Moonstone: Book Two: Moonrise

Even though Allie Emerson is a prophesied Star Seeker, her world really couldn't get much worse. Her mom is still dating losers, her dad still hasn't told his family she exists. Her boyfriend has taken off and hasn't been heard from since. But worst of all, her powers seemed to have vanished as well. Moonrise has some pretty interesting twists and turns and Allie soon learns that all is not what she thought in her world. Her grandfather appears and insinuates there's more to his and her mother's story than her mother has let on. The school's guidance couselor seems to have it out for Allie and thinks she should be removed from her home, The new guy in school is supposed to help Allie heal and get her powers back. But not only is he super hot, he's also half-demon with powers of his own and a twin sister who doesn't think much of Allie. And if that wasn't enough, the Tri-Marks are gunning for her amulet.

Moonrise is an exciting installment in the Moonstone series and I can't wait to see what book three brings.


Books Book Teens Reading

ArchEnemy- Book Three- The Looking Glass Wars

"Action shall be taken to ensure the safety of the Heart Crystal. For Everqueen."

"ArchEnemy" begins with WILMA having depleted the Heart Crystal, rendering the denizens of Wonderland without Imagination, which also then affects our world as well. Determined to find out what happened, Alyss, in disguise, Dodge and a few others leave the castle. In Alyss' absence King Arch moves his forces into the palace and assumes command, taking the Heart Crystal into possession and sneaking it from the Castle to hide it someplace he hopes it will not be found. Not only must Alyss deal with Arch, but Redd and the ever enigmatic Caterpillar's who are working with an agenda of their own- one that involves the mysterious Everqueen.

Desperation leads Alyss to Earth, as well into an uneasy alliance with Redd, who's dealing with her own issues with Arch (hell hath no fury like that woman scorned). While this series about Wonderland comes to a satisfying close, I don't think it's the last story we'll hear about the magical place. Something tells me there are many stories in Wonderland's past yet to be told.

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Books Book Teens Reading

The Prophet of Yonwood

I want to start off by saying I loved The City of Ember and People of Sparks (though that held a little less magic than the first), but this book was just "eh".It centers around 11 year old Nickie who comes to Yonwood with her aunt who is preparing to sell their Grandfather's home, Greenhaven. Nickie hopes Yonwood will be a good place to escape the building terror in the world around them- a world that is on the brink of war. But what Nickie finds is a town that's overshadowed by fear and is listening to the ramblings of a woman named Althea Tower, whom the residents call the prophet. After a vision of fiery doom, the town began listening to her and taking everything they think she says seriously in hopes of avoiding her vision. But it's clear that those interpreting the visions have their own agenda. And, although Yonwood is trouble-free and peaceful on the surface, the people there are just as terrified and feed into a scary mob mentality where the Prophet is concerned.

The relationship to city of Ember is slight and could really be a standalone novel. I found it slow moving and while thematically it was a good story, I didn't really connect with the it or the characters and nothing terribly exciting happens. It's almost more of a drawn out fable. SPOILER: I also found the ending a little disturbing- Nickie eventually becomes one of Ember's first settlers, but leaves behind her (grown) children and family?

I haven't read the final book of the series yet, The Diamond of Darkhold, but from reading descriptions, it does tie in some what to this book. I do highly recommend reading the City of Ember and People of Sparks, both really great, imaginative novels.


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Books Book Teens Reading

Quick Reviews: Great Teen Reads

As I've got a lot of books and a little bit o' time, I'm offering up some short reviews of recommended books:

"Wings"- Aprilynne Pike A little slow to get started, but I'm quite looking forward to her next book. Laurel seems like she's just like other teens, until flowering vines that look like wings sprout from her back. After an initial freak-out, she confides in her new best friend, David, who, being more scientifically natured, looks at a piece of her wings under a microscrope, as well as some of her cells and discovers she's not human, but made of plant cells. Laurel's discover leads her to a world she's been made to forget (of her own volition) and another fairy that claims to know and love her. Despite the conclusion of this particular story, there's a lot of tale left to be told.

"Evermore"- Alyson Noel Ever is an orphan who's family was killed in a terrible car accident she feels responsible for. The accident has left Ever seeing Auras, hearing thoughts and seeing the ghost of her younger sister. Ever goes to live with her Aunt who's not so experienced with kids, and seems to feel as lost as Ever. But things change when another new kid, Damen, enters Ever's life. She partly can't stand him and is attrached to him, and things start to get even stranger in her life the more he's around. It's a good book for the Twilight lovers (though no vampires involved), though you may find yourself questioning Ever's actions at times.

"Blue Moon" Alyson Noel- This follow up to "Evermore" was really good, but I was really disappointed in the main character's stupidity in the end. I won't ruin the ending, but up until then, the story of Damen and Ever is good and intriguing, as Damen's powers start to fade and Ever must figure out what is wrong and how she can save his as he starts to "disappear". She suspects new kid Roman may be involved, but no one will believe her- everyone seems to love him.

"Lament" Maggie Stiefvater. When talented harpist Diedre gets ill right before a competition she meets flautist Luke Dillon. When they end up playing together, their music is magical- literally. Suddenly Dee starts seeing four-leaf clovers everywhere, and discovers that if she wants something badly enough, it happens. Unfortunately her new abilities attract the atttention of the faeries who all seem to have their own agenda where Dee and Luke are concerned. Luke, of course, is not what he seems. But their journey is an interesting one and I can't wait to see what's next for them.

"Fairy Rebels- Spell Hunters"- R.J. Anderson Don't let the title or the girlie cover of this book fool you. It's good, really good, and much more in keeping with Holly Black or Melissa Marr. Young fairy Knife's fairy world is dying out. Their magic is nearly gone, and some fairies are becoming sick and dying, and no one knows why. Even though Knife is a troublemaker as far as fairies go, she's made the Queen's Hunter which allows her to go outside of their home to help other fairies forage for food and to help protect him. But in a battle with a deadly crow, she's injured and found by human Paul. While he sort-of keeps her hostage, they form a true friendship and Knife struggles to find out what happened to the fairies and fights to save them. And while that sounds like a typical story- it's anything but. I made several assumptions about this book based on the cover and title- I thought it took place in the late 1800s (why, I don't know), but it takes place now. I thought it was going to be a girly-fairy story, but in fact it's anything but. I don't want to give too much away- but it's definitely a great read. A better title would've been "The Sundering" or Knife (which I guess is an alternate title somewhere), but regardless, don't hesitate to get his book if you're a Holly Black or Melissa Marr fan. It's not quite as dark, but there are some surprises and content for older teens.


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Books Book Teens Reading

Teen Book reviews: Evernight & Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Vampires are hot and Evernight is a great and surprising book in that genre. The story centers around Bianca, who's been pulled out of public school to attend Evernight Academy, a boarding school where her parents are going to be teaching. Like any teen would be, Bianca is angry and upset about her parents decision, but has no choice. Things start to look up when she meets Lucas, a brooding, handsome teen. But as it turns out, both have a secret that threatens to destroy their relationship.

This book surprised me, oh, right around page 140 as I suddenly found myself reading a very different book than I initially thought- and this was a good twist. I won't spoil it here, but if you like vampire novels, loved Twilight and the House of Night series, then you'll want to pick up this book and it's sequel.

In Stargazer, Bianca and Lucas have been separated by circumstance and to keep each other safe, but Bianca soon finds out that there are even more secrets at Evernight, and something is after her. Miss Bethany, the school's headmistress, and even her parents, all seem to know more than they are letting on and their secrets could kill Bianca.

I guarantee if you read Evernight, you'll want to follow up with Stargazer, and you won't be disappointed. I can wait for the next book in the series.


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Books Book Teens Reading

Pendragon: The Soldiers of Halla

SPOILERS AHEAD:
After 5 or so years of booktime, and after 8 or so years of real time, Bobby Pendragon's struggle to save Halla and defeat Saint Dane comes to an end. We finally learn the truth about who Bobby and the travellers really are, how (and why) the territories are connected, and the answers to many other questions, though the book does leave a few at the end.

It's hard to discuss this book without discussing the ending. It's a little confusing. I understand what's going on, but I don't understand how. There are also a few unanswered questions throughout the book too- such as Nevva being Elli's daughter, which shouldn't be possible because of who the traveller's really are (trying hard to not to spoil too much here!). Even Bobby talks about how this is really important, but that's as far as it goes. I expected there to be more about this. And the ending...well, eh. I like that Bobby (and the others) get a chance at a normal life, but why and how? They were told that they couldn't go back and the territories needed to move forward and rebuild, so how is this possible? Is it more of a dream world? I found this confusing and kind of unnecessary, though maybe if it had been bettered explained, I would have enjoyed it more.

The book is good and definitely action packed. Fans of the series will enjoy it. The answers to who the travellers are and where they are from are interesting and unexpected, and I don't think will disappoint any fans.

Have you read it? Leave your review below!



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Books Book Teens Reading

Hunted: House of Night Book 5, PC and Kristin Cast

In the fifth installment of the House of Night series, Zoey, her friends and the new red fledlings are holed up underground trying to figure out what to do next. Kalona, a fallen angel who'd been inprisoned for thousands of years by Cherokee women, has risen and taken up residence at the House of Night. Neferet is right beside him, and Zoey and her crew have never been in more danger. Zoey is still unsure how much she can trust Stevie Rae's red fledglings, and they discover that one of them is writing prophetic poetry. A deadly twist in events brings Zoey and her circle back to the House where they uncover more of Kalona and Neferet's plot to change the world of Vampyres and humans. And, throughout it all, Zoey must sort through (or completely muck up in this case) her feelings for Eric, Heath and Stark. While I understand she's young, I'm sort of tired of the "Ah, I can't decide" storyline. Zoey's story is far from over, but still, I'd like to see this aspect of it resolved, even if it's just for a short time, like a book or two. The girl needs some stability.

But the book is great and there are some plot elements that get resolved for now and leaves plenty of room for book six, as of right titled "Tempted." It's fast paced and a really good addition to the series. Of all the boyfriends, I actually like Heath the most, so I hope he sticks around, though I know he will (if you have yet to read, you'll see what I mean).

Some other complaint/observations: The book is in hardcover. I'm not sure why this is in this economy and because the other ones weren't. I really don't feel that young adult books should be published in hardcover, I think it's only going to hurt the industry. But that's just my .02.

And, I believe there's a really strange typo toward the end. Sister Mary Angela refers to Zoey's grandmother as Stevie Rae's.

So, if you've finished this latest installment, be sure to leave your reviews below.

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Books Book Teens Reading

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Have a safe and happy holiday season. We'll be back around the new year with more reviews.

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Books Book Teens Reading