tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19358428470920112662024-02-19T09:49:54.774-07:00SHS Titan LibraryThe library may be closed, but we're always reading!SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-71138955921455247102014-02-06T09:40:00.000-07:002014-02-06T09:40:58.421-07:00January 2014<img alt="The Ocean at the End of the..." class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1351914778s/15783514.jpg" /> <em>The</em> <em>Ocean At The End Of The Lane</em><br />
<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Although the house he lived in is long gone, he is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and grandmother. Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie—magical, comforting, wise beyond her years—promised to protect him, no matter what.-GoodReads</em><br />
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Once we started, we couldn't put it down. As usual, Gaiman has crafted a story that is a perfect blend of fantasy and horror. In fact, this is our new favorite Gaiman (sorry, <em>Graveyard Book</em>). There are lots of great quotes and we got teary-eyed several times (we are suckers for kids and their pets). <br />
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<img alt="Picture Me Gone" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1385354628s/17465457.jpg" /> <em>Picture Me Gone</em><br />
<em> </em><strong>Grade: A-</strong><br />
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<em>Mila has an exceptional talent for reading a room—sensing hidden facts and unspoken emotions from clues that others overlook. So when her father’s best friend, Matthew, goes missing from his upstate New York home, Mila and her beloved father travel from London to find him. She collects information about Matthew from his belongings, from his wife and baby, from the dog he left behind and from the ghosts of his past—slowly piecing together the story everyone else has missed. But just when she’s closest to solving the mystery, a shocking bet</em><em>rayal calls into question her trust in the one person she thought she could read best.</em> <em>-GoodReads</em><br />
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Contemporary teen drama has been gaining ground in the YA genre world and we think <em>Picture Me Gone</em> is a good one to start with. You won't find anything magic or paranormal here- just one tween's perception of an adult world. Meg Rosoff has created a main character (Mila) that's difficult to forget. If you're tired of the dystopian sci-fi, this is a great alternative.<br />
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<img alt="Fangirl" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1355886270s/16068905.jpg" /> <em>Fangirl</em><br />
<strong>Grade: A-</strong><br />
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Cath and her twin-sister, Wren, are heading off to college and that means big changes. Wren has already declared her independence by letting Cath know that she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath, feeling a bit abandoned, decides that as long as she has her fan fiction, she'll be okay. But college life packs more of a punch then either of them are prepared for and with a bi-polar, single parent back home, Cath finds she may not be brave enough to live on her own.<br />
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Rainbow Rowell continues to impress with stories that speak to the YA reader. Always formulating believable characters, dialogue, and situations that keep you wanting more, Fangirl is almost perfect. The use of fan fiction as a vehicle for character emotions and plot, was brilliant! We suggest that you read <em>Eleanor & Park</em> first, then move on to <em>Fangirl</em>. The stories are not related, but the move from the high school setting to college will allow you to see just how talented Rowell is.<br />
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<img alt="These Broken Stars (Starbou..." class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1383578978s/13138635.jpg" /> <em>These Broken Stars</em><br />
<strong>Grade: B+</strong><br />
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<span id="freeText269997850383970432"><em>Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac and Tarver survive. And they seem to be alone. But with only each other to rely on, they must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.-GoodReads</em></span><br />
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<span>We have changed the grade on this one several times. It wasn't bad, but there was A LOT of walking across the planet with not much going on. There's a space ship, some romance, a conspiracy, an alien planet... does this sound a bit like <em>Chaos Walking</em> or <em>Across The Universe</em>? If you haven't read either of those trilogies (WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!), perhaps you'll agree with all of the on-line hype about this being such an original story. It's the first in a trilogy (how original).</span><br />
<span></span>SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-30352303301505614312014-01-03T10:44:00.000-07:002014-01-03T10:44:38.863-07:00December Reviews 2013<img alt="Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1370282544s/13477676.jpg" /> Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock<br />
<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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<em>Today is Leonard Peacock's birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather's P-38 pistol. But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school's class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.-GoodReads</em><br />
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As you can tell by the summary, this is one for mature readers. Yes, there will be horrible thoughts, language, and situations, but we can promise you that they are essential to the storyline and you will like how it all ends. If you enjoyed <em>Thirteen Reasons Why</em> or <em>Perks of Being a Wallflower</em>, you should consider adding this one to your 'to-read' pile.<br />
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<img alt="Curtsies & Conspiracies (Fi..." class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1359660588s/15723286.jpg" /> Curtsies & Conspiracies<br />
<strong>Grade: B+</strong><br />
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<em>Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy (won't Mumsy be surprised?). Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners.-GoodReads</em><br />
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Book 2 of <em>The Finishing School</em> series moves along quicker than <em>Etiquette & Espionage</em> since there isn't much need to set up the characters. This time Sophronia and company are engaged in a battle to procure a device that will expand travel possibilities for supernaturals. There's a bit more action, a lot more flirting, and just as many quips this time around. <br />
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<img alt="Strings Attached" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328837891s/8712325.jpg" /> Strings Attached<br />
<strong>Grade: B</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>When Kit Corrigan arrives in New York City, she doesn't have much. She's fled from her family in Providence, Rhode Island, and she's broken off her tempestuous relationship with a boy named Billy, who's enlisted in the army. </em><em>The city doesn't exactly welcome her with open arms. She gets a bit part as a chorus girl in a Broadway show, but she knows that's not going to last very long. She needs help--and then it comes, from an unexpected source.-GoodReads</em><br />
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This is our first historical fiction set in 1950's mob-ridden New York, and while the plot is intriguing, the timeline is chopped up and feels a bit clunky. The focus is on the relationships of the characters, not so much the setting or history of the time. It's not a bad read, but not something that you can't live without.<br />
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<img alt="Teen Angst? Naaah..." class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1386920086s/19474.jpg" /> Teen Angst? Naaah...<br />
<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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<em>Ned Vizzini writes about the weird, funny, and sometimes mortifying moments that made up his teen years.-GoodReads</em><br />
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Doesn't matter when or where you were a teenager, there are just some things that happen to us all- for better or worse. If you need to read an autobiography for Honors English, this is one we would suggest.<br />
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SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-69283272208400571972013-12-06T13:43:00.002-07:002013-12-06T13:43:57.119-07:00November Reveiws 2013<img alt="Man Made Boy" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1363445304s/17297488.jpg" /> Man Made Boy<br />
<strong>Grade: B-</strong><br />
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<em>Sixteen-year-old Boy’s never left home. When you’re the son of Frankenstein’s monster and the Bride, it’s tough to go out in public, unless you want to draw the attention of a torch-wielding mob. And since Boy and his family live in a secret enclave of monsters hidden under Times Square, it’s important they maintain a low profile.-GoodReads</em><br />
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Like many other reviewers, we had a difficult time putting this one in a specific genre. Despite the fact that there are paranormal characters, it is not a horror novel. And although "Boy" does go on an adventure, it is more of a self-discovery sort instead of monster battling. If you're looking for a fairly interesting re-telling of the Frankenstein (or in this case, Son of Frankenstein) story, this will work.<br />
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<img alt="Palace of Spies" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1373398802s/17165966.jpg" /> Palace of Spies<br />
<strong>Grade: C-</strong><br />
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<em>Sixteen-year-old Peggy is a well-bred orphan who is coerced into posing as a lady in waiting at the palace of King George I. Life is grand, until Peggy starts to suspect that the girl she's impersonating might have been murdered. Unless Peggy can discover the truth, she might be doomed to the same terrible fate. But in a court of shadows and intrigue, anyone could be a spy—perhaps even the handsome young artist with whom Peggy is falling in love...-GoodReads</em><br />
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We had high hopes for this one. We enjoyed Sara Zettel's <em>Dust Girl </em>and the plot of <em>Palace of Spies</em> sounded great. But after a good beginning (well described setting, fine dialogue, likable characters), it turned into a big snooze-fest. All of the action that should take place at the palace becomes muddled in a weak romance. We perked up again when Peggy's friend is poisoned, but found it difficult to slog through to the end. There are better historical fictions out there.<br />
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<img alt="Uncrashable Dakota" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1362226127s/17343402.jpg" /> Uncrashable Dakota<br />
<strong>Grade: B</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>It's 1912, and the titanic Dakota flagship embarks on its maiden flight. But shortly after the journey begins, the airship is hijacked. Fighting to save the ship, the young heir of the Dakota empire, Hollis, along with his brilliant friend Delia and his stepbrother, Rob, are plunged into the midst of a long-simmering family feud. Maybe Samuel’s final secret wasn’t just the tinkering of a madman after all.-GoodReads</em><br />
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A quick, creative read for Steampunk fans or those looking to start with some "light" Steampunk.<br />
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<img alt="Across a Star-Swept Sea (Fo..." class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360807066s/16102412.jpg" /> Across A Star Swept Sea<br />
<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeText10161042383984422691"><em>Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction—the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars—is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries’ weapon is a drug that damages their enemies’ brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.-GoodReads</em></span><br />
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<span>We were so excited when we found out that Peterfrund would be writing another Sci-Fi reinvented Classic! This time, she has used <em>The Scarlet Pimpernel</em> for the framework- BRILLIANT! If you read the first book (<em>For Darkness Shows The Stars</em>) in the series, you'll be happy to see several cross-over characters make a cameo appearance. If you are a fan of the original <em>Scarlet Pimpernel</em>, you'll be pleased to see the perfect balance between adventure and romance in this re-telling. We can't wait to see which Classic she picks for the next installment. We'd love to see something along the lines of <em>Last of the Mohicans</em>.</span>SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-14311301295621868162013-11-04T15:00:00.000-07:002013-11-04T15:00:54.776-07:00October Reviews 2013<img alt="Inhuman (Fetch, #1)" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1370659655s/13517617.jpg" /> Inhuman<br />
<strong>Grade: C</strong><br />
<em>America has been ravaged by a war that has left the eastern half of the country riddled with mutation. Many of the people there exhibit varying degrees of animal traits. Even the plant life has gone feral. Crossing from west to east is supposed to be forbidden, but sometimes it’s necessary. Some enter the Savage Zone to provide humanitarian relief. Sixteen-year-old Lane’s father goes there to retrieve lost artifacts—until he is caught.-</em> <em>GoodReads</em><br />
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Although it is action packed and there are some funny conversations, there is little to no character development. Again we have characters thrown in to a crazy circumstance who just happen to have combat/ninja skills. This only really works when the author provides a bit more of a back story with world building. Having said that, it is a quick read and fairly enjoyable if you are looking for a reality-suspended adventure. It is the first in a series/trilogy.<br />
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<img alt="Marie Antoinette, Serial Ki..." class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1359648992s/16139598.jpg" /> Marie Antoinette: Serial Killer<br />
<strong>Grade: D</strong><br />
<span id="freeText5339174241556790258"><em>Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots. But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.-GoodReads</em></span><br />
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<span>Here is where judging a book by it's title can go so horribly wrong! We were really excited when we heard about this one. Title=A+, Cover=B+, Concept=A.... and then we read it- ugh. Colette is a push-over, her two rich friends are just awful, and her new-perfectly nice friends- are completely forgotten after a few pages. The ghost was appropriately creepy. The settings were pretty cool, and the idea about the Order of the Key was certainly intriguing, but the author couldn't pull it all together. How about we all sit down and re-write this one?</span><br />
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<span><img alt="Steelheart (Reckoners, #1)" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1357576738s/17182126.jpg" /> Steelheart</span><br />
<span> <strong>Grade: B-</strong></span><br />
<span><em>Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his will. Nobody fights the Epics... nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.-GoodReads</em></span><br />
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<span>If you are an <em>Agents of Shield</em>, <em>Avengers</em>, or a Brandon Sanderson fan- you will love <em>Steelheart</em>. We thought the storyline was good, the action was well done (if extensive), but we have seen these characters before. It's still an entertaining read and something to tied everyone over until the next <em>Stormlight Archive</em> novel.</span><br />
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<span><img alt="All the Truth That's In Me" class="bookSmallImg" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1364245088s/17297487.jpg" /> All The Truth That's In Me</span><br />
<span> <strong>Grade: A</strong></span><br />
<span><span id="freeText4449538065095987973"><em>Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever.-GoodReads</em></span></span><br />
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<span><span>Absolutely FANTASTIC! You've got a real original here with well crafted writing and characters to root for. Although a specific time and place are not named, it feels like historical fiction. You'll find yourself turning pages as fast as you can in order to solve the mystery and to see if Judith will triumph in the end. </span></span>SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-32161003319889264602013-09-30T09:28:00.002-06:002013-10-03T09:40:18.270-06:00September Reivews 2013<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Rose Under Fire" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368219053s/17262236.jpg" /></div>
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<strong>Rose Under Fire</strong><br />
<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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<span id="freeText14618676820287625390"><em>While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that’s in store for her?- Goodreads</em></span><br />
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From the author of <em>Code Name Verity,</em> comes a second WWII story. Based on historical research and little known facts about female pilots serving their country, <em>Rose Under Fire</em> is sure to leave you reaching for the Kleenex. You don't need to have read <em>Code Name Verity</em>, but we suggest you get to that one eventually too. Both books are easily two of the best YA Historical Fiction novels to have ever been written!<br />
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<img alt="Between the Devil and the D..." class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1350334557s/12930909.jpg" /> <strong>Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: B+</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town… until River West comes along. River rents the guest house behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. -Goodreads</em><br />
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We kept wavering between an A- and a B+ on this one. Lots of atmosphere (some are referring to it as a Gothic-Horror-Romance), but sometimes it didn't seem to fit with the direction of the story. We love the creepy, possessed kids looking for the devil in the graveyard and the scary train tunnel. But there were times when it also felt like scenes had been scrounged from other books. Since this is only book one, perhaps it will come together a bit more in book two. Not a total waste of time and certainly different from most of the devil-comes-to-town books out there.<br />
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<img alt="The Clockwork Scarab (Stoke..." class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1359826044s/17084242.jpg" /> <strong>The Clockwork Scarab</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: A-</strong><br />
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<span id="freeTextContainer9841801519442823936"><em>Evaline Stoker and Mina Holmes never meant to get into the family business. But when you’re the sister of Bram and the niece of Sherlock, vampire hunting and mystery solving are in your blood. And when two society girls go missing, there’s no one more qualified to investigate. -Goodreads</em></span><br />
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The concept of this mash-up alone deserves a good grade. There are only two things that we weren't really happy about: character distinction and time travel. The book is written in alternating chapters between Mina and Evaline. One is supposed to be very observant and logical (similar to the current BBC <em>Sherlock</em> TV show) while the other is more emotional and reactive. We had a difficult time always keeping the two characters separate and several chapters overlap with each other so that each character's perspective of the situation can be shown. In other words, be sure to identify which character is providing the chapter before you begin. We also didn't love the time travel victim that blunders into the story. Its the beginning of a series and sure to attract fans of mash-ups and steampunk.<br />
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<img alt="Not a Drop to Drink" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1360951660s/13112869.jpg" /> <strong>Not A Drop To Drink</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: B+</strong><br />
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<em>Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all. -Goodreads</em><br />
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A typical post-apocalyptic survival story (except there are no zombies or aliens). The water supply in the US has been compromised, resulting in a devastating loss of life to cholera. Pockets of survivors have two choices: move into the walled cities where water is rationed to the highest bidder, or fortify themselves next to a natural water source, fighting off roaming packs of wild animals and raiders. <br />
We were hoping for something more original in this genre, but aside from the lack of paranormal monsters, it was just more of the same. That doesn't mean that it is poorly written or lacking in action, just not much to set it apart from the others. <br />
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<br />SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-89816364069451720242013-09-03T07:52:00.000-06:002013-09-03T07:52:02.689-06:00August Reviews 2013<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Butter" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1330188575s/9634267.jpg" /></div>
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<strong>Butter</strong><br />
<strong>Grade: B-</strong><br />
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<em>Butter</em>, is the story of a morbidly-obese, teen who decides to live-stream his suicide by over eating. After years and years of being bullied and everyone (adults included) calling him "Butter" instead of by his real name, he creates the website "Buttlerslastmeal.com" and invites his tormentors to suggest items for his last meal. The response to the website is overwhelming and unexpected. In fact, it feels a lot like popularity- something that Butter has only experienced as a result of his weight. As the grim deadline approaches, will Butter follow through with his plans or will he save himself?<br />
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We have to admit, this is a pretty bold storyline for mature readers and we were thinking about it long after finishing the final page. There were some conversations we wish had happened between characters and others that were so extreme, that it took us out of the story for a bit. We think <em>Thirteen Reasons Why</em> is a better read concerning bullying and suicide, but this one is certainly unique.<br />
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<img alt="Born of Illusion (Born of I..." class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1351059808s/13000748.jpg" /> <strong>Born of Illusion</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: B-</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Possibly a new YA series, <em>Born of Illusion</em> is set in 1920's New York and tells the story of Anna Van Housen and her uncanny abilities as a magician. Many compare her to the great Harry Houdini and some believe she may actually posses supernatural gifts. Her talents attract the attentions of the Society of Psychical Research, who may not just be observing their subjects, but causing them actual harm. <br />
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With kidnappings, mediums speaking to the dead, and a bit of romance, <em>Born of Illusion</em> is an okay read (certainly no <em>Diviners</em>). We liked the descriptions of the time and the tension between Anna and her mother, but felt like the plot wrapped up too quickly and shabbily. <br />
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<img alt="Railsea" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1321409808s/12392681.jpg" /> <strong>Railsea</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: A</strong><br />
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<em>Moby Dick</em> and a bit of <em>Treasure Island</em> combined and updated with a good dose of steampunk. Instead of ships on the ocean, they use trains crossing a vast landscape of rails. Instead of a white wale, they are searching for giant moles that burst from the earth. <br />
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We love it when talented authors take Classics and, without dropping the beautiful language, they give us something that feels new and is totally creative. We suggest you give this one a try, then move on to Herman Melville's classic.<br />
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<img alt="172 Hours on the Moon" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328284786s/12810834.jpg" /> <strong>172 Hours on the Moon</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: B+</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
In an effort to boost interest in returning to the moon, an international lottery is held to select several teens for the honor of representing their countries on another expedition. But there is a terrifying reason why no one has returned to the moon in decades.<br />
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If you are looking for a sci-fi thriller on the moon, with a complete lack of reality (and science), then you should try <em>172 Hours on the Moon</em>. Just go with the flow and don't analyze whether or not NASA would actually send teens into space or if characters would really react this way.<br />
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<img alt="In the After (In the After #1)" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1351415769s/12157407.jpg" /> <strong>In The After</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: A</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span id="freeText2930975397863160200">They hear the most silent of footsteps.<br />They are faster than anything you've ever seen.<br />And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead. -<em>Goodreads</em></span><br />
<span><em></em></span><br />
<span>Are they aliens, zombies, or something else? Amy has been trapped in her home alone for weeks, watching the world fall apart. It isn't until she is forced to leave in search of supplies, that she stumbles across "Baby," a toddler left behind in the chaos. The girls hear rumors of a colony of survivors, but are not sure if the group can be trusted. </span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>We really liked this one. We have also noticed a bit of a book brawl between <em>In The After</em> and <em>The 5th Wave</em>. They do have similar storylines, but we felt that this one was a bit more original and moved at a faster pace.</span>SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-74191997429801700342013-07-28T14:35:00.002-06:002013-07-28T19:28:02.976-06:00July Reviews 2013<br />
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<strong>The 5th Wave</strong><br />
<strong>Grade: B+</strong><br />
After four successful "waves" of an alien invasion, the world is down to a handful of survivors. Cassie, sets out on what appears to be a hopeless journey to rescue her brother who may already be dead. <br />
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We love Rick Yancey and we are totally on-board with the whole alien invasion craze that is coming to all of our shelves this fall. We immediately put <em>The 5th Wave</em> on our alert list so that we could read it the moment it was for sale. But mid-way through we began to realize a couple of things- 1) We've read this story before and it was called <em>The Passage</em>. Just swap out the aliens and put in vampires. 2) At some point, toward the end of the book, it turns in to <em>Ender's Game</em>. 3) We know Mr. Yancey is talented, but this just doesn't sound like him (can you say "ghost writer"?). The online clips of each wave will grab you and it's not a total waste of your time to read, but we don't think it lived up to all of the hype. <br />
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<img alt="Belle Epoque" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1351057673s/13642661.jpg" /> <strong>Belle Epoque</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: B</strong><br />
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Imagine living in Paris and getting paid to shop and attend lavish parties, but only if you agree to accompany daughters of wealthy Parisians because they think you are plain and will highlight their own daughters' beauty. Maude leaves behind her meager country life for the excitement of Paris only to find that most of the things that are pretty on the outside can be quite ugly on the inside. <br />
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The author, Elizabeth Ross, does a great job setting the scene and creating the characters, but the story is a bit slow. However, if you like historical fiction, particularly one set in Paris, then pick this up.<br />
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<img alt="Black Hole Sun (Hell's Cros..." class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1316991541s/7031835.jpg" /> <strong>Black Hole Sun</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: B</strong><br />
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<em><span id="freeTextContainer16376172424779981367">On Mars, a planetary version of the Wild West, Durango and his crew of mercenaries for hire try to prevent a feral band of marauders from stealing the settlers' most valuable resource.</span> -GoodReads</em><br />
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Book 1 of the <em>Hell's Cross</em> trilogy reads like an action movie- lots of action that you are thrown into without much character development early on, so you don't really know if you should care about someone being in danger. But, if you go into it knowing that it is just a fun romp on Mars, you'll like it. We really enjoyed the ribbing that the main character Durango and his implanted assistant Vienne give each other. It's a fast read and the entire trilogy is on our shelves.<br />
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<img alt="Eleanor and Park" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345685973s/15795357.jpg" /> <strong>Eleanor & Park</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: A-</strong><br />
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It's 1986 and Eleanor and Park, two misfit teens, are smart enough to know that first-loves rarely last and can be devastating, but they are brave enough to try. <br />
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If you are a fan of <em>Dash and Lily's Book of Dares</em> or just about anything by Sarah Dessen, you should give this one a try. We love the honesty of the story and the authentic characters. We expect to see this one on a couple of award lists this year, so don't miss out. SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-55791000097744873742013-06-28T15:46:00.000-06:002013-06-28T15:46:17.304-06:00June Reviews 2013<br />
<strong><img alt="Catherine" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351776832s/11266086.jpg" /> Catherine</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: A-</strong><br />
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Author April Lindner continues to modernize those British Classics that everyone has been forced to read in their English class. This time, <em>Catherine</em>, is the modern re-telling of Brontes' <em>Wuthering Heights</em>. Although we are still firmly entrenched in the <em>Jane Eyre</em> camp, we found this version of <em>Wuthering Heights</em> far less annoying and easier to follow. We suggest that you read both this version and the original. If you want even more Catherine and Heathcliff drama, you can follow up the books with one of the many films. <br />
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<img alt="Paper Valentine" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350335466s/12109772.jpg" /> <strong>Paper Valentine</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: A</strong><br />
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We have heard that author Brenna Yovanoff writes some crazy, disturbing, but totally fantastic books- and it's TRUE! We thought we'd start with <em>Paper Valentine</em> (guess it was one of those "let's read about serial killers" moments). Hannah's best friend, Lillian died six months ago of starvation. Hannah blames herself for letting her friend waste away and now Lillian is haunting her, trying to get her to investigate a series of murders that are happening in their town. Strange storyline, but certainly not your typical girl detective works with ghost. In fact it really is so much more. If you read this one and like it, we've got her other two- <em>The Replacement</em> and <em>The Space Between</em>- already on our shelves.<br />
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<img alt="Dodger" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1343828971s/13516846.jpg" /> <strong>Dodger</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: A-</strong><br />
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Pratchett fans probably won't be disappointed- we weren't, but there were some slow moments in this one and some that felt as though they had been repeated. Dodger saves the day by rescuing a damsel in distress, becomes friends with Charles Dickens, and helps capture Sweeney Todd in this cool mix of adventure and history. <br />
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<img alt="Wonder Show" class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323053486s/12180226.jpg" /> <strong>Wonder Show</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: A</strong><br />
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Sometimes you just have to run off and join the circus... or carnival... or Wonder Show. Portia Remini joins the troupe after running away from a home for girls in the hopes that she will find her father and escape the clutches of Mister. But he has eyes everywhere and he knows the truth about her family. Full of heartfelt characters, <i>Wonder Show</i> is one of the summer must-reads.<br />
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<img alt="Just One Day (Just One Day,..." class="bookSmallImg" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348674290s/12842115.jpg" /> <strong>Just One Day</strong><br />
<strong> Grade: A</strong><br />
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Gayle Forman has a knack for setting up a storyline that fills in one side so well, that you really want to know what the other character was doing. That's not a criticism, it's her style. <em>In Just One Day</em>, Allyson Healy takes the Senior trip of a life-time to Europe. While visiting London, she meets Willem and together they take a spontaneous trip to Paris. In just 24-hours, Allyson will experience risk, adventure, love, fear and abandonment which will change her in every way. The companion novel, <em>Just One Year</em>, will be available October 2013.SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-49485382830730731852013-05-28T19:50:00.001-06:002013-05-28T19:50:29.072-06:00One Came Home- May 24th<br />
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<img class="rg_i" name="dyQpFNMjin4GbM:" onload="google.stb.csi.onTbn(1, this)" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQEALTMKzW1bCi7xy4iCDlglp83_nIsGT4yv0u7dWLHGfvkXh2v639VXLTx" style="height: 142px; margin-left: -1px; margin-top: 0px; width: 92px;" /></div>
<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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We were feelin' a bit nostalgic for somethin' along the lines of <em>True Grit</em> (the Charles Portis version NOT the John Wayne movie). When we came across <em>One Came Home</em>, we knew we'd found exactly what we were lookin' fer.<br />
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In the town of Placid, Wisconsin, in 1871, Georgie Burkhardt is known for two things: her uncanny aim with a rifle and her habit of speaking her mind plainly. But when Georgie blurts out something she shouldn't, her older sister Agatha flees, running off with a pack of "pigeoners" trailing the passenger pigeon migration. And when the sheriff returns to town with an unidentifiable body—wearing Agatha's blue-green ball gown—everyone assumes the worst. Except Georgie. Refusing to believe the facts that are laid down (and coffined) before her, Georgie sets out on a journey to find her sister. She will track every last clue and shred of evidence to bring Agatha home. Yet even with resolute determination and her trusty Springfield single-shot, Georgie is not prepared for what she faces on the western frontier<em>.- summary provided by Amazon</em><br />
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We think Georgie has to be distantly related to Mattie (<em>True Grit</em>) in that she too was determined, stubborn, and wasn't about to be told to stay home and be a good little girl. It's always refreshing to see a female character in a western who isn't a school teacher, lonely pioneer, or a soiled dove. It's a great read if you're looking for a western adventure/mystery. <br />
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<strong>Next up:</strong> <em>Catherine </em>by April Lindner- May 31stSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-76845715715803348692013-05-28T19:24:00.002-06:002013-05-28T19:24:40.773-06:00Spirit and Dust- May 17<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<strong>Grade: B</strong><br />
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<em>Spirit and Dust</em> brings us back into the paranormal realm of the Goodnight family. This time we are introduced to Daisy Goodnight, college student by day and missing persons consultant for the FBI- whenever they pull her out of class. Like all members of the Goodnight family, Daisy too has a special talent- for speaking to and locating the dead. <br />
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Whisked away from chemistry class to assist in locating a missing mob-boss daughter, who may or may not be deceased, Daisy soon becomes missing herself. Bound by a witch on retainer by the mob-boss, Daisy must evade the FBI, uncover the sinister plans of the Black Jackal, and locate the missing daughter... or else. <br />
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Unlike the funny and charming Amy Goodnight in <em>Texas Gothic</em>, Daisy Goodnight is a bit annoying. Kudos to all of the cool Egyptology and museum action, but ultimately, not as entertaining of a read as <em>Texas Gothic</em>. Think more along the lines of <em>Night At The Museum</em>, but evil... kind of.<br />
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<strong>Next Up:</strong> <em>One Came Home </em>by Amy Timberlake, May 25thSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-67872494990926559902013-05-10T10:25:00.000-06:002013-05-10T10:25:32.452-06:00Nevery Fall Down- May 10<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="pFa2R3TeSxAs3M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMuV5rOSh6lPIHUXxDxax6OtVmYGULjHaKX7-6VwBzVUVMORCPAg" style="height: 179px; margin-left: -2px; margin-top: 0px; width: 123px;" /></div>
<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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Another solid historical fiction (but not so fictional) novel from Patricia McCormick. <br />
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When soldiers arrive at his hometown in Cambodia, Arn is just a kid, dancing
to rock 'n' roll, hustling for spare change, and selling ice cream with his
brother. But after the soldiers march the entire population into the
countryside, his life is changed forever. Arn is separated from his family and
assigned to a labor camp: working in the rice paddies under a blazing sun, he
sees the other children, weak from hunger, malaria, or sheer exhaustion, dying
before his eyes. He sees prisoners marched to a nearby mango grove, never to
return. And he learns to be invisible to the sadistic Khmer Rouge, who can give
or take away life on a whim. <em>-summary provided by Amazon</em><br />
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You'd have to have a heart of stone to not be thinking about this one long after the last page. Like all of her books, McCormick takes the brutality of the world and turns it into a triumph of the human spirit. Highly recommended!<br />
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<strong>Next up:</strong> <em>Spirit and Dust</em> by Rosemary Clement-Moore, May 17<br />
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SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-12643960139314293882013-05-10T10:13:00.000-06:002013-05-10T10:25:44.056-06:00Beta- May 3<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="gMn4BYQ05akYUM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTsvBEjON7QldH_narfXmBOAd3x1FDOR7Eljo3FbYVPwAwoJFgsaw" style="height: 187px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -2px; width: 124px;" /></div>
<strong>Grade: B</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Continuing on with the dystopian craze, <em>Beta</em> tries to bring something new to the table with their cloned teens.<br />
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16 year old Elysia was created in a laboratory. A replicant of a human girl who once lived, Elysia is an experimental model designed to serve the people of Demesne. This island paradise has had everything bio engineered for it's perfection and only the wealthiest of humans can live there. Of course not everything is as perfect as it seems. Elysia notices that the humans still yearn for things and the clones are not happy. This is a very dangerous observation because she is supposed to be a soulless drone who should not be affected by such emotions. If her feelings are discovered, the consequences will be terrible and swift.<br />
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There are a few twists, a required romance, and a promised sequel. The writing is fine, the story is fairly engaging... we just didn't really see anything new here. If you've read all of the popular titles in the dystopian line and you still need more, give <em>Beta</em> a try.<br />
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<strong>Next up:</strong> <em>Never Fall Down</em> by Patricia McCormick- May 11<br />
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<br />SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-2051290852202042242013-04-26T10:57:00.000-06:002013-04-26T10:57:39.657-06:00Scowler- Apr. 26<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<strong>Grade: B+</strong><br />
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Our first introduction to Daniel Kraus was through his incredibly original, creepy-gross, yet fascinating <em>Rotters</em>. When <em>Scowler</em> was announced, we automatically added it to our reading/review list. <br />
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<div>
Nineteen-year-old Ry Burke, his mother, and little sister
scrape by for a living on their dying family farm. Ry wishes for anything to
distract him from the grim memories of his father's physical and emotional
abuse. Then a meteorite falls from the sky, bringing with it not only a fragment
from another world but also the arrival of a ruthless man intent on destroying
the entire family. Soon Ry is forced to defend himself by resurrecting a trio of
imaginary childhood protectors: kindly Mr. Furrington, wise Jesus, and the
bloodthirsty Scowler. -<em>summary provided by Amazon</em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
<div>
Although we did not enjoy this story as much as <em>Rotters</em>, the writing is solid, as is the plot construction. We really think that Kraus is excellent at crafting characters whose mental states make for intriguing reads. It may have been the addition of the meteorite that felt odd, but odd seems to be a huge piece in both of Kraus' novels. Mature readers who are looking for original story lines, intense characters, and books that you will ponder long after the final page, should add both <em>Rotters</em> and <em>Scowler</em> to their reading list.</div>
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Next up: <em>Beta</em> by Rachel Cohn- May 4th</div>
SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-44245873386786129112013-04-19T14:14:00.004-06:002013-04-19T14:14:57.923-06:00Going Vintage- Apr. 19<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="ynJ5abc_l26SSM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRcFtn_LH9jrs7dotgrmV73036YDqGPiktBAi4W_rvFT208Jjw2" style="height: 176px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 176px;" /></div>
<strong>Grade: B-</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
After seeing the cover and reading the summary, we quickly added it to our "to review" list. <br />
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Mallory's boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with a cyber girlfriend (she's real, they just meet online). Mallory, hoping to distance herself from the fallout and avoid future disappointment, decides to "go vintage" after stumbling across her grandmother's 1962 to-do list. Unfortunately, giving up all of the modern trappings is much more difficult than she first believed it would be. Not to mention the fact that she still has to deal with Jeremy who is interested in reconciling and his super cute cousin Oliver who is becoming... well, interesting.<br />
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We loved the concept, really enjoyed the blossoming romance between Mallory and Oliver, and appreciated the ending. We did feel like the long, lost daughter storyline felt a bit contrived even though we understand it was done in order to show that things were not all rosy for teens in 1962. Ultimately, not a bad choice for a weekend read.<br />
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Next up: <em>Scowler</em> by Daniel Kraus- April 26th<br />
SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-17200283920281758052013-04-19T13:36:00.000-06:002013-04-19T13:36:38.962-06:00Every Day- Mar. 12<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<strong>Grade: B</strong><br />
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David Levithan has been a favorite of our patrons since we opened in 2007 and when we read the summary of the <em>Every Day</em>, we couldn't wait to add it to our collection.<br />
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<span id="freeText8564370928545769546">Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. 'A' has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere. It’s all fine until the morning that 'A' wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which 'A' has been living no longer apply. Because finally 'A' has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day. <em>summary from Goodreads</em></span><br />
<span><em></em></span><br />
<span>Well written, as always, with an interesting concept that is ultimately about acceptance. Our only complaint, is that we don't really get to know about what happens to A. We understand that the author doesn't have to tell us everything, but we really wanted some more info.</span><br />
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<span>Next Up: <em>Going Vintage</em> by Lindsey Leavitt- April 19</span>SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-57926626425016660482013-04-11T09:36:00.000-06:002013-04-11T09:36:02.470-06:00Strands of Bronze and Gold- Apr. 5<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="KHPRnsg3HpYuTM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS6Uq7xlXoEfcC506FgM5QrNg1oEP9TOkYpTuOjOjNn3AaihcX-YQ" style="height: 232px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 153px;" /></div>
<strong>Grade: D</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Yes, we're a bit late with this post, but it's taken us awhile to recover from our disappointment. After waiting for months to read a new take on the Bluebeard folk tale (that could have been based on a real serial killer), we eagerly jumped in, only to drown in 300+ pages of so-so development and boring events.<br />
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After the death of her father, Sophia receives an invitation to live in the plantation manor house of Monsieur Bernard de Cressac, a friend of the family. Due to the financial strain that her father's death has put on her siblings, not to mention the fact that Monsieur Bernard is very handsome, she accepts. But soon after her arrival, Sophia learns that she may be part of a familiar and deadly pattern culminating in the mysterious death/disappearance of his past wives.<br />
<br />
Nickerson sets her re-telling in the Pre-Civil War South, complete with plantation slaves and a mention of the Underground Railroad. The writing is fine, we just struggled to get through the set-up to the final reveal. Sophia is as forgettable as is her family (who make a cameo-like appearance). She interacts with a few of the slaves in order to establish setting characteristics, but there is little to no development of the secondary story line. Ultimately, it just feels like there were grander plans that were never fully realized. We really did want to like this one. <br />
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<strong>Next up:</strong> <em>Every Day</em> by David Levithan- Apr. 12thSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-13732726905599018442013-04-02T16:22:00.001-06:002013-04-02T16:22:52.613-06:00Origin- Mar. 29<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<strong>Grade: C</strong><br />
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<em>Origin</em> by Jessica Khoury will put the reader in an under-used setting with an over-used plot. Now having said that, we did quite a bit of review checking to see if we were alone in our opinion. Unfortunately, it seems as though many others fell victim to the hype as well. It's not a waste of your time, but don't read it for the "science" or the setting. However, if you like <em>Avatar </em>(the blue people, not the air-bender boy), this might appeal to you.<br />
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Pia has been designed to be the perfect human. Raised in a secret laboratory, hidden in the Amazon rainforest, she is expected to be the prototype for the new human race. On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Pia sneaks out of the laboratory (away from the evil scientists) into the wilds. She meets Eio, a boy from a local Amazonian tribe who helps her navigate the world outside of the compound. And of course, they are madly in love with each other after only three days...<br />
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We love our Sci-Fi, but we are finding it more difficult to be patient with the automatic-love plots. And there really is something VERY <em>Avatar </em>about this book. Not to mention some questionable themes of ownership versus actual relationship. There are also some pretty uncomfortable animal experimentation passages as well. The writing isn't bad and the characters are fine, but we didn't see anything new here. Geez, now it sounds like we really didn't like it at all. As always, check it out for yourself and tell us what you think.<br />
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<strong>Next up:</strong> <em>Strands of Bronze and Gold</em> by Jane Nickerson- Apr. 5thSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-85175882114718644162013-03-25T14:13:00.001-06:002013-03-25T14:13:15.904-06:00Out of the Easy- Mar. 22<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="QXM1TQXmWx8rxM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTv2wnxLL3SY2teFiqVBHL7tRUWNUf4XZbuOxDDcbBoFWclcwGH" style="height: 185px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 123px;" /></div>
<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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<em>Out of the Easy</em> is the second historical fiction young adult novel from author Ruta Sepetys. We hope she keeps 'em comin'! This time Sepetys leads us through the French Quarter of New Orleans during the 1950's. With perfect attention to detail and endearing characters, we know you will find this to be a fascinating read.<br />
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Josie Moraine, a bright young woman, has dreams of getting out and going to college. Eager to leave the Big Easy and her reputation as the daughter of a local prostitute behind, Josie works to save up tuition and keep out of the dealings of the New Orleans underworld. But when a wealthy tourist traveling through the French Quarter ends up dead, Josie's mother becomes a prime suspect. Josie must decide whether it is time to save herself or continue to be drawn in to the temptations of the Big Easy. <br />
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The characters, the setting, the relationship, the plot- FANTASTIC! Our only complaint- that the story eventually ends. We wanted to continue along with Josie and see her go on to... well let's not give it all away. If you are at all curious about this one (and you SHOULD BE), pick it up! You won't be disappointed. Just like her first masterpiece, <em>Between Shades of Gray</em>, Sepetys doesn't use a heavy hand with the history, but relies upon her characters to flesh out the story.<br />
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Sepetys even has a great video where she talks about her inspiration behind the story and her research (<a href="http://www.outoftheeasy.com/">www.outoftheeasy.com</a>). This is YA historical fiction at it's very best!<br />
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<strong>Next up</strong>: <em>Origin</em> by Jessica Khoury, Mar. 29thSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-57259758696945489002013-03-15T13:38:00.000-06:002013-03-15T13:38:31.668-06:00Keeping the Castle- Mar. 15<strong style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="d5DhnE3_A6LZUM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5pDD0iMBSqNfjPH4_x8EsxnjIItk6hcJBfTPpGPkBYQ7-BA9F-Q" style="height: 195px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 139px;" /></strong><strong>Grade: B+</strong><br />
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Fans of Jane Austen should probably head to the shelves for this one. <br />
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Althea and her family live in the crumbling, leaking, haphazardly built faux castle in the town of Lesser Hoo. In order to keep their humble abode and make the necessary repairs, seventeen-year-old Althea must marry well. Of course the eligible area bachelors leave much to be desired. It isn't until Lord Boring arrives with his business manager, Mr. Fredericks, that there is any real possibility of a suitable match. <br />
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It's a fast, cute read, but ultimately offers nothing new. If you're really looking for some twists, try some of the latest Classic or Fairy Tale mash-ups. However, if you're looking for something to tide you over until the next season of <em>Downton Abbey</em>, this might fit the bill.<br />
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<strong>Next up</strong>: <em>Out of the Easy</em> by Ruta Sepety- Mar. 22ndSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-83925286485421745662013-03-10T11:30:00.001-06:002013-03-10T11:34:32.994-06:00The Madman's Daughter- Mar. 8<strong style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="pYiUMwrfXbZn0M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsfMSqqJ2tnnOYcf9fKauoYCkYqvfYBHnSbHhZx0HI8np1-cTT" style="height: 204px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 135px;" /></strong><strong>Grade: B</strong><br />
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We know some of you are tired of the "pretty dress" covers, but we were drawn to this one because it seemed as though she may be a bit mad herself. Megan Shepherd is a first time YA author who has chosen to put a new spin on a classic. This is becoming quite a trend and we are excited to see many authors going beyond the expected Austen or Bronte selections. <br />
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<em>The Madman's Daughter</em> begins in London where we meet Juliet Moreau. Yes, as in Dr. Moreau- the one with the island filled with mysterious creatures brought to life by a scientist trying to play God. After being abandoned by her father in the midst of a scandal and orphaned by her mother, Juliet is trying to keep a low profile working as a maid at the medical college. One evening after work, she accompanies some new friends into the facility where she witnesses a gruesome operation. Recognizing the procedure as one of her father's experiments, Juliet is convinced that he is in the area and she is determined to find him. <br />
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Tracing clues to a local tavern, Juliet discovers not her father, but instead Montgomery James a childhood friend who has become Dr. Moreau's assistant. Try as he might, Montgomery is unable to convince Juliet that life in London is better than with her father on a remote island. Juliet has questions about the scandal, her mother, and herself that only her father can answer. <br />
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While sailing to the island, they rescue a cast away named Edward Prince. Half dead and unable (or unwilling) to share his tale, the three eventually arrive at the mysterious island where Juliet is reunited with her father. The doctor is not exactly welcoming and as Juliet begins to investigate what he has been working on, she realizes that the rumors of her father's madness are true. To further complicate things, her infatuation with Montgomery and new found interest in Edward, will cause her to disregard her own intuition as she tries to choose between the two. <br />
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Her arrival disrupts her father's experiments and control of the island causing a mutiny among the creatures. Abandoning her desires to understand her father's work, Juliet tries to convince Montgomery to leave the island. <br />
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This is the first in a trilogy and it has quite a cliff-hanger ending. We wanted to give it an 'A' grade, but we can't get past the switch from tough survivor to Bella esque like character that Juliet becomes for a good portion of the book. We also couldn't understand why Shepherd felt the need to spend sooooo much time on the ship to get to the island. We still think this one is worth your time regardless of whether or not you have read H.G. Wells's <em>Island of Dr. Moreau</em>. No rush- book two won't hit our shelves until January 2014.<br />
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<strong>Next Up:</strong> <em>Keeping the Castle</em> by Patric Kindl- Mar. 15thSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-16849363172229322292013-02-28T10:40:00.002-07:002013-03-04T18:48:28.157-07:00I Hunt Killers- Mar. 1<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="SpkZAZHenfJetM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQBDNPMeWBL9byvKUvS6eKnEW7qyqWSx0sgH0bK0i57tIVtZquL" style="height: 189px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 125px;" /></div>
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<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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We've had this one on our shelves for awhile and after hearing from several of our patrons, we thought we'd try it out- so glad we did. <br />
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Jazz is the son of a convicted serial killer, living in the same town where his father was apprehended. It's also particularly interesting to note that Jazz assisted his father with the storage of the trophies that he would take from his victims. His father taught him everything and Jazz is afraid that he will eventually become a killer too. When a murder occurs in the small town bearing the characteristics of his father's handi-work, Jazz sets out to prove to himself that he is not the killer and that his father is still safely behind bars. Aided along the way by a few loyal friends and a protective police chief, Jazz will use his father's lessons on victim selection, police evasion, and crime scene staging to hunt down the real killer.<br />
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Lyga does a great job of getting the reader to sympathize with Jazz's predicament. It's suspenseful and a fast-paced murder mystery that had us constantly changing our mind about who is the real killer. Fans of <em>Dexter</em> and <em>The Following</em> will enjoy this one. <br />
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<strong>Next Up</strong>: <em>The Madman's Daughter</em> by Megan Shepherd, Mar. 9th<br />
<br />SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-31102672576901974702013-02-25T10:30:00.001-07:002013-02-25T10:31:12.922-07:00Etiquette & Espionage- Feb. 22<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Etiquette-Espionage-Finishing-School-ebook/dp/B007ZGKMXM/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1361812228&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=ettiquite+and+espionage" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Product Details" class="productImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MSvda-DaL._AA160_.jpg" /></a><strong>Grade: A-</strong><br />
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We were so excited to learn that Gail Carriger, author of the <em>Parasol Protectorate</em> series, was jumping into the world of YA. This one has been on our watch list for months. <br />
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Sophronia would rather take apart the dumb-waiter instead of learning how to curtsy properly. And although she may provide hours of entertainment for the staff, her mother is beside herself with worry of ever finding Sophronia a suitable husband. For now, she is happy to send her daughter to finishing school. Luckily for Sophronia, The Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality is more about death, diversion, and espionage than how to properly take your tea.<br />
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We love that it is set in the world of Steampunk and that Carriger has a knack for creating feisty, adventurous heroines. Our only complaint is that if you are new to the Parasol Protectorate World, you won't have the background on some of the character relationships. In a way, this is more of a prequel series rather than a new story.<br />
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<strong>Next up</strong>: <em>I Hunt Killers</em> by Barry Lyga, Mar. 2SHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-28728124324938123592013-02-15T09:47:00.000-07:002013-02-15T09:47:16.279-07:00Scarlet- Feb. 15<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Scarlet" class="product-image image img book" data-expand-image="" height="166" id="rnd-1044481457" itemprop="image" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780312642969_p0_v2_s114x166.JPG" width="110" /></div>
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<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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We were counting down the days on this one. Imagine our delight upon finding it sitting out a few days early in our local Barnes & Noble! We immediately rushed home with our newly obtained copy to devour the second book in <em>The Lunar Chronicles</em>. <br />
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When we last left Cinder, she was in the process of escaping prison (and certain death). Kai, having made a deal with the Lunar Queen to hand over Cinder and accept the proposal of marriage, is still trying to grapple with the revelation that Cinder is not completely human. The Lunar Queen begins to set in motion her plans for world domination now that she has Kai pinned-down and Princess Selene (Cinder) in the cross-hairs. <br />
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Enter Scarlet, a feisty French girl whose grandmother has been kidnapped by a pack of Lunar wolves. She pairs up with Wolf (who may or may not have recently resigned from the pack) in order to rescue her grandmother. On their way to Paris, they follow the news reports detailing the hunt for Cinder and the impending marriage of Prince Kai. Soon after their arrival, Wolf reveals his true interest in Scarlet and she discovers why her grandmother has been taken. <br />
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We really had no idea where this story line would take us and we are happy to report that it was a wonderful surprise. Although we think book one is a little bit better, we are still excited to see how book three will unfold. Let the waiting game begin...again.<br />
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<strong>Next Up:</strong> <em>Etiquette & Espionage</em> by Gail Carriger- Feb. 22ndSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-4178176010085747792013-02-08T14:04:00.002-07:002013-02-08T14:04:41.561-07:00Prodigy- Feb. 8th<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="3VQr1aPFiSDdZM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_S2M6FbaHRIkYlYEGW1eyd4CAdYE60QrY8qDj67cooDd5kPmr" style="height: 214px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -7px; width: 137px;" /></div>
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<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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Book two of <em>Legend</em> (we are lovin' the sequels lately). Before you read this one, you may want to re-visit <em>Legend</em>. There was a pretty big set-up in book one and you don't want to go running off to book two without refreshing your memory.<br />
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June and Day head off to Vegas in hopes of falling in with a group of Patriot rebels. Their plan is to rescue Day's brother and book passage to the Colonies. The Patriots are only too happy to help- on one condition- that they assassinate the new Elector. Although this would certainly change the current conditions of the people for the better, it is a much tougher assignment than previously thought. This new, younger Elector has a much better grasp of the rebel groups, their leaders and their tactics. Of course June and Day are constantly questioning their loyalty to the rebels and now, to each other. Despite their close relationship, a new character (Anden) may have come between the two, opening up the possibility for a Day-Tess situation. <br />
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<em>Prodigy</em> is all about conspiracy theories and may not seem as fast-paced as book one, but keep reading! The ending/ cliff-hanger will throw you. We can't wait for book three- and unfortunately, it's gonna be a long wait.<br />
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<strong>Next Up:</strong> <em>Scarlet</em> by Marissa Meyer- Feb. 16thSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1935842847092011266.post-5044095848943469982013-02-04T08:57:00.001-07:002013-02-04T08:57:29.398-07:00The Prey- Feb. 1<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="37SBevOFof0NtM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQYJ8fVU3UfMoa7ohgIZhmKdgsLT9kGqlir5bJPwYGbZJ-AAr5w8Q" style="height: 172px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 160px;" /></div>
<strong>Grade: A</strong><br />
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Book two of <em>The Hunt</em>- and just as action packed! <em>The Prey</em> picks up immediately where <em>The Hunt</em> left off, so if you haven't read book one, you may want to stop reading now. We still stand by our original claim that this would make a great vampire movie.<br />
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Gene, Sissy, and the rest of the human survivors have managed to procure a boat and are quickly travelling down river. With the few remaining Hunters still following along the banks, they are trapped with a dwindling food supply and a rapidly approaching waterfall. But after discovering yet another cryptic message from Scientist- over the falls they must go. Surviving the journey, they eventually find themselves in a thriving community known as The Mission. Unfortunately, the Elders of this village are hiding many secrets that will turn everything that Gene and Sissy know about their world, on it's head. With the fate of the group hanging in the balance, a Hunter army has found a way to cross the desert and is bearing down upon the settlement. It's out of the fire and into the frying pan- and not everyone will make it that far. <br />
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We are happy to report that the action packed ending is well worth the wait and we are looking forward to the final book in the trilogy. We are also glad that Mr. Fukuda did not feel the need to up the gross factor- it would have only detracted from the group tension and relentless pursuit by the Hunters. We still recommend this one to the non-sparkly vampire fans, but be prepared for a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end of each book.<br />
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<strong>Next Up:</strong> <em>Prodigy </em>by Marie Lu- Feb. 8thSHS Titan Libraryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01604474781721800091noreply@blogger.com0