Review: The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver

Title: The Spindlers

Author: Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 10.2.2012

Pages: 256

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

Series: No

Source: Finished copy provided by publisher

Rating: A

Summary (from Goodreads):

One night when Liza went to bed, Patrick was her chubby, stubby, candy-grubbing and pancake-loving younger brother, who irritated and amused her both, and the next morning, when she woke up, he was not. In fact, he was quite, quite different.

When Liza's brother, Patrick, changes overnight, Liza knows exactly what has happened: The spindlers have gotten to him and stolen his soul.

She knows, too, that she is the only one who can save him.

To rescue Patrick, Liza must go Below, armed with little more than her wits and a broom. There, she uncovers a vast world populated with talking rats, music-loving moles, greedy troglods, and overexcitable nids . . . as well as terrible dangers. But she will face her greatest challenge at the spindlers' nests, where she encounters the evil queen and must pass a series of deadly tests--or else her soul, too, will remain Below forever.

Review:

I will be the first to admit that while I can appreciate middle grade novels, they’ve never really been something I was overly curious about. It wasn’t until my 11-year-old cousin started asking me for book recommendations this summer that I truly started considered reading and reviewing them. Before this, I would constantly recommend books to her older sister (who was 19), but a lot of those aren’t exactly something I wanted a kid to read. I decided to give Lauren Oliver a go because I adored her YA novels, and I am so glad I did.

The Spindlers is a magical, fantastical tale of a sister trying to save her brother. Liza is heroic and brave, but never to the point where she doesn’t have her own doubts about things. And I just love her older sister vibe. Being an older sister to a younger brother, I found myself easily relating to Liza. I know my brother drove me insane, but the day he got in a fight at school, I was immediately by his side helping in whatever way I could. Oliver nailed the complex sibling dynamic.

Below is a dark, shudder-inducing world that sparks the imagination. I loved how Oliver took the time to truly build this world and make me feel like I was in it with Liza. Even from the beginning, I was sucked into this story by the attention to detail.

 Oliver brings the same flare and elegance to her middle grade novel that made her young adult ones best sellers. She has a gift for weaving a story that I believe transcends age. Anyone can appreciate this novel, and I loved being able to hand this book off to my young cousin (who completely loved it).

Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

Trailer: Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

From Erica Lorraine Scheidt, a remarkable new talent in Young Adult literature, comes USES FOR BOYS (St. Martin’s Griffin; January 15, 2013) a hauntingly beautiful coming-of-age debut about a girl who grows up loveless and alone and, following in her mother's footsteps, begins to believe that if she gives boys what they want, they will give her what she needs.

Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family.

From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need.  But the price is high. 

The other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.

Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer.

Review: The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad

Title: The Fame Game

Author: Lauren Conrad

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: 4.3.2012

Pages: 313

Genre: Contemporary

Series: Yes (The Fame Game #1 & companion to L.A. Candy series)

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: B+

Summary (from Goodreads):

In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?

Review:

I have never read Lauren Conrad’s L.A. Candy series. To be totally honest, I considered them somewhat autobiographical considering Conrad’s well-televised history and the concept matter. And, being brutally honest, I never cared much about either show she was on.

It was only after I saw my sister-in-law ravenously reading her books that I thought I would give them a try, and I feel like I owe Ms. Conrad an apology. I judged her books based on pre-conceived notions of who she was as a person, and I was wrong. The only reason I’m acknowledging this is because I have a sinking suspicion that I’m not the only person to feel this way.

While I doubt this series will win a noble prize, The Fame Game is fun. It’s very much a feel-good, don’t take things too seriously kind of book. It’s very much in the same vein as Gossip Girl, The Lying Game, and Pretty Little Liars. These are all series that have developed a strong fanbase because they are just good, guilty-pleasure fun.

I found myself genuinely enjoying Madison and following her exploits throughout the book. Yes, some of the situations were over the top and somewhat ridiculous, but it made me laugh and smile frequently. Conrad has a knack for writing amusing, vivid characters. And I’m a sucker for the exploits of a celebrity-esque world. You have to admit, if ever there was a case to me made for “Write what you know,” Conrad has that down cold.

The writing is a bit green at times, with Conrad having a habit of flat out telling a situation versus letting it unfold before the reader, but that is a thing that comes with time. I have no doubt if I went back and read her first series, I would see quite a bit of growth as a writer.

I really hope other people will set aside their preconceptions of this author (and other celebrity authors) and give this book a fair shot. I can admit that had there been an unknown author name attached to this book, I would have more than likely picked this up before now. Shame on me for that. But shame on you if you feel the same way I did and you don’t give this book a shot. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday (33)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly waiting to get into our hands.

This week I'm waiting on....

Some Quiet Place

by: Kelsey Sutton


Summary:I can’t weep. I can’t fear. I’ve grown talented at pretending.

Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions . . . she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one—Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.

Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?

Why I Want It:
I love, love, love this concept. It's something I haven't seen or heard of. Anytime I can find a novel that touches on an unexplored idea, I am all for it. I can't wait to see what Kelsey Sutton does with this!

Some Quiet Place will be released July 8, 2013 by Flux

Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Title: Glitch

Author: Heather Anastasiu

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: 8.7.12

Pages: 308

Genre: Dystopian

Series: Yes (Glitch #1)

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: A-

Summary (from Goodreads):

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

Review:

Glitch is an entertaining and thrilling debut from Heather Anastasiu. While I will admit the plot sound vaguely familiar as far as dystopians go (controlled society where people start to realize they have emotions), what sets this apart is Anastasiu’s imaginative descriptions and relatable characters.

Watching Zoe “wake up” and start to react to the world around her was fascinating and downright fun. I loved her confusion and excitement. I loved watching her newfound ability as a telekinetic come about and the way she starts to perceive and respond to situation. I was holding my breath as she struggled to maintain her façade as ‘normal’ while glitching.

I definitely preferred Adrien to Max from the jump. There was something about Max I just didn’t trust, and I found myself rooting for Zoe and Adrien almost the entire book. I’m not a huge fan of triangles and waiting to see how they play out—when introduced to two guys in a novel, I pick one and rarely jump ship throughout a series. I picked Adrien and something tells me I made a good call.

While it would be easy to overlook Glitch among shelves filled with dystopians and science fiction, I implore you not to. This gem of a novel was a fast read, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Grab this book if you want something delicious to sink into.

Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

Review & Giveaway: The Farm by Emily McKay

Title: The Farm

Author: Emily McKay

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Publication Date: 12.4.12

Pages: 420

Genre: Horror, Dystopian

Series: Yes (The Farm #1)

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: A

Summary (from Goodreads):

Life was different in the Before: before vampires began devouring humans in a swarm across America; before the surviving young people were rounded up and quarantined. These days, we know what those quarantines are—holding pens where human blood is turned into more food for the undead monsters, known as Ticks. Surrounded by electrical fences, most kids try to survive the Farms by turning on each other…

And when trust is a thing of the past, escape is nearly impossible.

Lily and her twin sister Mel have a plan. Though Mel can barely communicate, her autism helps her notice things no one else notices—like the portion of electrical fence that gets turned off every night. Getting across won’t be easy, but as Lily gathers what they need to escape, a familiar face appears out of nowhere, offering to help…

Carter was a schoolmate of Lily’s in the Before. Managing to evade capture until now, he has valuable knowledge of the outside world. But like everyone on the Farm, Carter has his own agenda, and he knows that behind the Ticks is an even more dangerous threat to the human race...

Review:

Breathtaking, pulse-pounding, and relentless, The Farm grabs you from page one and doesn’t let up. Emily McKay masterfully redefines the vampire genre in this stunning tale. Instead of keeping vampires hidden in the shadows, they surge to the forefront, toppling society and taking over everything.

There could be a few similarities drawn between The Farm and Julie Kagawa’s The Immortal Rules. Yes, both take place in a dystopian society where vampires have taken over and regularly use humans for food, but what separates them (and I freely admit to loving both) are the characters.

For starters, McKay uses alternates between three points of view. Now this could often confuse and alienate a reader, but let me say that Lily is by far the dominant narrator. Carter and Mel seem like they are there (storytelling-wise) to enhance Lily’s story. They give a fresh, alternate perspective that keeps the reader on their toes.

I truly understood Lily on a level that surprised me. Maybe it’s because we both share a sibling with autism, so I could really put myself in her shoes and wonder how I would react if I were in her situation. I loved her fight and drive and the way she never gave up. Sometimes she was calculating, sometimes she was reckless, but all the time she was enjoyable.

As if this novel wasn’t awesome enough with the dual horror and dystopian genres, McKay threw me for several loops with all the twists and turns. This book is just as much a mystery as it is anything else, and I loved that there was simply so much going on. I never once felt bored or disinterested. McKay did a fantastic job of holding my attention throughout the entirety of the novel. This is a book you definitely need to grab!

Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

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Top 10 Tuesday (11)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

 

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun!

Top 10 Favorite New-To-Me Authors I Read in 2012

Kasie West

1. Veronica Rossi: Rossi flat-out slayed me with her debut, Under the Never Sky. Even her novella Roar and Liv was epic. This is one author who has won me as a life-long fan.

2. Kasie West: Techincally her debut, Pivot Point, doesn't release until 2013, but I read it in 2012 and so she is on my list. Pivot Point may go down as one of my favorite books EVER. If you haven't heard much about West, get ready. She's going to be huge in 2013 and beyond.

3. Ingrid Paulson: Cannot thank this woman enough for introducing me to the awesomeness of Nordic mythology. Greek mythology is so 2011. 

4. C.J. Redwine: Defiance has been on everyone's radar for months. This debut author was developing a following before her novel had a cover - that takes talent. 

Hannah Harrington

5. Hannah Harrington: Prior to getting a copy of Speechless at BEA, I hadn't read anything by Harrington. I had heard good things about Saving June, but kept putting it off. Harrington brought me to tears in Speechless and any author that can evoke a physical reaction from me earns a spot on this list.

6. Kathleen Peacock: Hemlock was that book I just never saw coming. I got it for review and was bored one night, so I decided to read a couple chapters. That turned into a six-hour marathon to read to finish the novel. It's romantic and mysterious and totally yummy. Peacock is fantastic.

7. Kiera Cass: I felt so blessed to have been given a copy of The Selection to review. This book got a crazy amount of publicity, and most books that get that kind of press fall flat in one way or another. The Selection met and exceeded all my expectations.

8. Meredith Zeitlin: Few books have made me laugh as hard as Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters. Zeitlin has the gift when it comes to comedic charm in a novel.

Sarah Skilton

9. Elizabeth Norris: When I went to BEA this year, almost everyone was hyped about the Dark Days author signing because of Veronica Roth (who totally rocks), but I was most excited about Liz Norris. Her debut Unraveling blew my mind. I cannot wait to see where she takes me next.

10. Sarah Skilton: Another 2013 author who I read this year, but Bruised was one of the most powerful books I read this year. As a plus, I've been chatting with Skilton via email and twitter, and she is such a sweetheart.

Review: 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad

Title: 127 Hours on the Moon

Author: Johan Harstad

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 4.17.2012

Pages: 355

Genre: SciFi

Series: No

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: C-

Summary (from Goodreads):

It's been decades since anyone set foot on the moon. Now three ordinary teenagers, the winners of NASA's unprecedented, worldwide lottery, are about to become the first young people in space--and change their lives forever.

Mia, from Norway, hopes this will be her punk band's ticket to fame and fortune.

Midori believes it's her way out of her restrained life in Japan.

Antoine, from France, just wants to get as far away from his ex-girlfriend as possible.

It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but little do the teenagers know that something sinister is waiting for them on the desolate surface of the moon. And in the black vacuum of space... no one is coming to save them.

Review:

I can appreciate the idea and concept that Johan Harstad was going for in 127 Hours on the Moon, but something most definitely got lost in translation for me. Unfortunately, I feel like I need to make a small disclaimer going into this review: I have never been a big fan of science fiction and I’m not someone who ever really cared much about space travel beyond watching Apollo 13.

That being said, I thought this novel would be fun because I could approach it without any prejudices, and I am a fan of most things horror-related. I could start from scratch and let Harstad create a world for me. That, however, was not the case. I quickly grew bored with the plot, and I found large chunks of this novel … dry, for lack of a better word. I frequently found myself skimming pages to find out if the plot picked up.

I could never quite get in synch with the characters. This seems like the type of novel that would work better with a singular narrator. With there being three, I never connected to any of them. Since I never connected, I never cared and the story fizzled out for me.

I also think there is something to be said about this being translated from another language. The old adage “lost in translation” isn’t just a pithy saying. You truly do lose something in translation, and I think (hope?) that was the case here. While there were a few parts that I found entertaining and exciting, it was dulled down due to my lack of overall caring.

If you’re a science fiction fan, I think this might be worth checking out. But I would recommend grabbing it from the library before you make a purchase.

Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

Review: Purity by Jackson Pearce

Title: Purity

Author: Jackson Pearce

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 4.24.2012

Pages: 218

Genre: Contemporary

Series: No

Source: Finished copy provided by publisher

Rating: A

Summary:

A novel about love, loss, and sex -- but not necessarily in that order.

Before her mother died, Shelby promised three things: to listen to her father, to love as much as possible, and to live without restraint. Those Promises become harder to keep when Shelby's father joins the planning committee for the Princess Ball, an annual dance that ends with a ceremonial vow to live pure lives -- in other words, no "bad behavior," no breaking the rules, and definitely no sex.

Torn between Promises One and Three, Shelby makes a decision -- to exploit a loophole and lose her virginity before taking the vow. But somewhere between failed hookup attempts and helping her dad plan the ball, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her purity.

Review:

Prior to this, my only experience with Jackson Pearce had been in retold fairy tales (Sweetly and Sisters Red), so I wasn’t sure what to expect from her in a contemporary novel. I must say I was blown away. This is one of those books I cherish because the writing is just so poetic and lyrical. I’ve used the term “word art” in a few novels I’ve read (basically books where the writing is as elaborate and rich as a painting or tapestry), and that term totally applies here.

Shelby is adorable. She’s a sweet, teenage girl on the verge of being an adult and struggling to find a balance in both worlds. Watching her stumble and fumble her way through made her endearing and genuine to me. She was definitely one of the more likeable female characters that I’ve read in a long time. This could have easily turned into a “poor little Shelby” tale with her being morose and somber, but Shelby is vibrant and alive and visceral. It made me like her and understand her issues all the more.

I’m trying not to be biased, but I don’t think readers will find much fault or issue with the subtle religious tones in this story. As someone who was raised in the church, I was easily able to accept and acknowledge parts of this story, but trying to look at it objectively, I think Peace handled these issues very delicately and elegantly. She never once made me feel like her views or the church’s views were being forced down my throat.

Purity is a beautiful coming of age story. While the subject matter does pertain to sex, I don’t feel like I would have any problem handing this novel over to a younger teen to read because Pearce broaches the topic so tastefully and gracefully.

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing the Limits

Author: Katie McGarry

Publisher: HarlequinTeen

Publication Date: 7.31.2012

Pages: 392

Genre: Contemporary

Series: No

Source: ARC from BEA

Rating: A-

Summary:

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Review:

I think I can credit this book with jump starting my renewed obsession with contemporary novels. I got through cycles where I obsess over a certain genre and read it to death. I hadn’t read a contemporary novel in months before this one, and Katie McGarry totally restored my faith and love for this type of book. Heady, romantic, and down-right drool-worthy, Pushing the Limits could easily be compared to every other bad-boy-meets-wounded-girl novel, with the singular exception that it was written with McGarry’s flawless grace.

Echo is a damaged girl, repressing memories of how she came by these winding scars etched into her arms. Noah is a boy that’s been beaten down by the system repeatedly. Together these two collide and explode like a 4th of July fireworks display. Maybe I’m just a sucker for this ‘type’ of story, but there is so much more to it than that.

This is one of those novels where the alternating perspectives just worked. Getting into Echo’s head and then Noah’s was intensely revealing and really added to the overall appeal of the novel. Watching them fall in love, and not just getting a one-sided perspective, was fantastic. I loved it.

The only fault I found with the novel were Echo’s father and step-mother. I get that these two were supposed to be overbearing and somewhat villainous, but after a while I was just flat out fed up with them. They truly started to irritate the bejeezus out of me.

Pushing the Limits is a fabulously romantic story with a mysterious twist. Definitely a book to check out sooner rather than later.

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository