The Princesses Of Iowa by M. Molly Backes
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Candlewick
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 464
Summary: What does it mean to do wrong, when no one punishes you? A smart and unflinching look at friendship, the nature of entitlement, and growing up in the heartland.
Paige Sheridan has the perfect life. She's pretty, rich, and popular, and her spot on the homecoming court is practically guaranteed. But when a night of partying ends in an it-could-have-been-so-much worse crash , everything changes. Her best friends start ignoring her, her boyfriend grows cold and distant, and her once-adoring younger sister now views her with contempt. The only bright spot is
her creative writing class, led by a charismatic new teacher who encourages students to be true to themselves. But who is Paige, if not the homecoming princess everyone expects her to be? In this arresting and witty debut, a girl who was once high-school royalty must face a truth that money and status can't fix, and choose between living the privileged life of a princess, or owning up to her mistakes and giving up everything she once held dear.
My Thoughts: Well, this is my first debut read of 2012. Did it start out with a bang? Not quite.
We are introduced to Paige who had been exiled to Paris. She is now back from spending the summer babysitting a small baby and is back in her Iowa town. She gets to see her best friends Lacey and Niki. And of course her boyfriend Jake. She's ready for things to go back to normal and spend their senior year becoming princesses, and taking the school by storm.
Things are different now though. Lacey is spending a lot of time with Jake and ignoring Paige and Niki is stuck in the middle. And as for Jake, I did not like him one bit. There was just something about him that screamed, JERK!
Paige gets stuck in a creative writing class she doesn't really want to do. She would rather be in film with Jake and Lacey. That was the plan for her and Jake to take Creative Writing together because its an easy class but Jake transferred out because Lacey "needs" a friend.
In Creative Writing, Paige meets a few new friends. First, there is Shanti. Shanti is a pretty cool girl. She speaks her mind and doesn't take any bull crap from anyone. She doesn't let things get to her either. Than there is Ethan. Cute sweet hugable Ethan. Yep, I liked him from the get go. You could tell her and Paige really got each other, even though she did have a boyfriend and her and Ethan were just friends.
I really liked the fact that they were in Iowa. I spent most of my life in Iowa so I knew all the cities they were talking about. I knew Iowa City and all the other small towns! I knew when they talked about Iowa locations, traditions, etc.
I really wanted to be sucked into The Princesses Of Iowa, I wanted to fall in love with the story, I wanted to be crazy about this one. It just felt really long to me. About 200 pages in, I almost gave up. I felt like it was dragging a long very very slowly. It’s over 450 pages long. I was motivated to finish it though since it was my first debut of 2012 plus it was about Iowa. I left a lot of small details out of this review because I want you to find out for yourself. One example: Why did Paige go to Paris exactly? What is Lacey's problem?
Overall: I liked this novel, but didn't love it. It was just ok for me. Maybe you'll like it more than me. All in all, it just felt really long to me and I kept losing interest. It wasn't a bad book and I'm sure some will love it way more than I did. I know I just read too many books to love every single one.
Cover: Like the cover! I like the outside and how we can see the girl looking in the rear-view mirror. Very cool.
What I'd Give It:
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, And Giroux
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 384
Summary: Mia Price is a lightning addict. She’s survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.
Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.
Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn’t who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.
My Thoughts: I'm going to go ahead and say it, if you hate books that have any sort of religion or religious beliefs, Struck is probably a book you will want to pass on. If different points of view on this topic bug you, you will probably really dislike this book.
As for me, it was very interesting to read this one. First off, there is the prophet, he is a big character in Struck, he directs a lot of people on believing the world will end by a massive storm. After the earthquake that happened, people believe him. They want something to believe in, they want to be saved, they want to know they have purpose and will be saved.
Than there is Mia Price and her family. Mia is basically a human lightning rod. She's been struck many times and can feel when a storm is coming. She has scars all over her body from being struck. Even her hands are scared, so she wears black gloves everyday.
Mia is strong willed. She wants to do the right thing, but being hit by lightning has forced her into some unfortunate situations. You know the drill, standing next to someone who gets hit by lightning doesn't do well for that person either. Mia has hurt other people, but not on purpose so that counts right?
Mia also has a brother and a mother she lives with. Her mother believes the prophet and devotes all of her time watching him on tv. He's basically brain washed her and we notice this from the start.
Than there are the followers and the seekers. Each group has their own agenda and what they plan to do. Both want to recruit Mia to join them. They both want to "use" her in their own way. She meets some interesting characters along the way including Katrina.
Next up, is the other main character. Jeremy. Oh man, I really liked Jeremy from the first minute I met him. Nightmare boy. He creeps into Mia's life in a hurry and tries to earn her trust. He can also see visions of the future. There was something about him from the beginning that I liked. He never scared me. I trusted him so quickly. Jeremy and Mia's relationship (or lack of one for most of the book) was pretty neat. They way they really connected.
Struck was a fantastic debut. If you haven't added this one to your reading list this year please do it! I know there are a lot of post apocalyptic novels coming out soon but this is one that you must read! I loved every minute of it!
Struck was fascinating, and had such an amazing concept. I haven't read any other books regarding lightning and this was so interesting!
Overall: Such fantastic characters, such an amazing plot, the writing was easy to follow along with and easy to connect with. Bosworth sure does know how to captivate our attention and keep it for hours on end.
Cover: Love it! It's so awesome! The way she is standing there just screams, this book is going to be awesome. The lightning in the background, everything! Love this cover! This will surely draw peoples attentions.
What I'd Give It:
Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
Release Date: May 24, 2011
Publisher: Random House Books For Young Readers
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 416
Summary: It starts off simply.
Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ...
Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it feels right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood.
The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power.
Tessa Gratton's intoxicating first novel will keep pulses racing, minds reeling, and pages turning right up to the very last drop of blood.
My Thoughts: I wanted to love this book with all my heart. I had gotten a few recommendations from friends to read it, although it had already been in my sights.
I finally had the chance to read it and I was slightly surprised how long it took me to get through it. It was a thicker book, over 400 pages.
The first half of the book dragged a bit for me. By by the middle, I was getting more into it and am glad I gave the story a chance.
We are introduced to Silla who has a older brother and whose parents are dead. In was quite the tragedy, her father shot her mother then shot himself. Small town, a lot of talk.
Silla meets the new boy down the road. His name is Nicholas. He hates his stepmother and lives with her and his father. Silla finds an old book of her dad and starts diving into it. It's full of magic and spells. Silla doesn't understand any of it at first. Magic is real?
Silla realizes that she and Nick have more in common than what one would think. They began to explore the Blood Magic together. People get hurt, people die, she doesn't know who she can really trust.
I really enjoyed Blood Magic once it gone going. At first I thought this might end up being a 2 cupcake book but by the time I finished, I changed my mind. Definitely more like 3.5 cupcakes. While it wasn't my favorite book in the world, I did enjoy it.
Overall: I liked how brave Silla was even though she didn't always know it. I also liked her brother a lot. He made the story a bit more funny and gave it some character. Nick was just ok for me. I liked him enough but I didn't fall head over heals in love with him. I really want everyone to be ok and things to work out for Silla and her family. I want more answers.
Cover: Like it a lot. I love how the red stands out on the cover.
What I'd Give It:
The Summer Of No Regrets by Katherine Grace Bond
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304
Summary: The day Brigitta accidentally flings herself into the lap of a guy she's never met, her friend Natalie is convinced he's Trent Yves, egotistical heartthrob-in-hiding. When the boy, who calls himself Luke, is nearly eaten by a cougar, Brigitta finds herself saving his life, being swept into his spectacular embrace and wondering if she wants Natalie's fantasy to be true.
As the two spend the summer together raising orphaned cougar cubs, Brigitta still can't be sure of his true identity. But then again, since her grandparents' death, her father's sudden urge to give away all their possessions and become a shaman, and her own awkward transition from girlhood into a young woman, she isn't sure of anything. What is the truth? More importantly, can she accept it?
My Thoughts: When I first saw this book, I thought it looked pretty interesting. I figured I’d love it. I did like it, but not near as much as I hoped I would.
We are introduced to Brigitta who is just a girl that is trying to figure out life. She is homeschooled and has a hard time connecting with other people. It doesn’t help that her parents run “The Center” and she doesn’t interact with too many people her own age. She’s also embarrassed by her parents at times.
Brigitta also just got out of a relationship with a boy named Devon. Keep in mind that her family is somewhat religious and she hasn’t even kissed a boy. So, when she falls into the lap of Luke Geoffrey she’s embarrassed and just wants to run away screaming. Not only is he a hottie but he looks like teen heartthrob Trent Yves.
She soon finds out he’s her new neighbor and he lives with his mother. One day, while Brigitta is up in her tree house, she sees Luke down below, and she watches him for a while. All of a sudden, a cougar is standing near him and she leaps down and helps him make the cougar leave.
Brigitta soon finds the cougars two baby cubs. With Luke’s help, she takes care of them. Brigitta and Luke soon form a friendship/relationship. At times, she wonders if he’s really Trent or is he just plain old Luke who looks a lot like the actor?
I liked Brigitta and Luke’s relationship. I liked seeing her evolve around him and learn more about herself.
If you want to know more about the cougars, read this novel now. If you want to find out more about Luke, please go pick this book up as soon as possible. Could he really be a famous actor in her tiny little town?
Overall: The Summer Of No Regrets was just alright for me. I spent most of the book wondering is he Trent or is he just Luke? She also spent a lot of time reminiscing about her grandparents and after a while, I just wanted more of the actual story. Another important aspect is that there are a lot of religious tones in this novel so if that bugs you, you might not enjoy it as much as others will.
I liked The Summer Of No Regrets but I wish I could have enjoyed it more. It just wasn’t the perfect book for me. All in all, there are probably others who will enjoy it more than me.
This novel is probably more of a 3.5 cupcake rating for me.
Cover: I do love the cover. Love how they are standing near water and we can’t see their face expressions. I love how it appears dark but the water and sunset are such bright colors.
What I'd Give It:
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
Release Date: November 15, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336
Summary: In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.
Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime
My Thoughts: I love the Body Finder series so I knew once Derting wrote another book, I would be first in line to read it! I'll read anything she writes!
We are introduced to Charlie who can hear different languages. This is not normal where she lives and you're only supposed to talk/hear in your own language. There are many different kinds of people, and each language only goes with those people. It kind of reminds me if people believed only mexicans were allowed to speak spanish or caucasians were only allowed to speak english. She has a little sister named Angelina who is 4 years old. She has her own gifts. We are also introduced to her best friends and the two guys she meets along the way. Max and Xander. Oh Max, you were so mysterious and I loved finding out all your secrets. Xander, I also liked you.
Max worked for the military and has his own secrets and Xander works for the resistance, trying to change the world. These two awesome boys kept showing up all over the place, everywhere Charlie seemed to be.
There is also a queen who sets out to make everyone obey her every command.
I loved how Charlie could understand all the languages. I loved watching her hear what other people said and trying to act all secretive like she couldn't understand. I also liked all the side characters along the way.
I really liked the things we found out and the ending of course. I was satisfied with it!
I loved how Charlie was so protective of her sister and her parents. She was determined not to let anyone or anything hurt them. Same with her friends. She was a great person to have on your side.
I was so surprised about who Charlie was. I knew something was up, but I never suspected that about her and Max! She was a little special, huh?
The Pledge was a pretty good read. About halfway through, I almost gave up. It just seemed like nothing was happening and it just wasn't holding my attention but that soon stopped and I felt myself sucked in and read the whole book in just a few hours.
Overall: I really enjoyed this one once I got into it. I liked the plot, the funny and snarky comments, the friendship, the love she felt for her family. The boys were a plus too! At least give this one a try, even if you end up not liking it, or enjoying it like me!
Cover: Like it but it seems too ordinary for this novel.
What I'd Give It:
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