Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

HAUNTING VIOLET BY ALYXANDRA HARVEY

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Walker Childrens; First Edition edition (June 21, 2011)

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

Full of mystery, intrigue and that trademark humor she's known for with The Drake Chronicles, Alyxandra Harvey exceeded my expectations with Haunting Violet. This was more than just a ghost story. It was a well-thought out paranormal piece of fiction told with great attention to historical accuracy. I thought Harvey did an amazing job with the historical aspects of the book.  I loved the Victorian backdrop and felt as if I had stepped straight into the 1870's with each turn of the page. It was obvious to me that Harvey did an incredible amount of homework in constructing the scenes with the fake séances as well as other details. When I think back about the book, one scene always stands out in my mind- Violet being forced by her mother to wear a pair of bellows strapped under her dress so that she could create a "supernatural" breeze under the table for her mother's customers! Hilarious! It really was fascinating to me just how much people who want to believe so badly can be easily led astray with just a little ingenuity and a few careful props. 

Right from page one, I couldn't help but connect to Violet. This was a girl whose whole life revolved around her fraudulent mother's schemes to trick upper class society into thinking she was a powerful medium.  Yet she maintained an incredible sense of compassion and determination. I couldn't help but become vested in her story. There was a good romance in Haunting Violet that complemented the ghost story while never overshadowing it.  I adored Colin, the Irish orphan Violet had known and worked with since childhood alongside her mother.  If I had one critique of the book it would be that I almost wish it had been more on the adult side- I think I would've enjoyed it even more if the romance had been taken up a notch and the murder mystery a little more intense. Also a couple of times I did notice that the dialogue became a little "modernized", but these things were minor and in no way hindered my overall enjoyment.

Alyxandra Harvey's writing seems to have grown with each of her books, and this was my favorite one. I think it has something for everyone- mystery, supernatural and a touch of romance.

Other Books by Alyxandra Harvey- The Drake Chronicles

Alyxandra Harvey lives in a stone Victorian house in Ontario, Canada with a few resident ghosts who are allowed to stay as long as they keep company manners. She loves medieval dresses, used to be able to recite all of The Lady of Shalott by Tennyson, and has been accused, more than once, of being born in the wrong century. She believes this to be mostly true except for the fact that she really likes running water, women’s rights, and ice cream.

Among her favourite books are ‘The Wood Wife’ by Terri Windling, ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Bronte, and of course, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen. Elizabeth Bennet is her hero because she’s smart and sassy, and Mr. Darcy is, well, yum.

Aside from the ghosts, she also lives with husband and their dogs. She likes cinnamon lattes, tattoos and books. Official Website

Book Review: Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach

 

WAKE UNTO ME BY LISA CACH


*Reading level: Young Adult 
*Paperback: 304 pages 
*Publisher: Speak; Original edition (March 31, 2011)

Caitlin Monahan knows she belongs somewhere else. It's what her dead mother's note suggested, and it's what her recurring nightmares allude to.

Desperate to flee these terrifying dreams--and her small town--she accepts a spot at a boarding school in France. Only, when she arrives, her nightmares get worse.

But then there are her amazing dreams, so vivid and so real, with visits from an alluring, mysterious, and gorgeous Italian boy from the 1500s.

Caitlyn knows they are soul mates, but how can she be in love with someone who exists only in her dreams?

Then, as her reality and dream world collide, Caitlyn searches for the real reason why she was brought to this school. And what she discovers will change her life forever.

From the Back Cover

I see him in my dreams, this mysterious boy.
He comes from
a different time,
a different place,
a different reality.

But there is something that connects us.
We are supposed to be together--bound by the heart of another.
But that's not possible... or is it?

Some girls have all the luck. High school would've been so much more interesting if I could've gone to a place like Chateau de la Fortune! 

Wake Unto Me transported me into Caitlin Monahan’s world. It was a place where history and the paranormal came to life-complete with mysteries yet to be unlocked, romantic interludes with debonair ghosts and a plot filled with more twists and turns than the halls of the French castle itself.

To be honest, I was really leery about reading the book at first—so many YA paranormal books lately have been way too heavy on the instantaneous love connection thing. It's to the point where it’s become almost comical (at least for me).  When I picked up this book, I was nervous. It seemed ripe for the signature YA paranormal formula ( Awkward girl + godlike supernatural boy = Tru Luv 4-EVA)  But thankfully, Wake Unto Me had so much more to offer than most YA paranormals I've read lately. With a rich, exciting plot and great conflict, everything seemed to meld together with a heaping good dollop of paranormal romance as the cherry on top. As for the romance itself, I actually found Caitlin's relationship with Raphael pretty darn alluring—it was all done with just the right amount of sizzling tension and definitely reeled me in right from the start.

But my favorite aspect of Wake Unto Me were the bits of historical intrigue interwoven throughout the narrative. This actually was what kept me on my toes more than I had anticipated and I was constantly surprised as each new clue unfolded along the way.  Another thing that stood out to me was how much time the author must have spent working on the intricacies of her plot with all the clues-within-clues. All in all, Lisa Cach's efforts really showed with both the quality of the writing and her memorable cast of vibrant, quirky characters.  The French boarding school setting itself was vital to a book like this and it added so much— Chateau de la Fortune was an eerie, imposing boarding school with its gothic architecture and colorful medieval history. Even the people running the school seemed to somehow be setting the stage and adding to the general ambiance of the book.  

Needless to say I adored this book. I was immediately drawn in by the idea of Caitlin traveling to a strange castle and getting more than she bargained for with ghosts, eerie dreams and long-buried secrets.  How can you not be interested in a novel where treasure had been hunted since the Crusades and where ghosts are said to haunt the grounds?More please!  Wake Unto Me exceeded my expectations and thoroughly entertained me. In fact, I suffered a major book hang-over from my subsequent lack of sleep the next day at work. But you know what? It was well worth it.  

Be sure and visit the Teen Book Scene for more Wake Unto Me tour stops. Tomorrow Lisa will be guest posting here at The Book Butterfly, where she will share photos of the real places that inspired her writing. Be sure and check it out!

Lisa Cach has authored a whole genre of books including books on paranormal works, chick literature, romantic erotica, and young adult. The breadth of her work continues to expand as she grows as a novelist. 

Official Website 

Book Review: Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready and CONTEST!

SHADE BY JERI SMITH-READY



Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 309 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
Purchase: Amazon|Indiebound|Barnes & Noble

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Quick & Dirty Review:

The cover of SHADE reads, “Love ties them together. Death can’t tear them apart.” This really sums up the book beautifully.

Aura is the first girl born after an event called “The Shift” which left babies everywhere able to see and communicate with ghosts. Aura is in pain. Torn between her love for the recently deceased Logan and new found interest in Zach, the Scottish foreign exchange student, SHADE is a unique look at the ties that bind; ties that even death can't tear apart.

First Line:

“You can hear me, can’t you?”

I punched the green print button on the copier to drown out the disembodied voice. Sometimes if I ignored them long enough, they went away--confused, discouraged, and lonelier than ever. Sometimes.”

Notable Scene:

“ Aura,“ he whispered, “I wish I could wipe away just one of your tears. Then I’d feel like a person again. Like I’m something more than a bunch of light…….

….“I love you so much,” he said. “I wish you never had to be sad.”

The tear my finger had taken was replaced by another. “Let me cry, Logan. I need to.”

He brought his face near mine, so bright I had to squint, and placed his head on my pillow, close enough that if he’d had breath, it would have caressed my eyelashes. “I’ll stay until you sleep, and I’ll come back tomorrow if you want.”

I nodded, then shut my eyes against his light.” -Page 126

Full Review:

Relationships are always complicated. But for people like Aura born after the Shift, it's even worse. Ghosts flock to her everywhere she goes. Aura hates being able to see and hear ghosts- that is until her boyfriend Logan becomes one. Then she knows she must make a choice. Does love mean never giving up on someone even if they’re technically not living? Or does love sometimes mean saying goodbye, no matter how much it hurts?

The Shift was fascinating--though never quite explained well enough to completely satisfy me. I was intrigued by what could have possibly caused so many people to grow up seeing ghosts. I also wanted to know more about what happened to Aura’s mother at the Newgrange in Ireland. In addition, it was extremely interesting to learn how societies adapted after the Shift. Certain areas became “Black Boxed" where ghosts couldn't get into. Everyone born after the Shift had to wear red or obsidian jewelery to help repel ghosts. Ghosts could be summoned to give testimony in court trials, and wayward ghosts called “Shades“ were routinely hunted and disposed of by the formidable government agency, The DMP.

I love the unique twist on the subject of ghosts; it was fresh, exciting and unlike anything I’ve read recently. Aura was a sympathetic, well written character. I could easily put myself in her shoes and imagine the pain and conflicting emotions that she would’ve been going through. At times certain aspects of her situation reminded me of Lisa Schroeder’s characters in CHASING BROOKLYN or I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME. I would not want to make the choices she faced, but she handled herself understandably and I rooted for her the whole time.

SHADE is a book that delves into choices; whether having some small shred of a deceased love one is better than having nothing at all. I have to admit, through most of the book I found myself wanting Aura to turn toward Zachary and send Logan away for good. Logan was just so irresponsible and selfish. As for Zach, he really stole my heart. I loved his steamy manner of talking to Aura and the way his character cracked and sizzled with mystery and leading man appeal. The revelation that was revealed about him floored me and I can’t wait to see how that plays out in the next installment.

With a few loose ends left untied, SHADE was an entertaining and fascinating book. I was fascinated by the Shift and would've loved to delve more deeply into it's many mysteries. But it’s quite possible that all will be revealed in future installments to come. I look forward to the sequel, SHIFT releasing in May 2011.

Read an excerpt of Shade.
Read a prequel scene from Shade.
Visit Jerri Smith Ready's Official Website & Blog

Jeri Smith-Ready has been writing fiction since the night she had her first double espresso. She holds a master's degree in environmental policy and lives in Maryland with her husband, two cats, and the world's goofiest greyhound.

Book Review: Deception (A Haunting Emma Novel) by Lee Nichols

DECEPTION (A HAUNTING EMMA NOVEL) BY LEE NICHOLS

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (June 8, 2010)
Language: English



Purchase: Amazon| Indiebound|Barnes & Noble

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.

Deception: (Haunting Emma) was hands down the best ghost-themed paranormal I have read. Ever.

Okay, let's take it from the top. First, Emma's entire family mysteriously vanishes, leaving her with the wretched prospect of going into foster care. Enter in the mysterious Bennett, savior extraordinaire. He swoops and rescues Emma, then ships her off to Maine, telling her she's already been accepted at Thatcher Academy. Let's not forget that he just plunks her down in his strange mansion and then takes off whenever she tries to have a serious conversation with him. Oh, and by the way, she's seeing ghosts. Enough to make your head spin, right? I thought Emma showed a lot of fortitude and maturity given her situation. Her snappy voice and sharp wit endeared her character to me right from the start. In fact, all of the characters were well crafted, from Emma with her penchant for Latin quotes to minor characters like the man in the brown suit, who haunted Emma's math class.

Soon after diving into the narrative, I became entranced by Lee Nichols' unique take on ghosts and Emma's sharp, humorous voice. It quickly becomes apparent that Emma is what's fascinatingly known as a "ghostkeeper". Normally ghostkeepers are able to do only one of three things; summon ghosts, compel ghosts or dispel ghosts. But Emma is not your average ghostkeeper, not by a long shot. As her heritage and capabilities are revealed, it opens up an exciting, unique world full of history, magic, romance and mystery.

One of my favorite aspects about Emma was her sensitivity toward the ghosts. While others tended to view them as unfeeling servants to be ordered about, Emma treated them with real respect and subsequently gained their admiration. From Anatole, the passionate French cook, to "The Rake", Emma’s sparring partner with the heart-breaking past, to Celeste, the gentle housemaid with the heart of gold, I felt like all the ghosts were my friends and I genuinely grew to care about them.

One of the best scenes in Deception involves Emma and little urchin ghost Nicholas, a young boy who died of consumption. Here’s a snippet of what happened when Emma showed Nicholas how to play a Gameboy —

“We played past midnight, snuggling- though at a distance, to prevent frostbite—on my bed. Nicholas glowed with excitement. Literally. He glowed. And you’d expect ghostly laughter to sound hollow and chilly, but his burbles of childish delight radiated warmth.

When finally I fell asleep, the last thing I heard was, “Nobody’s ever done nothing like that for me before, mum. Not ever.” -Page 139 (ARC version)

Emma’s interactions with the elusive and often infuriating Bennett sizzled. Their moments together reminded me of the fencing classes Emma was forced to take at Thatcher. One minute Bennett was advancing, the next, unexpectedly reeling backward; until it all became a dizzying whirl of lunges, parries and clever retreats. Their verbal sparring practically knocked me off my feet and made the air pop and crackle with electricity. Those little moments when they touched-- when Bennett took up her hand to dance in the ballroom, or when he showed her how to knot her tie --they were incredible. I never quite knew for sure if Emma could fully trust him either, which only increased the tension even more. Was Bennett to be trusted? Did he know where her parents and brother were? What was he hiding? These questions I had to know.

Lee Nichols infused her own unique spin on ghosts into a fresh, fun plot filled to the brim with vivid, characters and heart-pounding action. The cliffhanger ending really set the stage for what's sure to be another stellar installment in this exciting new series. Fans of mystery, the paranormal and romance are sure to enjoy this gem. I highly recommend it.

Lee Nichols is the author of five novels, including the bestselling TALES OF A DRAMA QUEEN. She'll be making her YA debut in 2010 with DECEPTION: A Haunting Emma Novel.

Visit the Official Website of Lee Nichols.

Book Review: The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

THE SPLENDOR FALLS BY ROSEMARY CLEMENT-MOORE

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 528 Pages

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (September 8, 2009)

Sylvie Davis is a ballerina who can’t dance. A broken leg ended her career, but Sylvie’s pain runs deeper. What broke her heart was her father’s death, and what’s breaking her spirit is her mother’s remarriage—a union that’s only driven an even deeper wedge into their already tenuous relationship.

Uprooting her from her Manhattan apartment and shipping her to Alabama is her mother’s solution for Sylvie’s unhappiness. Her father’s cousin is restoring a family home in a town rich with her family’s history. And that’s where things start to get shady. As it turns out, her family has a lot more history than Sylvie ever knew. More unnerving, though, are the two guys that she can’t stop thinking about. Shawn Maddox, the resident golden boy, seems to be perfect in every way. But Rhys—a handsome, mysterious foreign guest of her cousin’s—has a hold on her that she doesn’t quite understand.

Then she starts seeing things. Sylvie’s lost nearly everything—is she starting to lose her mind as well?

When a freak accident leaves her unable to dance, Sylvie Davis’ dreams are shattered. Things go from bad to worse when she is shipped off to the Alabama home of a distant cousin she's never even met. To complicate matters further, Sylvie begins to see strange apparitions soon after arriving. After she has lost so much, is she about to lose her sanity too?

When I began The Splendor Falls, I expected a gripping, spine tingling thriller. But it’s not that kind of book. It’s more of a slow, steady read that takes the reader on a journey rich in mystery, history and romance. Though extremely slow to build, I thought the different plot elements all blended into a mixture interesting enough to keep me holding on for more. I enjoyed how many supernatural mysteries were mixed in with the town's folklore. Clues along the way hinted toward the deep, exciting secrets within Sylvie’s family. This really drew me into the novel. I could tell a large amount of research went into The Splendor Falls, and the back story was well explained and fascinating.

Of the two guys who became a focus in Sylvie’s life, Rhys, the handsome and elusive British guest of her cousin, was by far my favorite. Trying to figure out just how much he knew or was hiding definitely kept me turning the pages. I wanted him and Sylvie to get together very badly. Gigi, Sylvie’s dog had so much personality I saw her as a real character.

Readers who enjoy a little romance with mystery should appreciate Sylvie’s strong, witty character and the mysteries of The Splendor Falls.

Buy at Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Indiebound

I’ve been writing stories all my life, even when I should have been doing other things, like studying Algebra. My first paying job was as Chuck E. Cheese. I worked in theatre for years, and now I’m writing full time, which is my dream job, because I get to work in my pajamas and take a break every afternoon to play Guitar Hero.

To learn more about the author visit her Official Website & Blog.

Book Review: Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

FAR FROM YOU BY LISA SCHROEDERReading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse; 1 edition (January 5, 2010)
Language: English



Lost and alone...down the rabbit hole

Years have passed since Alice lost her mother to cancer, but time hasn't quite healed the wound. Alice copes the best she can, by writing her music, losing herself in the love of her boyfriend, and distancing herself from her father and his new wife.

But when a deadly snowstorm traps Alice with her stepmother and newborn half-sister, she'll face issues she's been avoiding for too long. As Alice looks to the heavens for guidance, she discovers something wonderful.

Perhaps she's not so alone after all...

Lisa Schroeder explores themes of love, loss and healing in yet another memorable novel. Alice, still grieving from the immense pain of losing her mother is left reeling when her father quickly remarries. Falling down the rabbit hole, she is lost and alone. The arrival of a new baby sister only deepens the distance between father and daughter, and Alice seeks solace through her music and boyfriend Blaze. She continues to shun her stepmother and new sister, until a freak snowstorm throws them together in the wilderness. Alice has no choice but to communicate, she has to if they want to stay alive. The question is ..can they survive in the cold long enough to become a real family?

Lisa Schroeder’s use of verse is so poignant and beautiful to me, that each time I read her work, I’m immediately drawn in. Her books are quick reads, yet I can’t help but stop and savor the words as my fingers fly through the pages. Each line seems to have been painstakingly selected for the biggest emotional impact, and her writing always impresses me. FAR FROM YOU was no different. My favorite moments were those when Alice and her stepmother were trapped in the snowstorm. I found it fascinating how they interacted with one another, how they managed to survive and how their relationship inevitably deepened and blossomed.

I read this novel after I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME and CHASING BROOKLYN. While I’d have to say that CHASING BROOKLYN is still my favorite, I’d recommend FAR FROM YOU to fans of her writing. It's one I will return to again.

Lisa Schroeder is a native Oregonian, which means her childhood summers were spent camping, fishing, reading books (of course!), and playing in the sun, when it finally came out. These days, Lisa spends her summers, and every other part of the year, sharing all the wonderful things Oregon has to offer with her husband and two sons. She is the author of three novels for young adults published by Simon Pulse - I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME, FAR FROM YOU, and CHASING BROOKLYN. Her middle grade debut, It's Raining Cupcakes, will be published by Aladdin in March, 2010.

Lisa lives with her family in Oregon. You can visit her on the web at lisaschroederbooks.com.

Book Review: Token of Darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

TOKEN OF DARKNESS BY AMELIA ATWATER-RHODES
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (February 9, 2010)

Cooper Blake has everything going for him—until he wakes from a car accident with his football career in ruins and a mysterious, attractive girl by his side. Cooper doesn’t know how Samantha got there or why he can see her; all he knows is that she’s a ghost, and the shadows that surround her seem intent on destroying her.

No one from Cooper’s old life would understand what he can barely grasp himself. . . . But Delilah, the captain of the cheerleading squad, has secrets of her own, like her ability to see beyond the physical world, and her tangled history with Brent, a loner from a neighboring school who can hear strangers’ most intimate thoughts. Delilah and Brent know that Cooper is in more trouble than he realizes, and that Samantha may not be as innocent as she has led Cooper to believe. But the only way to figure out where Samantha came from will put them all in more danger than they ever dreamed possible.

After a horrific car crash, Cooper Blake has to deal with not only the emotional and physical scars, but also with a colorful ghost named Samantha. Samantha has no recollection of her past and in an effort to bring her peace, Cooper soon begins trying to find ways to help her. In the process, he stumbles upon other teenagers with unusual abilities of their own. Cooper tries to make sense of the people around him and whether anyone can be trusted, even Samantha who might be “something else, something bad.” In the midst of it all, creepy shadows beyond anyone’s understanding are manifesting, threatening all who come in contact with them. Will they be able to find answers to Cooper’s visions and Samantha’s origins before it’s too late?

I enjoyed Token of Darkness. I liked the different viewpoints of the characters that Cooper came into contact it with as well as their individual supernatural aptitudes. Samantha kept me intrigued and I enjoyed her interactions with Cooper. I appreciated how the details of the car accident were revealed slowly, which added to the tension and made me wonder what was really going on. The creepiest part of the book was the scavenger shadows who kept me awake at night, wondering if they were making their way across my room to get me next.

Though the ending seemed a little neatly tied up, I thought the plot was fast and entertaining. I’d recommend Token of Darkness to fans of Amelia Atwater-Rhodes and supernatural thrillers in general.

Purchase Token of Darkness HERE.
Read an EXCERPT of Token of Darkness.

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes was born in Maryland in 1984 and grew up in Concord, Massachusetts. Her first novel was written when she was thirteen. She currently attends the University of Massachusetts, where she is studying English.

Book Review: Possessed by Kate Cann

POSSESSED BY KATE CANN

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 336 Pages
Publisher: Point (February 1, 2010)

Synopsis: Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare -- the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere.

Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked -- before she becomes a ghost story herself?

Sixteen–year old Rayne leaves the claustrophobia of inner city life behind when she travels from East London to Morton's Keep, an old beautiful residence with a mysterious history shrouded in the supernatural. After a spine tingling, spooky first night she is unable to sleep and begins to suspect that there is more to Morton's Keep than its palatial grounds, historical oddities and Gothic architectural elements. For one, her employer, the elderly Mrs. Driver always seems jumpy and avoids the subject. Rayne, determined to avoid the stifling confines of the crowded flat she shared with her mother and younger brother, decides to press on. She convinces herself that the noises, sightings and ominous feelings of sinister presences are the workings of an overwrought imagination. But soon, Rayne is immersed in the mysteries of Morton's Keep and the growing evil contained within its walls. Can she trust Ethan, the mysterious fire group member, or St. John, the guy who sometimes seems like he isn’t all he claims to be?

With elements of Gothic mystery, eerie, supernatural presences and sordid, historical pasts, Possessed is a real gem of a book. The British slang took awhile for me to warm up to- at first I found it very disconcerting, and almost put the book down. But then I got used to it and it grew on me. I loved Rayne. She was a strong female lead and her relationship with St. John had me on the edge of my seat as I grew to distrust him more and more. Morton's Keep began to feel like a character in and of itself with it’s eerie past, grotesque artifacts and strange architectural elements. Kate Cann did a great job capturing my imagination with the mansion and I could picture it all so vividly, right down to musty carpet and oppressive darkness. Having Rayne actually sleep in the Sty, which was closer to the woods, added even more tension to the novel for me, and I never quite felt like she was safe enough outside in that rickety building at night.

Rayne had to make some tough choices, with the mounting pressures from home and the possibility of malevolent forces aligning themselves within the old English manor. Throw in her ever growing distrust of her newfound friends, and you've got a great page turner. I finished this book in one evening and then went to bed, jumping at every sound for at least an hour afterward. I wanted to get up for a drink of water, but stayed in bed for fear something would grab my legs and pull me under!

Kate Cann lives in England with her husband, daughter, son, and dog. She worked as an editor for many years before writing several books for teens, including Spanish Holiday and Grecian Holiday. For more about Kate and her novels, visit www.katecann.com.

Book Review: Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

CHASING BROOKLYN BY LISA SCHROEDER
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse; 1 edition (January 5, 2010)
Language: English

Restless souls and empty hearts

Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.

Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

It's been a year since the tragic death of Brooklyn’s boyfriend Lucca. The loss has been a brutal blow to both Brooklyn and his brother Nico. When their mutual friend Gabe overdoses, both characters sink even further into a pool of guilt, sadness and anger. Soon Gabe's ghost begins haunting a terrified Brooklyn while Nico receives visits of his own from Lucca. Nico knows Lucca wants him to help Brooklyn, but he's reluctant and unsure what to do. He reaches out to her and the two form a bond. But until they learn to trust one another, neither Nico or Brooklyn will find peace or be able to move on with their lives.

Chasing Brooklyn is a novel that explores themes of love, loss and healing. I tore through it in just a couple of hours and walked away with so many emotions swirling inside my head. It is a fascinating ghost story but it’s also so much deeper than that. It is inspirational, heart breaking and incredibly heartfelt. The novel alternates between the viewpoints of both Nico and Brooklyn and is told in verse format. Before I started Chasing Brooklyn, I was a bit worried about whether I would enjoy a novel set in verse. But I ended up really appreciating Schroeder's use of the format. Since each word needed to be carefully selected and made to count, Nico and Brooklyn's emotional struggles seemed much more raw and poignant for me than I think they would've otherwise been.

This is the type of book that you can race through, but I urge you to really savor the words slowly. If you have ever lost anyone in your life, I think you will identify with Brooklyn and her struggle to face her pain and ultimately find peace within herself. I was so impressed by this insightful, beautiful tale of love, loss and newfound hope. Bottom line: Chasing Brooklyn is a novel you will contemplate and reflect on long after the last page has been turned. I know it is one that will stay in my heart forever.

You can purchase CHASING BROOKLYN HERE.


Lisa Schroeder is a native Oregonian, which means her childhood summers were spent camping, fishing, reading books (of course!), and playing in the sun, when it finally came out. These days, Lisa spends her summers, and every other part of the year, sharing all the wonderful things Oregon has to offer with her husband and two sons. She is the author of three novels for young adults published by Simon Pulse - I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME, FAR FROM YOU, and CHASING BROOKLYN. Her middle grade debut, It's Raining Cupcakes, will be published by Aladdin in March, 2010.


Lisa lives with her family in Oregon. You can visit her on the web at lisaschroederbooks.com.

Book Review: Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

HEARTS AT STAKE BY ALYXANDRA HARVEY

Publication Date: December 22, 2009 (Walker Books)

Format: Paperback, 256 Pages

Reading Level: Young Adult

Solange Drake's sixteen birthday is finally here, but in her family, htthis day triggers the transformation from human to vampire. Her seven older brothers each made it throught the potentially deadly passage, but since she's the first female-born vampire in almost 800 yeaars, and since her birth was foretold in a prophecy that predicts she will united all the vampire clans as their queen, this birthday isn't looking quite so sweet. Solange could be killed by the transformation itself, or by one of the existing queen's followers who are after the bounty on her head.

Luckily her protective older brothers and her very kick-butt best friend, Lucy, have her well being at heart. And it will take all of them- plus the help of their nemesis, Kiernan Black- to make sure Solange survives. By the stroke of midnight, her fate will be sealed, one way or another.

With a spine tingling, adventurous plot and feisty characters, Hearts at Stake is a welcome addition to a genre so many of us just can’t seem to get enough of. I had high expectations before reading this novel and I’m happy to say they were not disappointed. Hearts at Stake is of the best vampire novels I have read in a very long time and I devoured it within a single evening.

Hearts at Stake alternates between best friends Lucy, a human teenager and Solange, the first female vampire born in almost a century. Solange knows her mere existence is the cause of a raging power struggle within the vampire community, but yet she is humble and wants nothing more than to be a normal teen. Lucy, her best friend, is the type of person we'd all want to have on our side – she’s tough, fearless and so protective of the people she loves. I found it interesting that being human didn’t in any way make Lucy unwelcome as a part of the all vampire Drake household too. Lucy’s stormy relationship with the stubborn, but oh-so-delicious Nicholas was incredibly tantalizing and also my favorite aspect of the novel. I found myself looking forward to when their characters would next reappear and flirtatiously cross paths again. Their banter back and forth was hysterical, and so many moments had me literally laughing out loud.

For a young girl trying to make sense of her situation and an ancient prophecy, Solange handled herself believably well. As her vampire "Sweet Sixteen" of sorts rapidly approached, Solange not only had a bounty on her head but a vampire hunter pervading her life to worry about. Throw in some political unrest and scores of pheromone addicted suitors, and you've got yourself a recipe for danger and excitement!

But Solange also had her family- a large, well developed and endearing cast of characters. I loved how close knit and protective everyone was toward her. Their fierce dedication to protect her no matter what the cost made them all even more endearing too. From Hyacinth, the aunt still caught up in the Victorian era with her corsets and curtsying, to Solange’s fierce, pseudo ninja of a vampire mother, I found myself intrigued by all of them and never bored for a single moment. The seven brothers all had distinctive personalities, but Nicholas was by far my favorite and the charming Logan as a close second. The history behind the vampires and the different clans was both fascinating and also terrifying to me too. Knowing that some were significantly way WORSE than others, added to the tension of the plot and kept my pulse pounding!

Hearts at Stake had everything I wanted in a vampire novel- charismatic, head strong characters, heart pounding romance and spine-tingling danger at every turn! Blood Feud, centering on older vampire brother Logan is the next addition in The Drake Chronicles. I will definitely be anxious to see what we are in store for next with this thrilling, kick-butt series!

Purchase Hearts at Stake HERE.

ALYXANDRA HARVEY studied creative writing and literature at York University and has had her poetry published in several magazines. When not writing, she is a belly dancer and jewelrymaker. She lives in Ontario, with her husband, hawk, and two dogs.
http://thedrakechronicles.com

Book Review: Betrayals by Lili St. Crow

BETRAYALS BY LILI ST. CROW

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Razorbill (November 17, 2009)
Language: English
Buy at Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble


She’s no angel . . .

Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she’s just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn’t entirely human. (So what else is new?)

Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England School for other teens like her, and there’s a big problem— she’s the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn’t be so bad, but Dru’s killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide. . .

Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart?

BETRAYALS grabs you by the collar and hurls you along at a frightening speed. It's jam packed with nonstop action, mystery, tension and even a hint of budding romance. If you enjoyed STRANGE ANGELS and have been looking forward to the sequel, BETRAYALS will not disappoint. The story picks up exactly where STRANGE ANGELS left off. Dru and Graves are supposed to be safe at The Schola, or to clarify, as safe as any place where supernatural creatures are congregated can possibly be. To make matters more complicated, Dru’s own powers are getting close to “blooming”. This frightening experience leaves Dru wondering if she can trust anyone, perhaps even her own self?

The world of STRANGE ANGELS really took shape for me in BETRAYALS and evolved in a deeply mesmerizing, impressive manner. I loved learning more about the supernatural creatures lurking within the Real World and the mythology behind their capabilities. In STRANGE ANGELS there was mostly black and white. Either you arer one of the things that go bump in the night and bad, or you are a “Hunter” and good. In BETRAYALS, we learn there were more shades of grey. Take for instance, the heartbreaking plight of the Broken. I loved this story thread and can’t wait to see what happens with a certain Broken wulfen in the next book.

Dru also evolved in BETRAYALS. She was her same stubborn self, but honestly, I’d hate to ever see her ever turn soft. I love how Dru is a strong, gutsy and smart heroine. If I was caught in a bad situation, I’d definitely want to her to have my back. But in this novel you also see more of the vulnerable girl hiding behind the tough façade. This is a girl who has had to grow up so fast and has been constantly attacked, terrified and betrayed. It's no wonder she is the way the is. On a more lighthearted note, I desperately hope that Dru wake ups and smells the coffee, or shall I say -apple pie? In regards to Christophe, he was fascinating in the first book and I appreciated how we got to learn more about him as well as his dark past.

When you read BETRAYALS you are on pins and needles. The Schola, a small, isolated satellite school for delinquent wulfen and djamphir immediately made my skin prickle with nervousness. Knowing a traitor was lurking within the school’s walls only increased the mounting tension in the air. You just know that any minute the bell is going to alarm and all hell will break loose. And believe me, it sure does. Trusting the wrong person or being lulled into a false sense of complacency would be the end of Dru. I kept thinking that Dru might've been safer on her own- on the run. At least then, she’d always be sharp and ready for an attack. She’d know who was friend or foe. At the Schola, there are so many unanswered questions, conflicting behaviors and untold secrets, it’s almost impossible to know who to trust. But as a reader, that was part of the fun. I love being immersed in the novel and constantly being floored by all the unexpected twists and turns.

STRANGE ANGELS was a fantastic novel, but BETRAYALS blew me away and exceeded all my expectations by far. The storyline was so complex and well written, it left me breathless for more.I loved the world that Lili St. Crow has created within this series. Be forewarned though- while many questions are answered, you will be left reeling with so many more. Jealousy, the third novel will be released June 2010.


Lili St. Crow is the YA pen name for Lilith Saintcrow. Lili lives in Vancouver, WA, with children, cats, and a host of other strays. You can find her at http://www.lilistcrow.com.

Book Review: Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods, Book 4) by Melissa de la Cruz

THE VAN ALEN LEGACY (BLUE BLOODS, BOOK #4) BY MELISSA DE LA CRUZ


Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
Purchase: Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million


With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged. Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series.

The third book in the Blue Bloods series, Revelations, left us reeling from all the delicious plot twists and turns. Startling secrets were revealed about Bliss, an earth shattering battle in Rio de Janeiro reared its gruesome head, and Schuyler painfully struggled between duty, passion, love and freedom. The Van Alen legacy picks up a year after Revelations has ended and unfolds through the alternating view points of Schuyler, Bliss and Mimi. It is assumed that the reader is acquainted with books 1-3, so if you haven't yet read them yet, I strongly urge you to not try and jump in with The Van Alen legacy.

At the onset of novel, we learn that the Conclave didn't accept Schuyler's version of what happened in Rio and she and Ollie have been on the run throughout Europe ever since. Exhausted and overwhelmed, they attempt to seek haven in the European Conclave, something I can assure you, that doesn't go nearly according to plan. Meanwhile, Mimi is tracking down Silver Bloods with Kingsley Martin in Brazil, and Bliss is in the fight of her life - that is, with herself.

It's hard to review a novel like The Van Alen Legacy without giving away spoilers for those who haven't read it yet. I will say that the novel marked a turning point for me in the series. In my opinion, it was also the best to date. From page one I was immediately swept away into the complex, dynamic world Melissa de la Cruz has created. The nerve wracking plot and vibrant characters had me anxiously flipping the pages into the very late hours of the night as well!

Something which really surprised me about The Van Alen Legacy was that Mimi's character development and storyline were the elements of this novel I enjoyed the most! (Something that has NEVER happened before). I really appreciated the changes starting to evolve within her character. I know they were only tiny glimmers here and there of a softer side, but based on the way she has always conducted herself in previous novels, these moments seemed magnified to me and were actually quite a welcome change! I hope she continues to grow and evolve in upcoming novels too. As for Jack, I was hoping we'd get into his head a little bit more, but when I really reflect back on the book, I think that could have ruined some of the plot surprises if it had actually transpired. De la Cruz also gave us hints about the direction of her future spinoff series, Wolf Pact, which I am equally anxious to read.

Van Alen Legacy was a non-stop roller coaster ride of action and fun. Friendships were tested, ties were broken and romantic dilemmas were resolved. I am dying for the next installment, Misguided Angel.


Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.

Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.