mad by William Nicholson
367 Pages
EgmontUSA 2010

Maddy is a sixteen-year-old who likes a boy in her theater club. Joe is a cute and popular and, incredibly, sending signals that he likes her back. Or does he? Isn't Joe going out with Gemma?

Rich has a crush on Grace, and he even sends a letter or recommendation from the pope to get her to pay attention to him. But Grace doesn't appreciate that tactic. . . .

The problem is, in life's messy mixed signals of friends and lies and sex and status, true love can be hard to find. And the real thing doesn't always come in the most obvious package, either. Is it possible that the person you never thought of that way is the one who will ultimately touch your heart?

First of all, let's talk about this gorgeous cover. I LOVE IT. I was going through amazon one day when I stumbled upon this book. I was immediately drawn to the cover because there's a couple, who look absolutely adorable and the fact that they're in a London phone booth. I then said, "I have to get this book." So then I did, and this is where we are. :D

I honestly did like this book. It really made my heart ache whenever the main character, Maddy, was feeling horrible. I related to her on many levels, but mostly on finding first love.

This book is about first loves, first times, and all the heartache and drama that comes in between that. I'll say I didn't find this novel at all cliche. Okay, there were some points where I thought, 'Would someone really do that?' but I forgot about that after I read Nicholson's superb writing. I think Nicholson is a genius at writing about teenager's and what comes with them. He really captured the essence of what it truly means to be a teenager trying to look for love, especially your first.

Rich and Mad was a compelling novel and i didn't want it to end. I didn't just love it, I learned something from it. I also learned that I have no idea what love is. But, I'm only fifteen so maybe that's why. :P

I recommend this novel but there is content in it that shouldn't go unnoticed. Read this book if you are mature enough to handle the intimate scenes. That is all.

I rate this book Five Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Crescendo"

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
427 Pages
Simon & Schuster 2010

Nora Grey should have known her life was far from perfect. Even though her boyfriend, Patch, also happens to be her literal guardian angel (who, despite the title, is far from angelic), things are not looking up. First there is summer school and facing the nightmare of her enemy Marcie Miller as her lab partner. Then patch starts to pull away with no explanation. And finally, she is having nightmares and visions about her father's murder.

As Nora chooses to ignore her better instincts and delves deeper into the mystery of her father's death, she also begins whether her Nephilim bloodline had something to do with it, which casts more doubt on her relationship (or lack thereof) with Patch. Does he know more than he lets on? Why does he always seem to be standing in front of the answers she is looking for? And if he really is her guardian angel, why is her life always in danger?

The sequel to Becca Fitzpatrick's debut novel starts off with a bang. You literally get sucked into the story and want to continue it, straight through. I was shocked, amazed, and astounded and the story unfolding before me.

I really think this book was an amazing novel and Patch was one of my favorite characters this time. Nora, on the hand, sort of annoyed me. At some points she reminded me too much of Bella in New Moon. If you read that then you know what I'm talking about. Nora was a bit reckless most of the time and I honestly didn't know what was going through her head. Well, technically I did, but you know what I mean. Nora didn't appeal to me as a main character in this one, and that's saying something because I usually love female characters.

And in this one, you'll love Patch even more. At first you'll think to yourself, "What the hell are you doing?" but then you really see him. I really enjoyed reading about him regardless.

The plot was really unique and I loved every second of it. I really think Becca Fitzpatrick wrote an amazing novel, but did it top Hush, Hush? I say you be the judge of that.

I rate this novel Four Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Stargazer"

Stargazer by Claudia Gray
329 Pages
HarperTeen 2009

THE VAMPIRE IN ME WAS CLOSER TO THE SURFACE...

Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous, students of all-vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them.

But Bianca fell in love with Lucas-a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when hiss true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school.

Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross-or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies.

Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning. . . .

Again, I did not only buy this series because of the main character's name. I actually happen to like this series.

Stargazer picks up a couple months after Evernight. It's the beginning of a new school year at Evernight Academy and Bianca is not excited for two reasons. One, she has see Mrs. Bethany again for a whole year and two, Lucas is not attending the school anymore. She's sad, distraught and is constantly thinking about him.

I understand that Bianca loves Lucas but that was all she could think about throughout the entire novel, or almost entire novel. I think Bianca could have done a lot more if she stopped thinking about him the way she did. It was just excessive.

Besides that small thing, I think Claudia Gray did a wonderful job at capturing how Bianca felt in her adventure to survive Evernight Academy and all weird things happening there. There was more to Stargazer than there was in Evernight. The plot was intense with more twists and turns after every page and the characters became more well-developed. Gray's writing flowed magically and smoother in this one. If that makes sense.

My favorite part, of maybe the entire series, would probably be Balthazar. In this novel you get to see more of Bathlazar, his background, his past and what exactly makes him, him. Balthazar would probably be my favorite character out of the rest. He sexy, sweet, smart and everything you would want in a man. I sort of wished Bianca ended up with him by the end of the novel.

Speaking of which, the end of the novel was intense! I was literally holding my breath through the whole thing, scared as to what the outcome would be. Now, even though I wasn't a fan of Bianca constantly thinking about Lucas I still loved how she becomes overjoyed whenever the do see each other. And I was glad that Bianca got to see Lucas at the end.

Overall, I thought this novel was an excellent read, better than the first and I reccomend this to anyone who is in need of a paranormal, forbidden love story.

I rate this Four Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Sharing Sam"

Sharing Sam by Katherine Applegate
155 Pages
Delacorte Press 1995

Alison Chapman has always believed she'd fall in love hard. And she does-with Sam Cody, a new guy with a gorgeous face and brooding eyes, a guy who's impossible to resist. When Sam asks her to the Valentine's Day dance, Alison is elated... until she finds out that her best friend, Isabella Cates-Lopez, has fallen for Sam, too... until she finds out that Isabella is dying. Now Alison wants Isabella's last days to be her happiest ever-even if she and Sam have to hide their love. Even it, bu sharing Sam, Alison risks losing him forever.

Katherine Applegate's poignant novel of love, loss, and the sacrifices made for true friendship will stir reader's hearts.

I thought this was a very sweet novel. Katherine Applegate takes us on a journey filled with so much emotion and understanding. I don't read much contemporary novels but when I do I usually love them because I don't expect much from them. That's what I thought with this one. Sharing Sam tells the story of a love triangle, but the twist is, one of the girls, Isabella, is very sick. So, Alison, the main character, let's her friend date the boy. It's simple really and right to the point.

There was only one major flaw that really bugged me. It was so short, which means it was going to be a quick novel. The beginning started off quickly and it just went on from there. It's a love story and the way they fell in love was sort of unbelievable. The fell too quickly for my taste, and I just didn't like. Now, if the book was longer, Applegate could have started their relationship off slower and have it progress in a way that could have worked.

I also felt the main character was off. I got kind of pissed off that she was letting her first love date her best friend. That just meant I couldn't really connect with the characters. And it didn't really hit me until the end.

This book will make you cry. I honestly thought I wasn't but I did. And I loved it.

I rate this novel Four Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "My Double Life"

My Double Life by Janette Rallison
272 Pages
Putnam Juvenile 2010

You know how they say everyone has a twin somewhere in the world, a person chance has formed to be their mirror image? Well, mine happens to be rock star Kari Kingsley. My life in suburbia is about as far away from a rock star's life as one can get. So was more than surprised when, out of the blue, I was offered the job of being Kari Kingsley's double.

I may not have Hollywood skills, but I am her dead ringer, and the job will pay for college and get me closer to meeting the dad I've never known. I have to take it, even if my mom is dead set against it.

Being Kari has its other perks too. Last month I couldn't even get a date, and now I'm hanging out with Grant Delray, who I've stared at on magazine covers for years. He's everything a girl could want-everything I want. There's just one problem. He thinks I'm Kari.

Isn't it ironic that when I do finally find my father and the love of my life, I'm not allowed to tell either of them who I really am?

I was so excited to read this, and not just because it was personalized. I like to read novels that involve paparazzi, concerts, famous rock star boyfriends. Don't judge me. :P

I think what Rallison did was very entertaining. I couldn't put it down despite the fact it was a bit cliche. It was a fun, light read. If you don't count the fact that the main character, Alexia, grew up fatherless and she's trying to find him. I really connected with her. It was like we were best friends because I instantly knew how she was feeling. I connected with her on a deep level and it felt good to relate to a character without actually relating to her. Does that make sense?

The characters were pretty believable but I would have loved it if they had more depth to them. Kari just seemed like your average, problematic celebrity trying to get help and it didn't give a reason to like her. Grant was pretty much the same (without the problems) but very, very gorgeous. I kept picturing Zac Efron as him. (Like I said, don't judge me.) Everyone else didn't seem to pop out.

The beginning starts off pretty slow, with her describing things and giving us a short back story. I would have loved if the story jumped right in but I understand what she did. The middle is where it starts picking up and by the end of it you're wishing there was more to the story.

All in all, I think Janette Rallison did a pretty good job at capturing what life could really be like as a celebrity. And I hope that never happens to me. Hahaha.

I rate this novel Three Stars.

Nyxen's Review of Mockingjay (Spoiler-Free)

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
400 Pages
Scholastic Press 2010

MY NAME IS KATNISS EVERDEEN.
WHY AM I NOT DEAD?
I SHOULD BE DEAD.

Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans - except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibilty for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feeligs of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost.



This might be a rather long, spoiler-free review, so please bear with me.
Even though this review is spoiler free it only contains one spoiler. Don't worry. It is hidden and must be highlighted.

Let's start with the cover.
I think the cover of Mockingjay is absolutely gorgeous. The background is awesome (and not just because I love blue) and I think the white mockingjay is stunning. I think it is the best cover of all three books. I just think it really goes with the theme/concept of the story-obviously.

I really loved the characters. Katniss, well, I just felt sorry for Katniss most of the time. After all she been through, they would not give her a break. At times, though, I thought she went a little overboard. Sometimes she went from an amazing female protagonist to a whiny one. But I still enjoyed reading about her thoughts. Gale was a character I absolutely loved! And that's saying something because I despised him in the first two novels. We got to see more of Gale and his personality and you could really see how much alike Gale and Katniss were. And so I think the reason why I loved Gale so much was because he reminded so much of the old Katniss. The one I loved. Peeta, Peeta, Peera. Oh my God, Peeta! In this book, he almost gave me a heart attack. All I have to say is don't don't read this book during your math class because you will gasp in shock and surprise causing weird looks from classmates. Peeta is one of the reasons why I almost changed to Team Gale. I could really see what the Capitol can do to you. I realy felt for Peeta and he was, well, OH MY GOSH! SPOILERS: He almost killed Katniss! How could he almost kill Katniss?! I was shocked when that happened and I knew that he ha changed. I don't think he'll ever be the same. I just did not like Peeta most of time in this book. Finnick!! I think everyone can agree that one of their most favorite characters was Finnick. I mean, what's there not to love about. He handsome and very witty. If I didn't live Peeta as much then Finnick would be my kind of guy. He's just charming and very swoon worthy. I'm going to stop talking about characters because I'm afraid I'll start posting spoilers.

I think Suzanne Collins really stepped it up with Mockingjay. There was toms for action and dramatic events that kept my eues glued to the page the whole time. The only thing is I don't think it was as good as the first two books. At times I felt that is was going way too slow and that certain scenes weren't necessary. But once you pass those scenes you were going to be on the ride of you life. Collins's pacing was really well done, besides certain scenes. And everyone was anticipating the ending. They all wanted to know who Katniss was going to end up with and how every character's future will play out.

I, for one, thought the ending was bittersweet. I wouldn't say I loved it because after turnin that page I felt sort of depressed. I didn't react the way I thought I would. I literally closed the book and sat in silence. I don't know if it was just me or other people felt that way but I guess I wasn't satisfied. One word that came to my head, though, after finishing I was WOW. I did enjoy this book and the voice and setence structure and writing in general was outstanding.

I rate this book Five Stars

Nyxen's Review of "The Eternal Ones"

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
416 Pages
Razorbill 2010

Haven Moore has always lived in the tiny town of Snope City, Tennessee. But for as long as she can remember, Haven has experienced visions of a past life as a girl named Constance, whose love for a boy called Ethan ended in a fiery tragedy.

One day, the sight of notorious playboy Iain Morrow on television brings Haven to her knees. Haven flees to New York to find Iain and there, she swept up in an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Is Iain her beloved Ethan? Or is he her murderer in a past life? Haven asks the members of the powerful and mysterious Ouroboros Society to help her unlock the mysteries of reincarnation and discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves, before all is lost and they cycle begins again. But what is the Ouroboros Society? And how can Haven know who to trust?

I was very hesitant to read this book at first because one look at it and it doesn't seem like a YA novel. But I was excited nonetheless because this was my very first I have ever gotten!

This book is crazy! Kirsten Miller's writing is phenomenal. I read this in a matter of days (could have read it sooner but school is horrible) and couldn't get enough of it. The plot is filled with such plot twists and turns that it's impossible to tell what is going to happen until the very end. This novel is like a whodoneit novel. And you don't find out who actually did until the very end.

The characters are wonderful. I related to them, on a certain level, that made me believe they were real. Iain was very mysterious yet very sexy and brooding. I couldn't not love him even with all that sneaking around. Haven was a very likable character. She was naive and innocent but all she wanted was to find the man in her visions. But none of the characters compared to Beau, Haven's gay best friend.
Beau is someone you have to love no matter what. He is the best friend you would want.

Kirsten Miller has created a powerful love story that connects the past with the present. True love never actually dies and Miller made it clear with this novel. Possibly one of the greatest novels I've ever read. The Eternal Ones takes you on the ride of your life with drama, tragedy, and mystery.

I rate this novel Five Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Ascendant"

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund
392 Pages
HarperTeen September 28, 2010

Astrid Llewelyn is now a fully trained unicorn hunter, but she's learning that she can't solve all her problems with a bow and arrow. So when she's given the opportunity to leave the Cloisters and go to France to put her skills to use discovering the Remedy, Astrid leaps at the chance. Finally, she can have exactly what shhe wants - or can she? Soon Astrid begins to questtion everything she thought she believed: her love for Giovannie, her loyalty to the CLoisters, and - most of all - her duty as a hunter. Should Astrid be saving the world from killer unicorns, or saving the unicorns from the world?

Before I start with this review I just want to thank Waste Paper Prose (Susan) for letting me participate in this Mini Blog Tour.

Ascendant really took me by surprise. As in I loved it very much. I was hesitant at first to continue reading it. I mean, it's a novel about unicorn hunters who hunt down vicious unicorns. That really brought my spirits down but I loved it at the same time.

If you want a novel that will suck you in with action, adventure and a little unicorn killing then Ascendant is the book for you! Diana Peterfreund takes on the ride of a lifetime with the sequel to Rampant. Astrid is back with even more drama in her life. I was really intrigued by this novel and thoroughly enjoyed it.

At first, it took me awhile to get into the story. The beginning of the novel was too slow for me but it gradually picked up.

For fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ascendant make you think and jump in your seat. :D

I rate this novel Four Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Evernight"

Evernight by Claudia Gray
352 Pages
HarperTeen

BIANCA WANTS TO ESCAPE.

At the eerily Gothic Evernight Academy, the other students are sleek, smart, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

When she meets handsome, brooding Lucas, he warns her to be careful - even when it comes to caring about him. But the connection between them can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart... and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

SPOILERS AHEAD. READ AT OWN RISK.

I will be bluntly honest. I picked this book up for one reason and one reason only, the name. Seriously, you don't read any books with the name Bianca in it and since it's my name too I thought, "I must buy this immediately!" And I think my instincts told me right.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book immensely. Bahaha, look at me trying to sound smart. That sentence made no sense whatsoever.

When you pick up this book, and look at the cover, you can automatically tell it's a vampire novel. Maybe it was just me but that's what I thought. And the strangest thing is you don't find out it's about vampires until the end of chapter seven page 141. (I just looked that up right now. :P) At first, I didn't know what was going on but I loved how Claudia Gray kept me off of my seat through it all. You go through Bianca's life which is filled with twists and turns and unexplainable things. Gray's way of interpreting her life is really amazing and written magically.

The only thing that bugged me was Bianca, in a way. I guess she's just another vampire heroine who falls in love to quickly for her own good. When she first meets Lucas Ross at the beginning of the story, I could quickly tell she was attracted to him. And that's okay but I just didn't like that she yearned for him, that he was all she could think about. I think her expectations for him are way too high in the relationship category. And as much as I enjoyed Bianca and Lucas together, I felt that she didn't need to think about him almost 24/7. But don't worry! She doesn't actually only talk about him. I still recommend this book to anyone who loves vampires and love. Oh, and did I mention it has hints of being a forbiden love?

I rate this Four Stars.