Book Review: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu Publisher: Walden Pond PressPublication date: September 2011ISBN:9780062015051Source: LibraryJack and Hazel have been best friends ever since Hazel can remember. But when Jack one day disappears, Hazel is sure he has been taken by the white queen and sets off to rescue him. She is sure that when he didn't want to be her friend anymore that it was the queen's influence over him. And she will go to whatever lengths and wherever she must to save him. But what if he doesn't want to be saved?Things I Liked: I just loved the fairy-tale-ness of it, but more than that, the realistic view of fairy tales.  It was a balance...

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Posted in 4 stars , fairy tale , Fantasy , middle grade

Book Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Firelight by Sophie JordanPublisher: HarperCollinsPublication date: September 2010ISBN:9780061935084Source: LibraryJacinda has been groomed for leadership in her draki pride, ever since she became the first fire breather in centuries.  But when breaking the rules puts her in contact with a sympathetic hunter and on the bad side of pride leadership, her mother takes Jacinda and her twin sister and secretly runs from the pride.  Will they be able to blend in with regular people and will Maidens be able to keep her inner draki alive? Things I Liked:I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.  I remember reading several...

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Posted in 3 stars , firelight , paranormal , Young Adult

Favorite Reads from 2011

So, there have been a host, a flock, a crowd of best lists and favorites lists, and all kinds of year end lists.  I'm just throwing in my two cents.  Since I've read (or will have read) more than 150 books this year, having around 25 favorites isn't too many, right?  Eh, I'm going to talk about them all anyway! :)  I'm not even trying for categories or books released this year or anything.  Here they are in no particular order or even a semblance of order: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae CarsonA fantasy gem in my comfort genre of choice.  Reading it felt like coming home to my old favorite fantasy books.Blood...

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Posted in highly recommended , lists , not a review

Book Review: Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Revolution by Jennifer DonnellyPublisher: Random HousePublication date: October 2010ISBN: 9780385737647Source: ARC provided by publisherAndi feels like her life is falling apart, ever since the accident when her brother was killed.  Her mother is lost in grief, her grades are slipping, and she feels responsible for his death.  When her father shows up and takes her to Paris for Christmas vacation, she is so angry she doesn't know what to do.  All she knows is that she needs to get back, even if it means finishing her school project on a French composer.  But when she finds a diary from a young girl caught up in the...

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Posted in 4 stars , Historical Fiction , realistic fiction , review copy , Young Adult

Book Review: The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June by Robin Benway

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June by Robin Benway Publisher: RazorbillPublication date: August 2010ISBN: 9781595143785Source: ARC sent by publisherWhen April, May, and June, three sisters navigating high school together, start experiencing special powers, they think they've hit the jackpot.  April who can see the future, May who can disappear, and June who can read minds, are pretty sure using their powers to deal with high school drama is about the best thing.  But, when April sees something horrible coming, they begin to wonder if the powers are there for a different purpose.Things I Liked: I had some seriously mixed...

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Posted in 3 stars , paranormal , review copy , Young Adult

Top Ten Books I Hope Are Under My Tree

I'm participating in another delightful  Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week, as is obvious from the title, is a Top Ten of what I want for Christmas.  Which I didn't think would be all that difficult.  But honestly, I found myself realizing just how many books I already have and how I don't actually need more (right now anyway)!!!  I'm sure if I thought about it some more, I'd come up with other books I'd like, but really I have so many, I am quite happy with what I have!  It's no secret that I really need to read this one. And own it.  A fantasy that I...

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Posted in i actually need it , lists , not a review , top ten tuesday

Book Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton and GIVEAWAY!!

Everneath by Brodi Ashton Publisher: HarperCollinsPublication date: January 24, 2012ISBN: 9780062071132Source: ARC provided by publisher Nikki disappeared months ago without a word and then she suddenly returned home. No one knows where she went or what happened while she was gone.  Now, she must try to pick up the broken pieces of her life with her father, little brother, and her boyfriend, Jack.  But what none of them know is that she is leaving again, and this time she has no choice.  Can she say goodbye properly this time or is it too late for those she loves?Things I Liked: I've been looking forward to this one for a...

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Posted in 5 stars , giveaway , highly recommended , paranormal , review copy , Young Adult

Book Review: Nightspell by Leah Cypess

Nightspell by Leah CypessPublisher: Greenwillow BooksPublication date: May 2011ISBN: 9780061957024 Source: Library Darri has never forgotten her promise to come for her sister Callie.  Four years ago, Callie was sent to Ghostland to be the wife of the prince, but it broke Darri's heart to let her go.  Now, her chance to save Callie has come, but Callie has changed over those four years and has secrets and motivations Darri can't imagine.  Can Darri outmaneuver the wily Ghostland courtiers, both living and dead, to bring her sister home, or will it be too late for both of them? Things I Liked: I really liked the world in this book,...

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Posted in 4 stars , Fantasy , Young Adult

Mini Reviews 3: Books That Didn't Wow Me

Here's another group of mini reviews. Unfortunately, these ones just didn't wow me (at least not this time).  Wildwood by Colin MeloySource: ARC provided by publisherWhen Prue's little brother is stolen and taken to the Wildwood, she is determined to get him back. With the help of Curtis, a friend from school, she embarks on a journey that will take her to places she never imagined. But will she be able to find him in time to save him and all of Wildwood from utter distruction?My Thoughts: This was a fun story filled with adventures and growing up and fantastic creatures and places with quirky characters and odd tidbits and talking animals. ...

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Posted in adult , audiobook , Fantasy , inheritance , middle grade , mini reviews , realistic fiction , relic master , review copy , Young Adult

Book Review: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.Liesl & Po by Lauren OliverPublisher: HarperCollinsPublication date: October 2011ISBN: 9780062014511Source: Library Liesl has been imprisoned in the attic for months, thanks to her cruel stepmother.  But, when the ghost Po appears and helps her make a great escape, she embarks on a journey to a place she once knew.  Will, the alchemist's apprentice, has only seen Liesl from afar, but he already wonders if they will be friends.  An accidental mixup leads their two lives together in unexpected and unusual ways.Things I Liked: I loved the magical and wonderful...

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Posted in 4 stars , historical fantasy , magical realism , middle grade , tween tuesday