Mini Reviews: Legend and Amplified

Woohoo! It's mini review time again, in which I tell you more briefly than normal about some upcoming books I've already read and enjoyed.

Legend by Marie Lu: This one has an interesting setting, similar to other dystopians while still being very different. What makes it stand out though is the dual perspective, one privileged and one from the slums, and Marie does a really good job of blending their stories together as things go on. There's a slowly building mystery that will keep the pages turning, but the growing relationship between the two drove things far more for me. Day is a fantastically well done characters, so protective of his family and friends, so perceptive, and so genuinely caring and yet he acts out just enough, commits just enough crime however petty and no matter his motive good or otherwise, to be the Republic's most wanted criminal. He walks that line so well, and Marie really captures the full scope of who he is. June is this mix of stuck up and ready to break out, and though I admit I liked Day's character a little more, she still held her own. This one has a good plot, not necessarily the most original but Marie definitely throws plenty of her own things in there and puts the entire story together really well. If you're a fan of dystopian, definitely pick this one up.

Amplified by Tara Kelly: I. Love. This. Book. It's got its emotional parts, and pulls in some hefty stuff, but overall it's this funny, make you grin kind of read. Whether you love music or not, you'll love the way Tara turns music and beats into words that any reader can understand. The story is fantastic, very well paced and thought out, with just a few beautifully built subplots that weave together in the best way. But what really shines is the characters. Jasmine is the girl who speaks her mind and doesn't take people's crap, yet she's shy and awkward and scared. Even with this, she has great internal strength and determination that flies off the pages. Then there's Sean. Perfectly tormented and angsty with just the right amount of broken, yet sensitive and sweet and this soft kind of sexy that melts you faster than ice cream in the summer. He's far from perfect, but man do you just want to steal this boy. And closing that out is the rest of the stellar cast, each one so well written and defined, and some of the most memorable and sprightly characters around. From the solid, amazing writing to the fab characters and the awesome story line, this book is just an all over hit and an absolute must read.

Character Interview: Gio from A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie

It's one thing to send questions knowing what character the author is replying as... it's something else, and maybe far more fun, to send in questions without knowing who you're interviewing, and I have to say, A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie author Matt Blackwell did a fantastic job picking a character to answer my random questions. And with that, meet Gio: an afro-puffed, lingo-inventing, smooth-talking, poetic soul who befriends Rene, the protagonist with OCD, and tutors him the art of playing it cool.


Growing up, who did you look up to the most?

Bob Dylan. Singer, songwriter, and poet. Now, I know he can a bit whiney, and I admit that he’s been with a few too many ladies, but the man is a genius. And, like me, he is a great hair haver. At least he used to be.

You're locked in a room with a dragon! What do you do?

Tell him to get off my biscuit!

If he still doesn’t leave me alone, and refuses to be a nice dragon, then I will tame him?

How will I tame him? Duh, haven’t you seen Shrek?
 

If you could plan your perfect date, what would happen?

I’ll take her to a spoken word event. I will be a late addition to the list of performers. And my spoken word poem will be about how much I love her, how her voice melts into butterscotch pudding, how she makes me king of all territories—both foreign and domestic, as well as scholastic—and the last stanza will be a marriage proposal.

Then we’ll take a stroll to a park, where I’ll serenade her with Spanish guitar. Yes, I will also be singing my spoken word poem, from the top of my lungs. And yes, my lungs are tall, like my hair, which she will be massaging as I sing because she is a professional masseuse.

Also, I will smell like a fresh Colorado stream as this is happening.

What god/goddess would be your nemesis?

Zeus. What a showoff. His arrogance gives me the creeps.
 
What kind of cookie would you describe yourself as?

A snickerdoodle, because who doesn’t like the sound of “snickerdoodle?” Seriously, if you don’t like the sound of snickerdoodle, it’s about time you received help. If you don’t know who to turn to, put up an ad on Craigslist that says, “Please help; I no longer feel joy or laughter.”

Now, I have an easy time relating to a snickerdoodle because I do feel joy, and I’ve been known to inspire laughter. Not always laugh out laugh laughter (LOLL), but laughter. And I’m known for words, like snickerdoodle, that make people smile: “b’noodles,” and “brotherman,” to name two. B’noodles is a unique and cool word that means “unique” and “cool.” Brotherman means . . . well, you’ll just have to read Rene and my story. 


Thank you, Matt and Gio, for sharing those answers, and congrats on the release!

Make sure you guys all check out A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie and meet Gio and the rest of the great cast of characters! Also be sure to check out Matt's website and his twitter!

Character and Author Interview + Contest: Eileen Cook

I've stolen a character to interview again! But this time, the author decided to answer the questions as herself as well... so with that, I bring you guys not only Lauren Wood from Eileen Cook's Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood, but also Eileen. And because she is so awesome, Eileen has also brought you guys a contest for her MG book Fourth Grade Fairy!

Note from Eileen: There is a reason Helen wants revenge on Lauren. She’s not the easiest person to get along with.

Describe yourself in 4 words.

Lauren: I’m not the kind of person who is easily summed up in four words, I would have to go with fabulous, determined, talented and beautiful. It’s not easy being me, other people can get envious.

Eileen: Funny, creative, goofy, kind. 

If you were lost like Nemo, what would be your biggest obstacle in getting home?

Lauren: I wouldn’t be lost. I’d simply pull out my dad’s platinum Amex card and arrange for first class ticket home.

Eileen: I have zero ability to read a map or follow directions, so I could get lost in my own house. If I were Nemo my biggest obstacle would be keeping focused on going home. I’m easily distracted, so I would want to meet everyone and see all sorts of things instead of remembering that I was supposed to be going somewhere.

What type of puppy would you describe yourself as?

Lauren: I have no idea why I would ever compare myself to a dog. Now, I can imagine describing myself as a member of the royal family if I had married William I would have picked a dress with a bit more bling than Kate Middleton and I never would let my sister where something that looked that good on my special day. Okay, if I had to be a dog, I would be a Pomeranian, with one of those cute pink polka dotted bows in my hair.

Eileen: I would be a terrier- very determined, love shoes (although unlike my dogs who chew on them, I would only fondle them with love), energetic- but also the kind to like a lazy nap in a patch of sunshine.
 
What's your biggest guilty pleasure?

Lauren: Pleasure should never be guilty. I keep a vigilant watch on my weight so eating something other than salad (no dressing) is a treat.

Eileen: I absolutely LOVE getting a book I’ve been waiting to read rushing home and flopping on the sofa with my dogs and a cookie and reading for the whole afternoon.

What god/goddess would be your nemesis?

Lauren: Is there a goddess for unpopular people? She would be against me for sure. It’s strictly envy.

Eileen: Always keep the gods and goddesses on your good side is a motto of mine. People who can smite you and chase you with lightening shouldn’t be made angry.

Boxers or Briefs?

Lauren: Designer silk boxers.

Eileen: I’m more of a bikini panty girl myself, but on guys I like those hybrid brief/boxers where it is like a brief, but longer.

Who was your first crush?

Lauren: Don’t tell anyone, but I have a bit of a crush on Christopher. I know he’s not my typical type (wildly popular), but I think he’s amazing.

Eileen: I liked my neighbor Scotty when I was growing up, but then he cut all the hair off my Barbie doll. After that I decided I hated him.

Thank you, Eileen and Lauren, for those creative and differing answers.

Make sure you guys all check out Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood, already out, along with Eileen's other great titles!

But now for your chance to win a copy of her MG, Fourth Grade Fairy, just fill out THIS form. Contest is International, and ends July 13.

Book Review: Wildefire by Karsten Knight

SUMMARY: Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.


OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version:
Unique in concept and engaging in play out, Wildefire covers a range of emotions and builds a strong plot with fantastic characters. Filled with witty banter and sarcastic retorts, and written in an incredibly fluid, intelligent way, this one is both fun and interesting. Ashline is a phenomenal central character, smoothly built and perfectly damaged to create a well rounded, fully dimensional and relatable protagonist. The plot has a very steady pace, and with easily inserted world building but plenty of mystery, Wildefire rockets out of the gate and doesn’t hold back.

The Extended Version:
Ashline has an incredible internal strength that explodes off the pages from the start and doesn’t relent. Even when she’s unsure about something, Ash never backs down or makes excuses for herself. Her sarcasm is hilarious and she always has a come back for everything, no matter the situation. Even when forced to face some hard truths not only about herself but others, Ashline finds a way to handle it in a way that says so much about her character, while still being understandable and fun for the reader. She is fierce in all the best ways, gentle at just the right moments, and intelligent in the most refreshing of manners.

Apart from Ashline, there are several others characters who play a strong role and have pretty large presences throughout. Eve, Ashline’s older sister, shows up at the most unexpected but perfectly timed moments, and seems to wreak havoc wherever she goes. Knight does a remarkable job showcasing the full nature of the relationship between these two, from the connection of sisterhood to the push and pull of their differing personalities and actions. Despite her violent overtones, Eve has some softer moments, pitching her in a subtly sympathetic light that has a lasting impact. Cole has an intriguing nature from the first time he steps onto the pages, and is suave and smooth while still unsure in all the right ways to make him downright delectable and memorable. Raja is my favorite character of the bunch, as witty and on her toes as Ashline and makes some fantastic character strides. Though she comes across at first as the stereotypical gorgeous snob, she is far from it and Knight weaves this perfectly throughout. Closing out the cast of characters is Rolfe and Ade, two boys who are swoon worthy and completely fun, and Jackie, who fits into things in an interesting way, and is a great friend to Ash.

Though the characters stand out prominently, and have a beautiful kinship between them that plays an integral part in the whole story, the plot also has a lasting effect. With new elements mixing with some polished, known concepts, Wildefire covers the gauntlet from downright creepy to empowering. Intertwining mythologies and giving a very strong contemporary and human component to it, Knight has built something that is unlike anything else. The worldbuilding happens in a very easy way, often coming through quietly without the reader fully realizing it until later. Playing heavily on building mystery while still revealing new information at a steady rate as well, Knight has woven a perfect mystery in a fun and fresh way.

Rounding out this book’s homerun in quality is the writing. Though written in third person, this one puts the reader right into Ashline’s mind throughout and forges a very intense connection from the start. Never once did I find myself drifting out of her head, nor did I notice the third person perspective for the bulk of the story. With gorgeous, noteworthy descriptions and a fantastic grasp on and use of the English language at its finest, Knight not only showcases his storytelling skills but his writing talents as well. The descriptions have a great flow, never coming off as bulky or forced, and create a very firm imagery. Even with this, there is still a very distinct and clear voice that clearly screams Ashline, while still giving intonation to the other characters as well.

Though ending on a killer, jaw dropping cliffhanger, Knight wraps up much of this book’s events while still leaving it in a place where the reader will have no way of predicting what’s coming next. There are plenty of completely unexpected twists and reveals, and the full magnitude of everything laid down in this installment is impressive. The chapter set up also adds an interesting overall element to the book, breaking it not only down by day but into three sections, with an interlude to each that adds a huge level of mystery. The transitions between, however, are very smooth, and tie together by the end of the book. Interesting and fun more than anything, but still harboring plenty of intense moments, and with some very well done action scenes, Wildefire breaks new ground both in concept and play out.

Details:

Source: ARC borrowed from friend 

Reading level: Young Adult 

Hardcover: 400 pages 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Publication Date: July 26, 2011

In My Mailbox + ALA

I haven't done an IMM for a few weeks, mostly because I was lazy, then last weekend I was in New Orleans for ALA, so this is a few weeks worth... but it's been a slow few weeks, which is fine, because I ended up with a ton of books after ALA. ALA was AMAZING. Absolutely, completely amazing. I met so many awesome authors, writers, and bloggers, some of whom I haven't properly stalked in the days since I've been home but rest assured, your business cards are in a stack to be gone through!

But for those of you who are here just for the books, we'll get to the IMM portion of this post, then I'll do my probably quick ALA write up with the highlights because honestly, there was so much awesome both at the actual convention and especially after hours that I cannot possibly write it all up.

For Review:

My Beating Teenage Heart by CK Kelly Martin

Sassy and Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler

A Closer Look by Karen DelleCava

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

I feel like I might have forgotten one or two, and if I realize it soon enough I will put them in next week's IMM. But that's it for that, and now on to my ALA adventures, and some pictures to boot! I ended up getting a ton of books, pretty much all the ones upcoming that I wanted that I didn't already have, and found out about some other awesome books I probably wouldn't have known about if it wasn't for ALA. So before I do anything else, here's my stacks of books, at least YA. I also brought home about 14 adult titles, including Ellen Hopkins's Triangles which I am super excited for, but didn't put them in the photo. There's a few others that my best friend is borrowing first, so they aren't in here either but... details.

The hardbacks in there are ones I bought at author signings, along with a few of the paperbacks. I think out of all the books, I am most excited for Name of the Star, The Space Between, The Beginning of After, Stay With Me, Blood Wounds and How to Save a Life. 

Yes! I met Veronica Roth! I was only freaking out a little... or a lot. But she has lovely and nice in person and she seems!

 And here I am with Jay Asher... found him on the floor, and since I had randomly met him the night before hanging out with people, I awkwardly asked for a picture. He was nice enough to agree.

 With Ruta Sepetys, who is fantastic and so fun to talk to!

 Brenna Yovanoff! She is one of the authors I squealed about when I saw her name on the list.

Sunday night I met up with some of my writing and authorly friends, and it was one of those things where a few of us set the plans and word spread to get this group of amazing. It was a fantastic last night, and left to right are: Michelle Hodkin (The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer), Jessica Martinez (Virtuosity), Elana Johnson (Possession), Shannon Messenger, Carolina Valdez Miller, Kirsten Hubbard (Like Mandarin), Kate Hart, me, Jessi Kirby (Moonglass).

I had a dinner with awesome people Thursday as well, including Shannon and Carol from the picture above, but didn't get any pictures during it because I'm silly and forgetful. Friday night was also one of those make plans with a few, and then a bunch of people show up, and while I do have pictures, the best friend took them on her camera and hasn't sent all of them over yet. But nothing says vacation like getting beignets at 2 am then going home to crash before getting up at 730 am to go to the conference and start all over again. 

Saturday night was the author/blogger meet up put together by Kelly at Stacked and YA Highway at a cute little wine bar. I met Sarah Enni there, one of the newest additions to YA Highway, along with some great bloggers and writers. I admit, I actually turned in early Saturday night and was in my hotel by about 10:30... the two nights before had been pretty exhausting.... in all the best ways.

There were plenty of other authors I met, but it would be a ton of pictures and like I said, the best friend hasn't yet sent all of them, but I stayed pretty busy the whole time, didn't sleep much, but enjoyed every minute of it. I got to spend quite a bit of time with Mary Lindsey, Courtney Allison Moulton, Leah Clifford and Lisa Desrochers--all people I talk to regularly and think are great, but we don't get to hang much. Even if it's just getting dinner together, we had a blast. Julie Cross, author of the upcoming Tempest, also hung out with us Friday night, and if you ever have a chance to talk to this woman, definitely take it. She is hilarious and fun.

I went with my best friend and Jessi from The Elliott Review, and we all got along fantastically. We took a city bus tour on Friday which was fantastic- I definitely recommend taking one if you ever go. Our guide knew so many little facts and details, and so much history, but didn't just drone on and on. I also learned about how their above ground cemeteries work which honestly, is just brilliant. 

So all in all, ALA was a success and amazing and awesome and so worth the trip, and I have every intention of trying to go next year even if it's further away in California.

Author Interview + Contest: Lisa Desrochers

Today's guest is none other than the lovely Lisa Desrochers, but she isn't just answering the interview questions I throw at her. Nope. I put the caveat on her that she has to answer using only lines from her book. So with that, I bring you: Lisa!


Because finding book lines to answer these questions was torture, and Kari loves to torture me, I expanded my pool to include Personal Demons (1), Original Sin (2) and The Novel Formerly Known as Hellbent, aka: book 3 (2). You’re getting a sneak peek, but I won’t tell you which quotes are from which book. You have to guess =)

If Luc and Gabe were forced to spend a night together, what would likely happen?

Blasts of red Hellfire erupt all around us, leaving small craters in the pavement. The air crackles as a red streak scorches past my head, and the smell of singed hair and brimstone is suddenly heavy in the damp night air.


What would be the best part about having wings for you?

I feel myself floating, like air.

What was the hardest part about writing Original Sin, compared to Personal Demons?

This guy is majorly pissing me off. (That would refer to some of the characters ;p)

You have one day to do anything you want, no repercussions. What do you do?

I wrap my legs around him, giving him permission to take that last step and free me from my misery, telling him that I want him to with my body. (But is that with Luc or Gabe?? ;p)

What is the most private thing you're willing to share here?

Umm…I think I just did. O_O Okay, here’s your book line answer. Just thinking about him makes me tingle in places I’ll never admit to.


Thank you, Lisa, for those fantastic, and rather hot, answers!

Original Sin hits shelves Tuesday, so be sure you pick it up!

But for your chance to win a signed galley of this book, just fill out THIS form!

Contest is US Only and ends July 8.