The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

* * *

Some summers are just destined to be pretty

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer – they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up the way it should have been all along.


I think the best way to describe The Summer I Turned Pretty is that it’s a coming-of-age story. I was expecting some great summer high jinx with plenty of laughs but it’s rather the opposite.


Belly, her brother Steven and their mom, go to this beach house every summer that belongs to her mother’s best friend, Susannah. It’s been a long-lasting friendship, one that’s been through ups and downs and Belly and Steven have pretty much grown up with Susannah’s boys Jeremiah and Conrad.


When Belly arrives at the beach house, the other two boys immediately notice that she’s no longer a little girl. Belly has had a crush on Conrad for as long as she can remember but she’s always been the “little sister” to the boys. And unfortunately because she’s a girl, she’s also felt like the odd one out at times. Belly’s maturing isn’t the only change happening. Steven will be going off to college when the summer is over and Conrad has been acting strange and Susannah has been spending more time in her room. The only one who pays any attention to her and treats her normally is Jeremiah.


The story goes back and forth between present day and previous events that happened at the beach house. Belly does eventually meet another boy, Cam at a party and the two begin to hang out together. As that happens, Conrad and Belly’s relationship becomes tense and Jeremiah is left to be both the buffer and peacemaker.


The book pretty much centers on Belly and her hang up over Conrad. I found it aggravating as the reader that she didn’t pick up on some serious stuff that was hinted at that was happening with other people at the beach house. At the same time, it wasn’t her fault as everyone else felt that they had to protect Belly from what was going on – treating her like a little child, something she was anxiously trying to change.


I was able to finish The Summer I Turned Pretty in one night but at the end I felt solemn.  While it turned out to be completely different from what I thought it would be, it's still a well written story.  It’s not lighthearted because every one has to grow up really fast and face some harsh truths. In the end, it’s more than just a love story but also a story about enduring friendships and growing up.


~ Bel

The Death Cure Book Trailer

Happy Release Day to The Death Cure by James Dashner!

I've raved about the first 2 books - The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials and finally we're here at the end.  Thomas and company are back!  Oh and there's that pesky WICKED too.  Check out the trailer below.

It's a short clip but doesn't it get your adrenaline going? I can't wait to get my hands on it and see what Thomas is up against now!  Excuse me, I'll just hit the replay button on this a few more times ...


~ Bel

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

* * * * *

"I'd expected to die that day.  I was ready.  Being ordered by my True Name to walk away, leaving Meghan to die alone in the Iron Kingdom, nearly shattered me a second time.  If it wasn't for my oath to be with her again, I might've done something suicidal, like challenge Oberon to a battle before the entire Summer Court.  But now that I've made my promise, there is no turning back.  Abandoning my vow will unravel me, bit by bit, until there is nothing left.  Even if I wasn't determined to find a way to survive in the Iron Realm, I'd have no choice but to continue. 

I will be with her again, or I will die.  There aren't any other options."

I’ve only recently come to enjoy Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series.  I’m so glad I finally did!  The series has been so much fun so far and The Iron Knight will not disappoint.  This time the story is told from Ash’s perspective, which I’m certain will delight legions of Team Ash fans. 

When we last saw Ash and Meghan, she had released him from his duty as her knight and banished him from the Iron Realm for his own safety.  Ash made a solemn promise that he’d find a way to be with her again.  The Iron Knight follows him, accompanied by Puck on his journey to become human in order to reunite with Meghan.  Of course, Grimalkin is there as their trusted guide and to provide a cool head and quick wit.  As with the previous books, Kagawa has created a world so rich in detail that it’s easy to get immersed in it and not want to leave. I was so transfixed by the story that every time I was away from the book, I’d think, “I have to get back to Ash.”

Throughout his journey several things happen to Ash that make him question his motives.  I had never doubted his devotion to Meghan but it was an eye opener to watch him come to terms with his decision with who he is.  Is he following through on his promise because he’s a man of his word or is it because he is truly in love?  The trials along the way strengthen his resolve as he learns what it means to be “human”.  There are uncomfortable, gut-wrenching moments particularly when Ash is forced to face the horrendous actions of his past.  It's remarkable to see his once cruel and heartless side and still feel compassion for him.  And there are other moments when I admit I shed a tear or two.  Through it all Ash learns about friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, love and discovers his own humanity.

Among the many highlights of the book is the interaction between Ash and Puck.  We’re all already familiar with the animosity between them and how their once unlikely friendship turned to hatred.  The Iron Knight delves deeper into their estrangement by going beyond Puck’s non-stop banter and Ash’s cold shoulder treatment until they’re ultimately forced to confront each other. It's a tense moment where you're left holding your breath.

Coming to the end of The Iron Knight reminded me of the first time I read The Hobbit.  By the time it was all over and done, I felt like I had gone through everything that had happened in that span of time.  The story this time is less about Faery politics and more about the struggle to find redemption and the opportunity to reinvent oneself.  And the incredible descriptions have left fantastic images in my head that I wish I could see this world as a movie right now.  The Iron Knight easily deserves 5 stars.

~ Bel

Greek Week Winners!

Phew!  That was a long, fun week!  I woke up this morning and tallied the entries for our two contests and we have winners - Woohoo! 

Our first contest is sponsored by Jennifer Estep for a copy of her book Touch of Frost.  And the winner is:

Nicole from The More the Merrier! 


Our second contest is for a hardcover of The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan.  And the winner is:

eclairre!

Congratulations ladies!  I have sent emails to the addresses provided.  If we do not receive mailing information within 48 hours, we will pick new winners.  Thanks to Jennifer Estep for sponsoring the giveaway of Touch of Frost - I really hope you all read it and enjoy it as much as I did! 

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and participating and if you didn't win, never fear, we will be participating in the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer and The Diary of a Bookworm October 24-31.  Check back to see what spooky prizes we have to offer!

~Shel

A Peek in the Biblio-Bin - #5

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. It is a way for bloggers to share what books they have won, received for review, bought from the bookstore, borrowed from the library or friend, etc.

This week Shel gives you a peek into the Biblio-Bin.

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

I, Cassia Bernard, do solemnly swear to find pure red—my passion—this summer. Dad's passion is art. When he's painting, no one can reach him, not even me. My mom's passion was the ocean. She said the ocean allows you to see whatever you want to see. That was one of the last things she ever said to me...

Sometimes what your heart desires isn't what it needs. Over the course of a hot Miami summer, sixteen-year-old Cassia discovers that sometimes it takes bullies and basketball, a best friend, and a gorgeous guy to help you understand what you actually need—and to help you see that, maybe, everything isn't so black and white.

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Logan Quinn was try­ing to kill me. My Spar­tan class­mate relent­lessly pur­sued me, swing­ing his sword at me over and over again, the shin­ing sil­ver blade inch­ing closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes prac­ti­cally glowed with the thrill of battle...

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart — the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword — with Logan’s help — I just might die by the sword …

.

So tell us.  What books did you pick up this week?

Greek Week - Celebrating Coming Attractions

As our Greek Week celebration comes to a close, I wanted to thank everyone for stopping by and participating.  I also wanted to send out a big thanks to the wonderful authors who took time out of their busy schedules to make this week even more fun. 

The gracious Jennifer Estep who holds the distinction of our very first author interview and who was nice enough to donate a copy of Touch of Frost to give away.  Elizabeth Miles who was so nice and funny.  We are sorry we missed you at the YA conference in Naperville, but promise to come see you the next time you are in the area.  Aimee Carter, who worked with us on short notice and despite my insanity.  Thank you ladies, we appreciate you and the hard work you put into the books we love!

So, all of the books we featured this week are part of a series.  We wanted to take this opportunity to close out Greek Week with a preview of the fun to come. 

KISS OF FROST by Jennifer Estep

Logan Quinn was trying to kill me. My Spartan classmate relentlessly pursued me, swinging his sword at me over and over again, the shining silver blade inching closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes practically glowed with the thrill of battle …

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I’m getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart — the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword — with Logan’s help — I just might die by the sword…

 
Kiss of Frost releases November 29, 2011.  I plan on sitting down with this book soon - I am so excited! 
 
 

 
There is also a Mythos Academy short story in the Entangled Anthology: Halloween Frost. 
 

MARK OF ATHENA by Rick Riordan

 

Book 3 in the Heroes of Olympus series has a name!  Unfortunately, we have no other information, but I promise, I will gush about it as soon as more is known! 

 

ENVY (Book 2 in the Fury Series) by Elizabeth Miles

 

From http://www.thefuryseries.com/:

 

Em struggles to untangle what it means to be forever bound to the Furies, while new-girl Skylar will find out just why it’s so dangerous to covet thy neighbor’s (or new bestie’s) goods…

 

We do not have cover art for Envy yet, but I imagine it will be just as beautiful as the cover for Fury.

 

DREAMLESS by Josephine Angelini

 

You can find an excerpt on Josephine Angelini's blog.  I cannot wait to read this one - unfortunately, I have to wait until May 2012!  Boo!

 

SWEET SHADOWS by Tera Lynn Childs

Unfortunately, there is nothing available regarding Sweet Shadows, but I promise to post it as soon as an excerpt or cover appears (I admit that Tera Lynn Childs showed me the picture of what might be the cover of Sweet Shadows and it was GORGEOUS!). 

GODDESS INTERRUPTED by Aimee Carter

Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

Goddess Interrupted will be released by HarlequinTeen in April 2012 (according to Aimee's website, but Amazon says March 27, 2012).

UNDERWORLD by Meg Cabot (Abandon Trilogy Book 2)

I did not repost my review of Abandon this week, but you can find it here.  Book 2, Underworld will release in 2012 (I could not find a release date).  From Goodreads:

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back. Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead. Not this time.


But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey. Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety.


Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.


But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies. And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape.

 

So, thus concludes our Greek Week Celebration.  Thanks for stopping by and participating.  We will announce the winners of our two contests tomorrow - Good luck to all that entered!  Until next time...

~Shel

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

***1/2

From HarlequinTeen:                                           It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

I have read a lot of mythology related books and this is probably the most unique take on the gods I have read.  Kate is a teenager, all alone in the world, except her terminally ill mother.  They move back to her mother's hometown and Kate meets two boys.  One dark, handsome and mysterious.  The other the cute, geeky boy from school.  When she meets the dark and mysterious Henry, she agrees to his test because she thinks she has nothing to lose, but there's always something to lose. 

Kate must come to terms with losing her mother and dealing with the consequences of her bargain with Henry.  If she 'fails' the test she loses everything she cares for, even Henry. In true Greek Myth style, Kate is manipulated and deceived, while the puppet-masters watch from a distance. 

The Goddess Test is very well written and keeps you guessing until the very end (seriously, right up to the last few pages).  I am looking forward to seeing where Goddess Interrupted takes us in the Spring... 

~Shel