May 29, 2011

Review: Wildwing by Emily Whitman

Summary-
When Addy is swept back in time, she couldn't be happier to leave her miser-able life behind. Now she's mistaken for Lady Matilda, the pampered ward of the king. If Addy can play her part, she'll have glorious gowns, jewels, and something she's always longed for—the respect and admiration of others.But then she meets Will, the falconer's son with sky blue eyes, who unsettles all her plans.
From shipwrecks to castle dungeons, from betrothals to hidden conspiracies, Addy finds herself in a world where she's not the only one with a dangerous secret. When she discovers the truth, Addy must take matters into her own hands. The stakes? Her chance at true love . . . and the life she's meant to live.

Review-
A coming of age story that develops into a brilliant love story. The storyline touches on many complex issues. It starts at the bottom rung and explodes to the top of the ladder. The author keeps the reader following a journey that comes full circle. A very strong and stable storyline. With charming characters, that help the readers identify with the plights of everyday medieval life. It is a very endearing story. I think any young lady would enjoy this fascinating read.
 
Publisher- Greenwillow Books
My Score: 4.5
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: Raven (Feather #3) by Abra Ebner

Summary-
In book three, Estella and Edgar find their way back to each other, but life together as not as easy as expected. In a world that is falling apart, their love is tested, magic is uncovered, and a plot everyone seemed to hide out of fear, finally surfaces.
Through the lies, deceit and turmoil, can love survive? Will there be a way to save their love? To save their world?


Review-
 I must say, I Love this series! The author really has a way with hooking you in. The story unfolded right before my greedy eyes. A very easy read. Not once did I get confused or lost in the main plot. The way the author pays attention to detail is simply fascinating. I devoured this whole series. I love the writting style of this very talented author. I recommend every young reader should get themselves lost in this series. A wonderful piece of art. I Loved It!! One of my new favorite series.

Publisher-Crimson Oak Publishing LLC
My Score: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Mechele

Review: Guardian (Feather #2) by Abra Ebner

Summary-
In Book Two, we delve deeper into the tragic world of the eighteen-year-old Estella, now left to
find her own way in a place that is less than forgiving of her kind. As she searches to fight for what
she loves, friends she had thought she had all but forgotten return, lending her a hand where she
thought none would be given. As she travels through the places one can only hope to dream, and
does, we find the significance in our time spent in slumber, and the game we all play to move
ahead.
In a story that rivals that of even the best of love tales, we find that looking into the deepest regions
of our soul opens a higher level of understanding about love, life, and all that it means to live. We
are here to guard what we hold most dear, and what we hope for above all is love...
Come visit a world where anything can still happen, in a place filled with humor and magic, tragedy
and sacrifice. It is when we are called into our darkest days that we find who we are, and the truth
behind all things...

Review-
Guardian is the second book in the Feather series. Like the first book, I really liked this book too. This book has an excellent storyline. I also loved the characters. They are very rich and full and very believable. This story is worth the read. I love this series... A very captivatingly creative piece of work. Some of my questions were answered while others will have to wait till I read Raven. It was very hard for me to put down. I just could not wait to see what was going to happen next. I Love a good love story! This book did not disappoint. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who will listen. A delightful read.
 
Publisher-Crimson Oak Publishing
My Score: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Mechele


Review: Crooked Moon by Lisette Brodey

Summary-
As children, Frankie Cavalese and Callie Mason were the very best of friends, growing up together on opposite walls of a row home in a blue-collar neighborhood of Philadelphia called Rainytown.
The friendship they shared was special - the kind that storybook heroines had - and neither ever considered the possibility of it not lasting forever. But after high school, life interfered and circumstances separated them as they each went on to live drastically different lives.
Twenty-three years later, one hot Rainytown summer, the lives of these women suddenly come crashing back together. To complicate the fragile reunion, Callie's marriage is suddenly at risk, further complicated by the affections of (and attraction to) Frankie's brother, Paulie. Tensions and passions explode in the sweltering heat, and amidst pain and tragedy, each woman not only ends up with a life-altering secret regarding the other, but the burning question of what to do with it

Review-
 This is a good story. It touches on so many topics that our young people of today face. Elaborate characters with their own sets of secrets. A very suspense filled story.
The plot is a solid structured one. The author brings each and every character to life. I am sure that most young people will identify with the characters and their problems. The more I read, the more I empathized with the main characters. Everyone has to grow up at some point in time. True friendship will always prevail. Good Book

Publisher-Saberlee Books
My Score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: Squalor, New Mexico by Lisette Brodey

Summary-
Darla McKendrick is nine when she first hears her mother and her aunt Didi secretly discussing their younger sister, Rebecca, speculating about her life in squalor. From the moment Darla asks to know more about her mysterious aunt, she is offered nothing but half-truths, distortions, and evasions.
As Darla grows into her teen years, her life is oddly yet profoundly affected by this woman she has never known. She can't help but notice that Rebecca seems to exist only in dark corners of conversations and that no one ever wants to talk about her - with Darla.
Squalor, New Mexico is a coming-of-age story shrouded in family mystery. As the plot takes twists and turns, secrets are revealed not only to Darla but to the "secret keepers" as well. Darla learns that families are only as strong as the truths they hold and as weak as the secrets they keep.

Review-
Secrets are very powerful things. A good story about trust, honesty, lies and so much more. Sometimes the past is a very difficult thing to let go of. Whenever the past carries over in to the present everyone involved can be affected by it. One girl's search for the truth can hurt the people she loves. Maybe, the past should be left in the past. The author did a wonderful job of catching the true meaning of friendship, wisdom and most of all the truth.

Publisher-Saberlee Books
My Score: 4 Stars- Good Book
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: Percival's Angel (Arthurian novel) by Anne Eliot Crompton

Summary- Lili, an apprentice of the Lady of the Lake, is the childhood friend of Percy, the boy who will become one of Arthur's greatest knights. But as they grow older, Lili begins to see their differences. She has otherworldly magic while he has the magic that lives within the Human Heart. Lili dreams of knowing human love while Percy dreams of finding the Holy Grail. Neither can succeed without the other.Once again Crompton weaves together nature, feminist perspective, and Arthurian legend for a tale that is sure to appeal to readers of all ages.Praise for Percival's Angel: "Crompton succeeds in incorporating the mysticism of medieval romance into her fantasy... This well-written fantasy can be compared to Katherine Paterson's Parzival." -Voya

Review-
I really liked this book. It is a very interesting take on King Arthur, The Round Table and his Knights. If you like Myth and Mystery then you will Love this one. Written with a good solid story line and wonderful characters. What a refreshing way to sneak a peak into the Kingdom. The author really knows how to mesmerize the reader. The story draws you in and wraps you in a tapestry of myth, magic and legend. Sadly, there is one downfall.... the language. Not a lot of bad language. Just the choice of language the author used to get the point across. I do not like the word she chose to use. Especially in a Y. A. book. Other than that, it is a wonderful story and a delightful read. I really got into it. I would not recommend this to young readers... Everyone else should read this remarkable tale. Love the Fey thing!
 
Publisher-Sourcebooks Fire
My Score: 4 Stars- Good Book
Reviewed by~Mechele

May 27, 2011

Review: Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters #1) by Michelle Zink

Summary-
An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?
Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.
Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.
They just know they can't trust each other.

Review-
This book was wonderful! Zink creates a world so vivid that you can see yourself in it. She also brings a whole new meaning to sibling rivalry. I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read the sequal!

Publisher-Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
My Score: 4.5 Stars-Great Book
Reviewed by~Abbie Wallace (Student of Franklin High School)

May 20, 2011

Review: We All Fall Down: Living with Addiction by Nic Sheff

Summary-
In his bestselling memoir Tweak, Nic Sheff took readers on an emotionally gripping roller-coaster ride through his days as a crystal meth and heroin addict. Now in this powerful follow-up about his continued efforts to stay clean, Nic writes candidly about eye-opening stays at rehab centers, devastating relapses, and hard-won realizations about what it means to be a young person living with addiction.

Nic Sheff and his father, David Sheff, captured a nation of readers with their bestselling memoirs Tweak and Beautiful Boy. Those books explore teen drug addiction from two different points of view: a son's and a father's. Nic currently lives in Los Angeles, California.

Review-
I thought that the book was very interesting because it tells the struggle that people addicted to drugs and how they find a way to get off the drugs and be more involved with their family.

Publisher-Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
My Score-4 Stars
Reviewed by Savanna

Review: 9 Miracles: One Mother's Amazing Journey Home after Seeing Her Son off to War by Leigh Watson

Summary-
When Leigh's husband is unable to accompany her to see their Air Force son, Luke, off to Iraq, Leigh mentally prepares herself to make the trip alone, knowing she will have to be strong for Luke's sake.

Along the way, she encounters extraordinary people and incredible circumstances that could only be defined as heaven-sent. Rejoice, how as one exits - another appears, carrying her on the wings of mercy all the way home.
Join us now on this amazing journey as you witness the grace of God's loving hand upon a mother's aching heart. Discover to what lengths God will reach, proving the depth of His love and concern. Rest in the knowledge that HE will provide the strength you need to get through even the most difficult day.
God is willing to work a miracle in your life today, if you will only trust Him.

Review-
This book inspired me and touched me. I love the journey that this mother takes as she sees her son off to iraq. I laughed with her and I cried with her. It is an amazing short and simple read. I counted down the miracles with her and each one touched me in a different way.
This writer is inspiring and if you havent read this book yet you should! It will touch your soul!

Publisher-Crossbooks
My score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Lora

May 18, 2011

Review: Prom Nights from Hell by Variety Authors


Prom Nights from Hell
By: Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, Kim Harrison, Lauren Myracle
Summary-
In this exciting collection, bestselling authors Meg Cabot (How to Be Popular), Kim Harrison (A Fistful of Charms), Michele Jaffe (Bad Kitty), Stephenie Meyer (Twilight), and Lauren Myracle (ttyl) take bad prom nights to a whole new level—a paranormally bad level. Wardrobe malfunctions and two left feet don't hold a candle to discovering your date is the Grim Reaper—and he isn't here to tell you how hot you look.
From angels fighting demons to a creepy take on getting what you wish for, these five stories will entertain better than any DJ in a bad tux. No corsage or limo rental necessary. Just good, scary fun.

Review-
What's the worst prom night you can imagine? Tux rental ruined, Bad DJ, maybe even getting dumped. Well these scenarios hold no flame against death, demons inciting chaos, and men bent on kidnapping a teenage girl with the ability to read the future. All these stories had me compelled, and I couldn't get enough. The authors have put together five stories that ebb and flow together. A great read.
Publiser-HarperTeen
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Jim Cross (Student at Franklin High School)

May 14, 2011

Review: Blood Like Poison: For the Love of a Vampire by M. Leighton (Kindle .99 Cents)



Summary-Like most seventeen year olds, Ridley Heller thought she had her future all planned out. What she wanted most in life was to get out of small town Harker. Her only goal was to keep her mouth shut and her grades high so she could win a cheerleading scholarship to Stanford. But that was before she met Bo.

In Ridley's wildest dreams, she could never have planned for someone like Bo, for a love so intense it left her breathless. No human girl could.
A haunting stranger that watched her from afar, Bo stole Ridley's heart from the moment she laid eyes on him. But he has secrets. Bo's a vampire. Both his past and his present are a danger to Ridley, but the biggest threat is not her blood; it's her heart. He's feeding a thirst for revenge that will cost him his life, and it may already be too late.
The more darkness Ridley uncovers, the more she realizes that her life will never be the same-with or without Bo. Can she sacrifice her future and her heart for someone who has a death wish?
If you want to read a good vampire story with some different twists from the plain old boring vampire scenarios You HAVE to check this book out! It was truly a story worth reading!

Review-
This book wowed me it had me till the end. The author made me feel the main characters. The secondary characters really help to build the story line. ALL the characters were well written and well defined. They knew who and what they stood for. The love between the main characters are solid and deep.THe surroundings are well defined and I felt like I was actually there

The story line was well written and well executed. It flowed smoothly from scene to scene. Not as predictable as I thought. I had it wrong a couple times. The storyline flows evenly and smooth.The author sets the ending up well for book 2. I will be there with Bells on!

Publisher-KINDLE ONLY! AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON FOR .99 Cents Here!
My score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Lora

Read For Your Future: One Year Blogversary 25$ Amazon Giftcard Giveaway!...

Read For Your Future: One Year Blogversary 25$ Amazon Giftcard Giveaway!...: "May is my one year anniversary. It has been an awesome year and my followers are awesome. So I thought i would giveaway a 25$ Giftcard t..."

Review: Ashes (Ashes Trilogy) by Ilsa J. Bick

Summary-
It could happen tomorrow...
A cataclysmic event. An army of "The Changed."
Can one teen really survive on her own?
An electromagnetic pulse sweeps through the sky, destroying every electronic device and killing billions. For those spared, it's a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human...
Desperate to find out what happened and to avoid the Changed, Alex meets up with Tom---a young army veteran---and Ellie, a young girl whose grandfather was killed by the electromagnetic pulse.
This improvised family will have to use every ounce of courage they have just to survive.
“Gripped me from the beginning to end—-dark, creepy and suspenseful. I loved it” - James Dashner
“A haunting and epic story of survival in a shattered world. ASHES is a must read.” - Michael Grant

Review-
Ashes is disaster done right, it has to be one of the best disaster books I have read in a long while. Everything that could go wrong does and it is masterfully plotted out. The protagonist Alex is really put through her paces as she is attacked by wild dogs, the Changed, and desperate humans looking for a way to survive. The character development is superb and the suspense of the cliffhanger chapter endings kept me coming back for more. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Publisher-EgmontUSA
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by Jim (student at Franklin High School)

Thanks to Egmont for this ARC!

May 12, 2011

Review: Blood of a Werewolf (Blood Series #1) by T. Lynne Tolles

Summary-
Darby O'Rielly is not your typical girl next door. She and her sister are ancestral witches, but have never been taught the art of their craft in an attempt to have the girls 'fit in' to their tiny community. When a dark stranger and his brother enter her life, love blooms and havoc ensues. For these two handsome brothers aren't just good looking, they are 'born vampires' of royal blood and they have hunters hot on their trail. When a Van Helsing wanna-be arrives and threatens Devon and Blake's immortal lives, Darby unleashes a deadly magic in order to save them. As vengeance for killing his hunter, our villain kidnaps, Rowan, Darby's sister and injects her with werewolf blood. Darby, Devon and Blake take a redeye to Maine to try and save her. A search then ensues to find a werewolf named Dean who isn't exceptionally friendly or eager to help friends of vampires. Will Rowan survive her transformation or will the werewolf blood wreak havoc on her body and kill her. You'll find out when you read this action packed urban fantasy romance novel yourself.

Review-
The book had a well constructed over all with a good plot. . The story line stayed straight and didn't branch off in unneeded twists that ended nowhere. A book that would catch the eye of people who are no less a Werewolf or Vampyre fanatics. Also a book that would be worth more than one read.

Publisher-Createspace
My Score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Emmaline Ritchie (Franklin High School Student)

May 11, 2011

Review: Falling For Romeo by Jennifer Laurens

Summary-
John can have any girl he wants. Jennifer's never been kissed.
Everybody thinks he's perfect. She's got issues with pride and jealousy.
They were best friends-once. Now, they're playing Romeo and Juliet. Virgin lips Jennifer must have her first kiss on stage with John, the guy every girl in school wants. The pressure and tension build along with each staged kiss. Both are shocked when feelings bloom. Can either tell which kisses are real and which are for show?

Review-
This book was Phenomenal, kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The author created a world you can picture in your mind it was just fascinating.^^
 
Publisher-Grove Creek Publishing
My Score: 5 Stars
Reviewed by~ Cheyanna Byrd (Student at Franklin High School)

Review: Blood Destiny (The Blood Curse Series #1) by Tessa Dawn

                                                        
Summary-
He is a lethal vampire, bound by an ancient curse.
She is an agent of Homeland Security, investigating a dangerous cult.
Theirs is a Blood Destiny about to unfold...
Descended from the progeny of Celestial Gods and humans, Nathaniel Silivasi is handsome, seductive, and powerful beyond measure: a lethal vampire. Belonging to an ancient civilization that sacrificed its females to the verge of extinction, he is also cursed. Like all the sons of Jadon, he is incapable of producing female offspring and required to sacrifice a first born son as atonement for the sins of his forefathers. He belongs to a modern civilization, yet he is bound by primeval law.
When Jocelyn Levi stumbles upon Nathaniel's pristine mountain valley, she is not prepared for the collision of worlds she is about to encounter. As an agent of the homeland security department, ICE, the beautiful, defiant female has an agenda of her own: to stop the ritualistic slaughter of innocent young women by a human trafficking ring. Little does she know that the evil she seeks is unlike anything she has ever witnessed. She has entered a world of warriors, code, and mystery—where the predators are divided only by degrees of light and shadow, and the dark, handsome stranger who has come to her aid is the most dangerous of all.

Review-
I thought the book was great. It's a book you don't know what's going to happen and you just have to read on to found out. My feelings on this book is sad, glad, and happy this book is good. I think people of any age should read it.
 
Publisher-Charles River Press
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Casey Wilson (Student at Middletown High School)

Review: Mercy (Mercy #1) by Rebecca Lim

                                       Mercy
                                    Rebecca Lim

Summary-
A fallen angel haunted by her past. Yearning for her immortal beloved. Forever searching for answers. Who will show her Mercy?
Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate.
But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn’t fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.
Will Mercy be able to harness her true self and extraordinary power in time?
The first in a dazzling new series, Mercy masterfully weaves romance, mystery and the supernatural into a spell-binding tale.


Review-
 WOW! What a ride! I absolutely Loved it! I usually do not get into the Angel or Fallen Angel story. Although, I have read a few. Mercy has blown them all away. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story from beginning to end. The story just catches you and leads you to the Grand Finale. It is not a slow starter nor does it fall flat in the middle. What it does have is plenty of mystery, danger, hope, but most of all, Love. Undying, unshakeable, unexpectational, pure love. I devoured this book. It kept me wondering what to expect next. One of the best books I have been fortunate enough to read in a while. A Must Read!

Publisher-Hyperion Book CH
My Score: 5 STARS
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review:Imprinted Souls by Daniele Lanzarotta

                                 Imprinted Souls
Daniele Lanzarotta


Summary-
Entrapped in her grief and sorrow, Lexi roams through life with no purpose. She has not been the same ever since an accident took away her high school boyfriend and soul mate. For a while, Lexi could still feel Matt with her and the dreams reassured her that they were still connected, but with time, the dreams started to fade and the pain of his absence deepened. She was convinced that he was gone, and with him, so was part of her soul, the part of her soul that had been imprinted by Matt.
It would take a different type of imprint to bring Lexi back to life, but that imprint would come with a price. The dangers of being with a vampire who still has strong ties to his human life, and the possibility of losing what is left of her connection with her one and true soul mate, Matt; a hidden connection that still lives within the shadows of what is left of her soul

Review-
Okay, so I really enjoyed this book. I really only had one issue with it(My mom blames it on the hillbilly in me lol) but, for it to be based on teenagers point of view, they spoke way to properly! Like, they would say "I do not" when any teenager I know would say "I don't"....I don't know, maybe it was just me. Other then that I loved it. It has awesome characters, great love stories, and enough twist and turns to keep me hooked. Don't even get me started on the ending! What a cliff hanger! I'm definitely going to get the next parts to this series! I am sooooo team Tyler!

Publisher-Rocket Science Productions, LLC
My Score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Sarah

May 10, 2011

Review: Immortal Obsession by Denise K. Rago


Summary-
As a young man in eighteenth century France, Christian Du Mauré impulsively follows his best friend into the complex and warring world of the Parisian vampires. Against the backdrop of the French Revolution and following an affair with a mortal aristocrat, he promises to watch over her daughter - only to learn the child is his. Now settled in Manhattan, only two descendents of his union remain, Amanda and her brother, Ryan. After Amanda witnesses a savage murder in Central Park, she is determined to find the ethereal stranger who saved her life. When their worlds inevitably collide, Christian finds he cannot prevent Amanda from becoming a pawn in a centuries-old struggle for power. As a confrontation between ancient enemies comes to a head, Christian must face a betrayal from his past that still haunts him and threatens the woman he loves.



Review
THis was a gift from the author and what a gift it was. This book is a great vampire read. The characters draw you in. There wasnt quit as much love story as i would have liked but it all worked out in the end. It does leave the door open for a sequel.The story line is well written and well executed. I love the jump from past to presant.
The main character makes you feel what she feels. and I felt for christian the vampire too. I was just sucked in with these two characters. It is a book that in my opinion should be in any vampire collection.

Publisher-CreateSpace
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Lora

May 8, 2011

Review: The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Summary-
Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star… and newly dead.

I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?
Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.
I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation?(less)

Summary-

I Literally Could not put this book down. I Finished it in one Day. It is overall a great book, Its Funny and Adorable, Yet also Spooky at times.

I Loved it When they Were in Williams room, And Alona Was throwing a Tantrum.

Publisher-Hyperion Book CH
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by Jemmy Graft
(Student at Middletown High School)

Review: Failing Test By J.M. Pierce Review

Summary-
You know him, but you can't remember his name. He is the one that is always there, in the background, all but invisible to those roaming the hallways. What if he had a secret? What if it was a secret that even he didn't know?

Test Davis has always been a blur to those around him. He's a shadow like a million other kids--not smart enough for the academic team, not beast enough for the football team, not extroverted enough for the drama crowd. In all things Test is just...not, which is why no one ever notices him.
But what happens when someone does notice him-- Nicole Paxton, a cheerleader, no less? What happens on the night that Test finds out there's nothing average about him and that a powerful gift has been hidden within, secretly waiting to be set free and alter his life forever? The question is, will that power save him and those he loves or tear them apart?

Review-
WOW. This book was amazing. I know I say that alot but I usually don't read something unless it catches my interest. Needless to say Failing Test did just that. I was hooked from the start. Test goes through so much. He goes from being so ordinary to having his life completely turned upside down and ruined. I like how the love story in this isn't your typical fairy tale romance. They have to go through so much to be together. Even then it looks as though they won't last. This book was so captivating. Test's powers are alot like a characters from another book I've read but the author does alot more with it. I loved all the characters! Overall excellent book I would recommend to anyone!
Publisher-Createspace
My Score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Sarah

One Year Blogversary 25$ Amazon Giftcard Giveaway!





May is my one year anniversary. It has been an awesome year and my followers are awesome. So I thought i would giveaway a 25$ Giftcard to Amazon so that you can choose your own books. There is chances for extra entries available.
Just Fill out this FORM!
Ends 6/30 at 11:59pm
Yes this is international!

Wither Giveaway

Ok so this is the book that according to the poll you wanted to try and win. So here we go.
You MUST be a follower of my blog!
This giveaway ends June 12 at 11:59 pm.
There is chances for extra entries
Follow me on Twitter @Lora1967
Follow me on Goodreads (Right hand side)
You can twitter my contest
Yes this is international!
Fill this FORM

May 7, 2011

Review: Fangs Rule: A Girls Guide to Being a Vampire by Amy Mah

Summary-
The guide is fully illustrated by manga Artist Heby and is written in an easy to follow A - Z format explaining everything a teenage vampire girl would need to know about living life as a modern Vampire.

* What is fashionable to wear when eating out?
* Fang maintenance & how to keep your claws sharp.
* Should you let a boy bite you on the first date?

Easy to understand clear advice is given to every day problems.
Example: When you get an urge to bite:
We all get those normal urges to bite things, and I must point out it is very normal, Claws are all well and good in a fight but a bite gives the extra advantage of getting a refreshing drink at the same time.

Lots of girls worry about showing their Fangs in public believing that to show your fangs is rude, but don't be shy they can be a girls greatest asset (ok second greatest asset) if a boy is being rude to you, don't just snarl at him, just bite him! You are a vampire why do you think you have sharp teeth if not for sinking them into a boy that is being rude to you.
Review-
This book was so fun to read. I am vampire fanatic. This book was fun and silly and very well written. There is alot of good advice for anyone who gets turned into a vampire. Great book for any age.
I love the cover on this book. Its creative and colorful.
If your a vampire fan like i am you will LOVE this book. This book gets a prestige place on my mantle of vampire books! Well Done Amy!

Publisher-Reardon Publishing
My Score: 5 Stars
Reviewed by~Lora

Amy Mah Interview! Author of: FANGS RULE

Why did you Decide to write this book?
It all started when my publisher Nicholas Reardon of Reardon Publishing was looking for authors to write some paranormal novels, he wanted something funny and wanted a new undiscovered author, he even put little adverts on sites such as goodreads.
What was needed was a book with a new take the Vampire story and that is where I came in, the way I wrote the book is that I am living in this wonderful crazy world, so you get to know the world from my reaction to it.

Take a look at my blog and step into my world http://amymahvampire.blogspot.com/

2.) How did the cover come about?
The front of the book has the title in dripping blood and shows me as a 18th century dressed vamp in a graveyard, where as the back is in modern clothing, designed by The Manga Artist Heby Sim and I think she has done a wonderful job of it.

3.) So what is your next project and can you tell us anything about a sequel to Fangs Rule?
My next project is a book called “The Night Eternal” and tells the story of my life as a teenage vampire, Fangs Rule a girls guide to being a vampire hints at what a strange world I live in and with my next book all the hints are explained as you will follow me slowly making my way in a world where biting someone can be a sign of affection!

4.) Do you have a daytime job or are you a writer full time?
Sometimes I feel that Facebook is my unpaid fulltime job, but I do other things until I can become a world famous and rich full time author.

5.) Do you read a lot and If so what?
Yes a lot…………… and I mean a lot my mind is always active and so I need a good book to relax with, it could be a funny vampire book or something deeper like the Art of War by Sun Tzu

6.) How did you learn to be a vampire? Were you taught?
Now you really do need to buy my book as it will explain all of this to you ……hehehehehe
Amazon has it HERE!
As does my own website for vampires: www.fangsrule.com

Ok here is a taste of what being a vampire is like:


…………….. Being A vampire sounds like it should be a cool thing to be as a teenage girl, like sleeping during the day and enjoying a night life with friends, huh……. no one warned me that it also meant having to suffer Teenage hormones for so long! I am stuck at a 16, yes 16 and the years may pass but I am the same age! Frozen in time until my so called loving vampire family think I am mature enough to let me grow up.
Being a vampire should be fun, I am a blood curdling denizen of the night and yet my Aunt paints my bedroom pink yes pink! And buys me underwear in the same yuck colour but with little bats on!!! as if I was 6!
And as to the rules, so many rules, and vampire uniforms! Guys have long fancy cloaks that they are always tripping over and as to the girls uniform, it is a 18th C Nightdress!
The old male vampires expect a girl to walk about wearing just a see through nightdress with no underwear on!! as if that is ever going to happen, they have really seen far too many horror films! And the next one to suggest it to me will get a very hard bite!
Life as a teenager is normally a living hell but even more so when you have fangs. The world is just out to get me, and not just by people trying to stake me because I have better teeth than they do!

7.) One last thing. We ask all our guest authors Do you collect anything personally?
Well I have lots of vampire books and films but as to collecting well yes Anime films, I just love watching anime films and have hundreds so it must be a collection, I am sure it is where I get my very strange humor from.

Thank you sooo much Amy for taking the time to stop by our Read for your future website. I hope this interview has peaked your curiousity to get the book to learn more about being a vampire.

Review: This is Not My Heart by Richard Cody

Summary-
In these six dozen plus poems, Richard Cody ranges easily between free verse observations of life and the world, and lyrical flights of fantasy. No matter the style, the poet's eye is sharp and his voice clear as he annunciates his vision of what is and what might be.

Review-
This is a very diverse collection of personal thoughts and feelings from the author. The poems are easy to read and understand. I personally identified with each and every poem. One of my favorite books of short poetry. Passionate work on the behalf of the author. Well done!

Publisher- lulu.com
My score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: A Book of Poems by Anthony F. Rando

Summary-
This collection of poetry contains the work of nineteen poems. Each poem expresses emotions of love, happiness, sadness and hope. There are poems in this collection that are sure to appeal to everyone's emotions.

Review-
I especially like this book of poetry. A wide range of emotions are expressed in these poems. They contain Love, Hope, Happiness and Sadness. I could identify with all the poems. I am sure there is a poem for everyone to relate to. Very insightful work.
Publisher-AuthorHouse
My score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: Memoirs of a Little Old Man by Stormy J. Froom


Summary-
This book is dedicated to the lost souls that live their lives in secret, with internal devastation, torn inside with pain, every waking night. In hopes you may heal through sight.

Review-
This book of short poems was very easy to read. I felt that some of the meanings popped right out at you. While others required a little time and consideration to absorb. A perfect book to fill in extra time. The poems are short enough to read when you have a few stolen moments throughout your busy day. The art work speaks as much as the words do. I enjoyed reading this collection of poems.

Publisher-Trafford Publishing
My Score: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele

Review: Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer

Summary-
What if your worst enemy turned out to be the best friend you ever had?

Meet Brooke: Popular, powerful and hating every minute of it, she’s the “It” girl at Douglas High in Lake Champion, Minnesota. Her real ambition? Using her operatic mezzo as a ticket back to NYC, where her family lived before her dad ran off with an up and coming male movie star.
Now meet Kathryn: An overachieving soprano with an underachieving savings account, she’s been a leper ever since Brooke punched her at a party junior year. For Kath, music is the key to a much-needed college scholarship.
The stage is set for a high-stakes duet between the two seniors as they prepare for the prestigious Blackmore competition. Brooke and Kathryn work toward the Blackmore with eyes not just on first prize but on one another, each still stinging from a past that started with friendship and ended in betrayal. With competition day nearing, Brooke dreams of escaping the in-crowd for life as a professional singer, but her scheming BFF Chloe has other plans. And when Kathryn gets an unlikely invitation to Homecoming, she suspects Brooke of trying to sabotage her with one last public humiliation.
As pressures mount, Brooke starts to sense that the person she hates most might just be the best friend she ever had. But Kathryn has a decision to make. Can she forgive? Or are some rivalries for life?

Review-
Rival was a great book. The story moves very quickly and I especially like the approach it uses—giving the perspective of each of the two girls. The events and drama that play out in the book are something most teenage girls can identify with and the rise in popularity of vocal competitions makes this one worth reading. I highly recommend it.
Publisher-Harperteen
My Score: 5 Stars
Reviewed by~Carol Becker MHS

May 6, 2011

M. Leighton Author of Blood Like Poison: For the Love of a Vampire Interview and Giveaway!

 
                                   M. Leighton
 
Thank you so much for joining us today We are pleased to hav M. Leighton stop by our blog today.
1. How did you come up with the concept for this book?
I wanted to write a book about a vampire, but one who had weaknesses. Most vampires are virtually invincible, but I wanted mine to be flawed and nearly human in some respects. And then along came Bo. He totally came to life for me. So much, in fact, that I think I've got a bit of a crush on him. Whew, is it hot in here?? :D

2. How did you come up with the names for the characters?
Character names are something that come up as I write. Unless they have some particular significance, I just go with what comes up. In this case, they pretty much named themselves as I wrote the story.


3. This is a YA book but You also write adult books which do you like better and why?
I suppose I would have to say YA. I like the innocence that the characters are still allowed--and expected--to have at that age. I like the problems that teens encounter, as well as the very adult courage and maturity that many of them can display in times of crisis. I like to write about the inner hero and heroine that we all like to think lies just beneath the surface in us. I love the voice of youth, too. It's so honest and unpretentious.

4. Do you read a lot and if so what are you reading now?
I take reading in spells. If I get really caught up in a series, I'll read for days on end until I've completed the entire thing. Seriously, I'll be up at 3 am finishing a book, but it has to have a really good hook. I can't read just anything, though sometimes I wish I could. I am currently reading Morgan Rice's Turned.

5. Do you write for a living or do you have a daytime job?
I am a full-time writer, though it still isn't paying the bills. Luckily, I have an amazing husband that is incredibly supportive, so he's holding down the financial fort until my books take off. I left the field of nursing to concentrate on writing and I've never been happier.

6. Can you tell us about your other books that are available?
-Caterpillar is an adult paranormal romance. The only subject matter that I think might not be YA friendly would be the descriptive murder scenes. I like blood and guts and gore, and that becomes fairly obvious in this book. I think Caterpillar has a split personality: 1/2 paranormal romance, 1/2 horror. It's the story of a woman who has a destiny far beyond anything she could ever have imagined and it involves a man that she's incredibly attracted to, but one with a very, very dark secret that spans hundreds of years.
-Wiccan probably has a split personality as well. It is a paranormal romance / murder mystery. The paranormal element (witchcraft) doesn't come into play very heavily until the middle of the book. Its sequel will be more focused on the supernatural theme. Wiccan is the story of a girl who can see murders, has been for most of her life, but they've always been old murders. Until now. She doesn't realize that her time has come and that there are things she never knew and never suspected about her family, things that will turn her life upside down.
-Blood Like Poison is my strictly-vampire romance. More than anything else, it's a love story. It's about a girl who falls in love with a vampire, but Bo (the vampire) is so focused on revenge that he's putting his life in danger. I've got book 2 plotted out and almost 25% written. It is taking turns that should be very interesting and very "paranormal."

7. What is your next project?
I have dedicated the summer and a bit of the fall to churning out sequels. I'm currently writing the book to follow Blood Like Poison. After that, I'll be beginning the sequel to The Reaping in The Fahllen series.

8. One question we ask all our authors. Do you collect anything?
Not on purpose:) We have over a thousand movies. Does that count? Also, I love perfume. A lot! And shoes. And bracelets. But no, I don't technically collect anything but dust bunnies under my refrigerator:)
Thank you so much for having me. Let me just remind all your readers to dream. Dream big, wonderful dreams and then chase them...ALWAYS! Chase 'em until you catch 'em and then hold on tight and don't let go. Don't ever give up on them or let the haters and the nay-sayers tell you that they can't come true or that you're not good enough, smart enough, tall enough, pretty enough. The world is full of people who have defied the odds, who have set records and broken limits. Be one of those people. Be an achiever, a trendsetter, a champion, not a quitter. You're not a failure until you quit trying.


Now for the giveaway. The Author is giveing away an EBOOK copy of Blood like Poison.
You must be a follower to win and there are extra entrys available. This giveaway ends 5/31 at 11:59 pm. So enter now for your copy Here!
+1 Entry for following M. Leighton on Goodreads
+1 Entry for following M. Leighton on Twitter