Book Review: Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan

SUMMARY:

Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.


OPINION: 2 STARS

The Short Version:
Interesting in premise, Immortal Beloved held quite a bit of promise but admittedly fell short for me. With a five hundred year old character who mostly just hasn’t matured, the feeling, in my opinion, of one long tantrum, and little overall explanation, I had a hard time staying focused despite the addictive nature of this book. The characters, on a whole, were intriguing, each with their own fallacies and quirks, and the rehab aspect of Nastasya’s escape adds a nice element. Bits of intrest and development are scattered throughout, and in a way, I couldn’t put the book down, but in the end, I had a hard time overall with this one.


The Extended Version:
Nastasya is difficult to like, selfish in substantial ways and naïve in others. Admittedly, I had a hard time understanding why the single event that triggered her flight was so significant, but it made for a good starting point of the book and was wrenching for a reader. Her emotions were wild throughout the book, particularly after she began to remember more of her past that she had blocked out. Her story is well built, particularly the parts she has fought to forget, and the revealing of them holds a large portion of this book. The nuances about her are explained, and that aspect of the story was very well done and enjoyable.

Reyn starts off as a jerk but holds quite a bit of intrigue because of it. Potentially falling into the jerky romantic interest cliché, his past intertwines with Nastasya’s in unexpected ways, though I did feel the actual nature of this ended up being anticlimactic given the build up and reactions. He is “god’s gift to women” and seems to both know it and be oblivious to it, and he has a surprising intensity about him in everything he does. He most definitely gives off creeper vibes, but has his own motivations and reasons.

The interactions between Reyn and Nastasya are comical and frustrating, as well as intriguing. I did enjoy many of their interactions, and part of me cheered for them as a couple while the other was determined to find out the truth lurking behind their seemingly instantly distaste for each other. I appreciate this aspect of the story, but it wasn't the most compelling angle for me.

Many parts of the book were repetitive and lacking in excitement, and I hard a very hard time connecting to Nastasya in any substantial way. Mostly, I found her to be petty and selfish, and immature despite her age. It wasn’t that immortals stayed in a teenage mindset, but that this specific immature simply acted like a bratty kid rather than an adult. Though she did go through a great amount of personal development, that was about all that was achieved in this book. Though there were a few lingering, intriguing questions at the close of this book, I didn’t feel it was enough for me, personally.

Though this book fell short for me for several reasons, I would still encourage others to read it, especially those who really like the different takes on immortality. The world building for that aspect was well done, and the truth about Nastasya herself is fantastic. The writing, while not striking, didn’t detract from the book and did add a certain element to Nastasya.

Details:
Source: ARC received for review from publisher
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316035920
ISBN-13: 978-0316035927

In My Mailbox

Books. I got books! Hooray! Which is the point of this post, I know. So let's get to it!

For Review:
Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
Jumpstart the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
I Am Nuchu by Brenda Stanley
Firebrand by Gillian Phillips
The Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green
(Huge thanks to Kimberly Derting + Harper Collins, Catherine Ryan Hyde + Knopf, Little Brown, WestSide Books, Gillian Phillips and Planned TV Arts)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Book Review: Take Me There by Carolee Dean

SUMMARY:

Sometimes sexy, sometimes sad, and always intense, Take Me There is a dark and surprising novel about a boy on the run who's headed nowhere fast.

Dylan has a bad-boy past and a criminal record. He knows that rich, beautiful Jess is way too good for him—but she has always been the one person who sees through his tough exterior and straight to his heart, and he has been hopelessly in love with her from the first time they met. He would change his life for a chance with her.

But trouble follows Dylan wherever he goes, and a deadly mistake soon forces him to hit the road and leave his dreams behind. He’s on the run and in search of answers—answers to questions he wishes he’d never asked.


OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version:
Thought provoking and heartrending, Take Me There hits on some raw elements not always seen in YA and handles it effortlessly. Dylan is a mess of his own making, now trying to get back on the straight and narrow but hitting endless snags beyond his control. Weighed down by his best and only friend Wade, and suddenly on the run from not only the police but a gang, Dylan finds himself back in Texas where his grandmother lives—and the same state where his father is imprisoned. Hitting into family issues, friend issues, and just trying to find his own in the world, this book will really challenge the reader’s way of thinking and leave them with innumerable feelings by the end.


The Extended Version:
Dylan is flawed in so many ways, but at his core, he truly is a good kid despite the juvie record and his past. His relationship with his mother isn’t great, and his father is in a Texas state prison. He loves his mom, but it’s already clear he is more or less drifting on his own. He strives to better himself, and his struggle is so gutting and real. His emotions are strong and his actions bold. As he learns more about the events leading up to the night his father was arrested, the reader gets both a better look at Dylan’s character and his family.

Wade is a loser, so to speak, going nowhere fast and dragging Dylan under with him. Their kinship is strong and realistic, but this is certainly a case where maybe they are better off apart. Wade is on the slow side, and Wade makes countless mistakes, but every time, Dylan is by his side. Even when they are at each other’s throats, these two have a bond stronger than most blood brothers. Wade’s own character develops in surprising ways, and his final closing part of the story is interesting.

Jessica is a fantastic romantic interest for Dylan, and in her own way, drives part of the story. She is impulsive but thoughtful, rich but not conceited. There is an immediate spark between her and Dylan, and the romance side of the book was handled perfectly, especially in a male perspective. She saw straight through to inside of Dylan, and didn’t shy away at his history. Even when he was on the run, Jess was fierce in her emotions for him.

The rest of the cast is well developed and ranges from cranky and ornery to good people to flat out jerks. The setting in small town Texas is fantastically well done, holding football on the pedestal that is often true in these towns, along with a certain closed mindset towards outsiders. Add in who Dylan’s father is, and he receives friction from the start. Despite having people around him, there is a certain amount of aloneness that accompanies Dylan that really pulls the reader towards him even more.

There is a large character development aspect to this book, but the events moved steadily with plenty of mystery and intrigue. From the truth about his father’s incarceration to the impending execution, and everything else with Dylan’s life and friends, there is always something to keep the pages turning. Dylan dives into finding the truth in things he maybe shouldn't have, forced to face the repercussions of his actions. Dean’s writing is fantastic, giving a distinct voice to Dylan, going even further to differentiate between his stressed, running rampant thoughts and his more normal stream of consciousness and thought processes.

Overall, Take Me There is stunningly well written with a strong male voice. It centers around events not often brought up in YA and has several very gutting messages. My emotions were twisted and shredded by the end of this book, but in the end, it was absolutely worth it.

Details:

Source: Received from author for review
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse; Original edition (July 20, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416989501
ISBN-13: 978-1416989509

Book Review: Knight Angels- The Book of Revenge by Abra Ebner (Blog Tour)

SUMMARY:

New characters, New world, but old enemies. Emily struggles to ignore a new friend with emotions that temp her, Wes delves deeper into his past and family while finding friendship isn't reserved for the human race alone, Jane finds out her dear Max isn't what he seems, Gregs friendships cost him more than he expected, and Max forgets that the truth is best. But then again, someone always has to be the liar...
Emotional baggage, begrudged enemies, and the bitterness that comes when the honeymoon of their friendship fades...
Will the love survive, or as it all just a game?


OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version:
Picking up after the events of the first book, Knight Angels 2 continues to build both the world and the characters. With plenty of twists, the introduction of some interesting new characters, and a fantastic ending to this installment, Ebner has continued to show her writing abilities strongly. The alternative perspectives between Wes, Max, Jane and Emily, along with some new additions, flow smoothly and build an overall great picture without revealing too much within each.


The Extended Version:
There are some clear changes in all four central characters after the events of book 1, while still keeping a strong connection to their overall natures and personalities. Wes is my personal favorite, awkward and adorable but still funny, sweet and strong at all the right times. His interactions with Emily are loving and protective, and despite their past, he is still fantastic towards Jane, as well. The tension of the lingering connections there stays strong, showing when it needs to.

Max's character really develops, with much of his history revealed in this installment. His torment and battles are concise and well written, and the impact they have not only on himself but Jane and the others as well is filled with tension and frustration. A large part of the plot of this one is driven by certain parts of his past, and while the story did drag in some places, overall, it really built things up in a fantastic way.

Jane is still awkward in her own skill and somewhat grumpy, but there is still a different spark and change in her seen throughout the book. She makes some great character strides in this one, and her relationship even with her sister starts to change as well. Emily is still sprightly and snarky, sassy in an endearing way. She is admittedly the most changed after book 1, for good reason, and there is a strong vulnerability to her that slowly gets revealed more and more.

The plot itself is mostly steadily paced, despite a few lags. There is plenty of intrigue and small twists that add up to a big climax and stunning conclusion. The new characters are strongly inserted and developed, and drive much of the plot. Ebner's writing continues to be fluid and strong, giving subtle differences in mindset to each of the characters will still holding an overall similar connection and signature.

Continuing to build on events and background of book 1, evoking new situations and responses, and revealing more about the world at hand, Ebner has written a strong follow up to the first book in this series. Tying up the events of this book and leaving things open for the next, there is still small story arcs to keep the reader questioning and yearning.

Next stop in Abra's blog tour: Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm
Full Tour Details
Buy the book: Amazon B&N Book Depository Indie Bound

Book Details:
Source: Received for review from author as part of a promotional blog tour with The {Teen} Book Scene
Paperback: 326 pages
Publisher: Crimson Oak Publishing LLC (September 10, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982950500
ISBN-13: 978-0982950500

Boys, Boys... and more Boys

I've made posts before about boys in YA that I like... okay, ones that I love. But the problem with such lists is they only include boys I've read at that time. Then I go and read more, and meet more boys... and frankly, I think there's a growing conspiracy in YA to make most every boy swoonworthy. The point of this? Here's some of the latest hotties that make me drool, swoon.... and other things. This one's in no particular order. A real top ten list will come at a later date.

Seth from Freefall by Mindi Scott: He's broken and real and a mess. That part of every chick that wants to fix the broken boy? Seth appeals to it. Add in the way he falls for Rosetta and it's easy to imagine being her, and having his attention go to you like that. And face it, that's a pretty darn good feeling. Also, he's in a band.

Will from Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton: This one comes as no surprise, I know, but he hasn't officially been on any sort of list yet (but Vampire Academy Adrian just might have a run for his money now as my *favorite* boy). Will is... grumpy and awkward and a little creepy, but he's also a damn good fighter, more loyal than a German Shepherd, and has a certain intensity that is a total turn out. There also might be something about a six foot sword....

Will from Firelight by Sophie Jordan: Will basically gives new meaning to the term smoldering, sexy, on fire... he makes Jacinda steam, literally, but draki or not, I think he would make a little steam come off any girl. He's intense and tormented, and just the right mix of angsty and adorable.

Logan from Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready: Okay, he's a little on the stupid side at times... and okay so bad things happen from it. But he's still loving, even if he goes to kind of awkward extremes to show it. He wants to make everyone happy, even if it means he ends up upsetting more people as a result. And really, Logan is just... fantastic. Also, he's in a band. Automatic hottie points.

Wesley from The DUFF by Kody Keplinger: Wesley is basically the epitome of jerky, cocky, playboy. But he's got that broken side, he's darn good in bed, and when he lets his walls down, watch out, because it's awesome. Wesley says all the right things when he needs to, and one of *the* best lines to make a girl melt I've ever read comes from Wesley.

And that, my awesome followers, are some of the latest contenders for my Top Ten YA Hotties list.

Book Review + Author Vlog: Freefall by Mindi Scott (Blog Tour)

SUMMARY:

How do you come back from the point of no return?

Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend, Isaac, alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time when Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn't wake up.

Convinced that his own actions led to his friend's death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.

Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth soon realizes he isn't the only one who needs saving . . .

OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version:
Freefall is a brilliant debut and a refreshing read. From the male narrative, the romantic element, and plenty of aspects that will reach a range of readers regardless of age or sex, Freefall is a hit. Scott’s writing is natural and smooth, and Seth’s voice is one of the most stand out aspects. With several twists—many of which are hard to predict—a beautifully handled ending, and a well developed, bold cast of characters that cover a range of backgrounds, personalities and styles, Freefall is engaging from start to finish.

The Extended Version:
A striking blend of humor, intensity and emotion, Freefall is a beautiful telling of one teen muddling through life and trying to figure things out. Hitting on both light and heavy topics, Freefall holds nothing back when it comes to Seth’s life. With fantastic background built into the story and interspersed throughout, a strong narrative, and fantastic writing, this book is a stunning debut.

Seth is, by reputation, a jerkwad and a loser. He’s going nowhere, and the world might even be better off without him in it. But Seth is trying, and it is this single quality alone that made my heart pour out to him and root for him. He has no one to hold him accountable, no reason to try in school, and it seems like he has no reason to stop drinking all the time and wasting his life away. Yet Seth wants more, and it is from this launching point Freefall pulls the reader quickly into Seth’s world. He’s smart, but overtaken by untapped potential. He’s funny, attractive, and friendly. But he’s also someone who runs from his problems, lashes out, drowns himself in his misery, and seems to screw up everything he touches. Seth is flawed in ways he can't even see, and yet Scott has written him in a way that is sympathetic and understandable. When his entire background is taken into account, the road that’s led him to where he is makes sense. Even at his worst moments, there is still an endearing element to Seth and I completely empathized with this boy. The changes he makes are astounding, well paced, and perfectly build, making Seth a very three dimensional, raw character.

Rosetta is gorgeous and funny, with her own outlook on life. While she may be the driving force that really pushed Seth to try to change his life and figure things out, his own desires and motives where there even before Rosetta walked into his life. With baggage of her own, the two find common ground in surprising ways but that doesn’t shield them from still facing pitfalls of their own. The interactions between these two cover an array of settings and outcomes, adding a perfect romantic and dramatic element to the book.

Daniel is an interesting character as well. He plays in the same band as Seth, led by Seth’s older brother, Jared. Daniel’s a drop out, same as Jared, and also on the road to nowhere fast. In many ways, it seems like he’s dragging Seth down. He isn’t the best influence, and he pulls Seth into some bad situations, but the underlying friendship is still clear. These two have a surprising intensity between them that pushes over into many other aspects of both Seth’s mindset and his life.

Kendall is another strong player in this story, the trailer park girl who moved up to the rich part of town. She and Seth have known each other almost their whole lives and have a surprising history between them. Kendall is a mess, but also has a beautiful strength to her that resonates throughout. For every mistake she makes, Kendall seems to come back swinging to make up for it in even bigger ways, and I completely adored the way she and Seth interacted. Some of the most intense, stunning moments of the book were between these two.

Freefall is a mixture of romance, drama and coming of age. There are several intense scenes filled with unadulterated emotion but the underlying messages run deep and strike the reader quickly and strongly. Despite these scenes, the majority of the book really is humorous. Much of this comes from Seth. Scott has nailed the male narrative, bringing Seth to life in fantastic ways. His logic is so simple and logical it’s funny. The things he says, the thoughts he has, and the reasons he does things build his personality in a great way. He slips the reader into his mind easily from the start, and through Scott’s writing and his narrative, the reader is often left feeling confused and shocked. His emotions are raw and unstoppable, his screw ups huge and frustrating, and his comebacks gratifying.

~*~

In addition to this review and as a part of the blog tour with The {Teen} Book Scene, I'm premiering Mindi's vlog tour of what makes up Seth's fictional town of Kenburn. This was the first vlog Mindi ever recorded back in the summer, but it's being seen for the first time now!

Thank you, Mindi, for that look at Kenburn! Make sure you continue to follow this blog tour, stopping at Just Your Typical Book Blog for a music related interview and a great contest!