Stolen Review

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Publisher: The Chicken House

Release date: May 1, 2010

Source: Publisher

Gemma, 16, is on layover at Bangkok Airport, en route with her parents to a vacation in Vietnam. She steps away for just a second, to get a cup of coffee. Ty--rugged, tan, too old, oddly familiar--pays for Gemma's drink. And drugs it. They talk. Their hands touch. And before Gemma knows what's happening, Ty takes her. Steals her away. The unknowing object of a long obsession, Gemma has been kidnapped by her stalker and brought to the desolate Australian Outback. STOLEN is her gripping story of survival, of how she has to come to terms with her living nightmare--or die trying to fight it.

Review:

Stolen has been sitting on my TBR shelf for a long time... and I don't know why! It was an intense, powerful, and beautifully written debut that will have readers on the edge of their seat until the very last word.

Stolen is going to be difficult to review because I was feeling so much while reading it. Anger, sadness, horror, and anxiety. This book was a whirlwind of emotions and it took me a few days to read mainly because I just needed to absorb everything that was happening. The entire novel is Gemma's letter to her a captor, Ty. It was heart breaking reading about Gemma's abduction and how she dealt with being alone in the Australian outback with a man she feared might kill her.

From the first page I was gripping the book, anxious to see what was going to happen to Gemma and how she was going to survive this nightmare. Her kidnapping was not spontaneous- it was planned by a man who had been stalking her for years. Gemma's reactions to what was happening were believable and heart wrenching. Some days she stayed in bed- home sick and refusing to eat. While on others she acted out, becoming violent and screaming at Ty to release her. I feel like I would react in a similar way, so she became that much more real to me. Gemma was a city girl, with parents, a home, a life. She was someone who I understood and wanted to save. Even when her worst sides came out, her determination and stubbornness shone throughout.

Going into the novel I felt certain I would hate Ty with a burning passion. How could someone, a kidnapper, be understood? Even liked? The more I read, the more I could understand his motives and I realized he truly cared for Gemma and only wanted, what he thought was, the best for her. Gemma's parents may have been cold and demanding at times, and her friends rude and uncaring, but Gemma did have a life and Ty didn't have any right to steal her away. By the end, Ty's past is revealed, and I felt for him, and what he'd been through. He especially loved and cared for nature- living in the Outback was his dream. Away from people, buildings, pollution.. you could see why he thought the home he had built for Gemma and himself was the safest and best place to be.

The plot was well developed and captivating. By the last pages I had a hard time putting this down. I had to find out what happened to Gemma and Ty. The ending is sad and brought tears to my eyes, but I know it was for the best. Lucy Christopher is a truly phenomenal writer and I can't wait to read what she releases next.

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

Introducing 2011: Keri Mikulski

Keri Mikulski teaches writing and resides at the Jersey Shore with her family, where she plays a ton of pick-up basketball and worships Derek Jeter from afar. A three-sport athlete, Keri took enormous pride in her lucky game day scrunchies and half-top Nike Air Jordans.

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Keri's debut novel, HEAD GAMES, will be published by Razorbill/Penguin in January 2011!

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1. What was the inspiration for Head Games?

Everything pretty much inspires me – places, people, music, dreams, and even simple words or phrases.

However, specifically with Head Games, the story began with a ‘what if’ – ‘What if a super tall, super nice, and super talented freshman basketball player would only consider guys who were taller than her? What if she was ferocious on the court, but a total people pleaser off? Then I let my crazy imagination run wild, added embellished details from my own high school experiences, and ended with Taylor Thomas’s story.

2. Have you used any parts other than the setting of the first two Pretty Tough books for your part of the series?

Since it’s set a few years later than the first two series books (which were originally written by the fabulous Liz Tigelaar and published in 2007), Beachwood Academy and the general setting (Southern California) and one character, Martie are the same, but the entire cast of characters (besides Martie) and story lines are different. Also, instead of third person, the new books will be written in first person.

3. Which character do you relate to more- Taylor (the athlete) or Hannah (the fashionista)?

Definitely Taylor the athlete…fashion and I only go as far as handbags and even that is limited. The fashion part of the book was definitely the most difficult for me to write.

4. What plans do you have for future novels in the series?

So far Book 4 will follow the mean girl in HEAD GAMES, Kylie Collins. I’m in the process of revising her side of the story right now and having a blast. As far as the rest of the books, I have a couple of ideas I can’t wait to tackle.

5. Did you have to do any research on basketball or modeling before writing?

Yes.. A ton… Basketball wasn’t too tough since I played since I was seven. But I still relied heavily on a college coach and WNBA journalist to make sure every detail is correct. However, fashion was another story. I Ti-voed as many episodes as I could of America’s Next Top Model, read every Teen Vogue I could get my hands on, and researched fashion trends. Thank God for my fashion savy editors. J

Thanks for having me, Kelsey!! Happy Summer!

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Thanks so much, Keri!

Click here to visit her website.

In My Mailbox (49)

I'm very excited about all these books! I've already read (and loved) Mockingjay and am almost done Ascendant!

For Review:

Split by Swati Avasthi

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love by Trisha Telep (editor)

Jane by April Linder

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman

Moon Spun by Marilee Brothers

The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

Strand:

Virgin Territory by James Lecesne

The Trouble With a Half Moon by Danette Vigilante

Aces Up by Lauren Barnholdt

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Radiance Review

Radiance by Alyson Noel

Publisher: Square Fish

Release date: August 31, 2010

Source: Publisher

Riley Bloom left her sister, Ever, in the world of the living and crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. Riley and her dog, Buttercup, have been reunited with her parents and are just settling into a nice, relaxing death when she's summoned before The Council. They let her in on a secret—the afterlife isn't just an eternity of leisure; Riley has to work. She's been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a curious boy she can't quite figure out.

Riley, Bodhi, and Buttercup return to earth for her first assignment, a Radiant Boy who's been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But he's never met Riley...

Review:

I've read and enjoyed the first two books in the Immortals series, and Riley has always been one of my favorite characters. When I heard she was going to have her own series, I was beyond excited. Luckily, Radiance was a fun and exciting read, and I'm really looking forward to reading the sequel.

After finally crossing over to the Afterlife, Riley learns it's much different than she ever expected. The Council tells Riley she is going to be a Soul Catcher. Her job is to round up stubborn souls who refuse to cross over, and bring them to the other side. Riley is a really sweet and energetic main character, and she never backs down from a challenge. While at times she acts immature, I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the course of the novel. I especially love her attachment to Buttercup. He has a small role in Radiance, but he still adds so much to the story and always can bring a smile to my face.The other main character, Bodhi, is a unique and brave guy, who is the perfect friend for Riley. He can deal with her stubbornness but can also make sure she does the right thing. I can't wait to see where Alyson takes Bodhi, Buttercup, and Riley next!

The plot was original and entertaining and I enjoyed watching Riley, Bodhi, and Buttercup solve the mystery and save the day. Bodhi and Riley were courageous and determined and while they faced some frightening things they never backed down.

This novel is great for fans of the Immortals series, as well as readers who are new to Alyson Noel. She is a great writer and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes next.

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Teaser Tour: Where She Went (and Contest!)

Attention If I Stay Fans:

You know what Mia and Adam went through after the Hall family’s accident, but have you ever wondered what happened ever? Well the wait is almost over—New York Timesbestselling author Gayle Forman has written a sequel to If I Stay. It’s called Where She Went, and it comes out April 2011, but right now she’s doing a teaser tour to give If I Stay fans the scoop on what they can expect from Mia and Adam’s new chapter.

Teaser Number 7:

7. Adam has a girlfriend, who’s not Mia. Her name is Bryn Shraeder. She’s an actress. Together they are a celebrity couple, tabloid fodder. Adam does not enjoy this part of his life.

Want to Pre-order Where She Went? Do it here.

Watch the If I Stay Paperback Trailer:

Contest Time!

I have a signed paperback copy of If I Stay for one lucky winner!

Fill out THIS FORM to enter.

The Julian Game Review

The Julian Game by Adele Griffin

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Release date: August 26, 2010

Source: Author

All new girl Raye Archer wants is a way into the in crowd, so when ice-queen Ella Parker picks her to get back at her ex, the gorgeous Julian Kilgarry, Raye is more than game. Even if it means creating a fake Facebook identity so she can learn enough about Julian to sabotage him. It's a fun and dangerous thrill at first, but Raye hadn't counted on falling for Julian herself and igniting Ella's rage. As Raye works to reconcile the temptress Elizabeth with her real-life self, Ella serves up her own revenge, creating an online smear campaign of nasty rumors and trashy photographs. Suddenly notorious, Raye has to find a way out of the web of deceit that she's helped to build, and back to the relationships that matter. Adele Griffin's riveting novel explores the issues of generation Facebook: the desire to be someone else, real versus online friends, and the pitfalls and fallouts of posting your personal life online for all the world to judge.

Review:

The Julian Game was a unique and intriguing look at how far some people will go to extract revenge. Raye Archer is the new girl and just wants one thing- to fit in with "The Group". A clique of cold, beautiful girls so perfect and untouchable that no one would ever dare try to bring them down. When one of "The Group" Ella Parker reaches out to Raye for help- Raye is overjoyed. Together Raye and Ella help bring Elizabeth (a fake Facebook identity created by Raye and her best friend) to life. Ella wants Elizabeth, with Raye behind her, to bring down her ex-boyfriend Julian. But things get a lot more complicated than Raye ever imagined.

The plot was really original and completely different than anything I've read before. Watching Raye get roped into Ella's devious scheme was frightening. Ella was practically controlling Raye's every move. The idea of Elizabeth was definitely unique and it was scary to see how far some people will go to get revenge on the people that wronged them. As Raye realized Ella was taking the Elizabeth thing a little too far, she decides to take action. Unfortunately she starts to fall for the very person she's supposed to be destroying- Julian.

Raye was at first a desperate and sheltered character who didn't really know what was happening to her by getting involved with Ella. I really liked Raye and while at times I couldn't believe she was being fooled by the worst people, she was truly good at heart. Raye wasn't the only good character- I really liked her best friend and was glad when they worked things out. Natalya was a sweet, strong girl who was a great friend to Raye. Adele Griffin really knows how to create the nastiest characters! Ella was determined, frightening, and stealthy. She would take down anyone that got in her way and wouldn't think twice about it. As the revenge on Julian got more and more convoluted, Ella's true colors were really starting to show. I was glad when Raye stood up for herself, but, unfortunately, this made things even worse for herself.

The romantic interest, Julian, wasn't always who he appeared either. At times he seemed like the innocent victim, but as the novel progressed he turned out to be very different than I originally thought.

When Ella launches her second revenge plan- this time on Raye- I began to wonder: How far will she go? After compromising pictures go up and slandering rumors, Raye's life is getting really tangled up. She not only has to deal with Ella and Julian, but now the whole school as well.

Overall, The Julian Game was a complex and original novel that shows the dangers of sites like Facebook and how lies and deceit can come back to haunt you. It's an intriguing and different read that you can finish within a few hours. The Julian Game was a little difficult to review because so much was going on and there were a lot of twists and turns (I don't want to spoil anything!) but I definitely recommend checking it out!

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

Kayla McHenry’s sweet sixteen sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla’s secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin’ do.

Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year’s supply of gumballs arrives. A boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of the same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla’s wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride . . . but they MUST STOP. Because when she was fifteen? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her. And Ben is her best friend’s boyfriend.

Review:

I was so excited to receive a copy of You Wish to review- luckily it was everything I had hoped for and more!

I loved how relatable and down to earth the main character, Kayla, was. She was just a normal high school student dealing with a lot of everyday problems. Kayla was determined to be different, and I loved this about her. She didn't care what others thought about her and always stood up for what she believed in.

There were a variety of characters introduced over the course of this novel, but the main ones were Ben, Nicole, and Ann. I loved all of them. Ben was a sweet and caring guy and Nicole and Ann were both understanding and great friends. Nicole changed a lot over the course of the novel, but she was still the same sweet girl at heart. I could understand her want to come out of her shell and do something she'd always dreamed of doing. Ann (hint: one of the wishes) was a quirky and good natured character and I loved watching her experiencing so many "human" things. Kayla's family was small. Her mother was a work a holic and didn't have any time for Kayla or her needs.

As for the plot, it was one of the most fun and original of any book I've read. The idea of your birthday wishes actually coming true was such a cool concept and I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what wish would happen each day. The novel was mainly building up to Kayla's fifteenth birthday wish- for Ben Mackenzie to kiss her and unfortunately he was also her best friend Nicole's boyfriend! A variety of other wishes occurred, mainly silly, like a My Little Pony coming to life as well as various other toys/dolls. Kayla had to work hard to make sure her secret was kept, well, secret. She couldn't tell anyone what was going on and she had a hard time concealing the pony and Ken (her "boyfriend"). I enjoyed reading each page, something interesting was always happening and you never knew what was going to happen next.

This is a perfect summer read. It is light hearted and fun, with some more serious events occurring, and Kayla learns a lot about herself, and those around her, by the end of the book.

I have yet to read Mandy's debut, Prada and Prejudice, but I definitely want to after reading You Wish! Out in paperback, I definitely recommend picking this up to read before summer ends or once fall arrives! An entertaining and original read, you'll be left wondering what would happen if your birthday wishes came true!

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

August 5, 2010/Razorbill/272 Pages/Young Adult

Source: Publisher (ARC)

Other books by this author: Prada and Prejudice

Introducing 2011: Alissa Grosso

At various points in her working life Alissa has

been a tavern wench, a term paper writer, a newspaper editor and a

children’s librarian. She owns very few garments that aren’t covered

with cat or dog hair. She lives in New Jersey.

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Alissa's debut novel, THE SUBROSA SEMESTERS, will be published by Flux in March 2011.

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1. THE SUBROSA SEMESTERS has gone through a few title changes, how has each one come to be and why was it ultimately rejected (or kept)?

Over its long history (I began the first version over 10 years ago) quite a lot changed. In its many draft forms the title of the novel was THE BALDERDASH SEMESTERS. I can't recall why I originally chose the title. The draft that I finally submitted for publication had almost nothing in common with that original book other than the same title and a few of the same character names. I clung to the title because I completely lacked the brain power to come up with anything even remotely decent, but I'm not sure that the title entirely fit the novel.

THE SUBROSA SEMESTERS was suggested by my publisher, Flux. I'm pretty sure I sounded like a complete idiot on the phone when I heard about the new title. I made my editor repeat the words like three times. Then I asked him to spell it. Then I had to admit that I didn't know what it meant. I have since been reassured that many folks don't know what it means. It means literally "under the rose" but is used to describe something that's secret, and that does really fit the novel better than "balderdash" which was thought to have a more old-fashioned sound to it.

2. You describe THE SUBROSA SEMESTERS as a "dark tale of high school popularity"- what exactly does that mean?

Good question. I like to use vague shorthand because I am horrible in summing up a whole novel in a couple of sentences, but I will do my best.

THE SUBROSA SEMESTERS tells the story of a high school clique that is anything but conventional. The lives of these seemingly misfit girls all seem to be headed in different directions, but they have a secret. (This is why the new title fits the novel a little better.) This secret, which has led to their popularity also turns out to be the cause of their downfall.

3. In the past you've written some short stories, what was the biggest difference between writing them and a full novel?

Well, the biggest difference between writing short stories and novels is the length. It took me from first draft to final draft over ten years to write THE SUBROSA SEMESTERS but I was only working on it off and on. A complete short story can be written in a single weekend.

The thing about novels is that characters and the story can have a lot more depth. In a short story, I don't really get to know my characters as well as I do in a novel.

4. In what ways have you put yourself into your characters?

Another great question. At first, I was thinking that none of the characters in THE SUBROSA SEMESTERS were really autobiographical in any way, but then I realized there is a character that is most like me. It wasn't immediately apparent to me, and might not be to a lot of folks because it's a guy. I have a lot in common with Alex who is the boyfriend of Hamilton, the leader of the clique. I wouldn't go so far as saying that he's me in male form, but now that I think about it I wonder if my subconscious saw some connection between the two of us when it gave him a name that was vaguely similar to my own.

5. Is there a specific message you are trying to spread by writing THE SUBROSA SEMESTERS?

I wouldn't go so far as saying that there's a specific message to THE SUBROSA SEMESTERS, but at the core of the novel is the idea that the popular high school student doesn't always have to fit into a narrow stereotype. I loathe stereotypes, and have strived hard my whole life to defy them.

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Thanks so much, Alissa!

Click here to visit her website!

In My Mailbox (48)

For Review:

Matched by Ally Condie

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford

Romeo and Juliet and Vampires by Claudia Gabel & William Shakespeare

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Rae by Chelsea Rae Swiggett

Girl Stolen by April Henry

Flip by Martyn Bedford

Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian

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