Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine

So I was browsing Amazon's selection of books recommended for me based on my purchases and ratings. I spun down a veritable rabbit hole of "Those who purchased THIS also purchased THESE" selections and wound up at Anew: The Archers of Avalon (Book One) by Chelsea Fine. The description sounded tantalizing, but I wanted to know more so I did something I rarely do-I scrolled down to see the reader reviews. Ironic, I know, that I should review books for others but typically hate reading others reviews. It's just that, nobody ever seems to get it right. And they are always so contradicting. Several people can LOVE a book that others absolutely HATE. In the end, I might as well skip the reviews, read the damn book and judge it for myself. 

Lucky for you, I'm here with the final call on what you should (and shouldn't) read. 

Sophie & Carter is a  MUST-READ. 

So, while there weren't any reviews on the new book, the consensus was clear on Chelsea Fine's debut. Readers raved about the raw, intense, binding friendship and love that evolves between Sophie and Carter. Next-door neighbors with less-than-perfect (understatement of the year) family lives that build a friendship based on trust and understanding. As they grow closer to graduation, they grow closer to each other. However, no paperback copies existed on my beloved Amazon or at BN.com. 

What was a girl to do?

I promptly downloaded Kindle for PC and bought the $2.99 e-book. It was a little pricey for 117 pages of story, but those pages captured such emotions, the book felt like it was bursting at the seams. Metaphorically, of course. It was a great, albeit short, beginning, middle and end. Everything goes as it's supposed to. Narration switches between Sophie and Carter as each chapter mirrors the next in a range of stories, emotions and struggles. Although there was enough content to satisfy, I desperately want more of these characters and really hope there's a follow up novel on the next chapter of their lives. 

My ONLY pet peeve? RHETORICAL. Not redundant. If you read the book, you'll see this glaring anomaly of nonsense. Seriously beautiful writing, but please choose the correct word or it messes up the whole flow of your sentence. It breaks my concentration when I am forced to re-read, then mentally correct your ridiculous mistake. 

Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly

I am a sucker for YA paranormal romance. Of course, Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly caught my attention right away. Angel Burn is the U.S. release of Weatherly's first book Angel in the Angel Trilogy, originally released in the U.K.

The Prologue from Alex's POV immediately hooked me. This was a story about Angels, but they were the enemy, sucking the life energy out of mortals. And Alex is an AK-Angel Killer. A specially trained operative for the CIA who hunts and expertly disposes of these nasty creatures. Until he is sent to kill Willow and discovers something about her that forces him to question everything he knows. 

Willow is psychic. After a reading for a popular girl, she discovers the existence of Angels-and the truth that they are not as divine as the rapidly growing Church of Angels religious following would have you believe. Trying to save her schoolmate from a bleak path, Willow quickly finds herself the target of a Church of Angels directive to exterminate her. Running for her life, Willow is rescued by the stern, but gorgeous Alex. Together, they must figure out the Angel's plans-and what it has to do with them. 

The book was fast-paced with a delicate balance of action scenes, romance scenes, and everything you crave in between. It was an absolutely refreshing story with a completely different take on Angel's than I have encountered before. And I am an AVID reader. So why only a 3 star rating? Simply put, the amateur writing. 

Weatherly forces the reader to navigate through multiple character's stories. We start out with Alex, then switch to Willow. Fine, I can handle a switch between the two main characters. But she frustratingly breaks a common literary rule-she switches from 1st person narrative for Willow and 3rd person limited narrative for Alex. Tsk, tsk. Just as the reader gets used to this minor inconvenience, Weatherly produces a long chapter, 3rd person limited, from the Angel Raziel's POV. This is to add background and context, but it just aggravates. Raziel's POV introduces the character of Jonah. Briefly, we follow Jonah's narrative before returning to the Willow-Alex storyline. Periodically, Jonah's POV is inserted. Sure, it added a level of suspense as the reader discovers facts about the enemy that the heroes are unaware of. But I found the practice to be lacking and LAZY. Additionally, it broke concentration and pulled focus for the reader making it more difficult to identify with the protagonists. 

But that wasn't all...

The romance was over-the-top cheesy. I accept a certain level of unrealistic puppy-love with YA romances. It's what turns a dreamy crush into an all-consuming TRUE LOVE. I expect it. But Weatherly turned it more ridiculous than a Stephanie Meyers novel by taking great characters with amazing, complementing qualities and reduced their attraction to solely a physical one. Sure, Willow and Alex care about each other deeply and the reader can feel  their love for one another, but it comes across as solely superficial. Instead of admiring each other's strength, bravery, loyalty, or kindness, the reader must survive on "Your silky soft hair is so beautiful" and "I love your washboard abs" (note: not actual quotes from the book). And the climax of them FINALLY professing their love was drawn out, overly boring, and well, quite anti-climactic. In the end, Willow and Alex learn more about themselves and each other, secrets are revealed, and choices must be made, but it all ends a little flat and I don't feel that the characters have grown. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading the story once I learned to accept the inconsistent narrative/POV debacle and mentally developed the characters a little more instead of relying on Weatherly's bland impressions. I will read the second book in the trilogy, Angel Fire (and most likely, the third when it comes out), but I'm not going to expect much development. 

U.K. Cover

U.S. Cover

I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

It was a happy surprise when I ordered I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan from Amazon. You see, after my bill for books over the last two years reached an "astronomical" (my husbands word, not mine) amount of more than $2,000 (not including books purchased at Borders in a single-handed, last-ditch effort to keep them open), Bryce decided a library card would make the perfect anniversary gift back in October. 

I was inclined to agree. 

For a while. 

Then even the library got too expensive! You see, the most accessible library for me was a tiny branch located in the mall right outside of Kohl's and downstairs from Ultra Diamonds. When I went to return books about a month ago I noticed a sign that Ultra Diamonds was letting their lease in just that location run out forcing an 80% off clearance. Well, a 4 carat Quartz ring, Garnet pendant necklace, and Rhodolite Garnet and Diamond pendant necklace with matching earrings later, it was most decidedly NOT the lesser of two evils.

Therefore, a compromise was made that I could continue to purchase my books from Amazon with an amendment that they must be used and hence, cheaper. I jumped on the bandwagon and with my savings (over last year), I immediately bought twice as many used books! Don't tell my husband.

I digress...

So, I purchased a used copy of I'll Be There and turns out, it was an advanced copy. Kind of cool to receive  an oddity like that for my collection. Anyway, I devoured the book in less than 6 hours of non-stop reading. I wouldn't call the book amazing, but definitely on the cusp of thought-provoking. I never connected with the main characters of Emily Bell or Sam Smith/Border enough to identify with them or feel any real emotion over their plight. In fact, the most interesting and real character of the entire novel was Sam's younger brother, the mute Riddle. When you get an insight into his thoughts, it's both beautiful and scary.

Sam and Riddle are kidnapped and physically and emotionally abused by their mentally-ill father. They are uneducated, unsociable outcasts, but both possess amazing talents and apparently, Sam is a super-model hottie when he cleans up. They find redemption in Emily Bell and her family only to have it ripped away by their father. Finally, they barely escape their father with their lives, and they must learn to survive on their own and for a time, without each other, as they find their way back to the Bells.

The story is a roller coaster journey of Sam finding Emily only to be ripped from her and then finding her again. Except, it's so much more than that. The story is remarkable, yet predictable in the way that you know you are being set up for a happy ending, you just don't know when you'll friggin get there.

What makes this novel noteworthy is the writing technique. Most novels use first person point of view. It allows the reader to truly become the main character and live the story through their eyes. It's also very restrictive because you cannot escape the "I" and "we." Third person limited adds for more complexity to the plot as you can explore the story from other characters point of views. However, the most difficult point of view to capture, in my humble opinion, is third person omniscient. And that is exactly what Ms. Sloan has done here. I'll Be There expertly bounces from one character to the next for a full, richer understanding of each person and the intertwining role they play in each others lives. Sometimes, they know their role and sometimes, only the reader understand the significance. But it is artfully crafted and beautifully maintained.

Furthermore, Ms. Sloan weaves her tale with minimal dialogue. There is plenty of character interaction. But she prefers to delve into the human psyche and examine each individual's reaction to the situation they are in and the reasoning behind their own actions. The story bounces, sometimes mid paragraph from one characters insights to a situation rolling seamlessly into another characters perception of the same situation. You are reading everyone's minds at once. Perfectly.

This book is unassuming and simple but well worth the read. There isn't much to hook the reader beyond an appreciation for the story Ms. Sloan is trying to tell and the way she tells it. The scenes pass quickly and while emotional circumstances occur compelling the reader forward, the writing becomes stale and often lost-in-thought without the dialogue. Only the most dedicated reader will enjoy this classic. Think of this as a Grapes of Wrath type project, you know it's a great book and should mean something in the bigger picture, but most of us just read the CliffsNotes. Although, I'll Be There is less boring, less confusing and contains less pages, if someone isn't pushing you to read it, you may find it difficult to get into. I find, it doesn't fit into any of the genres I am familiar with.

Drink Slay Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Pearl is an evil teen vampire with no regard to human life and deeply rooted in her Family. then a unicorn stabs her through the heart changing her world forever. Now, Pearl is an aberration. A vampire who can walk in the sunlight without burning! The Family doesn't believe in unicorns, but jumps at the chance to use her new ability to round up a feast for the centennial celebration with the King that is fast approaching. They send Pearl to school where she must find a way to get the humans to the coronation. Pearl winds up identifying more with her human friends than her vampire Family and falls in love with Evan Karkadann along the way.

Only because I just read Rampant by Diana Peterfreund did I figure out immediately that Evan is the unicorn. Apparently a Karkadann is a type of unicorn.

The story was quite typical of a Young Adult Paranormal Romance plot and the twists and turn were not unexpected. It was still an interesting read as Pearl's emotions and sense of self are constantly shaping and changing on her journey. Although predictable, the ups and downs are pretty drastic. It's a quick, simple read with minimal complexity.

The ending ties up with a pretty little bow leaving little room for a sequel. however, future novels would do well to explore Pearl's commitment to her new life and the consequences of defying her Family. I would read more in this series and from this author. Kudos, Miss Durst.

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

After 5 pages I grew rather tiresome of the obviously thesaurus-riddled text. I saw every AP English vocab word pop up in paragraphs of otherwise dull sentences. The overall vernacular lacked the sophistication to warrant the strange use of these higher-level words. With that said...

I get it!!! This is a story about unicorns! Here is the novel in a nutshell: 

Astrid reads a bedtime story about unicorns to girls she's babysitting in their unicorn decorated room. Blah blah blah. She reflects on her crazy mom, obsessed with their unicorn hunting legacy. Blah blah. Astrid invites her BF over for some innocent nookie only to be interrupted by a brutal unicorn attack. Blah. Her mom saves her and BF from aforementioned attack with the last drops of an ancient Remedy. You know, from her ancestors unicorn-hunting days. Astrid's mother sends her to a special school in Rome that trains virgins to hunt and kill unicorns. Not just any virgins, but female descendants of Alexander the Great (don't ask, it's a convoluted mess that still makes no sense to me). Then the REAL unicorn talk starts. There is the briefest reprieve on page 178 when Astrid goes on a date with Giovanni. but then that ends in another unicorn attack.

I thought the story was a unique spin on the mystical puritanical unicorn. In Miss Peterfreund's version, the unicorns are vicious man-eaters. but some factions have reached an understanding and can communicate with the hunters. They were thought to be extinct, but **SPOILER ALERT** Astrid discovers her ancestor just came to a compromise where the unicorns go into hiding and the hunters leave them be.

Overall, this was a difficult read. not interesting enough to motivate me to read, but not boring enough to stop. The story-line was a jumbled mess of original-take-on-myth and I-don't-really-care-it-just-sucks. The ending has a scrap of potential for a sequel. I refuse to read any more and am glad I checked this book out from the library instead of wasting any of my money on the hardback.

Die For Me by Amy Plum

At last! Something realistic to read in the Teen Fiction Paranormal Romance genre (thanks BN for that embarrassing mouthful. RIP Borders). 

Ok, so the basic story of Revenants-zombie/ghost/immortal super sexy teens who repeatedly die to save lives-is far from realistic, but the whole romance aspect is refreshing. Not only does our female protagonist Kate shy away from the mysterious and potentially dangerous bad boy Vincent, when she discovers some of his secrets, she actually breaks off the relationship. For weeks! Sure, she obsesses-I mean that's what crushes are for. It doesn't matter if he's a loser who would break your heart, you're still attaching his last name to yours a million times over in your diary. But Miss Kate plays it cool. She gets the facts and adequately terrified at the supernatural future a relationship with said Revenant might bring, she walks away. 

SPOILER ALERT

Kate predictably ends up with the irresistibly hawt Vincent, but not before laying ground rules. And she doesn't fall in love right away, but chooses to protect her heart and make sure the love is real-unlike some fate-tempting character who insists on figuratively and literally holding her juicy neck out to some deranged vampire who admitted to his natural desire to kill her with the simple "love conquers all" idiom (I'm speaking to you, Bella Swan). 

Additionally, the Revenant background is refreshingly new. Not the typical vampire, werewolf, immortal, angel, demon, faerie (did I miss anything) scenario. Of course they come with their own set of rules and uniform regulations for survival that are quite convoluted and I feel Amy plum has barely touched the surface of possibilities. Still undecided on how I feel about that. But if there's a sequel, I'll probably read it. 

the characters developed, if only somewhat. the story tried to be deep-connecting the trauma of recently orphaned Kate's views on death with a love interest who lives by dying every 3 weeks, but failed to elicit any real emotions. I actually lost a parent less than a year ago and am a prime candidate for character transference, but it was mostly a shallow read. I grazed the surface of a story and penetrated no further. Then there was the requisite fight scene between mortal enemies at the end. Although this was much more intriguing and gory than a comparable ballet studio brawl, it lacked any graphic details. The descriptions of a supremely paranormal sword fight had little conviction of suspense and left me wanting more.

Fire on Dark Water by Wendy K. Perriman

The back cover describes the book as "A novel of stark survival, Fire on Dark Water is the story of a woman plunged into the depths of corruption. Within the bloodstained waters of the Caribbean, it will take both cunning and unwavering strength for her to become the woman she was always meant to be, and thrive in the golden age of piracy..."

I describe this book as "Rape-in the golden age of piracy." 

Admittedly, I did not finish the book. After reading 204 pages, I literally stopped mid chapter. And ladies and gentlemen, that was that.

Let's dissect, shall we? By "A novel of stark survival," the editor means Lola, the main character, must survive after she is duped away from her gypsy family at the age of 7 to be sold as a virgin sex slave. After fighting back THE NEXT DAY, she is beaten to within an inch of her life and dropped at the doorstep of the resident Golden Age of Piracy-equivalent of a crime lord where she is promptly taught how to pickpocket and scam for money. While on a nice little illegal venture, Lola is arrested and "sentenced" to a ship bound for the New World (that's us, America!-the Land of Opportunity was once the worst kind of punishment short of death). So far, she has survived simply through no fault of her own. 

When the editor writes "the story of a woman plunged into the depths of corruption" they are referring to the SEVEN-year-old girl stolen from her family. By page 200, Lola has only aged to 15. While I know the average life-span that many years ago was 36 practically making Lola middle-aged, this book is classified as  YA novel and the content is ill-appropriate for today's average teenager. 

At "... it will take both cunning and unwavering strength for her to become the woman she was always meant to be..." the editor is simply toying with the reader. The previous sentence implies Lola is a woman and this is her story. But, now we are backpedaling to say these events will shape her into a woman, eventually. BTW what kind of woman was she meant to be that 8 years of repeated rape and other such bad shiz is needed to mold her? 

Whatever it was, the rape didn't do the trick. Lola has neither cunning or unwavering strength. In fact, she is pretty much a naive simpleton child who is raped, trusts the wrong person-which leads her to be raped again, before luck sends on her on the next leg of her journey-which leads to more rape and more trusting the wrong people (usually the one who rapes her), before circumstance sends her on her way again-which leads to more rape. Eventually, she breaks the cycle by charging for sex. This is a socially acceptable position for a 12-year-old girl in the Golden Age of Piracy, natch. At 15, Lola leaves the glamorous life of prostitution to become the wife of the infamous Pirate Captain Blackbeard (he's in his 50's, from the description). Of course, she later discovers she was lucky wife numero 13 and the marriage was not legally binding. Essentially, it boils down to her being raped by someone she trusted. It seems we have gone full circle, and that is that.

The real interesting character is Anne Bonny. At one point Lola is sold to a plantation owner as a servant. He rapes her statutorily by today's standards, but buys her nice things, essentially introducing her to the spoils of prostitution. Anne is the -brat seems too nice- cold, manipulative, BITCH daughter who makes Lola's life miserable at every given point. Lola hates Anne, but with several opportunities for revenge throughout the 204 pages I read, she shows loyalty and gets figuratively raped by the fearless and heartless Anne. 

To sum: Lola gets raped, a lot. A little boy she befriends on the ship to the New World gets raped, a lot. Her friend Violet gets raped, a lot. 

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

OhMiGod I just read the most amazingly insightful book! And that’s saying a LOT since I’ve devoured the likes of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Dante’s Inferno (the most uplifting of Alighieri’s Divine Comedy if we’re being sarcastic).

So Borders aka-the greatest bookstore excluding online mega-reatiler Amazon.com only because I can physically touch the inventory- is closing. Like, for good. Naturally, I grazed their dwindling stock several times this past week. About $200 and 40 books later, I have enough reading to last me through the month. You think I jest, but I made my way through 4 books in 5 days and one of those days ways Sunday in which I was busy with a nasty little stomach bug (thanks a lot Daniel) that left me mildly dizzy and wholly cranky. I ventured away from my normal YA fantasy selections because at 40% off, why not try something new? In addition to some great business books, I picked up Chris Crutcher’s Deadline.

This book is a life changer. Eighteen year old Ben Wolf just found out he has less than one year to live. He decides to live his senior year to its fullest, but as normal as possible, which means keeping the truth of his illness to himself. But life is never that easy. Although some of the situations are fantastical and sensationalized, it’s more a reminder of the situations we face in life. Irony abounds and Ben learns the truth about people in his small town while hiding his own truths.

Above all, Deadline is MORBIDLY HYSTERICAL. I laughed until it was time to cry. Notably, Ben is a smart-ass and his impending fate only gives him strength to unleash all his thoughts with no consequences. I mean, if you didn’t have to worry about a diploma and life after graduation, wouldn’t you be tempted to torment your teachers? Although his motives aren’t entirely pure, Ben is fueled by the need to educate himself with as much truth as possible, despite his big lie. It’s inherently sad and hugely thought-provoking material.

The best dialogue, by far, that make me rate this book as TOP-NOTCH are the many interactions Ben has with Hey-Soos. The philosophical Hey-Soos (who will neither confirm nor deny if he’s Jesus or just a representation of Ben’s inner conscience, though we have our suspicions) visits Ben in his dreams and grants pearls of wisdom in a comical self-evaluating way. Hey-Soos offers heavy guidance in a perfect blend of spiritual reverence and religious mockery. For example, an excerpt of a particularly poignant conversation between Hey-Soos and Ben::

“So,” (Hey-Soos) says, “you rang?”
“Did I?”
“You meant to.”
“You mean because of what Dallas said?”
“Duh”
“‘Duh?’ That’s not exactly otherworldly.”
“‘Duh’ is universal. do you know how many people she’s told?”
I say I don’t.
“Well,” he says, “as she might put it, if she tells on more that will be two.”
“No shit?”
“Are you sure that’s the way you want to talk to the likes of me?”
“No kidding?”
“No shit,” Hey-Soos says.

Bottom line is I finished this book in less than a day but the emotions incited will last a lifetime. However long that will be.

Meridian by Amber Kizer

I first read Meridian more than a year ago and was so enamored by the romance between Fenestra and Protector, the unique story of escorting souls to the afterlife, and the epic GvB battle I overlooked the under-whelmingly bland writing. Now that the much anticipated (to me) sophomore follow-up, Wildcat Fireflies is out, I decided to re-read the first book to bring myself up to speed on the story again. Big mistake. During my double-take, my reading pace slowed to enjoy the story as I already knew the ending. It was all the faint details in between I wanted to savor before devouring the next novel. Unfortunately, Meridian was less appetizing as seconds. (Like all my food metaphors? Thought it added a special touch)

Meridian Sozu is suddenly abandoned by her family on her sixteenth birthday with cryptic instructions to find an Aunt she’s never met a few states away. Oh, and someone may be after her. She arrives at Auntie’s hard-to-picture (becuase the descriptions are seriously lacking) Colorado cottage-mansion (and contradictory) where the mystery is unraveled at a confusing, slow, and predictable pace. The gist? Meridian is a Fenestra, an Angel-ish being with a generationally spares gift to grant souls passage to the Other Side. There’s a lot of interesting mumbo-jumbo about energy in a spiritual context that adds a rational layer to a fantastical story. Of course, if there’s an angel for the Light side, there must be a balanced minion for the Dark side. Enter the not-so-subtle Reverend Perimo. We get it, Miss Kizer, he’s the Bad Guy. don’t think you are fooling anyone. Okay, I know I read this before, but I am basing this off the inane naivity of Auntie, Meridian and Tens not to figure out his true identity in lieu of some goold, old-fashioned foreshadowing. And don’t even get me startedon the fact that even Tens refers to Meridian’s aunt as Auntie as if that’s her name. I don’t even like Auntie as a nickname. It sounds fake and pretentious. You should have stuck with “Merry” as the old namesake and Meridian as she is.

Let’s ignore the fact that the story is muddled because it is a well-enough developed concept to pass for entertainment. I can barely overlook the flat characters. Meridian arrives and Tens is vaguely rude to her. From his actions and dialogue I, the reader, didn’t grasp that he was rude, but Meridian’s inner dialogue announced it loud and clear how she interpreted their interactions, so it must be true. Then she discovers he’s her Protector (I’d say Spoiler Alert, but there isn’t much these little surprises are thinly veiled in the story, I don’t think I’m really spoiling much) and before you know it they are spouting the “L” word in typical teen fashion without so much as a first kiss. Bwah-huh?

Despite the leap in relationships, the characters are decently developed. But the writing itself is bland, Bland, BLAND. Aside from the ongoing “Fenestras are the gateways and must guide souls through the open windows” (or something like that) metaphor, Kizer fails to use imagery, metaphors, hyperboles, and any other writing flourishment I got docked on my AP History papers for using as “fluff and fillers” but my AP English teacher vividly encouraged. The dialogue is just that-lacking any fluidity or punctuated by character movement.

Overall, Meridian provided a quick respite from the rigors of everyday life when read quickly enough it blurs past all its inherent flaws. As a re-read, there is nothing more to glean from the story to hold my interest and I found myself nitpicking until the whole concept, characters and all, fell apart. There’s still Wildcat Fireflies to get through and I’m hoping it’s more developed.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Oh My Goodness! My heart is still racing from this book. I literally could not put it down today(yes, I finished it in a day while still managing to work a full 8 hours and go to the gym). FYI it's a girl's zombie book. The cover and descriptions make no allusions to zombies, but trust me, that's exactly where this story is headed even though "zombie" is never mentioned. Unconsecrated=Zombie.

Mary lives in a post-apocalyptic world after the Return where a mysterious infection has spread creating the Unconsecrated who paw at the edges of the gates surrounding her little village. Beyond lies the forest of Hands and Teeth. The gates are patrolled by the Guardians and the Sisterhood guide the citizens. Most have lost hope and try to keep Faith, but Mary has relinquished her belief in God to follow her dream of finding the ocean-and a freedom from the Forest. Life in the village is strained and choices are minimal. Bonds are forged out of necessity to survive and commitment over love. A sequence of events (don't want to be a spoil-sport) reveals to Mary that nothing is as it seems and the people she trusted are hiding secrets.

The story is amazingly written around the choices one young girl must make in the face of overwhelming despair. Will love prevail? Will undying faith in a dream? It's fast-paced and every word leads seamlessly into the next thought, the next chapter. The reader is propelled into this complete isolation and consumed by Mary's POV. An interesting take on a classic concept. The love story is empowering, but not overshadowing as the need for freedom still rings loud and clear. The reader experiences a gamete of emotions as Mary feels them-such is the vivid imagery and fluidity of the writing.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth is the first in the trilogy with it's companion novels The Dead Tossed Waves and The Dark and Hollow Places already out. Honestly, I feel so heavy after absorbing the weight of this novel, I'm going to have to break before jumping into the next story. Seriously, I was enraptured the entire time, but by page 268 I was bawling my eyes out and I finished the book with an empty void that only chocolate can sufficiently fill. Don't get me wrong-I can't wait to read the other stories in this world Miss Ryan has dementedly formed, but I need a good comedy or epic romance to space out the utter tragedy.

Introducing the Burse

My newest obsession is the Burse. Book + Purse= Burse.

I first discovered this awesome accessory at my first Las Vegas First Friday event. There was a booth set up that had a whole bunch of book purses on display. Of course, I had to buy one! It only took me about 20 minutes to decide on a title. =)

These hardcover books are turned into purses through matching fabric choices making up the sides and lining and adorable handles and clasps added. As an added bonus, the book is rebound with cloth covers, so you still get to enjoy the book you purchased! 

There are a variety of titles to choose from or you can request a custom title (or provide your own). The downside is the purses are only as big as the book. A small book means a small purse. But this completely unique accessory is worth giving up the space. I used mine today and got 5 compliments just while I was at the salon and grocery store!

There's definitely a book and a look for every type of personality. Mundane titles and plain fabrics for the "safe" bookworms. And more risqué choices for the inner Vegas sinner:

Yes, this is an Alcoholics Anonymous book with a built in flask holder on the backside and includes a vintage inspired flask. And when you're done sinning you can sit down with the Good Book:

The Holy Bible never looked so good. And of course, you receive the book re-bound in matching materials. 

The typical Burse runs from $20-$45 depending on the size and cost of the book. I love this idea so much, I immediately scanned my bookshelf when I got home for my next purse. 

Want more info? You can see her work and updates on www.aburse.com or visit Burses By Ammy on Facebook at www.facebook.com/burses.

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

So deliciously controversial! In 2036 a virus has mass spread preventing everyone over 18 from conceiving. Faced with extinction, teens are prized as the new breeders. You have amateurs (who get "bumped" by their boyfriends) and professionals (who are paid top $$ for their select genetic contribution).

Cleverly written, McCafferty embraces the bump-crazed culture with her perfectly penned vernacular uniquely reminiscent of Amy Heckerling's "Clueless." 'Sex' is rarely mentioned directly-vaguely referred to as "bumping" or the act of creating a baby bump. 'Pregnant' is consistently shortened to 'preg' and the babies have nicknames. By staying away from modern society's taboo phrases and words, Bumped allows the reader to somewhat disassociate with the serious subject matter and revel in the satirical undertones.

Bumped follows the separate-at-birth and recently-reunited identical twins Melody and Harmony. melody was raised by economy professors who predicted the pay-for-preg craze and adopted and raised Melody for maximum ROI. although she's under a 6 figure contract and waiting to repro (her agent is trying to pair her with the perfect genetic match for an optimal bump), this "virge on the verge" (virgin on the verge of obsolescence) is having doubts. Doubts caused by the sudden appearance of her preachy twin Harmony who was raised by the 2036 version of the Amish. Living segregated from society and refuting all technology including the MiNet (and you thought FB was time-consuming!) the "Goodsiders" have arranged marriages at 13 and the girls are groomed to become faithful wives dedicated wives, and submit to domesticity for the benefit of the community. Harmony is on a Mission to save her sister-or is she? Harmony's Bible-thump to Melody's baby-bump attitude adds comical insight to both society's extremes. Seriously, McCafferty manages to perfectly balance an epic bitch-slap to religion while preaching morality and purity. You gotta read it to believe it.

McCafferty's sinfully decadent novel doesn't become overly thought provoking until the last 20-or-so pages. The unprecedented predicament sets up for a sequel promising to be far more complicated and grown-up than the curious debut. With the sequel, Melody and Harmony will have tough choices to make and I anticipate the consequences will be brought to light. Issues of postpartum depression, sacrificing virginity and birthing complications are merely touched upon in Bumped.

In an America obsessed with teen pregnancies ("16 and Pregnant", "Teen Mom") the situation is sensationalized by the ignorant and perpetuated by the weak and self-indulgent. Impressionable young minds, raised by MTV replacing decent parenting and tabloids creating reality stars, idolize the mistakes made when you don't close your legs, rubber up, or pill/prick/patch yourself. McCafferty's exuberant extremes satirize a culture that's becoming all-too-familiar. The fact there's no virus threatening mass extinction makes the real-world parallel that much more sad and pathetic. Whether McCafferty's intention or not, I hope Bumped can show impressionable teens just how important it is to think for yourself when faced with overwhelming pressure to conform. 

Matched by Ally Condie

Reminiscent of 1984 by George Orwell, Matched follows the forbidden budding romance of cassia and Ky. In a world governed by Society, emotions are strictly controlled while statistics and probability prevail. There is no running in public, everyone has regimented diets, jobs are segregated, citizens are genetically Matched at seventeen and scheduled to die on their eightieth birthday. This is just a broad overview of this misguided Utopia.

Although Matched is a YA love story, the underlying message surpasses your typical teen romance. There is little depth to secondary characters, but I'm hoping that changes with future installments in the series (Crossed is due out November 1, 2011). Ally Condie does a nice job of imbuing mystery into the story line without making it a frustrating cliff0hanger. the chaste romance remains interesting because of it's development around Society's watchful eye.

However beautiful the writing is, the story does fall a little flat. It is interesting, but not riveting. The reader cares for Cassia, Ky and Xander, but doesn't love them. In short, no strong emotions are involved. this could be cleverly implemented to parallel the lack of intense feelings portrayed by the citizens and Society. Or it can be a lack of passion in the writing. Crossed should solidify the direction one way or the other. Judging on Match's ending and the path Cassia is predictably heading, the sophomore title promises more action, romance, independence and rebellion.

Matched by Ally Condie

Reminiscent of George Orwell's 1984, Matched follows the forbidden budding romance of Cassia and Ky. In a world governed by Society, emotions are strictly controlled and choice is taken away replaced by statistics and probability. There is no running in public, everyone has regimented diets, jobs are severely segregated, citizens are Matched at seventeen and scheduled to die on their eightieth birthday. This is just a broad overview of the misguided Utopia. 

Although Matched is a YA love story, the underlying message surpasses the typical teen romance. Cassia is Matched to Xander, but falls for Ky-a serious Infraction by Society's standards. In a world where all choice has been removed for the "good of the people," Cassia's new-found feelings for Ky go against everything she ever believed in Society. If their statistics are wrong about the probability of her connection to Ky, what else are they wrong about? It is better to live safe and comfortable void of all choice, or should the people have the right to choose who their destiny, who they love, everything? 

There is little depth to secondary characters, but I'm hoping that changes with future installments of this trilogy. Ally Condie does a nice job of imbuing mystery into the story line without cultivating frustrating cliffhangers at every turn. The chaste romance develops interestingly around Society's watchful eye and Cassia and Ky grow with each new revelation.

 However beautiful the writing is, the story does fall a little flat. It is interesting but not riveting. You care for Cassia, Ky, and Xander but you don't fall in love with them. in short, no strong emotions are invoked. this could be cleverly implemented to parallel the lack of intense feelings portrayed by the citizens and Society. Or it can be a lack of passion in the writing. The follow up novel, Crossed due to be released November 2011, should clarify the observation. Judging by Cassia's predictable rebellion at the end of Matched, the sophomore title seems to promise more action, romance, independence, and maybe even the start of a revolution. 

HAPPY READING!

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

The final novel in the #1 international Bestselling Series The Vampire Academy. I was so excited for this book, I could not put down the 594 page novel and finished it in less than 8 hours. Rose Hathaway is such a strong heroine to have in a Young Adult series. She lives her life by her own moral code-which often differs from the rules. I don't want to give anything away seeing as how this is the 6th and final book in the series, so it is difficult to review and summarize when the other novels haven't been reviewed. I guess this review is really, kind-of, pointless. 

Conclusion: Read the whole Vampire Acadamy series. It's f*ing awesome. There is mystery, intrigue, and a whole lot of action. A tragic love story develops, but it isn't overly sappy. The heroine kicks ass, literally staking the evil Strigoi vampires. She's witty, rash, and develops throughout the series while maintaining true to herself. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

P.S. If Richelle Mead happens upon this review or anyone who knows Richelle Mead, I demand a spin-off novel, a blog, or web-story of some kind that reveals the fate of other secondary characters. Even a personal email would suffice. I was overwhelmingly frustrated to never discover the secret Abe has over Sydney. I want to know more about tormented Adrian's future. Adrian's speech to Rose left a lot of unanswered questions. Just please tell me you have something in store and won't leave a poor, defenseless reader like me hanging. K thx, bye.

Absolution by Jennifer Laurens

The third and final installment in a wonderful trilogy by Jennifer Laurens. Absolution concludes Zoe's story experienced in Heavenly and Penitence (Read reviews here: Heavenly, Penitence).

While thoroughly predictable, the story is beautifully written and detracts from the inevitable. The character development is impressive considering how short the novel is (only 200 pages) and Ms. Laurens does a fantastic job of growing secondary characters, Krissy and Chase, as well.

 Zoe mentally matures beyond her 18 years as she is thrust into an age-old battle of Good vs Evil. The world around her continues to crumble as Evil in the form of Matthias' father, Albert targets her and everyone she loves personally. Zoe spreads herself thin trying to save the souls of her friends and family through love, trust, and honesty. The premise continues to sound ridiculously cheesy and push the boundaries of preachy, but the series doesn't focus on religion and "God" is mentioned only once in passing. If an Atheist like me can enjoy these books, then surely Jennifer Laurens has done some amazing story-telling.

Even the bittersweet ending where Zoe must say goodbye to one of her loves, Matthias or Weston, leaves nothing to be desired. While Absolution is a powerful book, I was never moved to tears, like I half-expected from the content. Additionally, I didn't get the same goosebumps the first 2 books in the series produced. At least it's nowhere near the Harry Potter 2: Chamber of Secrets debacle. Seriously, wasn't that the worst movie/book in the whole series? A terribly boring sophomore release.

I digress. My conclusion: A wonderful end to an amazing series that seamlessly suspends the expectations of reality and makes the reader wish they had their own guardian angel.

Penitence by Jennifer Laurens

Of course I had to read the 2nd book immediately, desperate to know the next chapter of Zoe's story (I refuse to say more for spoiler alerts). Needless to say, I was done with more than half the book before I was even out of work!

While Heavenly had a an edge to it's writing, the overall feeling was peaceful, which made each trauma easier to manage. Penitence flips around and gives a grittier version as the same troubles plaguing the Dodd family worsens. The focus moves from Abria's autism as the major source of discontent to Zoe's bigger battle for her soul and her consuming love for Matthias-who she can't have. Again, the story unfolds naturally leaving no doubt that each scenario-from the absurd to the divine-is true. Total honesty shines a light on even the worst character flaws, but the reader remains enraptured, easily forgiving as they realize their own inner beasts.

Penitence offers a deeper connection to the world of Pleasant Grove setting the town's population in a Good v Evil battle. This epic war, waged in each little decision, never falters in its entertainment value despite any raucous fighting. The story weaves with more complexity in this second installment as the predicaments Zoe faces become, like life itself, unpredictable. I remained fascinated and anxious throughout and regret not knowing a 3rd installment, Absolution, was released a mere 9 days ago so I could readily jump back in to reading Zoe's conclusion.

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

It took me about 6 hours to finish this book after work yesterday. I literally could not put it down to shower, eat, or go to bed at a reasonable time. Jennifer Laurens writes a beautiful story about a teenage girl struggling to be strong in a  family overshadowed by her little sister, Abria's, autism. The disease takes a noticeable toll on each family member in a different way-Zoe turning to meaningless sex and alcohol to help cope and her brother, Luke finding solace in drugs. But then Zoe meets Abria's guardian angel and they fall deeply in all-consuming, pure, love.

What makes this story so breathtaking is how real the characters come across to the reader. Each mortally flawed. Jennifer Laurens manages to create plausible dilemmas and her characters deal with these life-altering situations much as we have seen friends and family, or even ourselves, have. Even with the fantasy aspect of a guardian angel love interest-the story lacks any sort of cheesiness that forces the reader to suspend belief to accept the tale. Instead, it is written in a way where acceptance of the impossible slips in, unnoticed, and just is.

The story is an enticing enigma of opposites. While the big picture is easily discernible, the minor twists and turns keep it interesting. A guardian angel guides the Dodd family, but nothing wraps up neatly at the end-the family still struggles with the same anger, addictions, and frustrations they began with. With all it's complexities, Heavenly leaves the reader feeling comforted by the simplicity of pure love and forgiveness. Tragedy abounds but it doesn't feel over dramatic. Jennifer Laurens writes a fine balance presenting a moral story-without crossing into preachy. A difficult feat considering a main player in the novel can list heavenly being on his resume.

After finishing the novel, I felt overwhelmed by the love story between Zoe and Matthias. There was nothing raunchy, but it hardly felt chaste. It simply felt real and right. Zoe makes a great heroine as she realistically learns from her mistakes only to stumble across new ones. While the book has its share of miracles, there is no miraculous change in its characters-just subtle differences that let you know they are on the right path. I finished the novel feeling grateful for what I have, thankful that my problems are not as bad as they could be, and hopeful that I can overcome my own obstacles.