The Novel Hovel

Green Books Campaign: Ethical Oil by Ezra Levant

2010-11-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

This review is part of the Green Books campaign.Today 200 bloggers take a stand to support books printed in an eco-friendly manner by simultaneously publishing reviews of 200 books printed on recycled or FSC-certified paper. By turning a spotlight on books printed using eco- friendly paper, we hope to raise the awareness of book buyers and encourage everyone to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books.

The campaign is organized for the second time by Eco-Libris, a green company working to make reading more sustainable. We invite you to join the discussion on "green" books and support books printed in an eco-friendly manner! A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on Eco-Libris website.

I'd first like to point out that this book has been printed on acid-free paper that is 100% recycled, ancient-forest friendly (100% post consumer waste).

Ezra Levant seeks to moralize the tar sands by demoralizing oil imported from other countries. He addresses the idea that there are many myths associated with the tar sands and attests to the idea that there would be terrible implication if the tar sands were to be closed. He addresses social and environmental impacts of the tar sands in relation to other oil sources. Overall, Ethical Oil is an engaging examination if not provocative reading on the idea of putting ethics above environment.

I may be slightly biased as I am an environmentalist so I will try not to dwell on my personal opinion surrounding what this reading discusses. I see what Ezra is trying to do with this book by identifying that there are far worse places socially to obtain our oil but I am discouraged by the fact that he denies any social impacts here in Canada. Although limited these social impacts in conjunction with the significantly detrimental environmental impacts in my opinion make our oil sands less ethical. Anyways, that is my rant. I will now just discuss the quality of the writing. Ezra Levant writes for the everyday reader. The writing is actually quite easy to understand. I don't believe you need a university degree to understand it. Therefore, although engaging the book did nothing to change my opinion on the oil sands. However, I do recommend it as it is an interesting and somewhat educating resource.

Review: Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

2010-11-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

★★★☆

Whisty and Whit Allgood are a brother and sister who live in a world ruled by the one who is the one. They are taken from there family in the middle of the night and thrown in jail accused of being a witch and wizard. Thousands of young people are in the same predicament. The ruling regime will stop at nothing to suppress life and liberty. Whit and Whisty are the chosen ones set to lead the rebellion and release the prisoners from this world of tyranny.

I really love dystopian novels and this one was no exception. The world created by James Patterson is a world where the children are persecuted like adults so in turn act like adults. This make for a very interesting story. I did not find this to be a slow read. There really isn't a romantic element to the story yet, although this world is set to be a series so that may come with time. There is a pretty big cliff hanger at the end but I'm sure with the next book coming out the cliff hanger is well worth it. Overall, not a bad read if you enjoy dystopian novels.

Book Review: The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins

2010-10-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

★★★★

Richard Dawkins writes another excellent book. Dawkins begins the book by giving a short background on his writing career and explains how he has always written with the assumption that evolution is factual but hadn't gotten around to laying out the facts for evolution. For this reason he has written this book.

In Comparison to his other books, this one is not attacking elements of faith like he has in the past. This book is purely based on laying out facts pointing towards evolution. Dawkins recites the mountains of evidence supporting evolution citing specific example in regards to fossils, development, cross-species similarities and of course his forte genetics. What Dawkins does in this book is recite the mountains of evidence that support evolution.

I found it interesting that in this book Dawkins does not specifically attack alternating theories like Intelligent Design he merely lays out the facts to allow people to make there own judgments. I believe that for this reason those of faith can still read this and not feel offended.

Overall a very informative read for biologists and the like!

Hiatus

2010-10-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping to come back with a twist.

Some of you might have noticed that my last post was forever and a day ago... While I have been completing a Master's in Environment and Sustainability so I have been reading a lot of school related material and not so much YA fiction. So to still keep my blog active I am going to start posting a little bit of Envirolit mixed with the YA.... Hopefully will have a review coming up soon!

Kristan

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T06:26:00.001-08:00

Hope your Christmas is as full of books as mine!

Huge Contest at Bloody Bookaholic!

2009-11-30T09:07:00.001-08:00

There is a huge holiday contest going on over at the Bloody Bookaholic. Great chances to win books and gift cards from a great blogger... check it out!

In My Mailbox!

2009-11-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

In my mailbox is a meme hosted by the story siren. It showcases what books we received each week.

Possessions by Nancy Holder
When Lindsay Cavanaugh transfers to the prestigious Marlwood Academy after recovering from a breakdown at her previous high school, she discovers that there is something strange going on involving a clique and some unsavory activities from the school's little-known past.

Need by Carrie Jones

Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life's been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother's pretty much checked out. Now Zara's living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays "safe." Zara doesn't think she's in danger; she thinks her mother can't deal. Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn't a figment of her imagination. He's a pixie--and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He's the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he's trailing Zara.

Devoured by Amanda Marrone

Megan’s twin sister Remy died in an accident nine years ago, and she’s been haunting her ever since. Knowing how crazy that sounds, Megan keeps this secret to herself and tries to lead a normal life. But when she takes a summer job at Land of Enchantment to keep an eye on her new boyfriend and his lovesick best friend, Samantha, she meets fellow employee Luke who can see Remy, too. Things get even twistier because Megan’s new friend Ari is sporting a massive crush on Luke, who seems to be developing a massive crush on Megan…making for a love triangle that’s positively possessed. Megan wants to keep her distance from Luke, but when Remy’s visions get crazy violent; she knows she needs his help. Because someone’s definitely in danger...the only question is who?

REVIEW: Switch by Carol Snow

2009-11-23T14:13:00.001-08:00

★★★☆

When Claire hit her teens interesting things started to happen during electrical storm. She would switch bodies. Usually she would jump back into her body as soon as she fell back asleep. But one night something goes terribly wrong and she ends up trapped in the fabulous body of Larissa who has caught the eye of Claire's long time crush Nate. Will Claire find her way back to her own body? Or would she rather not?

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Character development in the book was fairly good however, I did find there were some gaps in the plot. Although the writing wasn't the best I have ever read the message behind it was great. Who hasn't ever felt that they wold love to have the body of a supermodel? This novel has a great message that it's really what is inside that counts. Not to mention there is a bit of romance, comedy and best friendy goodness. A great read if you are looking for a quick read that will make you feel good about yourself when you are done.

In My Mailbox!

2009-11-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

In My mail box is a meme hosted by the story siren. It showcases what books we have received each week.

I bought 3 books this week:

The Dead Girls Dance by Rachel Caine

Summary: Calire Danvers has her share of challanges- like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains, dealing with the homicidal girls in her dorm, and above all, finding out that her college town is overrun with vampires. On the upside, she has a great roomate (who tend to disappear at sunup) and a new boyfriend named Shane... whose vampire-hunting dad has called in backup: cycle punks who like th idea of killing just about anything.

I have read the first novel in the Morganville Vampire Series: Glass houses. But I don't really remember much about it, except that I liked it, so I will likely have to read it again before I read this one. So expect a review for each.

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Summary: A beautifully wrought modern fairy tale from master storyteller and award-winning author Nancy Werlin
Inspired by the classic folk ballad aScarborough Fair, a this is a wonderfully riveting novel of suspense, romance, and fantasy. Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that she is the latest recipient of a generations-old family curse that requires her to complete three seemingly impossible tasks or risk falling into madness and passing the curse on to the next generation. Unlike her ancestors, though, Lucy has family, friends, and other modern resources to help her out. But will it be enough to conquer this age-old evil?

Switch by Carol Snow

Summary: Claire Martin has some serious body issues.Ever since Claire hit her teens, electrical storms have been making her switch bodies. Usually she's back to her old self in no time. But when something goes terribly wrong, she finds herself stuck in the fabulous body-and life-of Larissa, the icy blonde beauty who has caught the eye of Nate, Claire's longtime crush.Will Claire ever figure out how to get her old life back? And, more importantly, will she even want to?

So that's what I got this week.... pretty decent. How was yours?

REVIEW: Tempted by P.C. and Kristin Cast

2009-11-08T16:00:00.001-08:00

★★★★

So…you’d think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark’s life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite’s visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn’t go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul?

Well, I really love this series and I have enjoyed all of the books. This book is no exception. It still shocks me how Zoey can have all these guys chasing after her and it always seems to sound like a bad thing. In my opinion a bunch of hot guys chasing after me could never be a bad thing.. ha. I love all of the characters in this series and they are all developed so well in P.C and Kristin's writing that you feel like you know all of them. And the world of the vampyres to me in this novel seems really believable somehow. The only issue I have with this series and it is the same issue that I have with many series is that a lot of the books seem like filler books that end with a huge cliffhanger. They don't really seem to be stand alone books at all so you always have to go back and at least read then end of the last book to remember what happened. Well, if you read as many other books as I do, you generally get some mixed up occassionally. I wish it was more like Harry Potter or Twilight where you kind of have to read all of the books to get the whole story line but you at least feel somewhat content with the end of the book and not immediately feel like it just ends. I don't know could just be my opinion though. Another good book from the Casts'. Unfortunately we have to wait until April of next year for the next installment.

In my Mailbox!

2009-11-01T10:39:00.000-08:00

In my mailbox is a meme hosted by the lovely Story Siren. It explores books that we have received each week.

I bought 4 books this week because Coles had a special by 3 get the 4th free which as awesome.

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Summary: In a kingdom called the Dells, Fire is the last human-shaped monster, with unimaginable beauty and the ability to control the minds of those around her, but even with these gifts she cannot escape the strife that overcomes her world.

Tempted by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Summary: So...you''d think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark''s life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite''s visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn''t go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul? Find out in the next spectacular installment in the House of Night Series, Tempted.

Secret Society by Tom Dolby

ecrets, secrets are no fun. Secrets, secrets hurt someone. . . .

An eccentric new girl. A brooding socialite. The scion of one of New York's wealthiest families. A promising filmmaker. As students at the exclusive Chadwick School, Phoebe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch already live in a world most teenagers only dream about.

They didn't ask to be Society members. But when three of them receive a mysterious text message promising success and fame beyond belief, they say yes to everything-even to the harrowing initiation ceremony in a gritty warehouse downtown and to the ankh-shaped tattoo they're forced to get on the nape of their necks. Once they're part of the Society, things begin falling into place for them. Week after week, their ambitions are fulfilled. It's all perfect-until a body is found in Central Park with no distinguishing marks except for an ankh-shaped tattoo.

Tom Dolby makes his teen fiction debut with this riveting novel about a dangerous society so secret that once you get in, you can never get out.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful-too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

Missing Halloween :(

2009-10-31T09:23:00.001-07:00

So I have had H1N1 (Swine Flu) for over a week now and am still not better.... I won't be able to go out for Halloween. :( And I bought a costume and everything. I was going to be an Anime Character I had a purple wig and everything.... Oh well.

REVIEW: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2009-10-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

★★★★

Nora Grey, is a nice girl, excellent grades and hard working. She has never shown any real interest in boys despite her best friend Vee who is constantly boy crazy. This all changes though when Coach, their biology teacher switches up the seating chart, which places Nora next to Patch a sinister but hot senior. Everything about Patch sends Nora signals to stay away but there is another part of her that is drawn to him. After a number of terrifying events and the fact that Nora is sure someone is following her leaves Nora not knowing who to trust. This isn't aided by the fact that Patch keeps turning up with a self-satisfied smirk on his face. When she tries to find some answers Nora finds a truth far more sinister then she could ever imagine.

Wow... Wow.... Wow. and a little *squee*. This book is fantastic. Might I just add quite possibly better then Twilight for all you Twilight fanatics. Lets start with plot. This book kept me guessing. There is the budding romance between Patch and Nora but also these mysterious events that keep Nora questioning what is reality and what isn't. With and explosive climatic ending, the plot cold not get any better. The characters are fantastic. Nora is a great protagonist, strong willed and doesn't take crap form anyone. Vee her best friend is funny and I find brightens the story a bit where it could become a little too dark. But best of all... Patch *drool* seriously, I didn't think there could be a main character that I would love more then Edward but it's happened. Every girl likes a little bit of bad boy in there guy and patch definitely covers the bad. Overall I think Becca Fitzpatrick did an amazing job of creating a YA romance that could stand alone, as the story wraps up nicely... although a sequel would be awesome and maybe a movie too... haha. And what a great cover too! If you want a novel that will keep you guessing with a little mystery and little romance please pick this up! I want everyone to enjoy it as much as I have.

REVIEW: Are these my Basoomas I see before me? by Louise Rennison

2009-10-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

★★★★

Georgia's life has definitely not gotten any easier. When she finally thought she has landed her one and only Luuuurve God Massimo, he's ditched her with the full hump. This of course is all Dave the Laughs fault for challenging him to fisticuffs at dawn. Two boys fighting over Georgia. It's time for Georgia to finally make a decision between the two.

I can't believe it is over! :( I'm a little sad I will be honest I have been reading these books since they first came out back when I was in highschool. Louise Rennison writes in such a descriptive and comedic way that I can just never put these books down. Not to mention I love all the British humor. This is one of those books that you should read in a private place because you will definitely catch yourself laughing out loud... I know I did. I feel like the ending did leave a little bit to be desired but was still great. I just want more *sigh*. I will let you find that out for yourselves. overall, amazing series and if you are in for a laugh, I definitely suggest you pick these books up and give them a read!

In My Mail Box!

2009-10-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a Meme hosted by the lovely Story Siren.

Ok. So it has been forever since I posted one of these so I have quite a few books that I have bought.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray.

All 16-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school-and life in general-with a minimum of effort. It's not a lot to ask. But that's before he's given some bad news: he's sick and he's going to die. Which totally sucks. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure-if he's willing to go in search of it. With the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America into the heart of what matters most.

Gone by Michael Grant

In the blink of an eye.

Everyone disappears.

Gone.

Everyone except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not a single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Gone, too, are the phones, internet, and television. There is no way to get help.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents-unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers-that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen and war is imminent.

The first in a breathtaking saga about teens battling each other and their darkest selves, gone is a page-turning thriller that will make you look at the world in a whole new way.

Are these my basoomas I see before me? by Louise Rennison

A bit early to get swoony knickers but I have got them on.

For Georgia, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just when she thought she was the official one-and-only girlfriend of Masimo, he's walked off into the night with the full hump, leaving Georgia all aloney on her owney-again. All because Dave the Laugh tried to do fisticuffs at dawn with him!

Two boys fighting over Georgia? It's almost as romantic as Romeo and Juliet . . . though perhaps a touch less tragic.

It's time for Georgia to get to the bottom (oo-er) of this Dave the Laugh spontaneous puckering business once and for all. It's like they always say: If you snog a mate in the forest of red bottomosity and no one is around to see it, is he still a mate? Or is he something more?

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She''s a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With the Great War brewing, Alek''s and Deryn''s paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

Dru Anderson has what her grandmother called the touch. (Comes in handy when you are traveling from town to town with your dad, hunting ghosts, suckers, wulfen, and the occasional zombie.)

Then her dad turns up dead but still walking and Dru knows she is next. Even worse, she has got two guys hungry for her affections, and they are not about to let the fiercely independent Dru go it alone. Will Dru discover just how special she really is before coming face-to-fang with whatever or "whoever"a is hunting her?

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She''s never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora''s not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can''t decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

REVIEW: The Dust of 100 Dogs by A. S. King

2009-10-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

★★★★

Emer Morrisey almost escaped life as a famed 17th century teenage pirate with incredible riches and her true love. Only to be cursed to live 100 years as a dog. Emer returns to a human body after 100 years with all of her memories intact and dreams of finding her lost treasure.

I really enjoyed this book. It is not everyday you get to read a pirate novel, let alone a young adult novel with a female pirate protagonist. I mean come on how much better can this get. There are multiple storylines going on in the book: there is Emer's life growing up in Ireland and her pirate life, there is a few tid bits of her life as a dog and , the story line of her life as a teenager in modern society. There is also the story of Fred who is an adult that comes in the second half of the book that I don't really want to spoil. His sections were the only parts that I think I could possibly have done without or read less of. You might think that with all the storylines going on at ones the novel might be confusing... but it definitely is not. The different story lines explain everything and tie together very well at the end. This book is full of action and adventure.

If this book only consisted of the pirate parts and not the modern storyline I would think of it more as an adult book. However, the modern storyline makes it a very successful crossover book which people of all ages should enjoy. I strongly suggest picking it up if you are looking for a little adventure to read.

In My Mail Box!

2009-09-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

In my mail box is a weekly meme hosted by the story siren where we get to talk about what books we have received each week.

This week I ordered 2 books from Chapters I was only going to get one then I found the second for only $5.99 so I definitely couldn't turn it down.

Dust of 100 Dogs by A. S. King

In the late seventeenth century, famed teenage pirate Emer Morrisey was on the cusp of escaping the pirate life with her one true love and unfathomable riches when she was slain and cursed with "the dust of one hundred dogs," dooming her to one hundred lives as a dog before returning to a human body-with her memories intact.

Now she's a contemporary American teenager and all she needs is a shovel and a ride to Jamaica.

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

Phoebe is just your typical goth girl with a crush. He's strong and silent and dead. All over the country,a strange phenomenon is happening. Some teenagers who die aren't staying dead. They are coming back to life, but they are no longer the same-they stutter, and their reactions to everything are slower. Termed "living impaired" or "differently biotic," they are doing their best to fit into a society that doesn't want them. Fitting in is hard enough when you don't have the look or attitude, but when almost everyone else is alive and you're not , it's close to impossible. The kids at Oakvale High don't want to take classes or eat in the cafeteria next to someone who isn't breathing. And there are no laws that exist to protect the differently biotic from the people who want them to disappear-for good. With her pale skin and Goth wardrobe, Phoebe has never run with the popular crowd. But no one can believe it when she falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids. Not her best friend, Margi, whose fear of the differently biotic is deeply rooted in guilt over the past. And especially not her neighbor,Adam, the star of the football team. Adam has just realized his feelings for Phoebe run much deeper than just friendship. He would do anything for her, but what if protecting Tommy is the one thing that would make her happy? Generation Dead is a sharp, funny, and breathtakingly original novel from an exciting new talent.

Can't wait to read them. And some big releases are coming out next week so I have to save up for them!

REVIEW: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-09-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

★★★★

After Grace was attacked by wolves she has spent years watching them. In particular the yellow-eyed wolf, her wolf. She feels deeply connected to this wolf for a reason she can't explain. Sam is the yellow-eyed wolf. He spends his winters watching Grace, the girl he loves, but for a short time during the year he is human but has never grown the courage to talk to her... until now. Grace and Sam are instantly connected and fall in love the only problem is that winter is upon them and Sam will have to return to being a wolf unless he can fight it and Grace can help.

I really enjoyed this book. It did seem to take me forever to read for some reason... normally a book as good as this I would have finished in a day not over a week. But I still found that I enjoyed this book. The characters are well defined and there relationship believable. I was really impressed with the way Maggie Stiefvater was able to describe how Sam was always fighting the cold but not having it be overpowering in the story. The story bounces between protagonist views from Grace to Sam pretty frequently but I really enjoy stories where you can get each characters view. This really helps you understand the whole story. Overall, I highly reccommend you read this.

In my Mail Box!

2009-09-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

In my mailbox is a Meme hosted by The Story Siren.

I only bought one book this week because I went on a tv series buying spree. I bought all 4 seasons of supernatural, the first season of dexter and the fourth season of charmed. So basically I had no money left to buy any books.

Elena Michaels is the world's only female werewolf- and she's tired of it. Tired of a life spent hiding and protecting, tired of a world that not only accepts the worst in her- her temper, her violence- but requires it. Worst of all, Elena realizes she's growing content with that life, with being that person. Overwhelmed by the new passions coursing through her body, Elena leaves the Pack and moves to the city to try living as a human. When the Pack leader calls to ask for her help fighting a sudden uprising, she only agrees because she owes him. Once this is over, she'll be squared with the pack and free to live life as a human. Which is what she wants. Really.

I was walking through walmart and saw this book for like $7 so I thought I would see what it was like. I am a fan of Kelly Armstrong's other writing so I thought it might be good. My cover is different though it looks twilight inspired... black cover with blood splashed across it. Anyways, hopefully everyone got a better haul then I did.

REVIEW: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

2009-09-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

★★★★

Katsa is a Graceling, one of a rare people in her land graced with special abilities and unique skills. Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was a young girl. Since the King, her uncle discovered this skill he has employed her as his thug. She is forced to go about the land as a bully for the king. Rebelling against this forced servitude Katsa creates the council which acts against wrong doings in the land. On one trip to rescue a kidnapped old man, Katsa runs into Po another graced fighter. Po is searching for his grandfather and the two of them eventually set out to find the truth behind his kidnapping. She never expects the secrets that she discovers.

All I can say is WOW! I loved this book. I found it really unique, like nothing I had read before. Special land, interesting people, almost historical in feel though with different kingdoms and prince and princesses. There is just so much adventure in this book and the way Kristin Cashore describes it made me feel like I was there.

I would love to have a graced ability. Maybe not to kill, but some of the powers that these people have are amazing. I can't believe the imagination that Kristin Cashore has. Not to mention the lands in and of themselves like castles on mountains so high you need to climb ropes to get to them.

Best of all about this book is the romance. You see this coming from the beginning, but it is really a unique romance because they are both so independent. You really can't ask for more out of a book: mystery, action and romance, not to mention a kickass heroine. Katsa the protagonist is definitely the strongest woman I have ever read about... not just because of her grace. But she is still a woman because she is still vulnerable and cares for her friends, you'll notice she still manages to cry quite a bit.

Overall, this book was fantastic! It actually kind of flew past my radar when I first heard about it, but then I saw that Kristin Cashores next book Fire was coming out in October I decided I needed to read this before that one came out. Man was I happy I did. Pick up a copy of this book before Fire comes out because you can be sure you are going to want to read that one as well!

In My Mailbox!

2009-09-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

In My Mail box is a meme hosted by the story siren that explores the contents of your mailbox each week.

This week in my mailbox I bought 3 books! With money that I definitely do not have although I finally found a full time job... still making no money though.

The Eternal Kiss edited by Trisha Telep
There’s an allure to vampire tales that have seduced readers for generations. From Bram Stoker to Stephanie Meyer and beyond, vampire stories are here to stay. For those fresh-blooded fans of paranormal romance or for those whose hunt and hunger never dies, these stories have what readers want!

This collection of original tales comes from some of the hottest, most popular, and best-selling YA writers, including:
• Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tithe)
• Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty)
• Melissa De La Cruz (Blue Blood)
• Cassandra Clare (City of Bones)
• Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires)
• Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie (Wicked)
• Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof, Queen of Cool)
• Kelley Armstrong (Women of Otherworld)
• Maria V. Snyder
• Sarah Rees Brennan
• Lili St. Crow
• Karen Mahoney
• Dina James

They will make everyone a sucker for eternal kisses.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
If you had the power to kill with your bare hands, what would you do with it?

Graceling takes readers inside the world of Katsa, a warrior-girl in her late teens with one blue eye and one green eye. This gives her haunting beauty, but also marks her as a Graceling. Gracelings are beings with special talents—swimming, storytelling, dancing. Katsa's Grace is considered more useful: her ability to fight (and kill, if she wanted to) is unequaled in the seven kingdoms. Forced to act as a henchman for a manipulative king, Katsa channels her guilt by forming a secret council of like-minded citizens who carry out secret missions to promote justice over cruelty and abuses of power.

Combining elements of fantasy and romance, Cashore skillfully portrays the confusion, discovery, and angst that smart, strong-willed girls experience as they creep toward adulthood. Katsa wrestles with questions of freedom, truth, and knowing when to rely on a friend for help. This is no small task for an angry girl who had eschewed friendships (with the exception of one cousin that she trusts) for her more ready skills of self-reliance, hunting, and fighting. Katsa also comes to know the real power of her Grace and the nature of Graces in general: they are not always what they appear to be.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

I have heard great things about all of these books so I can't wait to read them!

REVIEW: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

2009-09-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

★★★☆

Mary lives in a secluded village in the forest of hands a teeth. This village is in a world ruled by the sisterhood a group of women with secrets who are thought to know what's best for their world. Mary dreams of leaving the village. The only problem is that there village is surrounded by the Unconsecrated, who are kept out by the fence that surrounds them. When no one speaks for her when she is of age to marry, Mary is forced to join the Sisterhood, where she learns things she never wanted to know about the sisterhood, the guardians and there power. When the fence is breached and the village is thrown into chaos Mary must make a decision to choose between the village and the possibility of a life and land beyond.

Throughout the entire book the creatures outslide the village are called the unconcecrated in actuality they are zombies. Even though this book is a zombie book it really didn't feel like one to me. It is hard to explain but Carrie Ryan has a way of describing the zombies that makes you almost feel for them and not think that they are vicious man eaters. I love post apocalyptic/distopic novels and this one was great. There is a little romance, a lot of action and twists that keep you reading through the night.

The one thing I did have a little issue with was that the romance between Mary and Travis seemed forced and never really developed at the beginning of the novel. It seemed like they just were instantly lovers even though they were not initially at the beginning of the book. Also the beginning of the book moved a little fast for me. How Mary progresses from normal life to all of a sudden being in the sisterhood.

The description of the village and the world that Mary lives in is great. It really gives you a feeling of what it would be like if you were living in a world full of danger but just looking past it. Like hearing the moans of the unconcecrated all day but just hearing it like a buzz in the background.

Overall, I think this was a good book and worth a read for something different. This book is really unique and Carrie Ryan certainly has a unique atypical imagination.

The Vampire Diaries Verdict?

2009-09-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

So What did you think of the show? I thought it stayed pretty true to the books so far. And my my Stefan is fine *fans self*. Not that Damen isn't. My mom like's Damen better but I think he is too pretty. So far I really like it , looks like it is going to eventually be like a paranormal gossip girl with a little more vampire action ha. Like it.

Waiting on a Wednesday

2009-09-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Summary from Amazon:

So…you’d think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark’s life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite’s visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn’t go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul? Find out in the next spectacular installment in the House of Night Series, Tempted.

I am super excited for this. I was stoked for Vampire Academy but, now that I have read that, I need to read something while I am waiting for the next one to come out. Zoey is a really strong character who really needs to make up her mind about which man she is going to be with... I wonder who she will choose? Check it out release date is: Oct. 27, 2009.

REVIEW: Beastly by Alex Flinn

2009-09-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

★★★☆

Kyle Kingsbury is the guy everyone wants to be: popular, good looking, rich. But he is also spoiled rotten and has an overall beastly personality. He pushes a witch too far one day and is transformed into the beast he really is. Locked away in a huge brownstone house Kyle is lonely and depressed. The only way to break the spell however is to be kissed by his true love. Will Kyle be able to overcome his beastly attitude and fall in love and better yet have someone fall in love with him?

Beastly is a modern retellying of Beauty and the Beast. There were some things that I liked about it and some that kind of irked me a little bit. I liked the modern day sort of setting and the lesson that this book protrays; that beauty isn't everything. I also really like the short chatting sessions where Kyle finds other fairytale creatures to relate with.

There was one thing that bothered me though. I find that the protagonist Kyle is too young (14 at the start of the book) to be experiencing some of the things that the author is making him. I would certainly hope that normally at that age they wouldn't be getting the amount of "action" he was getting from the ladies. Although I am not a 14 year old boy so I wouldn't really know. I think that a lot of the things that go on in this book could all have been remedied if they started him at age 16 instead of 14. I guess they don't actually say the age but it is stated that he is in grade 9 and here in Canada that means 14 or I guess could be 15 if near the end of the year but still isn't that a little young *sorry about my rantings here, just kinda irked me*.

I really love modern retellings of fairytales and I enjoyed this one. There are just some things that bugged me a little about it and that in present day may not be totally realistic.

REVIEW: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-09-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

★★★★

*Spoilers for Hunger Games*
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark miraculously survive the Hunger Games. You would think that this would make Katniss happy. But nothing is the same when she goes home. Gail acts indifferent to her and Peeta is giving her the cold shoulder. And there is the overwhelming danger of rebellion in the districts which could have been caused by Katniss and Peeta angering the Capitol. The time comes for the Victory tour and Katniss and Peeta must prove to the districts and the capitol that they are in love or the consequences may be dire. Not to mention that this years Hunger Games falls on it 75th anniversary or the Quarter Quell and that could change all the rules to the games.

OMG. I got this book today in the mail FINALLY! And I just could not put it down. Every chapter seemed to have a little cliffhanger that made me keep reading. Suzanne Collins is an amazing writing and paints an amazingly clear picture of characters and their surroundings. Not to mention her creativity. When I thought I new what was going to happen I was continuously surprised with the outcome. I think I might have liked this book even better then Hunger games if that is possible. But there is kind of a major cliffhanger at the end unfortunately. It is going to be a long wait.

Without giving to much away: Who do you think Katniss should finally be with Peeta or Gail?

I'm on Team Peeta!

Waitng on Wednesday!

2009-09-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? by Louise Rennison
Release Date: October 6, 2009

Summary: British teenager Georgia Nicolson's humorous diary entries reveal the results as she finally chooses between potential boyfriends, but then becomes involved in a play with the one not chosen, further complicating her love life.

I have been waiting absolutely forever for this book. I am so excited for it to be released. Ever since the first book when Georgia managed to shave off her eyebrow with her fathers electric razor I have been hooked on the hilarity. If you haven't read and of the Georgia Nicolson's diaries you should definitely pick one up. But read it in a private place because you will definitely be caught laughing out loud.

Stupid Chapters I want my books NOW!!!

2009-09-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Still haven't gotten Catching Fire because I decided to preorder... it was so much cheaper but now I am getting anxious. I find myself looking at the front door constantly imaging the delivery guy...hopefully they will be here tomorrow!

Bookin with Bingo: Extravagant Bingo Bookcase Giveaway

2009-09-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

--BOOKIN' WITH BINGO is having an EXTRAVAGANT BINGO BOOKCASE GIVEAWAY sponsored by CSN STORES who sell everything from fireplaces to office furniture. Stop by and enter by 6 PM, EST, on September 26th.

Awesome Contest over at Bloody Bookaholic

2009-09-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Taschima over at the Bloody Bookaholic is holding an awesome contest called the Mega Palooza contest. There are 20 books up for grabs... check it out.

REVIEW: Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

2009-09-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

★★★★

Kelley Winslow is a seventeen year old actress who is living her dream in New York City. That is of course, if her dream was being the understudy for a third tier stage company. When the lead actress breaks her ankle Kelley is promoted to playing the fairy queen Titania in the production of a Midsummer Night's Dream. She thinks this could be her lucky break. Kelley soon learns that Faeries are more then mythical, they are real and when she meets the handsome and mysterious Sonny Flannery, she finds out just how real they are.

Sonny is a guard of the Samhain Gate, the doorway between the mortal and Faerie's otherworld. The gates slowly open the 9 days up until Halloween, when the human world is exposed to an onslaught of destructive faerie creatures. Sonny is instantly drawn to Kelley as she appears like a firecracker to his senses. Sonny learns that Kelly is no mere mortal and with this secret they are plunged into a dangerous plot that Kelley must stop to save New York city and Faerie kind alike.

This book has been sitting on my shelf for like 4 months and I can’t believe I haven’t read it yet. I loved this book. I was never a huge fan of faerie books but I just found myself drawn into this one. I think because most Faerie books are unrealistic I can’t find a connection. Lesley Livingston writes a story with spellbinding writing and incredible plot and characters but it’s somehow still believable. Oh and might I mention she’s Canadian! *little squee*. The novel is just genuinely original.

I was intrigued by every character not just the main ones. Kelley is able to be vulnerable but strong at the same time. She is completely defensive to Sonny at the start laughing at him when he talks to her about Faeries and always going for the mace haha. And Sonny *fans herself* is just a strong adult character but still young and almost vulnerable too and able to kick some major angry faerie butt. Even the minor characters are intriguing and memorable.

This novel just kept me guessing. I was never really able to anticipate what was going to happen next. And best yet, there is barely a cliff-hanger at the end… enough to keep you guessing but not like Crap! Now I have to wait a year for the next one to come out. Not that I am not eagerly awaiting the release of Darklight to come out in Dec. 2009 because I am! Pick up a copy of this book if you haven’t read it already…. You gotsta!

REVIEW: Sovay by Celia Rees

2009-08-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

★★★☆

In 1794 England privileged young maidens do not see many adventures. But, Sovay enjoys more excitement. When her betrothed betrays her with the chambermaid she decides to scare the wits out of him, so she dresses as a man and tells him to, "stand and deliver!" As Sovay begins to enjoy the excitement of these criminal activities, she continues her robberies not for money but for her power over men. But when Sovay lifts the wallet of one of England's most dangerous men, the stakes get higher. Her father is accused of treason and Sovay must go on a mission to clear her family's name.

This is a great Historical Novel which Celia Rees is ofcourse known for. I love a girl who has some fight in them... to me the characters are so much stronger. Although this story is more for the adventure of Sovay saving her family there is a little romance thrown in there as well. The only issue I have with this novel is that the character development for Sovay was not consistent. She went from being an innocent maiden to a hardened criminal in like 2 seconds. Obviously she must have had some mental issues if she could snap that quickly. I also found that although I loved the cover art for the book the summary made it seem like the novel was mostly about a female Robin Hood and not in fact about a girls struggles to save her family in 1700's England. Overall, it wasn't the fastest read for me I did enjoy it.

Review Policy

2009-08-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

How to contact me
E-mail me at: thenovelhovel@yahoo.ca

What will I accept?
I will accept all books from the young adult genre. I prefer paranormal. I will not however accept e-books or self published books.

Will I review you book?
Right now there is 100% chance that your book will get reviewed.

If I like your book?
I will most definitely write a great review. I may also ask if you would like to participate in an interview or a contest.

If I dislike your book?
I will let you know and request whether you would like the review published or not.

Other information
If you have any other question please feel free to email me at thenovelhovel@yahoo.ca

In My Mailbox!

2009-08-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

So I decided to start one of these. In my mailbox is a meme hosted by the story siren.

I bought 4 books this week that I can't wait to get!

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The Compound by S. A. Bodeen

Beauty: A Retelling of the Beauty and The Beast by Robin McKinley

Beastly by Alex FlinnAll of a sudden I have really gotten into Fairytale retellings. I think it started after I recently watched Ever After for the 100th time (it's close to my favourite movie ever). Anyways I bought these two because I know Beastly is going to be made into a movie next year (I am not sure what I think about Vanessa Hudgens being the lead but anyways). Beastly is more of a modern retelling of the story which I am super excited for. I also bought Beauty because I have seen that it has had some very good reviews and who doesn't want to read a traditional retelling of the story.

Anyways, that is what is in my mailbox this week or will be hopefully as soon as catching fire comes out because I pre-ordered it.

REVIEW: The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

2009-08-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

★★★☆

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, spends the first years of her life being trained by her aunt to communicate with animals. Ani soon develops the skills of animal speech but is not very comfortable speaking with people. However, her lady in waiting is quite adept at this and lead s mutiny on Ani. Ani is on a journey to be married in a foreign land when this mutiny occurs. Ani escapes but is unable to persuade anyone into helping her. She manages to become goose girl for the king and uses her powers to lead her to her true destiny.

I really enjoyed this book. Ani is very interesting character and Shannon Hale uses the novel to develop her character so that everyone who reads it will love her. I love historical aspect of this novel as well. She accurately portrays the ideals of this time. This book keeps you intrigued from the beginning to the end. The end is slightly predictable but right before you begin to question if it will really end the way you thought it would.

Books I am hoping to get next...

2009-08-29T16:07:00.001-07:00

These are the books i am hoping to buy next... when I have money that is... which could be a looonnnggg time.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
From the Publisher

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

OMG. I cannot wait for this book to come out. 2 more days. I wish I had decided to do this blog earlier so that I could have gotten and ARC because I am desperate... hunger games was one of my favourite books. Going to have to preorder so I don't have to pay 20 dollars for it though.

The Compound by S. A. Bodeen

From the Publisher

Eli and his family have lived in the Compound for six years. The world they knew is gone. Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. Now, they can’t get out. He won't let them.

After being in the whole hunger games frame of mind, I was looking for all kinds of alternate universe/world type books. This one has had some raging reviews so it’s next on the list.

Let me know if any of you have read this one and if it was any good.

REVIEW: Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

2009-08-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

★★★☆

Alex Rider thought his Uncle and guardian was a banker who traveled a lot. Little did he know that after his Uncle is killed he learns that he was really an MI6 spy. After finding out the truth Alex is recruited by MI6 to complete his Uncle's final mission. Alex suddenly finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse, with no way out.

Although I technically wouldn't classify this book as Young Adult fiction I thought I would review it anyways. My brother is 13 and going into grade 8 where they have to start writing book reports and what not. Knowing that my brother is a jocky little boy I knew the likelihood of him completing one of these successfully would be slim. So... I went on a hunt for a book that I thought he might enjoy. Little did I know that after reading this book on a whim I would enjoy quite a bit too. The novel is fool of twists and suspense not to mention cool spy gadgets. There was even a movie made based on it. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would especially recommend it to slightly younger readers.

Create A Cover

2009-08-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

CREATE YOUR DEBUT YA COVER

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

The name that appears is your author name.

2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or clickhttp://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4 – Use Photoshop, Picnik, or similar to put it all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5 – Post it to your site along with this text.

REVIEW: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

2009-08-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

★★★★

Rose has left the Academy and Lissa to pursue a crazy endeavor. She has to kill her boyfriend, who has now been turned strigoi, Dimitri. This takes her to Siberia where she begins her search. But when the time comes will she be able to do it. Rose has some tough times ahead of her.

I have to say I am OBSESSED with this series. I honestly think I may like it more then Twilight. A lot of that comes from there being more action ;) between Rose and Dimitri then there was Bella and Edward. But also, Rose is such a strong character in contrast to Bella who has always seemed so week. Anyways, this series has made me fall in love with all the characters and this novel certainly did not disappoint. Although I thought I knew the direction the novel was going to go it continuously surprised me. I found that rose was a slightly different character in this novel she seemed depressed and vulnerable and without Rose, Lissa goes a little nuts herself. Read it to find out!!! Only downside is that the next novel Spirit Bound doesn't come out until May 2010 and there is a definite twist and cliff hanger at the end. It's going to be such a long wait. Oh and I also decided to read the whole series over again which took me two days... basically I was up until 5:00am every morning reading because I couldn't stop... that's how good it is.

REVIEW: Being Nikki: An Airhead Novel by Meg Cabot

2009-08-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

★★★★

Emerson Watts is currently in the body of a supermodel, one Nikki Howard. Going to photo shoots and living the life of a supermodel is tough for Emerson. Not to mention she is able to attract every guy in the world except for the one guy she is interested in her pre-Nikki best friend Christopher. After a grueling photo shoot Em returns to her apartment to find a man there claiming to be her brother and he reveals that their mother is missing. She doesn't remember any of this ofcourse and she is certain that Stark Enterprises (her employer) knows more then they are letting on. Em quickly gets caught up in the mystery of her missing mother and a plot to take down Stark Enterprises.

I am a HUGE fan of Meg Cabot's writing to begin with but, after reading Air Head I was dieing for this book to come out. I definitely have no regrets at all. This book is a rapid read for sure. From the initial twists and turns to an exciting ending this book keeps your attention. This novel has turned more into a mystery/ romance then the initial paranormal/romance that I expected. Everything revealed in this novel will keep the reader eagerly anticipating the third novel in the series Runaway in May of 2010.

REVIEW: The Life of Pi by Yann Martel

2009-08-17T00:11:00.000-07:00

★★☆☆

Pi Patel is an unusual boy. Son of a zookeeper, he is almost more familiar with the ways of the animal world then that of the one in which he lives. He is fascinated by religion and practices not only Hinduism, but Christianity and Islam. When Pi is a young teenager his family sells the zoo and many of its animals to immigrate to Canada. They travel aboard a Japanese ship with their remaining animals bound for their new home. The ship sinks and Pi finds himself alone lost at sea on a lifeboat with a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan and a large Bengal tiger.

I found this novel incredibly difficult to get into in the beginning (pretty much the entire Part I) with Pi's life in India. Once the ship sinks the story becomes a realistic and rousing tale of survival. Although well the beginning was well written I found it slow however, I feel that the survival tale makes up for this in the end.

REVIEW: Evermore by Alyson Noel

2009-08-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

★★★☆

Ever, a 16 year old girl has had psychic abilities since her family and almost herself were killed in a horrible car accident. She is able to see peoples' auras, hear their thoughts and tell there life story by touch. Ever blames herself for the crash and hates every moment that she lives with these abilities. She hides herself away with raging music and hoodies labeling her a freak at school. This all changes though when a mysterious new student comes to the school. Ever falls easily in love with him but there are so many questions surrounding him. Is he the perfect match or is there something magical about him?

I found this story a little difficult to get into right away but once it starts it is hard to put down. Ever is a very easy character to respect as well as her "unique" friends. This book is full of romance but also dark twists and secrets. Alyson Noël utilized a theme that attracts young readers but has added some unique twists to fall away from the trend. I would reccomend this to any reader who enjoys the paranormal romance genre.

Just Starting Out...

2009-08-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...

What do you do when life takes a turn for the worst? Start a blog...
Well I am a recent university graduate who was just starting out on the career track as an Environmental Biologist... I took up and left and headed out west to Calgary, AB... Unfortunately for me I got laid off within one month of beginning my employment...
Without finding another job I ran out of money and had to move back with my parents!!!! Urgh I know how tragic...
In an attempt to hide away from my miserable happenstance I decided I would go back to my old reading days, where I would read a few books a week if I could...
It just so happens I have a love for young adult books... and I figured in the age of the blog I might be successful in reviewing many of the books I read...
So to everyone who will be following... LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN...

Thanks,

Kristan