The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Publisher: Razorbill
Age Group: YA
Rating: 5/5
Source: Author

Haven Moore can’t control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother’s house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.
In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves¸ before all is lost and the cycle begins again.

I have been waiting for a book like this and now my wish has finally come true. I devoured every single page and I kept finding myself turning the pages, waiting to see what would happen next. The mystery and the romance sizzeled throughout the book and everytime I would put this book down, I couldn't resist the temptation and would pick it up again. But after I was done, I kept thinking about it. I was mesmerized.

I loved Haven. I didn't think of her as a weak character. She just had been through a lot and didn't know the truth to everything and living with grandma who watches your every move is certainly not the ideal life. But Haven managed to ignore every bad voice and person around her and I was glad she did. Enter Iain Morrow. He loved Haven from the moment he spotted her, and let me say this, I had my doubts with him as I was reading. It gets to a point where you don't know who to trust anymore.

I loved the plot of THE ETERNAL ONES. Reincarantion is something so new in YA and I'm so glad Miller decided to write about it because she had me until two in the morning finishing the book. It was that book and also unforgetable.

The ending was great. Not only did it leave room for a sequal, but it also was happy and I love happy endings. I was so glad everything worked out in the end and all your questiosn are answered because if they weren't, I don't think I would have slept.

The cover if THE ETERNAL ONES was very unique. I loved the the snake eating its own tail because that was what the book centerned mostly on - The Ouroboros.

Overall, I LOVED this book and I don't know how much I can express my love for it. It's my favorite book so far and I say give it a chance. I didn't disappoint.

Dear Bully

Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: YA
Rating: 5/5
Source: Publisher
Publication Date: September 6, 2011

Seventy authors tell their stories.


The moment this book arrived to me, I read it immeditaly. All the stories in here are from many YA authors, and also the big ones. Bullying seems to be increasing everyday and I know what the victims feel because I was bullied as well and not to long ago. I just finished my junior year of high school and I went through the most painful time and I hope I never revisit it. I'm scared to start senior year and face the bullies again, but this book gave me hope. I don't feel alone any longer and if you are a bullied victim, this book will help.

All seventy authors went through bullying themselves, some far worse than what I went through. And if you look at them now, their books are bestsellers and they seem to have the perfect life, but it wasn't always that when they were teenagers. I'm so glad this book came out and it does show that it does get better. Bullying isn't going to last forever.

I know it's hard ignoring the bullies when everywhere you go, they're there. Knowing that my favorite authors went through what I'm going through, brings warmth all over me and I feel that it's going to be over in several months and I no loger will see the bullies. This book also lets you know that you're not alone. I know it made me feel that way and if you are being bullied, talk to a trusted adult, or if you can't do that, read this book. Every author is speaking to you throught the pages and I know that this won't be the last time I'll be reading this book.

And if you feel that no one out there cares, think again. These authors do and that's why this book was made.

DEAR BULLY is an amazing book edited by Megan Kelley Hall & Carrie Jones, and with stories from seventy authors.

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Age Group: YA
Rating: 3.5/5
Source: Publisher


At the beginning of his junior year at a boys' boarding school, 16-year-old Alex is devastated when he fails to save a drowning friend. When questioned, Alex and his friend Glenn, who was also at the river, begin weaving their web of lies. Plagued by guilt, Alex takes refuge in the library, telling his tale in a journal he hides behind Moby-Dick. Caught in the web with Alex and Glenn is their English teacher, Miss Dovecott, fresh out of Princeton, who suspects there's more to what happened at the river when she perceives guilt in Alex's writing for class. She also sees poetic talent in Alex, which she encourages. As Alex responds to her attention, he discovers his true voice, one that goes against the boarding school bravado that Glenn embraces. When Glenn becomes convinced that Miss Dovecott is out to get them, Alex must choose between them.

My interest from this book came from a movie I saw once which was about an all boys' school and a murder that happened there. I forgot the name of the movie, but I enjoyed it a lot and I was excited reading this book. PAPER COVERS ROCK is a very small book, yet it took me a while to finish it. I couldn't just breeze through the pages because every detail counted in whatwas happening in the book.

Alex loves Miss Davecott and she's a young female teacher there and obviously she's going to get attention from all the boys and some will try to get close to her. Also, Thomas has died. Miss Davecott knows something more happened when Thomas died which is why she gets close to Alex. The ending was something I knew that was coming, nothing of a shocker.

This book is very enjoyable to read if you're looking for a mystery or are bored one day and want a book to read. It's small and I enjoyed reading it.

Trapped by Michael Northrop

Publisher: Scholastic
Age Group: YA
Rating: 3.5/5
Source: Publisher

The day the blizzard started, no one knew that it was going to keep snowing for a week. That for those in its path, it would become not just a matter of keeping warm, but of staying alive....

Scotty and his friends Pete and Jason are among the last seven kids at their high school waiting to get picked up that day, and they soon realize that no one is coming for them. Still, it doesn't seem so bad to spend the night at school, especially when distractingly hot Krista and Julie are sleeping just down the hall. But then the power goes out, then the heat. The pipes freeze, and the roof shudders. As the days add up, the snow piles higher, and the empty halls grow colder and darker, the mounting pressure forces a devastating decision....



Imagine looking out your school window and seeing massive amounts of snow piling up. Most people would leave, but Scotty and his friends were trapped.


All they wanted was to go home and stay warm under the blankets, but that proved wrong as no one came for them and the snow piled so high, they had never seen so much before. At first, they thought it was going to be okay, but as the heater broke and the lights went out, they them realized they wre far from okay. If I were in their situation, who knows what would be going through my mind. I would be scared, especially knowing there is no way out and no one can see me.


At the beginning the book was a bit slow, but towards the end, it did pick up the pace and kept me waiting what was going to happen to Scotty and his friends. The ending was intense and I read it twice to make sure I hadn't missed anything.


The cover was one of my favorite things about this book. Just the cover alone lets you know what the book is about. So if snow is on its way and you know you'll be home, pick up this book with some hot chocolate and enjoy! It's the perfect book for a cold snowy day.

Radiance by Alyson Noel

Publisher: Square Fish
Age Group: Middle Grade
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Bought

Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .


I loved Alyson Noel's IMMORTAL series and Riley was my favorite character. When I found out that Noel was writing a spin off series about Riley, I was jumping in joy. I just couldn't wait to read it and when it came out, I ran to Barnes and Noble and bought it.

I was fun going back to Riley's world, only this time, it was different. Riley is now living in the Here and Now. She also becomes friends with Bodhi, which I thought was so adorable. I loved Bodhi. He seemed to me like a cute nerd with glasses whom you just love.

After reading this book, I gave it to my little sister and she loved it as well. She now too is a fan of Alyson Noel. I believe that no matter what genre Noel writes, she writes books that stay in our hearts. Radiance is a middle grade novel, but I loved it. It was full of adventure and it brings you into a new world, but with the same ingredient Noel uses to lure you in and fall in love with a book.

New Shows

Okay, so I didn't have anything planned for today and I just wanted to talk about these new amazing shows that will be coming out. You all know how much I love The Vampire Diaries and Nikita. Well, CW will be airing The Secret Circle in September. I'm sure many of you have heard of The Secret Circle and read the books, but if you haven't (like me) they're about witches and the books were written by L.J. Smith and even though I haven't read The Vampire Diaries (I know, I'm so behind!) I'm absolutly in love with the show (go Team Damon!!!).

Another show coming out as well is The Lying Game. Yes, it's based on the book by Sara Shepard (I read this one!). You can also check out my review on The Lying Game. I love watching Pretty Little Liars and even though I still haven't read these books either, I can't wait to see how The Lying Game will be, but I have a feeling that we won't be disappointed.








I'm so excited for all these great new shows and can't wait to watch them!!

Study Smart, Study Less by Anne Crossman

Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Age Group: High School/College - Nonfiction
Rating: 5/5
Source: Publisher


Reap the rewards of a higher GPA without sacrificing your sanity or your social life!

If “I studied all night and I still didn’t ace the test” is your mantra, this witty study guide will help you pinpoint your personal learning style, prevent study mishaps, and work to your strengths. Using the best research on memory and the brain, Study Smart, Study Less offers easy techniques to help you:

• absorb info quickly
• remember it accurately
• create a successful study space
• put together a productive study group
• use interactive games to master tough material
• identify pitfalls—and avoid falling into them
• and stop overstudying (no—this isn’t a typo)

By learning how to learn, you’ll not only feel smarter, you’ll be smarter.


This book is very very small, but it's filled with amazing information. I learned so mnay new study tips that I never knew existed and I will be using them in the upcoming school year and after that, in college. The way Anne wrote, was easy to understand and it was fun to read. This book is not text after text and long borning paragraphs with small letters. I would have put it down because my head would have begun hurting.

Anne had written bullet points and bullet points are way easier to remember than a long paragraph. This book also talks about different learning types. We all have our way of learning. I know I'm a visual learner and STUDY SMART, STUDY LESS shows you amazing ways to retain information without feeling as though you will never have a social life ever again.

This book is great for high schoolers or college students. It's filled with helpful information that is easy to remember. Highly reccommend this book.

Jessica Warman Interview

1  1.     How did you get the idea for WHERE THE TRUTH LIES?

I had come up with the character of Del Sugar a few years earlier and knew that I wanted to write a book about him.  Most of the stories I’d written about Del dealt with him as an adult, so I thought it would be fun to explore what he was like as a teenager.  Once I had that character in place, the rest of the book was easy to write.

2.     Can you relate to any of the characters?

Yes, I can relate to most of them!  I went to boarding school myself and drew quite a bit from my memories throughout those years when I wrote “Where the Truth Lies.”

3.     Publishing is hard. How was your experience, easy or hard?

It was a combination of both.  Getting that first novel published was a long, difficult journey.  It took about ten years from the time I wrote the first draft of my first novel until it was finally published.  Now that I’ve become a little more established and have more contacts in the industry (and an amazing publishing house!), things have gotten quite a bit easier. 

4.     When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer?

I never wanted to be anything else.  I can remember being five and six years old and writing stories on my dad’s legal pads.  I don’t think I ever seriously considered another profession, so I’m very relieved it’s all working out!

5.     What other books are you writing now?

I have a book coming out on August 2^nd, called “BETWEEN,”  that I’m incredibly excited about.  You can read more about it on my website at www.jessicawarman.com.  And right now I’m finishing up my fourth novel, which is a thriller about identical twins with a unique bond.  It’s scheduled for release in 2012. 

6. Can you tell us three things about yourself that no one may know?

                1. I absolutely love ice cream, and I eat it almost every day.

                2. I’ve never been camping, fishing, or tailgating.  This seems to amaze people for some reason. 

                3. I once took on a bet in college that I could survive on nothing but Doritos and water for two weeks.  I lasted three days and I felt physically TERRIBLE.  I think my body is still angry at me for that one!



Thanks for the great interview, Jessica!

BOOKMARK Contest

Hey everyone!!

I have another contest for you all. Since Kimberly Derting's THE BODY FINDER novels are amazing and she has a new book coming out in November, THE PLEDGE, I had signed bookmarks by the one and only amazing Kimberly Derting to giveaway to one lucky winner.

The contest starts today - July 20, 2011 and ends August 16, 2011

Okay so here are the rules:

1. You must be a follower of the blog. You also receive an additional point for that.

2. If you tweet about this, you receive another point.

3. Just email me at thebookmermaid@gmail.com with the subject line Bookmark Contest or something similar and tell me what book are you most excited about reading that's coming out.

Good Luck to everyone!!!!!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4/5
Source: Publisher
Release Date: September 27, 2011

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.
She's wrong.

Doesn't that summary make you want to devour this book? I did! By just reading the summary, I didn't know what the book was going to be about. It sounded like there was going to be mystery, paranormal, and maybe some horror. I was excited to read this book.

The first page grabbed my attention right away and I couldn't stop reading after it. The whole beginning was filled with mystery and I was dying to know how Mara survived the accident, how Mara came out alive. Her story interested me and I wanted to know more. Then came Noah. He so is my new favorite literary crush. He was the bad boy in school and even though Mara tried ignorning her feelings for him, she just couldn't help falling for him. Mara's brother, Daniel, was also a very unique character. I enjoyed him a lot and their relationship as brother and sister was funny at times. Daniel was the perfect one in the family who was going to get into and Ivy League school and Mara... well, she was a regular girl trying to find her place in high school.

The cover is one of my favorite parts of this book. I mean look at the beautifulcover. It's full of beauty. I know we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but that cover is to die for. I would totally pick this book up just because I want to look at that cover.

Michelle Hodkin is an amazing new author, full of promise and I can't wait to read more of her work!

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Age Group: YA
Rating: 5/5
Source: Publisher


BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.


What an amazing book! I had never read anything by Jennifer Donnelly before and when Revolution arrived to me, I kept finding myself putting it off. Worst mistake ever! This book truly spoke to me. I felt what Andi was going through. She was struggling and was yearning for help and something to help her get out of this misery that was surrounding her. The her father comes along and takes her to Paris for Winter break. At first she doesn't want to go, but then gives in.

While in Paris, Andi finds the diary of Alexandrine, a girl during the French Revolution. It was amazing how Donnelly made the diary entires of Alexandrine. I felt as though I was actually reading a real diary and I felt pain through the pages. I could feel emotion as well.

REVOLUTION is full of history and it sweeps you away. It's not some boring thing you read in your history textbook, this book will make you cry, smile, and feel what Andi and Alexandrine both go through. I highly recommend this book.

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Publisher: MTV Books
Age Group: YA
Rating: 3/5
Source: Author

Why can't you choose what you forget . . . and what you remember?
There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them?

Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her.

Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.


I had heard a lot about Jennifer Echols and her books and since this book had been sitting on my shelf for a very long time, I decided to give it a try.

I loved the way Echols developed her characters. I also felt very bad for Zoey. Her dad had hooked up with Ashely, some 24 year old at the place she worked, Slide and Clyde, and now Ashley is pregnant. Zoey also is going to have this night where she's going to hook up with her boyfriend, Brandon, but the next thing she remembers is being in a car crash.

Doug is there saving her and that's where everything evolves from. Doug hates Brandon and his guts, but he loves Zoey. Now this book has sexual scenes. But Echols isn't afraid to just go with the flow and throw it in there. YA books now -a- days do have these sences.

But the story for me fell a bit short. The writing sometimes had me bored and I had to struggle my way through finishing it.

The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Dipen

Publisher: Scholastic
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4/5
Source: Publisher

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?
Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.


I thought the concept of this book was funny. Ever since the day I read Twilight, I have been dying to meet one of my literay boyfriends, but as we all know, they're only words on paper, but in THE VAMPIRE STALKER, they come to life.

Amy is obsessed with this new vampire book, especially with the character Alexander Banks. She wishes he were real and her wish comes true. She meets Alexander. At first she thinks she's going crazy and some guy is obsessed with the books as well, but then realized that not only if Alexander real, so is Vigo, the evil vampire.

This book takes you on an adventure as Amy works with Alexander to fight Vigo. Amy does however fall in love with the real Alexander more and wants him forever, even though her heart breaks to know that he must go back to his own world, but the ending isn't sad at all. It's actually very satisfying and I'm glad Allison Van Dipen wrote this book.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Publisher: Razorbill
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Bought


Clay Jenkins returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, —his classmate and crush— who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'’ll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay’'s dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.


As you may know, I'm against bullying. I did Show Love Not Hate here on the blog where authors contributed their stories about being bullied and they showed that it does get better. THIRTEEN REASONS WHY shows the story about Hannah and that she committed suicide because she was bullyed. I cried when I read this book. It was so powerful, I just couldn't see Hannah suffer so much.

It seemed as though everyone was out to get her. Before she died, she made a recording of reason why she killed herself and sent it to thirteen differnt people. Clay was one of them and he was number thirteen. Clay was devestated that Hannah died and I felt for him too. But I did think he should have done something. He should have been Hannah's friend when she was being hurt. He should have protected her.

It's easier said then done, but Hannah would not have killed herself. There are so many high school students being bullyed andthis book gives them the courage that they're not alone. Jay Asher is an amazing writer and I can't wait to read more of his books.

Marked by P.C Cast and Kristen Cast

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Age Group: YA
Rating: 1/5
Source: Bought

Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed.
One minute, sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird is a normal teenager dealing with everyday high school stress: her cute boyfriend Heath, the school’s star quarterback who suddenly seems more interested in partying than playing ball; her nosy frenemy Kayla, who’s way too concerned with how things are going with Heath; her uber-tough geometry test tomorrow. The next, she’s Marked as a fledgling vampyre, forcing her to leave her ordinary life behind and join the House of Night, a boarding school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change—and not all of those who are Marked do. It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint with Heath, who just doesn’t know how to take “no” for an answer. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: when she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny—with a little help from her new vampyre friends.


I was hearing so much hype for this book and I thought to myself that I just had to give this book a try, so I did, and I did not enjoy it. For some reason, I could not get myself into this book. I tried and tried, but it was hard for me.

Honestly, when I read the synopsis at the bookstore, I didn't like it and it didn't grab my attention. But I only picked it up because so many people were reading it, and now I realize it was a mistake. This book wasn't for me and I did not enjoy it. I felt as though the writing was okay, but just the story line was not attracting enough and I found it boring.

Graveminder By Melissa Marr

Publisher: William Morrow
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 4/5
Source: Publisher


Melissa Marr is known to young adult readers as the author of the popular faery series Wicked Lovely. Her debut leap into adult fiction lands her in the small community of Claysville, a town where the dead walk free unless there their graves are not properly tended. Into this eerie maelstrom, Rebekkah Barrow descends as she returns to a place that she once believed she knew. Kelley Armstrong justly described Graveminder as "a deliciously creepy tale that is as skillfully wrought as it is spellbindingly imagined." A new genre author to watch.



When I read Melissa Marr's WIKED LOVELY, I wasn't too big of a fan. When I found out she had written an adult book, I wanted to give it a try and I'm glad I did. It was so good! This book was one of those books that I had a hard time putting down. I didn't want to put it down because I didn't want to leave the world that Marr had created.

This book is perfect for fans of paranormal and mystery. I liked Rebekkah's attitude. She wasn't annoying, she just didn't want to be told what to do. And that's a great thing because she was so strong willed. Then, Bryon comes into the picture. His relationship with Rebekkah is like pushing away and coming back.

Melissa Marr painted a picture in this book. She described her new world so vividly, I felt like I was watching a movie. Overall, this was a great book and can't wait to read more.

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Age Group: YA
Rating: 5/5
Source: Publisher


When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.

Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.


This book has to be one of my favorite reads in 2011. Once I began it, I didn't know what to expect. I liked the whole concept of time travel, but I didn't know how Monir was going to execute that. But she didn it perfectly and I was hooked.

I began this book hoping to just read a couple of pages, but I found myself no able to put it down. I was heart broken when Michele's mom died. I felt her pain and Monir did a fantastic job descibing the pain. Michele then goes to live with her rich grandparents in New York City and she's a Windsor - one of the elite of NYC. But there, she finds a diary of one of the Windsor's and through that diary, she travels back in time and meets Philip. The two share so much in common and I loved Philip's polite manners.

The ending is a cliffhanger and I was dying to read more and I hope there will be more to Michele and Philip's story. Also, Alexandra Monir has made songs for the books and I did listen to them and they too were amazing and fit the book.

Overall, if you're looking to break away from vampires and werewolves, this book is for you. It's full of love, mystery, and traveling through time.

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4/5
Source: Publisher


Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.


I first found out about Kelley Armstrong when I read her Darkest Powers Trilogy and I loved it! When I heard that she was starting a new YA series, I was thrilled and when the book arrived in my mailbox, I didn't devour it the moment I got it. For some odd reason, I kept on putting this one off and until I began reading it.

I was trapped into a world, just like the Darkest Powers triology, only this was had a different plot and setting. I liked Maya. She was tough and many might think of her as a tomboy, but to me she was just a normal girl who didn't get involved in too much drama. So what if her best friend was a boy and she hanged out with boys. Less drama! Then, there's Daniel. There were times when I thought Maya and Daniel were going to be together, and then Rafe came into the picture and made me doubt everything.

I enjoy how Armstrong keeps us hanging until the very last book for which guy the girl will choose. Even though in THE GATHERING it seemed as though Maya was choosing Rafe, I'm not so sure about it, so I guess I'll just have to wait until the next book!

I thought the cover continued the whole dark feeling the Darkest Powers trilogy had and I liked that. Overall, this book was great and I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book.

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Publisher: Little, Brown for Young Readers
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4/5
Source: Publisher

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.


This book was an idea I had never heard before. I wasn't too sure how it was going to be, but the synopsis sounded promising and I was excited to dive in. London is not like other 16 year olds. Once 4:33 AM arrives, she forgets everything and has to write everything that had happened that day or else it's gone from her memory.

When Luke arrived in the picture, I had doubts about him because I wasn't too sure if he was there to harm London, if he knew the power she possessed, etc. Then there's London's friend who even though London cared so much for, she still thought London didn't want the best for her. I'm not going to spoil that part, but it's sort of shocking.

The cover is a part that I loved, espcially the back of the book. I love the gray background with the purple butterflies because it didn't give too much away from the plot and the front with the bold FORGOTTEN written on it, is sure to catch your eye at the bookstore.

The Fallen by Liz Braswell

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Age Group: YA
Rating: 5/5
Source: Bought

Chloe King was a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She did her homework and got good grades, but she wasn't afraid to ditch class sometimes to hang out with her best friends. She slept at home, but otherwise avoided all human contact with her mom. The usual stuff. Then she fell from San Francisco's highest tower, and her life changed. For starters, she died. And then, she woke up. Now Chloe's life is anything but normal: Suddenly guys are prowling around her, she's growing claws, and someone's trying to kill her. Luckily for Chloe, she still has eight lives to go.

I never knew this book actually existed, but when I heard about the new T.V show, I was excited to read the books. I very much enjoy the T.V show and while wondering around Barnes & Noble one day, I decided to pick up The Fallen, the first book in The Nine Lives of Chloe King, and give it a shot.

I finished it in one day.

Not only is this a quick read, but also very engaging. I felt as though the T.V show followed the book a lot. I could actually see Chloe and her friends. I felt as though I was watching the T.V show and if you're a fan of the show, I reccommend reading the book. I haven't yet read the other two books, but will pick them up because I truly enjoyed the first one.

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur

Publisher: Greenwillow
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4/5
Source: Bought

Congratulations! You have been admitted to the most prestigious university in the world. Now what are you going to do?

Callie Andrews may not have money or connections or the right clothes, and she may have way too many complications in her love life, what with

Gregory
the guy she loves to hate ...

Evan
the guy she'd love to forget ...

Clint
the guy she'd love to love ...

and Matt
the guy she really should love ...

all vying for her attention.

But she has three fantastic roommates (best friends or her worst nightmare?) and a wholesome California-girl reputation (oops) and brains and beauty and big, big dreams.

Will it be enough to help her survive freshman year at Harvard?


Harvard. That one word was all I needed to hear to make me pick this book up at the bookstore. And hearing about the social elite scene at Harvard made me want to devour this book even more. Callie was just accepted the the most respectable and elite school known, Harvard University. Even though Harvard is known for its students that study a lot, I don't think many know about the social life there. To me, it's always been a mystery.

The authors both went to Harvard so this book isn't made up. Maybe somethings are a little twisted in some ways, but I would say most is true, and even if it wasn't, it sounded true. I loved reading what Callie went through and the mean girl who smiles a lot - Alexis hating her.

So many things happened in this book, I felt for Callie when she was hurt. Not only does she have to shine in academics, but she wants to be in the social life. And that life is just as competitive. I really enjoy books about Ivy League schools and this one has been the far best and I can't wait to read the sequal, SECRETS to find out more about Callie's adventures at Harvard!

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Publisher: HarpterTeen
Age Group: YA
Rating: 1/5
Source: Bought

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21^st century faery tale.



When I read the summary of this book, I was not pulled into it. It felt as though it was missing a lot, but the only reason why I bought this book was because the cover is absolutly beautiful. I mean, all you have to do is look at that cover and fall in love with it. There are no words to describe it.

I tried liking this book. The first time I read it, it fell short and I stopped reading. Then I picked it up again hopin I would like it the second time and again, I could not get through it. I had heard so many stellar reviews for Wicked Lovely, but it just didn't grab my attention.  But my opinion is only one andeven though I didn't like this book, you might. I don't have much to say for this one since I didn't even finish the book or the rest of the series.

Faking 19 by Alyson Noel

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Publisher

On the surface, seventeen-year-old Alex has it made. She’s beautiful and smart, plus she’s best friends with M, the absolute most popular girl in school. Feeling bored with their fancy Orange County suburban town, Alex and M decide to check out L.A.’s glitzy nightlife scene.
Pretending to be nineteen, Alex and M meet Trevor and Connor, two rich older guys. At first Alex can’t believe her luck—she gets to hang out at hip Hollywood house parties and downtown L.A. clubs. These weekend trips into the city become the perfect distraction for Alex, who is secretly struggling with her failing senior-year grades, her absentee father, and her clueless mom.
But after the initial fun wears off for Alex, she is forced to re-evaluate her friendship with M, who is hiding some secrets beneath her perfect Burberry-clad exterior…

Faking 19 is Alyson Noel's debut novel and I have been dying to read this one for so long. Once it arrived in my mailbox, I read it immediatlely. This one is very different from her IMMORTALS series. It is a chick lit book, but lately, I have been craving chick lit novels. And this one satisfied.

Alex used to be a perfect, smart student, but lately her grades have been dropping and even though she knows a scholorship is out of the question, she's now worried that she will no longer graduate with her class. To top things off, she and her mom are trying to make ends meet since her dad left and won't even help pay for anything. Then she meets Connor and even though things are going well at first, they go back downhill when Alex is hit by reality. She decides to get herself back on track and I enjoyed seeing Alex change.

Her English teacher impressed me the most. Even though Alex didn't do her Anna Katerina paper, she wrote a short story about something and he liked the fact that she tried. This also happened in real life to Alyson Noel herself and Alex's English teacher sounds just like my freshman year English teacher. I didn't do what Alex did by not doing my homework, but she inspired me to love reading and writing and from all the teachers I have had during my school years, she has been my favorite and I will never forget her and I thank her for giving me the love of reading and writing.

I really liked how St. Martin's Press changed the cover of Faking 19. In my opinion, I like this one much more!

Overall, I enjoyed Faking 19 and it's a great summer read to take to the beach or when you're traveling.

WINNER!!

Congratulations to Grace for winning the Firelight Swag Pack!!!

Thank you Random.org for choosing someone at random and thank you to all who particapated! I will have many more giveaways soon!

Betrayal by Lee Nichols

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Age Group: YA
Rating: 5/5
Source: Publisher

Emma Vaile is the most powerful ghostkeeper in centuries. Which is great for battling the wraith-master Neos and horrible for her social life. Emma knows fellow ghostkeeper Bennett Stern is her soul mate, but when ghostkeepers fall in love, the weaker one loses all power. And until Neos is defeated, Bennett and Emma can't risk it.
When the temptation of being with Emma gets to be too much, Bennett disappears, pursuing a dangerous path to increase his powers. Heartbroken and alone, Emma tries to lose herself in school. But when the Knell, a secret ghostkeeping society, sends two new ghostkeepers to Echo Point—one a snarky teen guy, the other a British scholar—Emma throws herself into training to battle Neos. But as the team grows stronger, so do the ghosts. And worse, one of their own will betray them. One Emma never suspected. . . .


I fell in love with the first book in the Haunting Emma series - Deception. Betrayal is only better! Now Emma knows that she's the strongest ghostkeeper and she is the only one strong enough to dispel Neos once and for all. But Emma is also in love with Bennett who as well is a ghostkeeper, but as the two fall more in love with each other, Bennett's powers are dying out. And even though Harry blames Emma for Coby's death, to top things off, Bennett leaves. I was so devestated when he left that I was tempted to turn to the end of the book and see if he came back (but I conquered my curiosity!).

So many things happen in this book, I don't know where to start. The whole mystery about Emma's parents and her brother Max, well let me just say that we find out a little about that. I'm going to keep this review spoiler free, but I promise you that you will be dying to get your hands on the last book in the trilogy - Surrender!

Lee Nichols knows how to make characters jump out of a book. Nichols' characters aren't flat, they have life in them and so does the plot. The entire time while I was reading this book, not only was I on the edge of my seat, but also felt as though I was in the book. Now that is a good book. I'm always on the search for great new series to all in love with and The Hauntin Emma Trilogy has done it for me!

Eternal by P.C. Cast

Publisher: BenBella Books
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4/5
Source: Publisher

Immortal: Love Stories With Bite, edited by P.C. Cast (author of the #1 New York Times phenomenon House of Night series), collected dark, romantic short stories from seven of the hottest vampire writers in YA.

Now Eternal: More Love Stories With Bite presents all-new YA stories featuring vampires, the romantic heroes and heroines that still hold the reading public enraptured. A mix of writers from the first anthology and new contributors makes for a fresh new collection with all of the dark romance of its predecessor, and a book that’s sure to thrill vampire romance fans old and new.

When I read IMMORTAL last summer, I loved how all my favorite authors gathered together and wrote short stories about vampires. ETERNAL continues the same great excitment. Claudia Gray, Lili St. Crow, Nancy Holder, Heather Brewer, Rachel Caine, and Jeri Smith-Ready all contributed.

If I had to pick a favorite story, I actually can't because they were all good in their own way. I enjoyed how Claudia Gray went back to EVERNIGHT (one of my favorite series!) and how Rachel Caine too went back to her books - The Morganville Vampires (still need to read them!). The rest of the authors came up with their own story, but I did find it funny when I read Nancy Holder's story - "Letters to Romeo". Basically, Romeo here is a vampire. Now if you loved ROMEO AND JULIET in English class, you're going to enjoy this whole new different twist.

The cover was amazing and it does capture eyes down the YA section at a bookstore.

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!!!!!

I want to wish you all a safe and wonderful July 4th with your family and friends!!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4/5
Source: Bought

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.


HUSH, HUSH was another one of those books that I kept on looking away at the bookstore. When I bought FALLEN by Lauren Kate, I fell in love with fallen angels and I craved for more. So, I found out that HUSH, HUSH was about fallen angels and I pivked it up hoping to just give it a try. But once I began reading, I just couldn't stop. It was amazing and I got pulled into the story and wanted to know more about Patch.

Marcie Miller is the mean girl and I absolutly hated her and the way she treated Nora. I felt bad for Nora. She had to work and help her mom make ends meet and when she met Patch, he was the dangerous boy, but he also was so funny! I would find myself laughing at what Patch would say. There were times though when I just couldn't trust him.

Now let's go to the ending. Oh the ending! It was such a big twist that I just couldn't believe. Everything you thought was true at the beginning of the book, turns out a lie at the end. Becca knows how to keep the reader at the edge of their seat.

Overall, this is a great fallen angel book to add to your collection of fallen angels.

Kissed by An Angel by Elizabeth Chandler

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Age Group: YA
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Bought

A love beyond life...a danger beyond doubt.

In a romantic and suspenseful collection of the New York Times bestselling trilogy, love's unbreakable bonds are put to the test.

When her boyfriend, Tristan, died, Ivy thought she'd lost everything, even her faith in angels. But now she's discovered that he's her guardian angel — his presence so strong that she can feel the touch of his hand, the beat of his heart. Ivy needs Tristan now more than ever because he knows she's in terrible danger. Only Ivy's guardian angel can save her now that his killer is after her.

But if Tristan rescues Ivy, his mission on earth will be finished, and he must leave her behind forever. Will saving Ivy mean losing her just when he's finally reached her again?


All I can say is what a cute love story! The love Ivy and Tristan had for each other was unbreakable and even death couldn't break the two.

There was a lot of mystery involved here and I could not believe who the killer was. Let me tell you, it's sooo suprising. I'm not going to say, but when you read this book, you're going to be as shocked as I was. 

The writing in this book wasn't complex or anyting unique. The plot grabs your attention because come one, angels are so in right now. They have taken over YA literature and I can't wait to read more about them.

The cover for KISSED BY AN ANGEL is pretty eye capturing. Just a rose with yellow, red, and orange and a black background. Honestly, the cover had a part in me picking it up, but the synopsis did the trick. I'm so glad I read this book because it's so amazing and suspenceful as you're reading towards the end.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and if you're looking for more angel books, this one's for you.

Deception by Lee Nichols

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Age Group: YA
Rating: 5/5
Source: Publisher

When Emma Vaile's parents leave on mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. Throw some parties, get a tattoo (or maybe just a piercing), and enjoy the first few weeks of her junior year. Then her best friend stops talking to her, the cops crash her party, and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian—her college-age "knight in J.Crew armor," Bennett Stern—and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England.

After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular legacy crowd. But she can't shake the strange visions that are haunting her. She has memories of Thatcher she can't explain, as if she's returning home to a place she's never been. Emma doesn't trust anyone anymore—except maybe Bennett. But he's about to reveal a ghostly secret to Emma. One that will explain the visions . . . and make Emma fear for her life.



I fell in love with this book from the opening pages. It was so well written and I had never read anything like this before! But my expectations for this one weren't high, but after I was done reading, they surpassed beyond what I even thought.

Emma was a funny, but strong character. She was a regular girl who was in love with boys, but finds out a huge secret about herself. I couldn't stop laughing with what she would do. It was simply hilarious and when Emma was fighting, she never backed down. That's a strong character and that's what I like to see. I loved Bennett. Who doesn't love a Harvard guy with a secret as well? Not only was this guy charming, but Nichols left him a mystery throught most of the book. I was dying to find out more about him, and still am.

DECEPTION had such an unique plot. There's not many books out there about ghosts and if there are, this one totally knocks them all away. The mystery and romance in this book sizzeled and I kept finding myself turning the pages quickly in order to find out what was going to happen next. And now I'm dying to read the sequal, BETRAYAL.

The ending was a cliffhanger. When I tunred the page and saw there was nothing left, I wanted to cry. I so wanted to know what was going to happen to Emma, her relationship with Bennett, where are her parents, etc. So many questions kept on running in my mind and now I'm dying to know the answers.

I absolutly love the cover. It's simply gorgeous and the girl on the cover reminds me of Emma and the house behind reminds me of the place she goes to live in Boston. And the necklace has a huge meaning in the book. You'll just have to read it to find out....

Overall, I loved this book and don't know any other way to express my love for it. Go now and buy it because it's a great read and I will be rereading this one again!