Reading Reflections: April 2010

Books Read:
Changeless by Gail Carriger (review)
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan (review)
How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier (review)
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (review)
Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles (review)
Succubi Like It Hot by Jill Myles (review)
For Keeps by Natasha Friend (review)
The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott (review)
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (review)

Total Number of Books Read: 9

Most Anticipated: Changeless by Gail Carriger

Biggest Let Down: None! :)

Favorite Read: Eek! This is hard to choose! This was a really good reading month! I guess I'd have to say it's a tie between Changeless by Gail Carriger and For Keeps by Natasha Friend.

Highest Rank: 5 butterflies

Lowest Rank: 4 butterflies

Overall Reflection:
This has been such a great reading month! Changeless by Gail Carriger was a delightful read. I've really come to appreciate and enjoy Carriger's voice! The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan was definitely the most depressing book out of the bunch, but it is a dystopian novel about zombies. :P It was definitely much better than The Forest of Hands and Teeth. How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier was a fun, light read, which was perfect after reading The Dead-Tossed Waves. I look forward to reading Liar, which also by Larbalestier, in the near future. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins was a delicious surprise. Paranormal mystery with some humor and romance thrown in for good measure! :P Gentlemen Prefer Succubi and Succubi Like It Hot by Jill Myles came highly recommended, and did not disappoint! I look forward to the third book in the series, which should come out this year! For Keeps by Natasha Friend took me by surprise. I can not state how much I enjoyed this book. I am stiiiill thinking about it. I will definitely be re-reading it in the future! :) The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott was a bit sad, but had a great ending. I highly enjoyed reading it, and will be reading more of Scott's books in the future. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver was another amazing book, and a perfect way to finish out the month! Overall, a wonderful reading month. :) I had bit of a dry patch last month, so it was good to get back to my reading roots! Also, as of this month, I have decided that I am going to try and read 75 books this year. I may not make it, but I am sure going to try!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Book Summery:
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.-goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



Book Review:
Words can not express how much I enjoyed this book. I put off reading it for while, because I thought that while the premise sounded interesting, it also sounded like it would be repetitive, and therefore difficult to read through. What make me finally pick up this book, were several stellar reviews. Some reviews that particularly stood out to me are as follows: Book Crazy, Cleverly Inked, Presenting Lenore, and Pure Imagination. I highly recommend that you check out their reviews as well.

Throughout the entire book, the main character Sam is struggling...struggling to do what is popular, struggling to do what is right, struggling to find the truth. The reader watches and struggles along side Sam as she tries to make her way. Her character evolution is an interesting one. She is flawed, and therefore easier to relate to, though difficult at times. Someone mentioned in their review that Before I Fall is somewhat similar to Mean Girls meets Groundhog Day. I think that is a fair comparison. This is definitely a book that stays with you long after you have finished reading the last page. In fact, I finished reading this several days ago, and I still am having difficulty picking up my next book. My mind just keeps going back to the story line. I often found myself thinking what I would have done, had I been in Sam's shoes? What exactly is the right choice? What would I do if I had one day left to live?

Favorite Quote:

"They say that just before you die your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that's not how it happened for me." (p. 3)

Cover Art Commentary:I will admit, this is not my favorite cover. It reminds me of a barbie doll left if the grass. Though, I suppose that could be the intentional purpose...

Overall Rating:

Top Ten Picks: Worst Books You've Ever Read

Top 10 Picks is hosted each week by Jillian @ Random Ramblings. This week’s topic is books you the top ten worst books you have ever read. Make sure to you stop by to see her list.
*Many of these books have high ratings, so feel free to disagree, but please try not to be to harsh on me, this is just a subjective list. :P

1. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Wow. Words cannot express how much I hate this book. In my defense, I read this when I was 16, expecting some divine revelation to come out of it. Instead, it was boring, dry read and I wanted the hours of my life I had spent reading it back.

2. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

This is the only book on this list that I had to read for school. I was in middle school, which might be part of the problem. Overall, it was very dry and difficult to get through. I haven't had the desire to pick it back up since.

3. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife was one of my top reads of 2009, Her Fearful Symmetry was one of the worst. It started out interesting enough, but never went anywhere. The ending was horrible and anticlimactic. This book was a total let down.

4. Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
I loved Brook's Nine Parts of Desire, and highly recommend it. Year of Wonders, however, is just plain awful. It was another book that started off well enough, but then took a turn for the worst and never picked up again.

5. The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
This is yet another book I read around the age of 15-16. Perhaps it was the age, or just reading about war isn't my thing...Either way, I didn't enjoy reading this one and haven't picked up anything else by O'Brien.

6. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Ok, I loved the movie and I love Shirley Jackson. However, this was one book that was just horrible. Again, dry and trying to get through. I have read other works by Jackson, and will continue to. I like to believe this book was a one time mistake.

7. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Ok, Brown needs to stop writing altogether. However, this particular book was extremely over the top, and totally unbelievable. I can not count how many times I rolled my eyes while reading it.

8. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
I felt this book went in waves. It would get interesting and then dull and back and forth. Eventually, I became too annoyed and gave up reading it altogether, which was pointless as I only had 50 pages or so left.

9. Specials by Scott Westerfeld

I'll be honest. I was not impressed with the series on a whole. The first book was predictable. The second was actually pretty good. The third...horrible. The main character was completely different and difficult to identify with. I never did finish it, nor have I picked up anything else by the author.

10. On Writing by Stephen King

Alright, King is one of my favorite authors. I was expecting the entire book to be his memoirs, but sadly, it was only the first half, which I enjoyed immensely. However, once it got to his advice on writing, I had to set it down. 1. I don't like people telling me how to write, and 2. it was poor advice, which is ironic considering how successful he has been. Whatev's. I still love you King, and I will continue reading your works! :)

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Book Summery:
Everyone knows the unwritten rule: You don't like your best friend's boyfriend. Sarah has had a crush on Ryan for years. He's easy to talk to, super smart, and totally gets her. Lately it even seems like he's paying extra attention to her. Everything would be perfect except for two things: Ryan is Brianna's boyfriend, and Brianna is Sarah's best friend. Sarah forces herself to avoid Ryan and tries to convince herself not to like him. She feels so guilty for wanting him, and the last thing she wants is to hurt her best friend. But when she's thrown together with Ryan one night, something happens. It's wonderful...and awful. Sarah is torn apart by guilt, but what she feels is nothing short of addiction, and she can't stop herself from wanting more... -goodreads.com

My Review:
I first heard of this book through a friend on LJ, who recommended The Unwritten Rule via goodreads (I am ALWAYS up for a good recommendation). One of the first things that caught my eye, was the book cover. It is beyond adorable! After reading a few reviews, I decided to purchase the book, and I am happy that I did! Two exceptional reviews were written by fellow bloggers The Crooked Shelf and Pure Imagination.

The Unwritten Rule is a touching and honest look into the lives of teenage girls and the hell that is high school. Perhaps not everyone can relate to the main character Sarah or the situation, but I surely can. I was very much like Sarah in high school, constantly getting used and looked over by people that I considered to be close friends. As I read this, I gritted my teeth as some of the actions and sayings Brianna used to make herself feel above Sarah. Obviously, this girl (Brianna) has some major jealously issues, not to mention a poor upbringing. It was easy for me to see as an outsider, but trust me, when you're in the situation, it's almost as if you're blinded by your trust and lack of confidence. This book made me realize how far I've come with my insecurity issues. Though I still struggle on a day-to-day basis, I would never again allow someone to treat me like Brianna treated Sarah. I enjoyed watching the evolution of Sarah's character. I was particularly happy with the ending. It took great strength to do what Sarah did. I like to believe she did what she did because that is the kind of person she is, forgiving and honest, rather than expecting a certain outcome. That's all I can really say, without giving anything away! ;)

Overall, I highly enjoyed this book. It's not necessarily a "feel good" book, but it's honest and it makes you think. What would you do? Not just in the main guy situation, but in various situations that occur throughout the book. I'll admit, it's a bit predictable. However, I most enjoyed reading how Sarah reacted to the various circumstances and people that arouse throughout the story. I will definitely be reading more of Elizabeth Scott's work in the near future. You can find her website here.

Favorite Quote:

"There are a million rules for being a girl. There are a million things you have to do to get through each day. High school has things that can trip you up, ruin you, people smile and say one thing and mean another, and you have to know all the rules, you have to know what you can and can't do." (p. 115)

Cover Art Commentary:
I absolutely adore this cover! Most obviously because it's purple (which is one of my all time favorite colors)! :P Also, I like the subtle touching of the feet, which I would imagine would be under a table or something. Definitely goes along well with the story line! :)

Overall Rating:

For Keeps by Natasha Friend

Book Summery:
Having been deserted by her father before she was born, Josie fears abandonment and heartbreak. Her mother fuels this fear with her own reluctance to pursue relationships.
Luckily Josie's best friend, Liv, encourages her to make connections with her family and with the very cute and enigmatic Matt. When the parents of Josie's estranged father move back to the area, Josie forges a friendship with her grandfather that gives her some insight into her roots. A tragedy brings the truth about Josie's family to light and provides an unexpected opportunity to forge new relationships. -goodreads.com

My Review:
I have read several mixed reviews of this book. Based on the summaries I've read (including the one above), it just didn't sound like something I would be interested in. Too much teenage drama for my liking. I was in for a big surprise. Once I flipped this book open to the first page, it was impossible to set down. I devoured it in one night! I found the characters, with the exception of Liv's wardrobe, grounded and believable. I enjoyed their flaws. In fact, it made me connect better with them. I enjoyed watching the characters evolve separately as well as together. Fellow bloggers StephTheBookWorm and Pirate Penguin's Reads both wrote exceptional reviews that aided in my decision to pick For Keeps up. I agree with Pirate Penguin, that the book is very much like a literary version of the TV show Gilmore Girls (which happens to be one of my all time favorite shows, which probably explains why I enjoyed this book so much). Overall, I was pleasantly surprised, and very satisfied with For Keeps and will definitely be reading more of Friend's books in the future! Her website can be found here.

Favorite Quote:

"After a visit to 7-Eleven, we are back in the car. I let Jonathan drive, so I can focus on the task at hand. 'I can't believe you've never had a Slurpee before,' I say...

'Deprived child,' Jonathan says. 'My parents were health nuts. No sugar...No artificial colors...'

'You think Blue Woo-Hoo! Vanilla isn't found isn't found in nature?' I ask...He turns to me. His lips are turquoise. (p. 203)

Cover Art Commentary:
I really like the cover of this one. I love the out of focus photo, with the postage markings on the top. Although one of Pirate Penguin's comments mentions that the girls hands are rather large, which now seems rather obvious to me. :P

Overall Rating:

Succubi Like It Hot by Jill Myles

Book Summery:
With a hot new figure, her dream job as an archaeologist, and two gorgeous boyfriends to scratch her seductive Itch -- an angel and a vampire -- Jackie Brighton is totally getting the hang of life as a succubus. Then she accidentally knocks the pizza guy unconscious with her touch. Great -- she's cursed. After striking a deal to get the curse lifted by a crafty demon, Jackie and her best friend Remy take a road trip to deliver a cryptic message to the nation's oldest succubus. Unfortunately, neither of her jealous lovers is talking to Jackie right now, and due to the curse, she's desperate to get her Itch scratched very soon. Their journey gets weirder with every mile -- demonic possession, a charming stalker, a cryptic warning -- and when they get to New Orleans, Jackie discovers a dangerous catch to her supernatural bargain. Someone wants her dead -- again. Can a brainy vixen in a miniskirt outsmart the forces of evil? -goodreads.com

My Review:
This second installment of The Succubus Diaries is just as scorching as the first. Again, if PNR isn't your among the types of books you like to read, this may not be the book for you. However, if you are a PNR fan, you are in for a treat. ;) Myles delves deeply into the mythology she has created, resulting in a richer, more satisfying story this second time around. The whole cast of characters are back; Remy, Noah, Zane, and Jackie. One thing that stood out to me was the evolution of Jackie's character. She is more independent, less clueless, dependent, and needy. That was a major improvement in my eyes. I also enjoyed meeting Delilah, who proved to be a most interesting charter. ;) Overall, this was a delightful, steamy read. A perfect fun read for adults who love PNR.

Favorite Quote:

"Drake glanced backward, then paled. 'Oh my god' he said, his voice a couple of octaves higher than it should have been.

'Don't be scared' I said, trying to keep my voice level. I glanced it the rear view mirror and saw Joachim's red eyes staring out from Remy's face, fixed unnervingly on me. 'It's just a little demonic possession, nothing to worry about.' " (p. 94-95).

Cover Art Commentary:
I hope that is Zane on the cover, because that is exactly what I pictured him to look like! :P

Overall Rating:

Book Bundle

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Everyone knows the unwritten rule: You don't like your best friend's boyfriend. Sarah has had a crush on Ryan for years. He's easy to talk to, supersmart, and totally gets her. Lately it even seems like he's paying extra attention to her. Everything would be perfect except for two things: Ryan is Brianna's boyfriend, and Brianna is Sarah's best friend. Sarah forces herself to avoid Ryan and tries to convince herself not to like him. She feels so guilty for wanting him, and the last thing she wants is to hurt her best friend. But when she's thrown together with Ryan one night, something happens. It's wonderful...and awful. Sarah is torn apart by guilt, but what she feels is nothing short of addiction, and she can't stop herself from wanting more... -goodreads.com

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott
Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and now she acts like Kate's invisible. And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, whom Kate acts like she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. When Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him when she's sure she's just his latest conquest. Kate figures that the only way things will ever stop hurting so much is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen -- but only if she lets them.... -goodreads.com
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but has no lines of her own. Until now.
Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every place ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.
-goodreads.com
For Keeps by Natasha Friend
Having been deserted by her father before she was born, Josie fears abandonment and heartbreak. Her mother fuels this fear with her own reluctance to pursue relationships.
Luckily Josie's best friend, Liv, encourages her to make connections with her family and with the very cute and enigmatic Matt. When the parents of Josie's estranged father move back to the area, Josie forges a friendship with her grandfather that gives her some insight into her roots. A tragedy brings the truth about Josie's family to light and provides an unexpected opportunity to forge new relationships. -goodreads.com
Source:
All of these were purchased at Barnes and Noble.

Most Anticipated:Obviously, I want to read all of these, hence the purchases. However, I have read exceptional reviews for The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott and Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev, I am highly anticipating reading both of these! :)

Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles

Book Summary:
Jackie Brighton woke up in a dumpster this morning, and her day has only gotten weirder. Her breasts grew overnight, her sex drive is insatiable, and apparently she had her first one-night stand ever . . . with a fallen angel. Of course, she only remembers gorgeous Noah’s enormous, er, package. And their steamy shower sex. Hmm . . . and the dark stranger whose bite transformed her into an immortal siren with a seductive Itch.

With help from Noah and fellow succubus Remy Summore, Jackie adapts to her new lifestyle—until she accidentally strikes a deal that sends her lover into the deadly clutches of the vampire queen and lands Jackie, Remy, and the queen’s wickedly hot right-hand man into the middle of a fierce battle for an ancient halo. But how’s a girl supposed to save the world when the enemy’s so hard to resist? -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



My Review:
Well let me tell you friends, this is one steamy novel. Definitely more appropriate for adult audiences. :P Myles created an originally imaginative world full of condemned angels, all in one form or another. (You all know my love for angels!) The main character Jackie is brave, flawed, honest, and lovable. I love the playful conflict between Zane and Noah, both mouth-watering characters! :P Overall, this is a fun paranormal romance read with some interesting mythology woven into the plot for good measure. If you're not a paranormal romance fan, this definitely is not the book for you. You can find out more info on the author's website (here).

Favorite Quote:

"It had obviously been one hell of a night if I couldn't recall why I was waking up in a dumpster." (p.1)

Cover Art Commentary:
While I am not a fan of romance-esque covers, you have to admit the dandy on the front cover is damn fine! :P

Overall Rating:

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Book Summery:
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shape-shifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag-along ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. -goodreads.com
My Review:
Words cannot express how much I enjoyed reading Hex Hall. It had the perfect combination of humor, romance, horror, and adventure, as well as a healthy dose of all things paranormal woven throughout. Hex Hall had components that I was expecting, such as snobby, vengeful teenage girls, a hunky boy for our heroin to crush on, the occasional teen I-don't-know-how-to-cope-with-life moments, and the ever-loyal sidekick friend. However, what I enjoyed about this book, were the components that did surprise me, such as Sophie's lineage, Cal (the Hall's caretaker), the history of Prodigium and counter-Prodigium. I also enjoyed that Hex Hall had a darker, deeper plot than I had originally envisioned. Overall, Hex Hall was a highly enjoyable, surprising, and satisfying read. I simply cannot wait for the next book in the series! Check out more on Hex Hall at the authors blog.

Favorite Quote:

"I don't know what I was expecting a vampire's room to look like. Maybe lots of black, a bunch of books by Camus...oh, and a sensitive portrait of the only human the vamp had ever loved, who had no doubt died of something beautiful and tragic, thus dooming the vamp to an eternity of moping and sighing romantically.

What can I say? I read a lot of books.

But this room looked like it had been decorated by the unholy lovechild of Barbie and Strawberry Shortcake." (p. 33)

Cover Art Commentary:
I love, LOVE this cover. I love the picture of Sophie on the front, with the southern woods in the background. I also love the reflection in the water, which as greater meaning once you read the book. :)

Overall Rating:

Book Bundle

13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison

While visiting her grandmother's house, an old photograph leads Tanya to an unsolved mystery. Fifty years ago a girl vanished in the woods nearby - a girl Tanya's grandmother will not speak of. Fabian, the caretaker's son, is tormented by the girl's disappearance. His grandfather was the last person to see her alive, and has lived under suspicion ever since. Together, Tanya and Fabian decide to find the truth. But Tanya has her own secret: the ability to see fairies. And, after disturbing an intruder in the night, it emerges that someone else shares her ability ...The manor's sinister history is about to repeat itself ... -goodreads.com


How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larblalestier
Welcome to New Avalon, where everyone has a personal fairy. Though invisible to the naked eye, a personal fairy, like a specialized good luck charm, is vital to success. And in the case of the students at New Avalon Sports High, it might just determine whether you make the team, pass a class, or find that perfect outfit. But for 14-year-old Charlie, having a Parking Fairy is worse than having nothing at all—especially when the school bully carts her around like his own personal parking pass. Enter: The Plan. At first, teaming up with arch-enemy Fiorenza (who has an All-The-Boys-Like-You Fairy) seems like a great idea. But when Charlie unexpectedly gets her heart’s desire, it isn’t at all what she thought it would be like, and she’ll have resort to extraordinary measures to ditch her fairy. -goodreads.com

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves. -goodreads.com

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.-goodreads.com

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...
A sophisticated, layered, and heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands. -goodreads.com

Source:
All of these were purchased at my local indie bookstore. :)

Most Anticipated:
I have heard wonderful things about Before I Fall, so I am definitely looking forward to that. I just finished reading The Dead-Tossed Waves, which was a surprising, though slightly depressing read. I also just finished How to Ditch Your Fairy, which was lighthearted and fun. :)

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier

Book Review:
Welcome to New Avalon, where everyone has a personal fairy. Though invisible to the naked eye, a personal fairy, like a specialized good luck charm, is vital to success. And in the case of the students at New Avalon Sports High, it might just determine whether you make the team, pass a class, or find that perfect outfit. But for 14-year-old Charlie, having a Parking Fairy is worse than having nothing at all-especially when the school bully carts her around like his own personal parking pass. Enter: The Plan. At first, teaming up with arch-enemy Fiorenza (who has an All-The-Boys-Like-You Fairy) seems like a great idea. But when Charlie unexpectedly gets her heart's desire, it isn't at all what she thought it would be like, and she'll have resort to extraordinary measures to ditch her fairy. -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



My Review:
Honesty, I had never paid this book any attention until TJ from Book Love Affair promoted and gave away a copy on her blog. Furthermore, TJ gave Liar, another book by Justine Larbalestier a fabulous review (found here). Now, when TJ gives out a fab review, I listen. She has wonderful taste in books, and if she gives a book a good rating, I know it's worth reading. Well, after reading The Dead-Tossed Waves, I needed a lighthearted pick-me-up (it's a good book, just depressing). So I went to the bookstore and picked up a copy of How to Ditch Your Fairy to flip through. I sat down with the book, and before I knew it, I was 20+ pages in. I put the book in the "to buy" pile and picked it up again as soon as I got home.

Justine Larbalestier has a wonderful lighthearted tone, with a touch of sarcastic humor in How to Ditch Your Fairy. The main character, Charlie, is a fourteen-year-old girl who is more into clothes and boys than concerned with parking, which is what her fairy is famous for. I loved reading the story through Charlie's eye's and watching her make goofy preteen decisions. I enjoyed the interactions between her best friend Rochelle and her crush Steffi. I also delighted in the interactions with characters Charlie didn't like such as Danders Anders and Fiorenze Stupid-Name. What impressed me most about this book is the world Larbalestier created, New Avalon. I enjoyed learning New Avalon's lingo and customs, which are both interesting and original. Ultimately, this is a delightful coming of age tale that will entertain readers of all ages. I highly look forward to reading more of Larbalestier's work!

Favorite Quote:

"Danders lurched to a stop in front of us. 'You car later,' he said without bothering with any prepositions or hi or how goes it or I'm really sorry I attempted to kidnap you." (p. 135)

Cover Art Commentary:
I love the cover of this book! It's colorful and fun, with a pinch of dry humor just like the story! :)

Overall Rating:

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Book Summery:
Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves. -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



My Review:
This book begins several years after the end of The Forest of Hands and Teeth (my review found here). If you have read said review of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, you know that I some major issues with the book. This made me quite apprehensive towards The Dead-Tossed Waves. However, I went to the bookstore and sat down with the book, thoroughly flipping through it's pages and reading excerpts until I was firmly convinced enough to buy the book. I was a bit surprised that the majority of the content on the back cover occurred within the the first 20 pages. I was a little discouraged that the rest of the book was going to drag on and on...One of my primary concerns was that it was going to be quite similar to the first; masses of zombies for a new generation. However, I continued to plow my way through the pages, and I am glad I did.

Ryan does a good job of filling in the gaps and smoothing over the rough edges that were left over from The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Furthermore, she introduces a new cast of characters and re-introduces some familiar faces from book one. Let me just say, that I really, really like Elias and hope to see more of him in future books. ;) My only compliant is that Gabrielle can be really, really indecisive, which did grate on my nerves quite a bit. It reminded me a lot of Mary's younger character from book one. I did enjoy the maturity and evolution of Mary's character. On a whole, I found The Dead-Tossed Waves to be a more accomplished and fulfilling read.

Favorite Quote:

"I hold my breath, waiting for her touch to bring me comfort. And then I realize that that's been my problem all along. Not only wanting comfort and security and safety, but looking to others to find it when I need to find it inside myself." (p. 324)

Cover Art Commentary:
Though not my foremost favorite cover, it definitely fits the story well. I like the color scheme and the use of the water. What plagues me is who is on the cover and are they dead or alive?

Overall Rating: