The End of 2013

Well, I did it!  I met my goal of 150 books, plus two extra!  Huzzah!  Breakdowns and “best of” to follow soon.  Here are the books I finished 2013 with:

The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die, by April Henry:  Our narrator comes to on the floor of a cabin, bruised, achey and bleeding and unable to remember anything about who she is and how she got there.  She flees her captors and finds help in Ty, a sympathetic teen.  Together they solve the mysteries of her past and uncover a conspiracy with far greater implications.
This short, mystery novel is pretty much nonstop action from start to finish.  Henry keeps the story moving at a nice, brisk pace.  The chapters are short, and to the point; the writing direct and not overly complicated.   The mystery’s plot is full of twists and turns that fuel the suspense (heightened by the short chapters).  I think a lot of teens will find the length appealing as well as the story concept, and they’ll enjoy it too.
Overall Assessment:
Second Chance Summer, by Morgan Matson: Taylor’s dad is sick, and her family has one last summer to spend with him.  They decide to go to the family cabin they used to spend summers in, but haven’t been to in years.  Being back will force Taylor to confront old boyfriends and friends, who all seem to hate her, all while watching her father become sicker and sicker.
This is a novel that clearly could be an overwhelming tear-jerker, but Matson deftly weaves humor and romance into the story without anything feeling forced.  The result is a beautifully written novel that authentically portrays Taylor’s summer of reconnecting with friends, righting wrongs, growing up and saying goodbye, but ultimately of second chances.
Overall Assessment:

The Night She Disappeared, by April Henry:  This is a fast paced novel about the disappearance of Kayla, a pizza delivery girl.  The novel focuses on Gabie and Drew, Kayla’s coworkers and classmates, as they struggle with their guilt and putting together the pieces.  Interspersed are police interviews, 911 transcripts and newspaper articles that help to break things up and provide further clues while keeping the novel tight.  While the three main characters were fairly well developed, the other characters were pretty generic, and the writing was good and taught, but not great.  But for those who don’t mind, it is a quick (couple hours) easy read.
Overall Assessment:

United We Spy, by Ally Carter: The final installment of the Gallagher Girls series picks up at New Years, right before Cammie and the girls head back for their final semester.   Members of The Circle are still at large and Cammie is still struggling to put all the pieces together.  However, the tables turn and Cammie and Zack find themselves wanted and on the run.  Unable to let their friend run away alone again, Liz, Bex and Macey come along to help Cammie find answers.

The Gallagher Girls are very near and dear to my heart and I love the whole series.  I was not disappointed by it’s conclusion.  Huzzah!  Carter brings all the story lines and characters together, to deliver a satisfying ending.  As usual, Carter’s writing is clear, clever and action packed.  The tone, however, still has the weariness that crept in during Out of Sight, Out of Mind, after Cammie’s summer spent hunting The Circle.  Throughout the series, the characters have grown realistically, the characters flawed, but real and honest.  The heart of the novel and the whole series, is the wonderful friendship.  Liz, Bex, Macey and Cammie trust, care for and back each other without fail, and I totally want to be in their group.
Overall Assessment:

Are You There God?  It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume:  Eleven year old Margaret Simon is moving from the bustle of NYC to the suburbs of New Jersey.  Starting at a new school, she quickly finds a group of girls, Gretchen, Nancy and Janie.  Together Margaret and her friends navigate the sixth grade, a treacherous year that involves first bras, first kisses, spin the bottle and period panic.  Inspired by her teacher’s year long project on any topic, Margaret delves into religion, which has never been a part of her life.  Her father is Jewish, her mother is Christian and was disowned by her parents for marrying a Jewish man.  As a result, her parents decided to keep religion out of the house and not practice any religion.  Margaret attends different churches to learn about what different faiths offer, hoping to find one that calls to her.

I never actually read this pre-teen novel when I was younger, and I really wish I had.  I enjoyed it as an adult, but I’m sure I would have enjoyed it more at the right age.  What I found most impressive, is how well the novel holds up.  There isn’t much that readers today wouldn’t understand.  It’s a delightful, touching, honest look at a tough age where a lot of strange things start happening.  It is a credit to the wonderful writing and story that allow it to hold up and speak to preteen girls, who can be a tough audience to please.
Overall Assessment:

The Bone Season, by Samantha Shannon: In a world where being a just a voyant can get you killed, Paige is the rarest of voyants, a dreamwalker.  She works in the underground, as a member of the Seven Seals, a criminal group of voyants.  When her inevitable arrest arrives, she is taken to a voyant prison in what was once Oxford.  The prison and city are controlled by Rephaim, other worldly creatures that are a powerful type of voyant who use their prisoners as slaves and soldiers.  Paige is sent to live with Warden, who is helping train her to hone her powers.  Despite the risks, she still rebels in her search for a way out and helping her fellow prisoner voyants.

Shannon did an amazing job of world building.  The world of the Scion, voyants and Rephaim is completely and thoroughly imagined and described.  The characters are well drawn, but still maintain their mysteries and secrets.  The complex world and twisting plot line could have been as tangled as my now packed Christmas lights, but Shannon keeps the lines clear, focused and taught.  It is nearly impossible to put down.
Overall Assessment:

Will I Read the Sequel: I want to, but I think I’d have to reread/skim The Bone Season first because of the detail.

Stoker’s Manuscript, by Royce Prouty:  This is an intriguing literary mystery, surrounding Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula.  Joseph is a seller of rare books and document authenticator based in Chicago, and an orphan from Romania, who was rescued from an orphanage and raised in a Catholic Church  He receives a call asking him to act as authenticator, negotiator and potential deliverer of Stoker’s Dracula notes and unpublished chapters.  The buyer, is a wealthy Romanian wishes for total anonymity and using an agent to contact Joseph.  As one would expect, there is more to the buyer and the subsequent task than meets the eye.  What starts as a simple manuscript becomes a printed guide to finding the bride of the ancient creatures.

I picked this out on a whim, and I’m glad I did.  It was an intriguing and well told mystery.  While the story stands alone, and can be read without having read Dracula, I think having that background adds to the enjoyment of Stoker’s Manuscript.  There are scenes that find Joseph in predicaments similar to Jonathan Harker, the protagonist in Dracula.  Well researched details about turn of the century  current events and popular figures as well as Stoker’s career and life lend texture to this historical and literary mystery.  A good pick for those who enjoy Dracula lore or a good twist on an old classic.
Overall Assessment:

Paranormal Paranoia

The Last Werewolf, by Glen Duncan:  Jake is over 200 years old and the last werewolf.  In recent years the werewolf strain has stopped infecting, which means that no new werewolves are created.  At the same time, a group committed to wiping out the werewolves has killed  them all – except Jake.  Lonely and depressed, all Jake lives for is sex, alcohol and cigarettes.  All this changes with the cryptic phone message, a meeting with vampires and a chance encounter.
Duncan’s werewolf take was fun, fresh and sexy.  He has his own werewolf rules and mythology that suit the novel perfectly.  The Last Werewolf is smartly written and well paced. Occasionally Jake’s musings and thoughts meandered a little too far off course and it took a little work to refocus.  However, when the writing is tight and the tension is high Duncan takes you through unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end.
Overall Assessment: For paranormal fans looking for a good writing, this is a great pick.  It does get graphic, so it’s probably not for sensitive/squeamish readers.
Will I Read the Sequel: Probably not.  I like this as a stand-alone.
My Labels: Paranormal, Fantasy, Horror, Adult Fiction, Popular fiction

A Clockwork Princess, by Cassandra Clare:  In book three of the Infernal Devices Clare ties everything together as well as sprinkling in a few more threads that are seen in The Mortal Instruments.  Tessa is engaged to a dying Jem, and Will is still the handsome, brooding, bad boy.  Mortmain is still a threat and the Consul is ignoring any leads that Charlotte gives him, even when Tessa is abducted.  The addition of Cecily, Will’s sister, and the Lightwood brothers, Gabriel and Gideon, to the Institute offer a few more Shadowhunters who are willing to help save Tessa, with or without the Clave’s help.
This was probably my favorite of all Clare’s novels.  The writing and pacing were fantastic.  The story never felt forced and it never veered too near to the semi-cheesy line that I think The Mortal Instruments toes at times.  Also, most important for a series – the ending was fantastic.  I was so happy with how Clare worked things for all the characters, in a plausible manner.  The skeptical grown-up me was happy, but so was the 13 year old girl in me.  I listened to this, and found the reader to be fantastic.  He caught the different accents wonderfully.
Overall Assessment: Loved it.  You definitely need to start with the first in this series (Clockwork Angel), but you don’t have to go through The Mortal Instruments too.
My Labels: Steampunk, YA, paranormal romance, series

Star Cursed, Jessica Spotswood:  The second novel in a series, when following an outstanding first book, usually confirms the first to either be a fluke or the start of something really good.  Luckily for me and other readers, Star Cursed is the latter.  It picks up with Cate in New London, now a Sister being trained in her skills.  She is still assumed to be the prophesied witch, despite her lack of visions.  For the safety of Maura and Tess, Cate reluctantly agrees to have them brought into the Sisterhood to have them develop their powers, and in case one of them is actually the witch in the prophecy.  Finn, now in the Brotherhood as also come to New London as the Brothers are tightening their hold and passing even greater restrictions.  Cate is now navigating the politics of the Sisterhood, the Brotherhood and her own sisters to find the best way to keep herself and her family safe while trying to do what’s best for the greater good.
Spotswood has created a brilliant alternative New England (and world!) of witches, visions, and creepy societies.  Cate is one of my favorite heroines because she is smart and capable and actually thinks before she does things without coming off as weak or indecisive.  She genuinely wants to do what’s best, and fully understands and weighs the consequences of acting and not acting, which is something you don’t see often.  The characters are all real, vivid and flawed and create a web of trust, deceit and secrets that add great tension.  The writing in engaging and Spotswood effectively plays with the tension as she pulls you through twists and turns.  My only complaint is that I don’t know when the next one comes out!
Overall Assessment:  Do I need to gush more?  Okay, I will: Awesome follow-up.  Second books can often be so disappointing–cheers to Spotswood for making a sequel that, is perhaps better than the already fantastic first book!  Huzzah!

Will I Read the Sequel?  Duh.
My Labels: YA, paranormal, series

Keeping it real….sorta

Nothing like home renovations, yoga challenges (post to come soon!), the Summer Reading Program, and vacations to slow down reading and reviewing.  However, I still managed to get through quite a few and on the whole was very happy with all my reading.

Rebel Heart, by Moira Young: In the sequel to Blood Red Road, Saba and Lugh are reunited and are headed west with the rest of their crew.  After receiving a cryptic message from Jack, who has now joined the Tontons and helped destroy the Free Hawks, Saba runs back to save Jack.  Along the way they discover a new regime is leading the Tonton, under the guidance of the Pathfinder.
I’m very torn on reviewing this book.  I listened to it, as I did the first, because I had trouble reading it.  I believe some books are meant to be listened to and this is one of them – the audio is perfect.  The story is action packed with a lot of tension and great characters.  The one person I didn’t like, and became my frustration with the novel was Saba.  She is very headstrong, determined, has a one track mind and follows her heart – traits that served her well in the first book and should translate into her quest of finding Jack, but I don’t think they do.  She hasn’t learned anything about listening to other people and thinking about her actions and how they affect others.  Even while acting on one person’s behalf, she can still be very selfish because she is potentially affecting others by her stupid, impulsive actions.  She’s also very manipulative and careless with her actions and words, leading on those who care about her without thinking about the consequences.  However, I am willing to forgive some of this and credit it to her emotional distress over the losses she suffered in the first book.  I admire her strength and conviction, and think that she still has the potential to grow into a better person in the next book.
Will I Read the Sequel: Yes – the storyline left a great set-up for a really great conclusion.
My label: Series, YA, Post-Apocalypse, strong chicks

The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau: The central government takes the best and the brightest students to be tested for entrance to the University.  Little is known about The Testing, except that there are those who never return.  Cia was selected for The Testing like her father was upon his graduation.  His memories were wiped after The Testing, but he has terrible and horrifying dreams and flashbacks of his Testing.  Also, once you are selected, there is no backing out.  Hmmmm,  does this sound like anything else you’ve read?
It’s really hard to read this and NOT think of The Hunger Games, which is unfortunate for The Testing.  There is a lot of action, mystery, intrigue, slimy characters, back-stabbing and, of course, fighting to the death.  It is a super-fast read that is hard to put down.  While there are some surprises, there is also a lot of predictability and standard characters, that seem to be staples in this genre.
Bottom Line: Without comparing to the plethora of YA dystopian novels, this is really great.  When you take into account the other ones out there, it can still stand on it’s own two feet, while sharing certain elements and themes that can be a tad repetitive.  If you are a fan of the genre, a must read.
Will I Read the Sequel? I think so, there was enough mystery left that I still want answered. 
My Labels: Dystopian, series, YA, strong chicks

In Darkness, by Nick Lake:  Wow.  I picked this title up mainly because it won the Printz Award, and it was so worthy of the award.  The novel takes place in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake.  Shorty is trapped in the rubble of a hospital, and, convinced of his imminent death, he tells his heartbreaking story of growing up in the slums of Haiti, and caught in the gangs and violence.  He is also linked to Toussaint L’Ouverture, the man who led the rebellion against the French to free the Haitian slaves.  Shorty’s story is woven in with Toussaint’s, and the two catch glimpses of the life of the other.
The story is beautiful and raw.  Lake’s storytelling and imagery are beautiful and compelling and juxtapose the ugly realities of war, slavery and gang life.  Even more heartbreaking are the callousness that Shorty and other gang members have at such a young age – it’s a fact of life.  Adding to the depth of the novel is the gang portrayal – you still can’t fully hate the gangs though, because they take care of the people of the city in ways that the government and UN can’t or wont.  Most importantly this is still an accessible novel.  While this is (what I consider to be) a more literary novel, this is one that teens can read, understand and follow.
Bottom Line: Thought provoking and beautifully written, this is an important novel for both teens and adults.
My Label: Historical fiction, realistic fiction, YA, award winners

The Dark Monk, by Oliver Potzsch:  In the second novel of the The Hangman’s Daughter series, Jakob, Magdelena and Simon are investigating the death of the parish priest.  They are caught up in a mystery that has them on a trail left by the The Knights Templar.  Local politics, romantic rivals, lover’s quarrels and a gang of robbers add complications to their attempts to track down the clues and solve the mystery.
The Dark Monk is a solidly constructed and developed mystery.  Potzsch maintains a nice pace that keeps the 500 page novel from dragging and feeling like 500 pages.  The characters are delightful and the setting of this Bavarian village of the 1660s is fascinating and makes it stand out from other mysteries.  Not being a big mystery fan, this is one that I eagerly picked up, and relished.
Will I Read the Sequel? Absolutely!  Perhaps for a nice long car ride and flight, the length will make it last and I expect to be fully engrossed.
My Label: Mystery, historical fiction, series
The Doll People, by Ann M. Martin: This is a delightful children’s novel about a 100 year old  doll family, told through the eyes of 8 year old Annabelle doll.  Annabelle doll is quite restless and curious, not only about the outside world, but about what happened to her Auntie Sarah, who disappeared nearly 50 years ago.  The arrival of a new doll family, The Funcrafts, provides Annabelle with a new friend who offers to help her find out what happened to Auntie Sarah.
This is a delightful little story, perfect for anyone who ever had (or has!) that thought in the back of her mind that it could be possible that the dolls are alive.  Also, quite perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a lovely story about doll adventures.  Admittedly I initially didn’t plan on reading it because after spending countless reading hours on The Babysitter’s Club, I vowed to read no more Ann M. Martin.  At the encouraging of a coworker I did, so if that is your reluctance, fear not.  This is a perfect read aloud at night, and the audio version, read by Lynn Redgrave, is absolutely wonderful.
Will I Read the Sequel? Probably not.  Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the first, I don’t feel compelled to continue.  There was nothing left hanging and it stands well alone just fine.  It’s nice to just leave something nice alone.  Although, I can certainly see kids looking for and enjoying the series.
My Annabelle: My dog is named Annabelle, so I had to share who I couldn’t help but think about!My Labels: Fantasy, children’s, series

Coming up next: Confessions of a Sociopath, Wrath of the Bloodeye, and The Last Summer of the Camperdowns, and Morning Glories Vol. 4: Truants…..

Ghosties, Steampunk, Vampires and Mysteries – oh my!

Behind again because I’ve been loving what I’ve been reading.  84 books done for the year so far….

Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls, by Anton DiSclafani: This is a beautiful, engrossing novel about a young girl sent away by her family to a riding camp in the mountains of North Carolina.  Thea, a strong willed 15 year old young woman is set to the Yonahlossee Riding Camp as punishment for her sins as well as her family’s.  Thea grew up only knowing her immediate family and her cousin’s family in a dreamlike childhood of riding and exploring with her twin brother.  The novel explores Thea’s new life at camp while weaving in the events of her past that led to her exile.
This is one of my favorite adult books of the year so far.  The dreamy writing style compliments the beauty of her childhood and makes the events of her exile seem that much harsher.  At times if feels like you are caught in a haze with Thea as everything turns upside down as she moves away from her old life and reacts to her new one .  The inner workings of this all girls school strongly juxtaposes her Florida childhood, adding to the mystery of why she was sent away.  The characters are vivid and flawed, which makes them hard to hate, but hard to like.
Overall Assessment: This is a must read–perfect for one sitting, or, if you’re like me, one you want to drag out finishing because you don’t want it to end.
My Label: adult historical fiction, coming of age fiction

American Vampire Vol. 5, by Scott Snyder: The series picks up in the 1950’s.  We meet up again with Felicia Book, now retired from the VMS but is brought back into the fold to help hunt down a powerful vampire who has been released.  (Hint: his name rhymes with Chocula, but, alas, he does not offer chocolatey goodness).  Pearl is also brought in by the VMS to help hunt down a pack of vampires who have attacked Henry.  Her partner is none other than good ol’ frenemy Skinner Sweet.
At five volumes in, the series continues to pack a great punch.  The action, stories, tension and cliffhangers are well done and drawn out.  The artwork is beautifully drawn and colored. The only negative?  They are taking a short hiatus before commencing on the rest of the series.  I have to wait!  Noooooooooo!
Will I read the Sequel (or next in series)? If I don’t go crazy from waiting.
Confession: I really love Skinner Sweet.
My Label: Graphic novel, vampires, series

Scrivener’s Moon, by Philip Reeve: I finally got my paws on an audio version (started series in audio, must complete in audio!) of Scrivener’s Moon, the conclusion to the Fever Crumb trilogy.  I struggled a bit with placing everyone and everything since it’s been a while since I read the last two.  Scrivener’s Moon did a nice job of tying all the loose ends together from the first and second book.  Fever has returned home to Wavey and Dr. Crumb who are starting work on making London mobile.  Wavey and Fever travel to the north in search of old tech.  The find themselves captured by peoples who do not wish to see London move, based upon the visions of Cluny Morvish.  We also meet up again with Charley Shallow, who has become an apprentice engineer and is scheming to climb higher in the ranks.
Charley and his schemes play a large role in propelling the plot and keeping things moving.  He makes for an interesting character to follow because he still has a smidge of conscious left, but pushes it aside in favor of self preservation.  Fever, still heartbroken from Arlo, tries to loose herself in reason to but has come too far from it in her past adventures to be able to fully follow it.  She falls for Cluny (who has the most wonderful accent in the audio!), which I was initially a little surprised by and didn’t anticipate (mainly because I was hoping Arlo would come back!).  But Fever has always been an androgynous character, so in hindsight it’s not that surprising.  I loved the evolution of their relationship and how perfectly they compliment each other.  Lingering questions about the beginnings of the Scriven race and the downfall of the tech world, aptly named the Screen Age, are answered.  The tension and plot are tight and tie together well.
Ending Note: A satisfying end, that nicely sets up the Mortal Engine series.
Bonus Factor: LGBTQ points!  Fever’s relationship with Cluny is so sweet and they balance one another so well.  I loved how Fever just appreciated everything about Cluny and never stopped to worry about the fact that Cluny was a girl and no one else did either.
My Label: YA, Steampunk, Strong chicks, series

The Madness Underneath, by Maureen Johnson: This was a typical middle novel.  Lots of threads and mystery added, but little resolution.  Rory is recovering from her stabbing in Bristol, where she discovers she has new abilities.  After her therapist encourages her to go back at Wexford, she becomes curious about a recent murder, and begins uncovering more after effects of the Ripper’s death.  She also begins seeing, Jane, a therapist who offers to help her for free.  Let me restate that: On a recommendation (of someone who isn’t really a friend) Rory goes to a stranger’s house, and accepts that this woman provides therapy for free.  SMH.

Whaaaat?

Anyway, Rory’s idiocy aside, there are a lot of after affects that are still being worked out from the first book.  Stephen, Callum and Boo are without a terminus, which puts their jobs in jeopardy.  Having missed school for three weeks leaves Rory way behind in her school work and in no place to take exams.  Which means her position at Wexford is in jeopardy.  Basically, the Madness Underneath is lots of buildup and increasing tension, and then, it ends.  Sigh.
Will I read the sequel? It was all fun and games until it ended, so dammit I have to read the sequel.  Although I do feel a little gypped.  I thought our relationship meant more than leaving me hanging like that.
My Label: ghosts, Ya, series

Mojo, by Tim Tharp: I kept reading early favorable reviews on some of my favorite blogs, and, since I’m not a big mystery person, I thought I’d give it a shot.  Success!
Here’s the Deal: Dylan needs some mojo.  Like Rodney Dangerfield he get’s no respect (wow, I just made that reference).  After finding a dead body in a dumpster, he’s worse off than before after being pushed around by the police and earning the nickname “Body Bag.”  His solution?  Find the missing rich girl, and earn the $100,000 prize money.
Characters: Dylan is assisted in his search by his geeky and weakly mustached friend Randy and his kick-ass BFF Audrey.  Most of the rich kids Dylan meets are a tad cliche, but it still works within the novel.
Vibe:  The vibe of the book was part of what made it so enjoyable.  It has a classic mystery feel and structure with red herrings in all the right places, the pretty girl distraction, the too nice of a guy, threats from a couple sides, etc.  But Tharp makes it work and makes it original.  Dylan is funny and real and anyone can relate to his desire for mojo.
Overall Assessment: Fun mystery pick.
Bonus Factor: LGBTQ points for portraying a lesbian relationship in a non-gimmicky stereotypical way.  Audrey is an open lesbian and begins her first real relationship through the course of the book.  Dylan has to deal with his best friend dating and spending less time with him AND initially having a crush on Audrey’s GF.
My Label: YA, mystery, guy friendly

Coming up next: Rebel Heart, by Moira Young – The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau – The Dark Monk, by Oliver Pötzsch….