Across the Universe - REVIEW

Lorena's Review of Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Greetings from the mysterious world of college. It's hard, and not what I expected in the least, and on top of that leaves no room for reading. I was asked to read this a few days ago and had been meaning to for the past couple of months. And boy am I glad that I did.

Synopsis

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Review

There were quite a few things that sold me on this novel. And by a few I mean a lot but there were some more than others.

Firstly. It's Science Fiction. Okay, come on, when was the last time a major science fiction title geared towards the female population of YA readers was released? It's been fairies, vampires, and fallen angels for the past like five years. Finally something new! Across the Universe had this perfect mix of the "growth" elements that most YA novels have, and the well... the Sci-Fi. It was so unexpected, I dived in expecting the usual YA love story, but I was completely taken by surprise at the complexity of the narrative and the universe. The fact that the narrative was split between the two main characters was also a neat addition. It split the pace of the story and kept it interesting, not to mention it added to the suspense (which is another one of the points that I liked) I mean okay if I had to draw a diagram of the plotline for a typical YA novel it would be a straight line with an angle somewhere 3/4ths along the way that then returns back to the original line. Across the Universe's diagram looks more like if you gave a one year old a crayon and told him to draw on the wall. It's a consistent line and plot, but with more plot twists and cliff hangers than one could possibly hope to get from the everyday YA. Below is an image of these diagrams for your viewing pleasure.

Anyway, I don't know about you, but most things in my mind play like a movie. I read this visualizing certain scenes in my mind. And let me tell you. They looked hot. There's something about the way the text described the cold world inside the Godspeed that made it crystal clear how the environment was laid out, but it also helped describe just how encased the characters felt inside the ship when they had the stars outside waiting for them. This book just totally got me going. I mean I had to start drawing soon as I was done. I needed to have the visual. I immediately fell in love with the characters, I felt such a connection to Amy it's almost comical. Beth wrote in her introduction that writing Amy's experience was almost like her first year in college. Looking back at this past year and comparing it to the text, I couldn't agree more.

Across the Universe is out in stores and more likely than not, in your local library. Go get your hands on a copy! This you will not regret.

Halo - REVIEW

Lorena's Review of Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Synopsis

"Three angels are sent down to bring good to the world: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. But she is the most human, and when she is romantically drawn to a mortal boy, the angels fear she will not be strong enough to save anyone—especially herself—from the Dark Forces.

Is love a great enough power against evil?"

Review

This has to be one of the lightest novels I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Really. I'm serious, go look at what I've reviewed, it's all drama, blood, and sex... just not in that order. Halo was a little hard for me to grasp at first, but once I got over my belief that "everyone is going to screw you over" it was an easy and even enjoyable read. I'm sure not many will have this problem.

One of, if not, my favorite part of this novel is Bethany. When she is sent to Earth with Gabriel and Ivy, it is the first time she experiences having a physical form and human emotions. Things that come naturally to us are new and strange to her. While I may not be able to describe them first hand, the way Adornetto was able to convey these "newborn" thoughts and feelings was truly amazing, and believable. Such everyday things that we take for granted such as eating, sleeping, or even going to the bathroom. To see them expressed through inexperienced eyes so accurately is something to be commended.

If there's anything I have to say against Halo, it's that I felt it was poorly paced. On more than once occasion did I find myself wanting the story, well to put it bluntly, to just get on with it. Many scenes I felt were unneeded or unnecessarily long. But that's all I really have to complain about.

Halo, other than making me undeniably happy, is just an uplifting read. It makes one think about the little things that can be done to help others. About the radiance that is found outside the shadows. It's a sweet story, a beautiful story. A story about love, and the many obstacles that it can overcome. Who doesn't want to be reminded of the goodness in the world once in a while?

Halo will be available in bookstores August 31, 2010. There are two more books scheduled in the series Hades in Fall 2011, and Heaven in Fall 2012.

The Gardener- REVIEW

Lorena's Review of The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen

This has been stashed away for some time, but I think I was finally able to get my point across.

Synopsis

Mason has never known his father, but longs to. All he has of him is a DVD of a man whose face is never seen, reading a children’s book. One day, on a whim, he plays the DVD for a group of comatose teens at the nursing home where his mother works. One of them, a beautiful girl, responds. Mason learns she is part of a horrible experiment intended to render teenagers into autotrophs—genetically engineered, self-sustaining life-forms who don’t need food or water to survive. And before he knows it, Mason is on the run with the girl, and wanted, dead or alive, by the mysterious mastermind of this gruesome plan, who is simply called the Gardener.

Will Mason be forced to destroy the thing he’s longed for most?

Review

Someone asked me about this book a few days ago, and when I tried to tell them what I thought about it, I was completely stumped (no pun intended). I had such conflicting feelings, that it took me a good half hour to properly voice my thoughts.

S.A. Bodeen's The Gardener is an enjoyable read, no doubt about it. It follows Mason and the mysterious girl he rescues (who I wont name) as they discover the dark secrets hidden by TroDyn, a huge science complex that owns and supports most businesses in Mason's hometown. Through their adventure, it describes one of many possible futures (or presents if you will) that is both intriguing, and frightening at the same time. It made me question myself about how I live my consumerist life, and how that will affect my family in the years to come. So many controversial topics brought up, like world hunger and human engineering, so much build up and so much suspense. I'm not gonna lie, this book kept me on my toes. I wanted to know who was behind this, how were they going to solve everything. So many questions that just kept me turning the pages, and just like that, it ends. Not in a "To be Continued" matter, but more of a Deus ex machina conclusion. I finished this book more frustrated than was really necessary, and I just asked myself. Why? Why end it so abrupt?

Now, Mason and the mysterious girl are two very likable characters, and are easy to relate to, but once again are left short. Mason is constantly referred to by his friends as a "hero", they constantly tell him he doesn't have to solve the worlds problems. But I kept wondering why? What is it that makes him have this personality, this need to be the hero. He just steps into the picture ready to save the world, ready to save this girl without so much as a second thought. I wish I understood what need he had to do these things. To suddenly go against everything he's ever know for a girl he's known little over five minutes. Some would call it love, and I've seen it work in certain situations. But in the case of Mason, well, I just had a hard time believing it.

To be honest, even after all the frustration I went through after reading The Gardner, I'd still recommend it to readers. The concepts and topics brought up are very interesting, and I'm happy with how Bodeen chose to address them. My warning comes at the end, to be prepared for the ambiguously open ending, that leaves you with more questions than there are answers for. My only hope is that you won't end up as frustrated as I did.

Gimme a Call- REVIEW

In honor of today's release and the event on Sunday (hope to see you all there!), here is...

Erika's review of Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski

Gimme a Call is a cute "dimples" tale of something I'm sure we've all have at one point in our life wanted to experience. It is about Devorah, or Devi, who is currently a senior and who's boyfriend just dumped her. After dropping her phone in a fountain at the mall there is only one number she can dial... Her own... At the beginning of freshman year. Throughout the novel, the 17 year old Devi (Ivy) gives 14 year old Devi (Frosh) advice on what to do or not do. With each page, you don't know what life Ivy is going to stumble upon because of Frosh's changes.

Mlynowski pulls the reader in and connects to both the high school senior who'd want to go back in time to change things and the freshman who desparately wants to see what the future has in store for them. She also perfectly distinguishes the voices of both of the same person and emphasizes how much someone can change over the course of high school whether they know what's going to happen or not.

Gimme a Call brings into question the reader's own life: What would you change if you could go back? Are the risks worth it? Do you want to know what your future holds? And even how are one person's dreams really right for everyone?

Personally as a senior I can connect with how Ivy feels and have seen all around me those students who know if they had just tried a litle harder in that freshman history class, that sophmore math, or that if they had just had a few more extracurriculars then maybe they would be in a better position now. As Gimme a Call shows though, it's best to be well rounded and try a little of everything (but not too much at once!) and also to save some time to enjoy the experience.

I could go on, but the point has been proven that Mlynowski addressed many relevant issues for teenagers in a fun read that everyone can and wil enjoy. At least one of the many interests of Devi or of her "sometimes" friends will appeal to everyone. It's filled with humor and emotion and at the end you still don't know which Devi you feel closer to and agree with, probably because the real one is a mixture of both. I highly recommend Gimme a Call to seniors, freshman, those in between, and to fans of Sarah and to those who are about to become a fan of Sarah.

Voices of Dragons- REVIEW

Lorena's Review of Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

I'll be honest with you readers. I picked up Voices of Dragons for the sole reason that I love dragons, so I feel you might need to be made aware of my bias towards it beforehand.

Synopsis
"On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity's deepest fears: dragons.

Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she's breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she'd rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, the rules are abruptly shattered, and a secret friendship grows between them.

But suspicion and terror are the legacy of human and dragon inter­actions, and the fragile truce that has maintained peace between the species is unraveling. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war?"

Review
Voices of Dragons might not be what I would call the best book I've ever read, but it's definitely one that I can believe. Taking place in an alternate-Earth reality, Voices of Dragons tells the story of Kay who after falling in a river in Dragon territory is saved and befriended by Artegal, the dragon.

Dragons had been sleeping beneath the Earth's crust, and after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki began to reappear in the world. After that, The Border went up and tensions have been high between the humans and the dragons. Neither species is allowed across the border, and this new friendship is nothing less than treason for the girl and the dragon.

I've had the burning question on the back of my mind on what genre this book would fall under. I kept considering magic realism, but Carrie Vaughn incorporated the dragons so seamlessly into our "reality" that it hardly felt like it had any magical elements other than what we would consider the out-of-place fire-breathing beasts. So the fact that the world is so believable really gets the story going.

The plot isn't anything terribly new. Warring countries, two children meet by chance and discover they are alike, they try to stop the war. I'm not about to say that it's like every other book I've ever read, but it's definitely a plot I've seen before. Originality aside, it's definitely well paced. I read through it fairly quick without moments of dull scenes.

The characters are truly the heart of this book though. In that world in which everyone lives under constant fear, it's a breath of fresh air to see these two characters who live and do things, just for the experience. Many times when Kay and Artegal question each others actions, or why they're even friends. The answer is always the same, for the adventure. And that's something I haven't seen in a while. A character's drive is always unique, but the sense of fun and adventure that followed Kay and Artegal is one of the reasons I liked Voices of Dragons. They may not be the most memorable of characters to take with you, but while you're engrossed in the story, you may as well feel like you can fly with them.

I'd definitely recommend picking up a copy of Voices of Dragons. If not for the story itself, then to change things up a bit with this fun new novel.

Crazy Beautiful- REVIEW

Lorena's Review of Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

How many re-tellings of Beauty and the Beast are on your shelf? Go on, go count them, I can wait.
I can tell you how many I have.

Five.

Five different books, by five different authors to tell me in five different ways how a girl and a beast fall in love. So when I picked up Crazy Beautiful it wasn't because I wanted someone else to tell me how a girl was trapped in a castle by a tormented monster. I already have enough copies of that. But to see how a real life Beauty and a real life Beast can co-exist and fall in love without the need of a wicked witch's spell to bring them together, but their own desires.


Synopsis:
"In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.

Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her. But to Lucius, they mean everything.

They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering.

Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does. "


Review:
If this book was meant to have been a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, it failed.
But if it was meant for more than that, then I shall give it the praise it so much deserves.

What Crazy Beautiful does is more than just retell the story of the girl and the monster. It tells the story of two lovestruck teenagers. A boy tormented and exiled for the monster he's become, and the girl he can never touch.
What Lauren carries through this book isn't the formula to recreate the fairytale, but the raw emotions that run deep in the story that makes Beauty and the Beast what it is today.

I know what the flap of the book says, I'm just telling you it's a load of bull. This story is too powerful to be marked as just another retelling of an old tale. There's no magic, no enchantment, only the magic of what Lucius and Aurora make out of life, and how they choose to live it. They aren't bogged down to the lifespan of a single red rose, but by their own decisions, their own mistakes.

Crazy Beautiful is really an easy book to read. It's dark, sure, and might even make you question your own actions. But I'd easily recommend it to anyone, with only 208 pages, there's no reason not to read it. Again I'll warn you. Don't dive into this book hoping to see a boy who's own vanity has transformed him into a monster. There are plenty of other books I could recommend for that, but this just isn't it. This is only if you want to enter the mind of a boy who's monstrosity has been created by the society around him, and the one girl that can help him.

Radiant Shadows- REVIEW

Lorena's Review of Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

I sometimes feel awkward writing reviews so far away from a book's publication date, but I couldn't help myself, I need to tell you about this book. Wow, I haven't been this excited since Ink Exchange was released. For those of you unfamiliar with the Wicked Lovely series, odd numbered books are part of the canon series, while even numbered ones are stand-alone novels in the same universe. Radiant Shadows is the fourth book in Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series.

Forget the troubles of the Summer Court and let yourself be lured to the shadows of the Dark Court. War is on the doorstep of the fairy courts, and their fates might rest in the hands of a Hound and an Assassin.


Synopsis:
"Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.
Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.
Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries’ coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani’s death. Ani isn’t one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin’s plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?"


Review:
One of the biggest things I noticed about Radiant Shadows, if not the first, was that it was lighter than Ink Exchange. You wouldn't think anything surrounding the Dark Court could be taken in such a manner. But as I closed the cover of the book, I found myself feeling...well...happy. This isn't a feeling I normally associate with the Wicked Lovely stand-alones, but it just felt so right. There's such a feeling of triumph and completion to be had when this book is finished, it's just blissful. I couldn't think of a better novel to start the year off with.

I'll take this time to admit it, I'm a sucker for the antihero, and who could be a better candidate for such a character than a man who is the pure embodiment of logic and war. Devlin is such a well crafted character, that throughout the entire novel I wanted nothing more than to understand his point of view. A need to follow his court, his queen, while at the same time controlling his desires and his heart. Following him was an intense ride to say the least.

There is a point I'd like to make out before I go on a rant about how everyone should read Radiant Shadows. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I would strongly recommend reading the first three books (Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, and Fragile Eternity) before picking it up. There are many parts of the story that, while irrelevant to the plot, would just make a lot more sense with the knowledge of the previous novels.

Now to the wicked ones and the lovelies, to the fans of fantasy, to those hopeless romantics, and anyone who is willing. I say to you, read this book. Melissa's intricate fusion of strong characters and amazing storytelling will transport you to a place that's not too far from home, and still feel out of this world.

Radiant Shadows will be available wherever books are sold April 20th, 2010



You can read Lorena's review of Fragile Eternity over on this post.

Hush, Hush- REVIEW

Lorena's Review of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

So every once in a while I tend to find one of those books that well, unless I finish it I just can't work. Hush, Hush is my latest one. Everything about this book just called to me. The story, the characters, the cover! Everytime I tried to put it down I would find myself sneaking glances at it till I had it back in my hands. It was that good.

Love was never part of the deal for Nora, her all work and no play attitude never left her interested in boys. Until Patch came around. With a smile and a look, Nora was caught, against her better judgment, by his attraction. But after a series of strange encounters, she's caught in a web of lies in which she doesn't know who to trust. She's falling for the fallen, and it just may cost her more than she's willing to pay.

If you haven't done so already, go out and get yourself a copy of this book. It really is not one to miss. It's such an moving story with such a well paced plot. I literally couldn't put it down. The characters are so beautifully crafted, but in ways that you just wouldn't expect. Patch at a first glance seems like your everyday bad boy, but the layers of character that he has are just beautifully interlaced, I honestly felt he'd fly right out of the book. Hush, Hush isn't all rainbows and romance. It's dark, it's deep, and the mystery of the story is so rich, the whole "one more chapter before bed" thing isn't going to work. You'll keep turning and turning till you find yourself reading the back flap, trying to find more story to read, trying to take in as much as you can. I know I did.

There are no credentials as to who would enjoy this book, it has something for everyone. It's got action, it's got romance, mystery, revenge, chases, true love, miracles. Brownie points if you got the reference. Point is, it has just a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy.

Hush, Hush has a sequel, Crescendo, in the works to be published Fall of 2010.

Fire - REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

Lorena's review of Fire by Kristin Cashore

Back in 2008 when a friend brought me an ARC of Graceling, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, this new world of the Seven Kingdoms with new people I knew nothing about. I'm not sure what it was that hit me, but by the time I was done turning the last page, there was nothing I wanted more than to immerse myself in the world of the gracelings a become a part of their story.

Now, far beyond the mountains, across Grella's Pass, a new story unfolds for me.

In the hills of the Dells there is rumored to live a woman so beautiful, that the mere sight of her will cost you not only your free will, but your entire being. Fire, a seventeen-year-old woman, has the power to read and control minds, she is the last of her kind, the human monster. Her father, a human monster much like herself, was a man both feared, and adored. He taught Fire to control her powers, to make men kneel before her. A power that she never wanted. Now the Dells are riddled with war, they have become a land where enemy spies may lurk behind any corner. So when Prince Brigan comes to beg for Fire's help, she'll realize there's more at stake than the secrets of the innocent, but the fate of the kingdom as well.

This book it just, wow, I can't even begin to describe how much I loved reading it. It's the perfect mix of joy, sadness, despair, and love, that when put together create this amazing character named Fire. She is perfect in every way possible, and that, is her sin. If you enjoyed Graceling, you will NOT want to miss this. I'll admit, I was a little sad that the story didn't touch up on Katsa or Po. But, though it's only a companion novel to the original story, it does share a key character to both stories. Goes to show how much one man can change the world. I've thought it over all summer, and in all honesty, I can't pick which one I like best. I just know that Fire has so much going for it, the drama, the inner demons, the romance! Amazing? No. Beautiful? Perhaps. There just aren't any words that can accurately describe just how much I enjoyed this book.

Fire really does have something for everybody. To fans of action, romance, and mystery alike, this book is just waiting to fall into your hands.



You can read Lorena's review of Graceling over on this post.

Now on to the fun stuff.

This upcoming Sunday, Kristin Cashore will be, pardon the pun, gracing Books & Books with her presence. So, why not build up a little hype with a giveaway!

Sorry, once again, this will only be open to those who can attend the event to pick up their prize.

:Rules:.

• Tell us, if you could have a grace, what would it be, and why?
  
• E-mail your answer to YAthenaeum@yahoo.com or comment below.
  
• Be sure to include your name.
• You must be present at the event to claim your prize.
  
• Deadline: October 11th at 9a.m. Eastern Time

.:Ways to Enter:.

• +1: Comment or e-mail with your ideal grace.
• +1: Link this contest to your blog, facebook, twitter, etc. Each link is a separate entry, but make sure you give us each to receive credit.
• +1: Attending the signing. Book will be raffled at the event.

.:Prizes:.

1 Contestant will receive:

• (1) Signed copy of Fire by Kristin Cashore

Good luck, and hope to see you all there!

-The YAthenaeum Team

The Miles Between- REVIEW

Erika's review of The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson

So, I started writing this review on a plane, which for those who have read the book will find the irony in that.

The Miles Between is one of those books that if I say too much about will completely spoil everything. I can tell you it's about a girl named Destiny who feels betrayed by her parents, does not want to get attached to anything, and feels that everything goes wrong on October 19. This October 19th however is different. This day takes Destiny on a road-trip that gives her friendship, adventure, and helps her to expose herself.

There are fantastical elements along with realistic. It has just enough to make you believe which is in a sense the moral of the book itself. It plays with the question of if coincidences exist and also what is reality. It's not only this that makes the story so strong and heart-wrenching, but the twists and turns as a whole that the road-trip takes you on. The Miles Between is filled with so much emotion that it has the ability to make you laugh on one page while cry a few later.

Those who are not completely into realistic fiction may love this as much as those who do. If you want to go on a wonderful trip inside a book, pick The Miles Between up now; I highly recommend you do.

Monster's Proof-REVIEW and CONTEST

This Contest is Closed

We have a special post for you all in honor of the release of Monster's Proof by Richard Lewis today. You may remember Richard's Q&A with us a few months ago (if not it can be found here). So, in honor of the release, we have both a review and a contest:

Erika's Review of Monster's Proof by Richard Lewis

I took a look at the cover and was slightly creeped out, but then I opened it. (Though the actual cover is better than the ARC cover, which is the one I have) What I found inside was nothing like I predicted from the cover it would be. It was much better! It just goes to show that the saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover" is true. Monster's Proof is about a math equation that is brought to life, which just thinking about is slightly terrifying. It's about the question, what if an equation could be brought to life and didn't like how the world was. Imagine that, then pick up this book to find out what happens. Anyways, Lively is a cheerleader who isn't even good at math, though both her brother, Darby, and her father are math geniuses. Her brother finds their great-aunt's notebook and tries to finish her proof. It goes wrong (well, actually right) and read it to find out more!

Monster's Proof has something for everyone. There's math, mystery, romance, angels, equations, a math cult... What more could you ask for? I fell in love with another character (if I said what or who it would kind of ruin it). Overall, Monster's Proof played with many of my emotions, which makes it worth reading. Even if you don't like math, there are many other elements that will draw you into the book, I mean, Lively doesn't like it either, and she's one of the main characters. Personally it had me thinking about the mathematical concepts and how creepy if it were possible. It shows that sometimes it is normal to be scared of math, though other times you shouldn't be. Those who like math, those who don't, girls, boys, fantasy-lovers, and the list goes on, will all find some way to relate to the characters in Monster's Proof and will enjoy it.


Now for the contest.:

Richard Lewis is giving us the first signed public copy of Monster's Proof to give one of you.
RULES

• Leave a comment on this post or send an e-mail to yathenaeum@yahoo.com(with the subject as "Monster's Proof Contest")
• Please include your name and e-mail address.
• Entry deadline is July 30th at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.

How To Enter

• Think of a seeming contradiction and then try to prove it. For example, you could prove why blue sky is good but feeling blue is not. The best and most original proof wins.

PRIZE

• One contestant will win a signed copy of Monster's Proof by Richard Lewis.

Good luck! We're looking forward to reading the proofs!

-The YAthenaeum Team

Peace Love & Baby Ducks Release

In honor of the release of Peace Love & Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle today, we decided to post this short note to link to Erika's review of it from April seeing as it is now available.

Peace Love & Baby Ducks-REVIEW

Enjoy!

-The YAthenaeum Team

Being Nikki- REVIEW

Erika’s Review of Being Nikki by Meg Cabot

When’s the next one coming out? That’s the first thing that went through my mind when it was over. In Being Nikki, Nikki (Em) has to deal with the fact that Nikki’s (the real one) brother comes to her looking for her (Nikki’s) mom, that Christopher wants to destroy Stark with her (Nikki since he doesn't know Em is alive...) help, that she feels more separated from her (Em’s) family, and she also has her model jobs that she can’t get out of. Does this sound too much for one supermodel to handle? Possibly, but Nikki (Em) has to find a way to finish it all, I guess being two people may help or just make it worse.

Once you pick the book up it’s hard to put down. Every page is just as great as the one before it. You fully understand the struggles Em/Nikki has to go through and feel her emotions. I'm not sure how I could stand being in her situation. It's especially hard at the end when there’s no more pages to turn and there's a major twist (a part even almost made me cry). It’s hard to have to wait for Runaway (and I have to wait even longer since I got an ARC. Meg, if you happen to need help editing Runaway, just ask…). Though the fact that it’s only a trilogy makes me sane since I know it should be finalized after Runaway.

I highly recommend Being Nikki, though make sure to read Airhead first (it was just as good). It has romance, humor, mystery, and everything else a Meg Cabot book has that makes them so addicting. Though the Airhead series in general is a slightly different angle than Meg’s other books, I think anyone who likes Meg’s books, everyone who likes mysteries, and mostly everyone else will love it!

MirrorMask - REVIEW

Welcome to the YAthenaeum Movie Script Special!

Brigitte & Lorena's Review of MirrorMask by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean

Now. MirrorMask is the cause of obsession for many people, ourselves included. Why you ask? Because it is amazing. That is all.

Now, serious mask on, MirrorMask is about a young teenager (Helena) who's having a not so great life. While young children may dream of running away to join the circus, she dreams of running away and joining real life. But one evening, while having a recurring argument with her mother, Helena wished she would be the death of her. Not too soon after, her mother falls ill and the overbearing guilt sends Helena spiraling into the labyrinth of her creation, the City of Drawings.

Now in this mysterious world she vaguely recognizes, she discovers that the city of light is in a predicament much like her own. The White Queen has fallen into an unbreakable slumber, and while she rests, The Darkness has begun to swallow her kingdom and it's inhabitants. Now Helena, with nothing more than her fluffy bunny slippers, and Valentine at her side, must embark on a journey to find the "charm" and wake the White Queen.


Gaiman's and McKean's ability to allow you to transcend into a world where anything can happen, the quirky characters that you can't help to fall in love with, and the humorous yet resonating dialogue makes MirrorMask one of the best books/movies I have ever seen. Visuals are also one of the strongest virtues of the movie. Supported by the rich storytelling and beautiful art direction, Mirrormask takes the phrase "So real you can almost step into it," to a new level of surreal-ity. It's a world where statements of common use to us, will become the basis for their laws. After all, we shouldn't leave A Really Useful Book lying around a library, it'll just depress the rest of them.

Warning: This movie/book should only be enjoyed by those who love blurring the lines of reality and dreams without the need of hallucinogens.

Peace, Love & Baby Ducks- REVIEW

Erika's Review of Peace, Love & Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

Lauren Myracle wrote an incredible book yet again. Peace, Love & Baby Ducks is a great book about sisterly love and friendship. The main plot is about Carly, a sophomore who likes to be different, and Anna's, Carly's sister who is a freshman, relationship with each other. They live in an upscale part of Atlanta and attend a private religious school, which both contribute a lot to the story. Both of them are completely different and yet are extremely close. Overall, it's about the changes that go on in their lives, the events that come up, and how this all effects their sisterly-ness.

I cried near the end (If I said why, I'd spoil it)... Screamed at Carly a few times for not seeing what was in front of her face... Was annoyed at Anna... Loved a certain guy (I think if I said who this would be spoiled too)... And overall was filled with many emotions. Besides just the sister aspect, Myracle also combats racism, freedom to think for yourself, and religious freedom. As well as there being romance and humor (this is Lauren we're talking about). All of these aspects are found in a delightful, entertaining novel that shows real friendship and real sisters. I saw some aspects of my own relationship with my sister. Anyone who has ever had a sibling or close friend (which is most people) will easily relate to the characters because of this. Myracle did a brilliant job in combining it all into a realistic and enjoyable novel that is hard to put down.

(This book comes out May 14, 2009)

Fragile Eternity - REVIEW

Lorena's Review of Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

When all odds seem to be against you, and there really seems to be nowhere else to turn. What would you be willing to give for eternity in our lover's arms? Your past, your future, your freedom?

Seth Morgan was never the romantic. He never saw himself spending the rest of his days lounging about with a lover in his arms- until he met Aislinn. Now she's all he thinks about, his new life, and with whom he wishes to spend it with. But what's one lifetime to the immortal queen of the summer faeries.

Taking place shortly after the events of Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity weaves the tales of Faery through the eyes of Seth. The Summer court, now renewed with a Summer Queen, is experiencing a surge of power that had been lost through nine centuries of searching. And with Summer quickly approaching, it seems to be getting harder and harder for Seth's relationship with Aislinn to hold out to her lusting for her Summer King, Keenan. But while she tries to ignore it, it becomes clearer everyday. Seth is mortal, time will pass her by in the blink of an eye, and he will die. It's all a matter of time.

But Seth wants more than a lifetime, he wants eternity.

It's been over a year since the release of Melissa Marr's Ink Exchance, and fans, at least where I am concered, have all been anxious for this novel, and it doesn't dissapoint. I'll admit, I've never been a big fan of Seth, and actually I've never understood why myself. But after reading Fragile Eterniry... it was like seeing him for the first time. In the likes of getting off to a rocky start with someone, and introducing yourself again. He's such a fragile character, so anxious to protect his lover, to help his friends. And I think that now, I get him, his character's open to me. Through Fragile Eternity we get a new light on the courts, and the turmoil they are in. War is at their doorstep, and it all seems to dangle on the thread of Seth's life.

How could one mortal be the catalyst for a possible faery war? You'll have to read it to find out.

Radiant Darkness- REVIEW

Julie's review of Radiant Darkness By: Emily Whitman

Ah the story of Persephone… You know the myth in which Demeter’s young innocent daughter is kidnapped by Hades and taken to be the queen of the underworld, but then Demeter responds by bringing draught and famine to Earth until Zeus grants her Persephone back. However before she was sent for Hades forced 6 pomegranate seeds down her throat so she had to return to the Underworld 6 months out of the year. Well think again...

Radiant Darkness tells the real story of Persephone, the story I chose to believe. In the story Demeter is Persephone’s over protective mother who wants to keep her daughter a child forever. However, Persephone longs for freedom, until one day a handsome king comes near her home and proposes her an offer to be his queen in the underworld. While she is there she must learn how to be a queen while also dealing with the fact her mother will stop at nothing to get her back. (Or so she thinks) People are dying because of her selfish mother and Persephone must make a choice, her love and death, or a healthy Earth and a life alone.

Radiant Darkness is a beautiful tale of love, desire, and choices. This novel will certainly keep you locked in your room as the quality of the writing keeps you reading what is on the page and the suspense created keeps you turning the page. In addition, most teens will find it easy to relate to the independence-wanting Persephone, as I did. Throughout the novel you see home much Persephone matures in a short amount of time and it just goes to show all teens immortal and mortal want the same thing: FREEDOM!!!

Ransom My Heart- REVIEW

Brigitte's review of Ransom My Heart by Meg Cabot

A fiery heroine that allows no man, no thing control her.

A man whose goal now is to charm his way through life and women.

What should happen if these two characters meet? Upheaval? Mass chaos? Understatement.

When Finnula's dear innocent sister gets herself pregnant and manages to waste all her dowry on trinkets, its up to Finnula (the sole Diana/Artemis of the village) to scrounge up the money to save her sister's reputation. Finnula then hears of a series of strange events occuring in her village: women holding men hostage and making their families pay a ransom for their safe return. Enter Hugo Fitzstephen on his way home from the Crusades with inconspicuous bags bulging with gold. A perfect target you might say. Wrong. He's also the Earl of her village along with the lands that surround it and she could have made the mistake of falling in love with the winsome hostage, with him all too willing to take the plunge. But their love soon attracts jealous enemies desperate for their money and their lives.

Meg Cabot's Ransom My Heart is a sweet romance novel with a twist regarding the average woman and a hearty serving of danger, secrecy and false identities. If you're looking for an escape from darker novels, pick up this book; its romantic plotline, humorous dialogue and unseen plot twists will keep your spirits high even when it exposes more serious topics just below the surface.

The Rule of Claw- REVIEW

Lorena’s Review of The Rule of Claw by John Brindley

The future has always held many things for humanity. Robots, flying cars, you name it, it's been done. But what isn't often told is what could happen, if it all goes wrong. If somewhere through time, we mess up, and the fate of the human race dangles on a thread held by a handful of teenagers.

Ash and her friends are the only teenagers left on Earth. Beyond the the fence of the ASL camp is only death and danger in the woods. They've grown up without adults, dreaming only of the world from their magazines, and trusting their 5 commandments.
Honor your father and mother. You shall do no murder. You shall not steal. You shall not- shall not covet your neighbors house. Surf's always up- Honor the best rider like your father and mother.

But now the rules no longer apply. When Ash is captured by a savage clan of raptors, she must not only fight for her life, but for the future of her entire race.

John Brindley's The Rule of Claw was unlike anything I've ever read. And to be honest, it scared me. At our pace, is this what evolution will lead us to? The fate of humanity, dangling by the hairs of kids who've never known life outside their camp? The book really is intense, the characters all blissfully Innocent, and thrown into a war that was not theirs to fight. I'd easily recommend this to anyone who needs a break from the otherworldly fantasy we've gotten so used to reading. Just pick it up and read a few pages in, it will really change you.

13 Little Blue Envelopes- REVIEW

Erika’s Review of 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

{There had to be a review of one of Maureen’s books during BEDA. It was practically a rule (that I made-up myself…)}

13 Little Blue Envelopes begins with seventeen-year-old Ginny receiving a little blue envelope from her dead aunt that directs her on a journey to retrace her aunt’s footsteps. It’s just like a game the both used to play except this time it literally takes Ginny traveling around the world. Ginny follows the envelopes and her aunt’s rules to New York, London, Paris, Greece and many other places in between so she can see life as her aunt had seen it.

It’s kind of like The Amazing Race, just for one girl who wins a lot more than money, she learns more about her aunt, as well as herself, and meets incredible people along the way. It’s a book that’s really hard to put down because it’s easy to get sucked into Ginny’s travels and wanting to know what happens next. I kept telling myself, “one more envelope” and then I’ll sleep, “Fine, another…” and soon it was 3am. 13 Little Blue Envelopes has romance, humor, adventure… It is overall entertaining; while at the same time has lessons that everyone can learn. I highly recommend it.