Dealing with Dragons

October's pick for the We Love Teen Books Club:

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Witch Catcher

Our 4th and 5th grade book club pick for next month

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Review: Elite Ambition

*Warning: as this book is 10th in the series, it will contain plot spoilers of the previous books. Stop reading if you haven't read the series and want to do so*

Sasha and Heather return from their fall break. Sasha's nervous about talking to Jacob after she's found out Heather's been e-mailing him pretending to her Sasha all week. Still, she can't deny her feelings for Jacob. She goes to meet him and to discover if they can slowly take a chance on dating each other.

Sasha's also uneasy about her relationship with Paige after their fight and her refusal to talk with Paige during vacation. Although they apologize to each other, there's still tension in the room. As time goes on, Sasha just wants things to return to normal with her BFF. Something's lurking beneath the surface. Will they actually hash out their feelings?

Sasha's trying not to get caught up in all the drama as she focuses on riding. There's a new girl in the YENT lessons. Sasha really likes Brit, they get along great and have fun hanging out together. Sasha knows what it's like to be the new girl and she's more than happy to have a new friend.

Can Sasha finally relax and focus on her riding or will her friendship drama reach a boiling point and cause her to mess up everything?

My Thoughts: I'm so addicted to this series and the cliff hanger endings make me want the next book immediately.

The Cover: Amazing, I love all of them in this series.

Source: My Library

Review: Blast from the Past

Allie Finkle's class is going on a field trip. She's never been on a field trip before - she either gets sick or something happens to prevent her from going. She's so excited to ride a bus for the first time - she lives close enough to school to walk.

Then she finds out they're going to Honeypot Prairie - a one room school house. Allie doesn't think it sounds amazing, but she's still excited about the trip until she realizes that their class will be joined by Ms. Myers's fourth grade class.

Allie can't believe her ears - that's the class she would have been in if her parents didn't move. It's also the class with all the girls from the horrible birthday party she just attended. Now Allie's dreading her field trip.

When her two worlds collide, things spiral out of control for Allie. Allie desperately wants to make things right, but she also must make some tough choices. Can Allie be as responsible as she's like to be or will she just go with the crowd?

My Thoughts: This is the 6th book in the Allie Finkle series. I love watching Allie's worlds collide. Allie's fresh, fun, and sweet.

The Cover: Cute

Source: My Library

Favorite Banned Books

From my Childhood:

I read this book a lot and loved it each time.


I read this book until it fell apart. I still have it. We also chose this book for our Halloween read last year for the 4th and 5th grade book club


From the college years:

I fell in love with this series at the end of the first chapter and have been hooked ever since.


From life as a teen librarian:

I'm a sucker for ANYTHING Meg Cabot writes (she's the reason I'm a teen librarian - no seriously)


This is SUCH a powerful book, every teen should read it


No only do I love this book, but I love the cover (which some bookstore refused to stock)


Hilarious series, I laughed my way through this one.


I could go on and on...but I'll stop with these

What are some of your favorite banned/challenge reads?

Banned Books: Censorship of teen books

Censorship is never ok. As a teen librarian, it pains and horrifies me to read about teen books being either banned or challenge. I hate reading that one man thought Speak had pornographic scenes. That's wrong on so many levels and so many of us in the book world have expressed outrage. I'm not going to talk about that.

Instead I want to talk about decisions. The reasons behind the banning/challenging teen books consist mainly due to sex, drug, language, or topics too mature for teens to handle. I don't think any of these "reasons" gives any one person or a group of people the right to revoke someone else's reading privileges.

Teens struggle every day with making decisions. It's awesome that they have SO many books to read to help them identify in their struggles. Teens can't always talk to their mom, their BFF, their boyfriend, or anyone else. They might be embarrassed or shy or not really sure how to put their feelings into words. Books can help guide someone through a tough decision or a tough time. Books can help. Books can heal. Books can work miracles.

And when that right book comes around at the exact moment it's needed, it could change someone's life. It could help them SPEAK. It could help them make an amazing decision. It could give them courage, hope, or the ability to dream.

How could you think of taking that away from someone else?

Mysterious Saturday Review: Pepperoni Pizza Can be Murder

Eleanor can't seem to catch a break. While no one is trying to pin a murder on her - the body was found in her pizza joint.

Unfortunately, the body is the brother of Greg, who works in Eleanor's shop. Greg and Wade have been fighting over their inheritance from their grandparents. Greg, while a good guy, is the black sheep of the family. He comes into the shop one day after a meeting with his brother about signing the papers with a broken nose. He finally stood up to his brother's bullying and punched him.

The next day, his brother is dead and Greg's on the run. Eleanor knows he would never kill his brother. She just wants him to be safe. She sees him here and there, but each time the police are only minutes behind him.

Eleanor and her sister decide to dig into the murder as the police focus all their energy on Greg. Can they stir up a hornet's nest without provoking an attack and landing themselves in grave danger?

My Thoughts: I love this series (this is the 2nd) for the sister relationship, the pizza (I adore pizza), and the loyalty of their friends.

The Cover: I Love it, especially since the rolling pin IS the murder weapon

Source: ILL

Read the first chapter here

Cover Reveal: Fins Are Forever

What do you think?

I Love how similar and yet how different it looks from Forgive my Fins.
It's a bit more edgier.

When it comes out: June 28, 2011 (I KNOW, I can't wait either)
If you Love the cover and want a countdown widget go here
Add it to your goodreads

Book Meme

I saw this over at The Hiding Spot and thought it looked like fun! (It was actually harder than I thought)


5 Books I’ve Read Recently

1. Blast from the Past by Meg Cabot
2. Elite Ambition by Jessica Burkhart
3. Pepperoni Pizza Can be Murder by
   
4. Garfield: Pot of Gold by Jim Davis
5. Virals by Kathy Reichs
   

5 Books I’m Planning to Read (in the near future)

1. I was Jane Austen's Best Friend
   
2. Into the Gauntlet
   
3. Front Page Face Off
   
4. Royal Blood
   
5. Perfect Shot
   

5 of My Favorite Books - this changes frequently, but these books I love love LOVE

1. Pride and Prejudice
   
2. Game of Thrones
   
3. Anything by Meg Cabot
   
4. The Godfather (my husband doesn't believe me when I say the movie doesn't compare)
   
5. Bridget Jones's Diary
   

5 of My Least Favorite Books
I'm changing this one to authors -these all make me cringe

1. James Joyce
2. Hemmingway
3. Faulkner
4. Samuel Richardson
5. Shakespeare

5 of My Favorite Book-to-Film Adaptations

1. Pride and Prejudice (Also love Emma and Sense and Sensibility)
   
2. Die Hard
   
3. Clueless
   
4. Little Women
   
5. The Client / PATRIOT GAMES

Review: Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball

Erin's aunt dies, leaving her a box to be opened alone. Inside the book rests a pink crystal ball with a set of instructions.

Erin's two best friends Lindsay and Samantha think the crystal ball might be the key to unlocking their secret wishes. Erin isn't convinced. She's doesn't think outside the box - much.

Erin's also trying to convince her used-to-be friend that she's not boring. Against the odds, they're partners for an art project. Erin can't help remembering the one time they made out while playing seven minutes in heaven two years ago. While Jesse's a little different, he's still a hottie. He doesn't seem to remember that night. He also doesn't seem to remember they used to be friends. Working on this project together might bring up old times and maybe something more. Could he be the key to her letting go just a little?

Plus, she's trying to write an essay for a chance for a trip to Italy. he has to write about her life experiences. Unfortunately because Erin rarely strays from the box, she can't think of anything important to write.

Her friends are still pushing her about the crystal ball, but Erin's trying to figure out the instructions. Lindsey and Samantha push her into asking it questions: Does the hottest boy in school think she's smexy? or Will her English teacher say her paper was well researched and insightful? As the questions get tougher, so does the outcome. Is the ball wreaking havoc on her life?

My Thoughts: I seriously love SMEXY = smart +sexy. This book is super cute. I love how Erin usually lives inside the box, but must make her way out of her comfort zone courtesy of a pink crystal ball. I love how the ball has rules and it takes a while to figure them out. I hope this is the start of a trilogy.

The Cover: Wickedly awesome!
*the Cover combined with the title sold this book for me*

Source: My Library

10 in '10 Challenge update

Back in December, I committed myself to joining this challenge after seeing Kay Cassidy post about it.

(Confession: I knew it wasn't going to be hard because I LOVE teen chick lit/romance books)

I made a list of the upcoming books that I would read:

1. Ex-Games

2. Maggie Bean in Love

3. Heist Society

4. Princess for Hire

5. Magic Under Glass

6. Hex Hall

7. Coffeehouse Angel - I don't think I blogged about this one. I read it, but I didn't really like it

8. Match Made in High School

9. Spring Fling

10. Endless Summer

I just finished up this month but there's several upcoming teen chick lit books I can't wait to read

Forgive my Fins (cover releases FRIDAY!)

Review: Arson

Arson feels like a freak and an outcast. He moves along in life, mostly trying to stay invisible. Then a family moves next door.

There's a girl who wears a mask and from the moment Arson meets her, she pushes him. She asks him the tough questions. She makes him go places with her. She gets under his skin. In a way, she's a freak too.

Together the two of them form a relationship where they both step out of their comfort zones. While they're together, everything else fades. But before long, life catches up with them and takes them by surprise.

Is there bond strong enough with withstand the pressure?



My Thoughts: Honestly, this isn't a book I'd normally read. I found the relationship between Arson and Emery very intriguing and I wanted to discover their secrets. I think teens who enjoy edgy and dark books will enjoy this read.

The Cover: Interesting - I love the flaming title.

Source: From the Author.

Review: Count Your Blessing

*NOTE* As this is the third book in a trilogy, it will have SPOILERS of the previous two books. Don't read if you're planning to read those books and haven't!

Kate's father is in the big house - leaving Kate to take care of the business. Kate's struggling to run the business. Her uncle wants to take over. A rival family wants to take over. Plus her Dad's most loyal crew want to move to Hollywood to act. Kate is in way over her head.

Plus the drama in her personal life is starting to add up. Teddy's parents don't want him hanging around Kate. In fact, they've forbidden contact. Teddy's not to concerned until they force him to stay away.

Now Kate's not sure who to trust or who to lean on for support. Even things with her BFF have gotten out of control. Can Kate handle all the drama in her life and fix everything so she can move on?

My Thoughts: A good ending to the trilogy (which didn't exactly end, but tied up the loose ends). I enjoyed reading about the Mob and Kate taking control of her life.

The Cover: I think it should be more focused on Kate - since she's the one handling the majority of her issues while the cover makes it seem like her parents are right there helping her.

Source: My Library

Review: Firelight

Jacinda has a deep dark secrets that one morning almost comes out destroying everything she holds dear. She's a draki - a descendant of dragons who can portray themselves as humans. Each draki has a special power and Jacinda can breathe fire.

This has gained attention from the Prince of her pride. She's not interested in his attentions. After that almost fatal morning, her mother doesn't give her a choice.

Her mother, her sister, and Jacinda pack their bags and escape in the dead of the night. They travel to the desert, where they will blend into the human world. Jacinda's sister can't wait for school, making new friends, and maybe trying out for cheerleading. Jacinda can't believe it.

The heat from the desert threatens to kill her draki form - which is part of her mother's intention. Jacinda feels trapped. She hates her life. Then she meets Will. She meet Will the morning her life changed forever. She feels drawn towards him and even though she knows she should stay away from him, she can't. They dance around each other.

Will she remain in human form or will her struggle with her draki side force her to take action in saving herself?

My Thoughts: When does book two come out? Because I want to read it NOW. Seriously, it's that good. Jacinda and Will's relationship is steamy and sizzling - literally. I can't say enough about this book: there's danger, family drama between sisters, attempting to fit in at a new school, jealous mean girls, a that one boy who makes everything worth it.


The Cover: Amazing. I love the scales around the eye and the shimmering skin- so creative!

Source: My Library

BBAW: Friday—Future Treasures

We’ve been visiting each other and getting to know each other better…now is your chance to share what you enjoyed about BBAW and also what your blogging goals are for the next year!

My Goals for the next year:
* Read some of the blogs I've discovered this week
*Keep posting (almost) daily
*Participate in some weekly memes
* Forge new relationships with book bloggers

BBAW: Thursday—Forgotten Treasure

Sure we’ve all read about Freedom and Mockingjay but we likely have a book we wish would get more attention by book bloggers, whether it’s a forgotten classic or under marketed contemporary fiction. This is your chance to tell the community why they should consider reading this book!

I read these book a few years back and I loved them. I never remember hearing much buzz about them or their series which surprised me.

Keeper of the Winds by Jenna Solitaire

Jenna's reeling from the death of her grandfather when she learns she's inherited the Board of Air. It's a magical board based down between mothers and daughters. Jenna's own mother died years ago. Now, in college, she must take a break to learn the powers of the board and seek the missing pieces. However, there are other who want the board for themselves. Jenna's not sure who she can trust and who wants to manipulate her. Can she solve the mystery of the board?

This book is the first of a series - an excellent paranormal read that fans of Cate Tiernan will love.


Shamer's Daughter by Lene Kaaberbol

Dina shares her mother's gift - the ability to look anyone in the eye and learn their secrets. Dina hates having this power. She hates being different. When her mother's called to determine the fate of a potential murderer, she gives an honest answer -but not the answer desired. Now she, accused of being false, awaits her own death. Can Dina change her mother's fate and maybe learn to accept her gift while using her powers in a different manner?

I loved this book and it's the first of four in a series. It was so different than anything I'd ever read.

Spotted: Hard Bitten

Here's the cover for the Chicagoland Vampire series #4 Hard Bitten!

Awesome right?
I can't wait to read it!

BBAW: Wednesday—Unexpected Treasure

I read about Fat Cat on Meg Cabot's blog. For those of you who don't know, I'm a Meg Cabot junkie. It sounded interesting, but not the type of book I would pick up on my own.


You can read my review here

Review: Endless Summer

*Note: I read Boys Next Door last year and LOVED it, but this review is about Endless Summer, so there are SPOILERS to Boys Next Door*


Now that Lori has found the perfect boyfriend, she can't wait to spend the summer together. Unfortunately, on their first date, they fall asleep in the car...together. When they wake up, they rush home to discover furious parents - who demand they break up immediately. Plus, her father wants Adam's parents to send him away to military school and given his recent behavior, they're considering it.

Lori can't belief her luck. She tries to stay away from Adam, but it's almost impossible. The few times they sneak out together - their parents find them.

Then Lori comes up with a plan - she could date someone worse than Adam. She goes out on a fake date with a rumored player. She tries to get caught with boy of Adam's older brothers. Nothing seems to be working and most of the time she and Adam are able to spend together, they end up fighting about how to get back together.

Is their relationship doomed?

My Thoughts: I really loved the second installment. I loved how Lori and Adam tried hard to be together -sneaking around or just talking quickly at work. I love the relationship Lori has with her brother and Adam's brothers. Plus I love how Lori and Adam sizzle around each other.

The Cover: Awesome - full of sparks!

Source: My library

I used this for my 10 in '10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge:

Harry Potter (book the first)

Our book club pick for the first 4th and 5th grade book club of the year. We're celebrating BANNED BOOKS and reading a modern classic.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Princess Diaries book trailer

We're starting a new book club at the Otis Library and kicking it off with a classic!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

First Treasures: Book Blogger Appreciation Week

Monday—First Treasure
We invite you to share with us about a great new book blog you’ve discovered since BBAW last year! If you are new to BBAW or book blogging, share with us the very first book blog you discovered. Tell us why this blog rocks your socks off and why you keep going back for more.

This is the first year I'm participating in BBAW - I read about 75 blogs regularly but one that I've found recently that I love is Lisa and Laura Write @ http://lisa-laura.blogspot.com/
They're sister bloggers with a YA book upcoming. They chat about books, pop-culture, and writing. Plus they're HILARIOUS.

Check them out!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Roast Mortem

Clare and her ex-mother-in-law are visiting a friend, when the cafe goes up in flames. As firemen come to her rescue, she finds herself grateful to the men who helped save her friends' lives.

She recalls hearing the fire start in a whoosh and doesn't believe it was an accident. Clare's not going to let this go without a fight. The chief of the department likes Clare, a little too much. He's also the cousin of her boyfriend and they hate each other. Mike asks her to stay away from his cousin.

However, circumstances keep throwing them together. Clare knows there's a story behind the cousins' hostility. She doesn't know why either man won't tell her the truth.

When another coffee house catches fire, Clare knows the fires are connected. One of the fireman dies in the fire. One of the firefighters begins thinks the death is suspicious - maybe murder. Is someone targeting coffee shops around the city for a reason and the firemen. Could Clare's shop be next?

My Thoughts: This is 9th in the series. While I don't drink coffee, I love this series. I like Clare and her need to protect those in world in danger. I love her relationship with her employees and her ex-mother-in-law.

Cover: Interesting, but not my favorite of the series.

Sources: ILL

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Movie

I watched this Wednesday night and I really enjoyed it. I confess that I've only read the first book of the series.

The Good: I laughed - a lot.
I liked how they used the animated scenes from the book
I liked Rowly - he really stole the movie
I LOVED Angie

The Bad: I sometimes became annoyed with Greg - I really liked him, but sometimes he was too full of himself.

Review: Double Date

Casey's single for the moment but that doesn't mean she's not still hung up on Cappie. With the All-Greek formal fast approaching, she needs to find a killer date.

Ashleigh's intent on finding her BFF a date, then the doorbell rings. A handsome stranger stands on the doorstep. Could it really be that easy?

Meanwhile her brother's asked her to find Dale a date to a Honors Engineering Award dinner. When Casey can't find a girl willing to attend, she agrees to be his date. Unfortunately, the night before the awards dinner, several of the important alumni wind up with food poisoning pushing the dinner one night back and directly into the conflict with the All-Greek formal.

Now Casey's double booked. She doesn't know what to do because she can't miss the biggest Greek event of the year. However she doesn't want to break her promise to Dale. Which event will she choose to attend?


My Thoughts: I Love the Greek TV show - I think this takes place after the second season because I learned more details about the characters. I really love these characters. I love Cappie and his carefree ways. I love Rusty as he freaks out about everything. He's the nerdy sweet boy. I love the sarcasm of Dale - who else would name his band DARWIN LIED. Mostly, I enjoyed further delving into these characters and their lives.

The Cover: Cute!

Source: Sent for review by: Meryl L. Moss Media Relations

Review: Forget You

Zoey's family life sucks. Her parents are recently divorced: her mother just attempted suicide, and her father knocked up his barely legal girlfriend. Now, she's just trying to hold on to her seemingly perfect night.

However, the night before, she crashed her car and has no memory leading up to the accident. She can't remember what happened that night or where she was driving. Zoey can't tell anyone she doesn't remember because her father's threatened her with locking her in a psych ward and she can't handle that right now.

So, she's trying to slowly and carefully uncover details of the night. She can't remember why Doug - a boy who seems to hate her, now suddenly can't seem to leave her alone.

He pulled her out of her car. He knows about her mother. He came to see her the day after the crash expecting everything. Did something happen between them? Can she trust him?

But what about her boyfriend? He's certainly acting strange and avoiding her. What doesn't she know?

The secrets keep piling up and threatening to come out at the most awkward times. How can Zoey keep control over her life and all her relationships?

My Thoughts: Mysterious and romantic. It was very hard to put this book down as I wanted to unravel the details along with Zoey.

The Cover: Gorgeous.

Source: From the author - Jennifer Echols

Fun fact: There's a quote on the back of the book from Going Too Far -from www.teensreadtoo.com - I wrote that :)

Review: Mistwood

Isabel has no memories - she only remembers the Prince chasing her through the forest. Once she allows his to capture her, she goes with him back to his castle.

He's looking for her protection - as the Shifter. She's supposed to be able to turn into anything: cat, wolf, bird, mist...while having super human strength and the speed of superman.

She has none of these things. Isabel can't even shift once she reaches the castle walls. She doesn't know what to do, except to hide her true self and attempt to gather knowledge.

Someone is after the Prince, someone who doesn't want him taking the crown. However, once she begins to untangle the truth behind her own memories and her past, she begins to have doubts. She knows the Prince isn't telling her the whole truth. What is he hiding from her and why?

Now as danger fast approaches, Isabel will be forced to chose between her past and her future.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read, although I found it a bit confusing at first. I loved all the twists and turns and the danger. I loved uncovering the truth along with Isabel.

The Cover: Spooky - really great

Source: My library

Review: Spy Glass

Opal has lost all her magical powers. She feels lost without them. without her magic, she doesn't know what to do with her life. Opal's moping about her parent's house trying not to face her new reality.

Since she's lost her powers, she's unable to create the glass figurines that allows magicians to contact each other from a great distance. Thus the council is unhappy with her. She's not about to confide in them that she's also immune to magic.

Someone plants a seed into her brain as her blood may have been taken unwillingly during a torture experience. With her blood, she may be able to gain back her magic through a dark magic. Just as easily, her blood may be given to another person and her powers transferred. This pushes Opal into motion.

She sets her plan in motion. With Valek's help, she trains for the biggest mission of her life little knowing that it could not only cost her her life, but also everything and everyone she loves dearly.


My Thoughts: This is the end of the trilogy that comes after Poison Study. I read this directly after reading Mockingjay and both books are highly emotional reads with traumatic and horrific events happening to the main characters.

I love Maria V. Snyder. I hope that she continues to write tales in this world because I'm not ready to say goodbye to the characters. I love the unique magical elements magicians possess. I love the characters, it's hard to pick favorites. There's so much danger in this world, hatred, and anger but it's offset with amazing friendships, love, and bonds to tough to break.

The Cover: Awesome!

Source: Purchased.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Fatally Frosted

When Suzanne Hart agreed to help out her friend in a showcasing extraordinarily kitchens tour in North Carolina, she doesn't imagine that the day will end in murder. However, just as the tour kicks off and she's showcasing her own donut making skills, the chair of the event dies in the backyard of her host.

Next to the body rests a lemon jelly donut - from Suzanne's own shop. It appears to have poison mixed with the frosting. It's no secret Suzanne didn't like Peg, but she didn't kill her. Still, the police are investigating her and everyone knows they've torn apart her shop looking for evidence.

How will she be able to keep her store going if people think the donuts are poisoned? Suzanne knows for the sake of her store, she must launch her own investigation.

Not many people liked the prickly Peg and the list of suspects grows longer every day. Can Suzanne and her best friend Grace uncover vital information that will lead them to the killer without leading the killer to them?

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the fresh donut twist (which always makes me CRAVE donuts), the insider's look on how to make donuts, the romance between Suzanne and an officer, and Suzanne's relationships with those closest to her.

The Cover: Delicious - Love it!

Source: Purchased

Titles: LOVE them - super fun!

Up Next in November: I can't wait to read it!

Book of the Month

I decided to start something new and have a new award each month for my favorite book I read and reviewed during the previous month. I didn't know it was going to be so hard to decide a favorite book, but for the first award I give you:

You can read my review of the book here.

What was the favorite book you read this month?

Review: Twice Bitten

Merit and her Master vampire have a love-hate relationship. Merit isn't sure how to evolve from the relationship and she's not sure she wants to try. However, something more important catches the vampire community - the arrival of the werewolves for a meeting about their future.

The Alpha werewolf extends the hand of interest to Ethan Sullivan and Merit. They attend a meeting of the werewolf clan heads - only to find tempers ranging and the night end with disaster.

Now Ethan and Merit acts as guards for the Alpha while trying to untangle the attempted murder as well as figuring out the future for the werewolves and thus the paranormal community. In a previous war, the werewolves let the vampire take on the humans in war. Now that the world might be on the brink of war once again, will the werewolves stay and fight or will they disappear once again.

With tensions at a boiling point, Merit's having issues finding an outlet from work. Work is crazy. Her love life a disaster. She's in a fight with her best friend. Will all these issues add up to Merit doing something reckless and endangering herself?

My Thoughts: A adult novel from a crossover author (YA debut was Firespell) and the third in this series that's so hard to put down. There's so many things I love about this series, but mostly it's the relationships: Merit and her relationship with Sullivan - mostly the snark and verbal sparring and their tension/ Merit and Mallory's relationship / Merit and the world.

Cover: Awesome!

Source: Purchase and will be donating to the library

Fun Fact: I'm actually listed in the Reviews in the beginning of the book - under Teens Read Too and I just noticed this!

John Green teaches fitness NERD-STYLE

I can't tell you how much I love this guy - he's super funny

Review: Good Neighbors - KIN

Rue's life is different and it almost changes overnight. While she's hanging out with her friends one day, she begins to see the world differently from the corner of her eye.

At first, she thinks it's just a trick of the light, but when more and more instances happen, she knows something else is at work.

After that night, she comes home to discover police cars in front of her house and her father led away in handcuffs. Her mother's been missing for several days and one of his student's murdered. He's the lead suspect in both cases.

An old family friend comes to stay with Rue while the situation gets sorted out.

Her mother's always been a bit different, but Rue's starting to inherit her abilities. It's scaring her and her friends. Soon, she becomes an outcast. Can Rue figure out what's making her life disappear before her very eyes before it's too late and everything changes?

My Thoughts: I really like this one and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. I love the change between the realistic art and the darker more creepy world - and both combined.

Cover: I like the blend of Human and Faery

Source: My Library

Pair with: Foiled by Jane Yolen

Review: Dragon Slippers

Creel's parents have died, leaving her in the care of her aunt and uncle - who are also struggling to survive. Her aunt concocts a plan to leave Creel at the entrance to the dragon's cave. Surely the dragon will keep her and some brave knight will win back her freedom. Creel will of course have to marry this knight.

Creel is not impressed with her aunt's plan. She doesn't wait for a knight to rescue her. Instead she makes a deal with the dragon. In exchange for leaving and taking the knight with her, she will earn a pair of shoes from the dragon's hoard.

As the dragon agrees to her plan, she selects a pair of blue slippers without knowing their powers. Creel makes her way to the city, where she hopes to find employment with her embroidery skills. In her travels, she runs into trouble and cries for help.

A larger golden dragon hears her cries and comes to her rescue. He takes her to his cavern where she stays for some time as she works produces something to showcase her skills. They form a bond.

Creel reluctantly leaves and heads for the city. There in the space of a short period of time, Creel makes an enemy out of a Princess, meets and befriends a Prince, and finds herself a place among the dressmakers.

However, trouble follows Creel. She's soon in conflicts with the Princess and her employer. When someone betrays her, actions go forth into motion that set the city into danger. Creel finds herself in the middle of all the action.

My Thoughts: I picked this book up because I'd heard good thing about it from a co-worker and also because I love her Princess of the Midnight Ball and Princess of Glass. I really loved this book - I loved the dragon elements and their different and unique hoards. I loved Creel's adventure in the shop and her relationship with the shop girls. I loved the dragons. I didn't realize this is part of a series, but now I'm eager to read more!

The Cover: I love the dragon - but not really the people.

Source: My Library