Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): When a plane crash strands thirteen teen beauty contestants on a mysterious island, they struggle to survive, to get along with one another, to combat the island's other diabolical occupants, and to learn their dance numbers in case they are rescued in time for the competition.Written by Libba Bray, the hilarious, sensational, Printz Award-winning author of A Great and Terrible Beauty and Going Bovine. The result is a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you never see beauty the same way again.

Book Review:
I've been a fan of Bray since I picked up The Diviners. I've been wanting to read Beauty Queens for quite some time now. When I discovered that my library carried an audio book copy of Beauty Queens, I was really excited! My excitement soared when I noticed that the author read the audio book herself! The audio book is definitely the way to go on this one! Bray does a fantastic job of bringing the story and the characters to life. While there are a lot of characters, Bray does a superb job of giving each character their individual voice, which is crucial to the plot.

There is so much going on in this novel, I don't even know where to start. First of all, the island where the plane crashes isn't all what it seems...there are many dark secrets the lie in wait. It almost seemed a little like "Lost" to me. Also, the personalities of the girls become more defined and prominent as the story goes on, which is probably my favorite part. I adored the satire, but also was able to enjoy the more series points of the novel. I just can't help but gush...this book is everything I expected and more! I will definitely continue to pick up works by Bray! She is such an accomplished author and storyteller!

Cover Art Commentary:
I like the idea of this cover...the sash and the lipstick amo...but eh...it could have been a bit more imaginative, especially considering the book itself.

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Lair of Dreams (The Diviners #2) by Libba Bray

Book Summery (Via Goodreads):After a supernatural showdown with a serial killer, Evie O’Neill has outed herself as a Diviner. With her uncanny ability to read people’s secrets, she’s become a media darling, earning the title “America’s Sweetheart Seer.” Everyone’s in love with the city’s newest It Girl…everyone except the other Diviners.
Piano-playing Henry DuBois and Chinatown resident Ling Chan are two Diviners struggling to keep their powers a secret—for they can walk in dreams. And while Evie is living the high life, victims of a mysterious sleeping sickness are turning up across New York City.
As Henry searches for a lost love and Ling strives to succeed in a world that shuns her, a malevolent force infects their dreams. And at the edges of it all lurks a man in a stovepipe hat who has plans that extend farther than anyone can guess…As the sickness spreads, can the Diviners descend into the dreamworld to save the city?

Book Review:
I have held off on writing this review because I needed some time to think about this book after finishing it. Obviously, it took me a bit longer to get through this novel due to its length. While I really enjoyed Lair of Dreams, I definitely think it easily could have been at least 100 pages less. The first few hundred pages built up suspense and intrigue, and last few slowly resolved the plot and enigma that plagued the beginning of the story. However, the middle of the story seemed to be a bit repetitive and I found myself getting a bit frustrated at the lack of progress. Honestly, that's my biggest compliant. For being 600+ pages, it was quite easy to pick this baby up and get lost in the streets (and dreams) of New York. I love the historical feel with the supernatural twist. While Evie is the main character, she is not my favorite this time around. I loved the addition of the new characters. My favorite story-line is that of Ling and Henry. I definitely think their story is the heart of the novel. Overall, Bray did an excellent job with this second addition of The Diviners series. I can't wait for the next installment!

Cover Art Commentary:
I know the cover change has caused a bit of a stir, but I actually like it. The underground tunnels are perfect...it gives off a slightly creepy and mysterious feel. I also really like the colors.

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The Diviners (The Diviners #1) by Libba Bray

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."
When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

Book Review:
Well Libba Bray, you have won my heart! Admittedly, this is my first Libba Bray novel, but it wont be my last! Not only did Bray create a magical world, she also did some serious research. Perhaps my favorite component of this novel is the setting. The streets of New York in the 1920s! Simply divine! The flappers, prohibition, speak-eases, the slang...you name it, Bray incorporated it! The setting sets this book apart from the heard. The characters are fabulous and well crafted. Evie makes for a fun-loving narrator. She adds freshness and spunk to the story! Jericho, Will, Mabel, Theta, Henry, and Memphis all make for fantastic supporting characters. I could easily write a paragraph on each of them. I'm curious to learn more about Theta, Henry, and Memphis, in particular. The scenes with Naughty John are just downright bone-chilling. It takes A LOT to creep me out, and those scenes did the trick! I don't remember being that spooked since Stephen King's The Shining. Overall, a fabulous setting, vivid characters, and well-crated writing. What more can a reader ask for?!

Favorite Quote:
"'How do you invent a religion?' Evie asked. 
Will looked over the top of his spectacles, 'You say "God told me the following," and then wait for people to sign up.'"

Cover Art Commentary:
Is this not one of the most gorgeous covers you have seen?! It's purple, old-timey, and just lovely.

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