Kith (The Good Neighbors# 2) by Holly black (author) Ted Naifeh (illustrator)

Description:

Rue Silver's life is not what it appears to be. Her mother is a faerie, and has been taken back to the faerie realm. As Rue goes to bring her back, she must travel deep into an inhuman world. At the same time, the faerie realm is venturing into our world too, and taking its toll on those Rue loves. When her grandfather's plans threaten Rue's city, she realizes that she's the only one who can stop him. But is Rue a human or a faerie? Where does she fit? How does she know the difference between love and enchantment (from Goodreads)?

My Thoughts:

This is book two in The Good Neighbors series; story continues where book one left off.  Rue is searching for her mother whom she discovered, at the end of book one, to be still alive .  The person that they berried was her replacement; Rue must travel into faerie world and find her mother.  

I really enjoyed book two, it was as good as book one. if not better.  The story line progresses in a fast pace; there are lots of things going on at the same time, so you need to pay close attention to the story or you'll end up missing few things.  Given that this is a graphic novel and not everything can be put into words.  Graphic representation of the story was very well done; very clear and easy to read, illustrator did an excellent job. 

Overall the second graphic novel in the Good Neighbor series was very good and I am looking forward to reading more.  I would recommend this book to all faerie lovers, this was a very enjoyable read.  I give this book 4/5 STARS. 

About a Boy By Nick Hornby

Description:

If the fact that they were single mothers meant that gorgeous women (who would not ordinarily look twice at Will) were willing to date him, then Will had it made. Inventing a son got him into a single parents support group, but rather than a fabulous new sex life, he found someone else''s very real son -- a twelve-year-old with a lot to teach Will about being a grown up. 

My Thoughts:

I picked up this book from my local library; it literally fell on my head as I was walking through he stacks. I thought if a book hits you in a head like that you need to read it. Also the title was familiar, I know that there is a movie based on this book but I have never seen it. I prefer to read a book before I see a movie, even though this movie has been out for long while now.

It turns out this was a very good read; full of dry British humour and sarcasm. It made me laugh out loud quite few times. I liked pretty much all the characters, however I did dislike Marcus’s mother. I really liked reading about Will, he was funny and you could not help but like him. At first I thought Will to be selfish and childish, but the more I read about him I realised that I no longer saw him that way. But I come to realise that he was more complex character. Marcus is another character that I really liked, he was such a cute twelve year old kid. He sometimes seemed more like an adult than a twelve year old. Marcus is very literal when he asks questions or understanding what others are talking about. At first it was cute and adorable, but sometimes it was also annoying and makes you want to shake him. Also this book touches on the issue of bulling, and I felt bad for the kid. What made me mad was how the school handled the situation. Meaning they did nothing other than tell Marcus to stay out of bullies way. Hello, who does that, that is pretty much supporting the bullies, giving them an OK for bulling. Way to encourage bad behaviour. But the sad part is that is the reality for a lot of kids, they get bullied and the schools do nothing about it. Third character who I was not very much impressed with was Marcus’s mother, first she does nothing to support her some who is being bullied, second she tries to commit suicide.

Will and Marcus’s friendship is an interesting one, even though there was a big age difference between the two. Friendship between the two fits nicely in the story and makes it interesting. Will is someone that Marcus can talk to or seek advise from, given that he has no friends at school (till later on). However this works the other way too, Will also seeks advise from Marcus too. Throughout the book their friendship is constantly growing and developing.

Overall this was a quick, enjoyable, and humorous read. I think that I will also rent this movie and see it. I hope that the movie is good as the book was. I give this book 4/5 Stars.

The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew # 1) by Carolyn Keene

Description:

When Nancy saves a little girl's life, she gets cought up in a mystery.  She finds out that the little girl and her aunts may have been cheated out of money that they desperately needed.  Trying to help her new friends, Nancy goes on a dangerous search for the missing will (description from back of the book).

My Thoughts:

I know that this book brings a lot of memories for a lot of readers out there. However I have to confess I have never read Nancy Drew books as a child, I was just not interested. I think that it has to do with the fact that I am not a big mystery reader. I mean I will read a mystery here and there; I never go out and seek out mystery books they usually find me. This is what happened with this book. I was at my friends house babysitting her cats and I forgot my book. So I searched her bookshelves when I came across Nancy Drew collection and I thought I will give this book a chance.

This was a very quick read for me, it was only hundred and eighty pages long and I read it in one sitting. I can see why this book appealed to so many young readers, it had adventures and mystery. Young female protagonist, who was smart and brave and plot moves along in a quick pace. However as much as I enjoyed reading this book I can not stop thinking about how bad the writing was in this book or how cheesy. However I was able to get past the bad writing; I did think that it would have been much better if this book was much longer and if the clues that Nancy found were not so easily found. To me it seemed that there were no real effort in trying to find the clues, why do you need any effort when the clues kept popping up conveniently. But I can see as a young reader none of these flaws would pop up because they have nothing to compare it to. But one of the good thing about this book is that it teaches kids how to read and develop their vocabulary.

Even though Nancy was the protagonist, you still have this feeling that Nancy is being slotted into a role of a good girl or good daughter, who abides by the rules of male authority figure, whether be that her father or someone else. I guess that this is somewhat expected given the year this book was written. Overlooking all these flaws this was a very entertaining read and I think that I might continue reading this series and see what happens.

I would recommend this book to all young readers out there who are just starting to discover love of reading. Even though there are lot of flaws in this book, overall it was a great read. It had a lot of features that will appeal to a lot of young readers (at least I hope so). I give this book 4/5 Stars.

KIN (The Good Neighbors #1) by Holly Black (Author), Ted Naifeh (Illustrator)

Description:

Rue Silver's mother has disappeared . . . and her father has been arrested, suspected of killing her. But it's not as straightforward as that. Because Rue is a faerie, like her mother was. And her father didn't kill her mother -- instead, he broke a promise to Rue's faerie king grandfather, which caused Rue's mother to be flung back to the faerie world. Now Rue must go to save her -- and must also defeat a dark faerie that threatens our very mortal world (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

This is my very first graphic novel, I know it is very hard to believe but it is. I have never before read a graphic novel or manga. I was just never interested in reading them, but I was at my local library and I saw the graphic novel section and though what the hell. I really did not know where to start so I just browsed not looking for anything specific. I came across this book, I new the author so I though I will give it a chance. I checked all three books out.

I am actually impressed, I really liked it. For some reason I was always under impression that I would not like graphic novels. This book was very well done, the illustrations, were very well done; there are very detailed and convey the story as much as the text does, if not even more so.

I love the characters, especially Rue, she was very well developed character. You see her emotions through the illustrations, you know how she is feeling. The story was simple and straight forward; but it was very well done. I loved the fairies and how complex they are; Rue’s mother was an interesting character and I hope to see more of her in book two. I also enjoyed Rue’s friends and I really like Dale Rue’s boyfriend, he was a somewhat aloof character.

However I do find it hard to write a review for a graphic novel, since I have never read one before or written a review on one. It is hard because I have nothing to compare to. But even though this was my first, I found that I really enjoyed it very much, I am not sure if that is just because of the novelty, however I would like to think that it is because it was good. I give this graphic novel 4/5 stars.

Author Interview - Lauren Oliver author of "Delirium"

1. Who or what influenced you to become author?
Well, my father is a writer, so he was certainly a big influence on me. But the biggest influence has probably just been a lifelong love of reading, of being transported into alternate worlds.


2. Where did you get idea for writing Delirium?
The idea for DELIRIUM came from an essay I read by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, in which he wrote that all great books were about love or death. The next day I was thinking about that quote--particularly about how and in what form a modern love story could be told--while I was on the treadmill at the gym. I was simultaneously watching a news story about a flu outbreak that had everyone freaking out about the possibility of a pandemic, and I was kind of marvelling that people so easily go into panics about reports of these diseases, and at some point the two trains of thought--love, and disease--just sort of combined in my head.


3. What would you do or feel, if one morning you woke up and you found yourself in a world where there is no love?
It really depends on the day! If it was the day after experiencing heartbreak or loss of some kind, I might actually rejoice and welcome the cure. I’ve sometimes wished I could cut my own heart out. Of course, on most days I am tremendously grateful for all the love in my life, and would feel completely bereft if it somehow were drained out of the world.


4. What is one book that you can read over and over again?
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.


5. Even though I have not read the book yet, but I love the idea of the world that you have created. What kind of the research did you do?
Well, the book takes place in Portland, Maine, so I had to spend time in that city, learning its geography, texture, and feel. I did some research about the kinds of freedom that are restricted in various parts of the world, and how governments exert control over the moral and intellectual lives of their citizens.


6. Are any of the characters based on anyone in real life? If so why?
None of the characters is modeled on anyone in particular, but in all of my books, I try and write characters that are based on my understanding of how people behave, and my observations about human thoughts/belief patterns/actions.


7. Why do you write for young adults and have you considered writing for adults?
Well, I didn’t really “choose” to write for young adults. I wrote a book that featured a seventeen-year-old protagonist, and was told that as a result, it was a YA novel. And sure, I might very well write for adults someday! Hopefully once I become more of an adult myself. J The line is so blurry now, anyway. I’m pretty sure that half of my fans are over the age of 21!


8. As an author, what do you hope readers will learn from reading Delirium?
I hope that all of my books explore themes of meaning—I would hope that readers get to think about what things make life fulfilling and worthwhile. But I’m happy, too, if a reader steps away with nothing more than the sense of being transported.


9. Who was your favourite or most challenging character to write?
I liked writing Hana a lot. I loved seeing her through Lena’s eyes. I very much know the feeling of semi-worship that often accompanies a close friendship, of seeing someone else as gorgeous and full of life and light, and of feeling like the duller side of a coin as a result.


10. Is Delirium part of series and if so how many books will there be in series?
Yes! Delirium is the first book in a trilogy. Pandemonium, its sequel, comes out in Spring 2012, and Requiem, the final book, in Spring 2013.

Throat by R. A. Nelson

Description:

R. A. Nelson takes us on a supernatural thrill ride, a modern-day vampire story set on a NASA base and filled with space-and-science intrigue. Seventeen-year-old Emma feels cursed by her epilepsy—until the lost night. She's shocked to wake up in the hospital one morning, weak from blood loss. When her memories begin to return, she pieces together that it was a man—a monster—who attacked her: a vampire named Wirtz. And it was her very condition that saved her: a grand mal seizure interrupted Wirtz and left Emma with all the amazing powers of a vampire—heightened senses, rapid speed—but no need to drink blood. Is Emma now a half-vampire girl? One thing soon becomes clear: the vampire Wirtz is fierce and merciless, feared even by his own kind, and won't leave a job undone.

My Thoughts:

This is first book in a long while that I did not finish reading. I read up to two hundred pages and I could not keep going. Even though I have this personal philosophy when it comes to books, which is if you buy you have to read it. In this case there were lots of other books that very waiting for me to read them and I did not want to waist my time on something that I was not enjoying at all.

When I purchased this book I was intrigued by its cover, the story description sounded very good. Even when I read first forty pages the story was interesting and it kept me involved, but after pretty much page fifty everything goes downhill. Emma’s character was boring, there was no spark or spunk, but rather what you end up is this monotonous voice that you keep hearing as you continue reading. The dialog between Emma and Sagan was boring and not very realistic. To me it seemed very forced, romance between Emma and Sagan without a spark or feelings. To me this was not a very good book, I really did not like anything about it. I am really sad to say this but that is how I feel about this book. I am sure there are plenty people out there who love this book and that makes me feel much better because probably there are some good things in this book but I am just not seeing them.

Overall, this was not a good read for me. I will give this book 1/5 stars.

Poison by Chris Wooding

Description:

Poison has always been a willful, contrary girl, prone to being argumentative and stubborn. So when her sister is snatched by the mean-spirited faeries, she seeks out the Phaerie Lord to get her back. But finding him isn't easy, and the quest leads Poison into a murderous world of intrigue, danger, and deadly storytelling. With only her wits and her friends to aid her, Poison must survive the attentions of the Phaerie Lord, rescue her sister, and thwart a plot that's beyond anything she (or the reader) can imagine. . . (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

I picked up this book at my local used bookstore, I love that place. I really love the cover of this book, it kind of reminds me of the Blair Witch Project movie poster or DVD cover, it is kind of creepy.

Poison is a teenage girl who lives in Gull, Gull is black marsh. It is boring sort of place, nothing happens and no one leaves or comes to this place if they do not have to. I really liked Poisons name, I even liked it better how she came about getting the name. You know from very beginning that Poison is different and that she needs more than what Gull can offer. When her sister get taken by fairies this gives a perfectly good reason to leave Gull in search of her sister.

This book was filled with adventure and mystery; this book has somewhat of a Gothic feel to it, it is not your every day fairy tale. It more dark and sinister in some aspects, it is also creepy but I would not call it scary. At least I did not find it scary.

Character development was constant throughout the book, Poison’s character grows as the story progressed but her character never outgrows the story which is a good thing. I loved how easily her friendship with Bram grows throughout the story. I liked the fact that poison is not perfect, even though she is a strong and brave. I really like the idea of Hierophant, that was a very neat idea, very thought provoking and entertaining. I also liked how the book ended, I did not expect it I have to say, but I thought it was somewhat appropriate for Poison.

Overall this was a very entertaining and interesting read. It has all the elements that makes a good read, touch of magic, humour, mystery, supernatural beings, and lots other things. I would recommend this book to all who love stories about fairies. I give this book 4/5 stars.

Born to Bite (Argeneau #13) by Lynsay Sands

Description:

Legend has it that Armand Argeneau is a killer in the bedroom . . .

But with all three of his late wives meeting unfortunate and untimely ends, is this sexy immortal a lover or a murderer? That's what Eshe d'Aureus intends to find out. As an enforcer, it's her job to bring rogue vampires to justice, even if the rogue in question makes her blood race red hot.

Armand knew she was trouble the moment Eshe roared into town on her motorcycle, clad in tight black leather. She claims she's hiding from dangerous fiends, though he suspects something more. But after three wives who've all had trouble remaining, well, undead, Armand is reluctant to open his heart again. Then strange accidents start to happen, each deadlier than the last, and Armand realizes he may not have much time to prove he's a lover, not a slayer (from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

Born to Bite is book thirteen in Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands; I have been following this series from beginning and I am not bored with it yet. I have to admit that each book becomes predictable but for some reason it really does not bother me, because I keep reading them.

This particular story revolves around Armand and Eshe; Eshe is sent in to investigate the deaths of Armand’s wives. To no surprise Eshe and Armond discover that they are life mates. As the story progresses we get more clues as to who murdered Armand’s wives. It really was not hard to figure out who the murderer was. But them again I do not read this series for the mystery but rather for the romance and vampires.

I really liked Armond and Eshe, they were a sweet couple. I liked that there was not a lot of drama between the two. Bur rather they embraced their relationship. There is a lot of humour in this book and made me laugh out loud couple of times. I liked the fact that Eshe was an enforcer rather than her male counterpart being an enforcer. Also all the supporting characters were very entertaining as well, and in some instances I wanted to read more about them. I hope to learn more about them in future books. Overall this was a good read, it was a fast read, funny, had romance and mystery. I give this book 3/5 stars.

Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver‏

Description:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that one love -the deliria- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love

My Thoughts:

I received a Advanced Readers Addition of this book from Harper Collins Canada, thank you Shannon and Harper Cpllins Canada for this book. I was so excited when Shannon contacted asking if I would like to read and review this book. I have seen all the hype about this book around number of different blog and I have to say it looked very good. Book does not disappoint.

This book is not about dystopian society but rather a romance set in a dystopian society. Romance between Lena and Alex the main point of this book and the dystopian society is more of background story. As a reader you see this dystopian society through Lena’s eyes and it is apparent from the beginning that she is brainwashed. Throughout the book she struggles to deal oppression and propaganda that surrounds her every day. This is a very slow process, which I found somewhat tedious. Romance between Lena and Alex had a very slow start, it’s not till like hundred and fifty pages into the book before any serious romance starts to happen. To tell you the truth, I did not feel the connection between Lena and Alex, I did not feel that chemistry. Even though both Lena and Alex’s characters were well developed and written, I still did not feel a connection between them. I think I would prefer them friend rather than a couple. There is a lot of character growth for Lena, she goes from blindly believe everything she was told from an early age to everything being flipped 360 degrees.

I do not read to many dystopian book, usually they make me sad and angry. Angry at people for not being able to see that they are being brainwashed and oppressed. I wish that the author concentrated more so on the dystopian world rather than the romance. I wanted to see more of the oppressing society and what it does to people; I wanted Lena to run into more roadblock that dystopian society would put up for an individual. I wanted to learn more about her parents, Lena mostly talks about her mother but I wanted to learn about her father. What happened to him and why?

Even though with all the short comings of this book, there was something about it that prevented me from putting it down. This book has a lot of good things and I have to admit that the brain procedure, removing ability to love, that every adult has to go through is very disturbing. I try to image what it would be like if someone removed the ability to love from me; it makes me shudder.

Overall I have greatly enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to book two in this series. Like any book it has its shortcomings (at least what I think it’s a shortcoming) and its good points. I just hope that he book two gets even better. Overall I give this book 4/5 stars.