Cinder: Book One in the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Image from Google

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Publication: January 3, 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-0312641894, Hardcover
Reviewer Source: Advance Reader Copy

Synopsis of book from Amazon: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Personal thoughts on book:
The new series The Lunar Chronicles has received a lot of hype the last couple of  months and after reading Cinder: Book One, I do have to agree with the hype. I cannot wait to see what happens in book two.  I was not able to put the book down.

In this new twist on Cinderella, Cinder is a cyborg who wants to go to the ball but again her stepmother will not allow her to go. Cinder meets Prince Kai when he brings her an android to repair. There seems to be some sort of attraction but Cinder realizes if the Prince realizes she is a cyborg he will never like her. Prince Kai has other things to worry about such as Queen Levana of Lunar who would like an alliance with him through marriage.

Cinder has a lot of anger and trust issues but it is understandable because of the way she has been treated. She also is very fuzzy about her background before becoming a cyborg.

As I was reading the book, I was able to imagine the world of New Beijing. This is an action packed book with vivid characters. There were moments of predictably in the book and I think the reader may be able to figure out who Cinder really is. Even so, I recommended checking out Cinder. You won't be disappointed.

Violence/Disturbing images: People dying from the plague, violence againest androids and humans

Happy New Year!!

Happy 2012!

Summer and the City: A Carrie Diaries Novel by Candace Bushnell

Image from RPL

Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication: April 26, 2011
Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN:978-0061728938, Hardcover
Reviewer Source: Library

Synopsis of book from Amazon: Summer is a magical time in New York City and Carrie is in love with all of it—the crazy characters in her neighborhood, the vintage-clothing boutiques, the wild parties, and the glamorous man who has swept her off her feet. Best of all, she's finally in a real writing class, taking her first steps toward fulfilling her dream.


This sequel to The Carrie Diaries brings surprising revelations as Carrie learns to navigate her way around the Big Apple, going from being a country "sparrow"—as Samantha Jones dubs her—to the person she always wanted to be. But as it becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile her past with her future, Carrie realizes that making it in New York is much more complicated than she ever imagined.

With her signature wit and sparkling humor, Candace Bushnell reveals the irresistible story of how Carrie met Samantha and Miranda, and what turned a small-town girl into one of New York City's most unforgettable icons, Carrie Bradshaw.

Personal thoughts on book:I enjoyed reading The Carrie Diaries but it took me a long, long time to finish Summer and the City, the sequel book. Carrie is in NYC and is hanging out with Samantha. This young Carrie is very different than the Carrie from the SATC series. She does a lot of complaining, very jealous, and self-centered. During her summer in NYC, she ends up taking a writing class at the New School and meets a lot of interesting characters. Samantha in the book is (gasp) engaged which if you know her character from the SATC series, you would find that somewhat unbelievable. Carrie meets Miranda and the two do not hit it off at first. Things do change as they realize they have things in common. Similar to the SATC series, there is plenty of talk about men, fashion, and parties. You get to see a softer side of Samatha which is different from her character in the series. If you are a fan of the series and want more of Samatha, Miranda, and Carrie at a younger age, give it a try.

Sexual content: Obsession with losing virginity
Violence/Disturbing images:
Drugs and Language: Underage drinking

---

13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Image from RPL

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: 2010
Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN: 0312609140
Reviewer Source: Library

Synopsis of the book from Amazon:
Everything about Jessie Gillmansen's life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing. Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she's about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent--he's a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie's small town. It seems change is the one thing Jessie can't avoid...
Personal thoughts on book:
When I first started reading this book, it reminded me of Twilight. Also by reading the copyright page it said "13 to Life: a werewolf's tale" Instead of only one girl being new in town, it was brothers.

Jessica is still hurting from the lost of her mother and loves to spend time with her horses and dogs. Jessica is assigned to show the new student Pietr Rusakove around and it changes her life forever. At first Jessica tries to deny the feelings she has for Pietr with unsuccessful results. I do not want to give away too much of the story but it is a very predictable. Jessica also likes Derek a football player. Pietr is quick to point out that guys like Derek don't like girls like Jessica.

Sometimes I cannot understand why Jessica likes Pietr or her reckless behavior. But I think that will appeal to the reader. I was sometimes confused on which character was talking or what was going on in the story. Overall I think it will appeal to fans of the Twilight series or Wolves of Mercy Falls. This was book one and I found out book four was published in August. Book five will be published in 2012.

Sexual Content:Kissing
Violence/Disturbing images: Girl fighting, violence at the end of the book
Drugs and Language:  Not really.

I'm Back!

It has been over a year since I wrote my last book review. My goal is to write at least three book reviews each week.

The Duff (Designed Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger

Image from RPL

Publisher: Poppy
Publication: September 7, 2010
Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-0316084239, Hardcover
Reviewer Source: Advance Reader Copy

Synopsis of book from Amazon:Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.
Personal thoughts on book:
What a great debut book from Kody Keplinger. Honesty when I saw the title, The Duff, I did not put much thought into what it might mean. Then I read the cover and then I saw it said Designed Ugly Fat Friend and I thought this is going to be an interesting book.

Bianca "The Duff" is a cynical, aggressive and I thought she was a lovable character.  I would not want to mess with her.  She speaks her mind and does not always care what other people think or if she upsets them. I remember how it sometimes sucked being a teenager. Wesley sounded like a jerk at first but underneath you start to believe that maybe there is more to him than just having girls chase him.

Even when she realizes that she is the "Duff" she does not try to make major changes herself. I can of think sometimes how I have felt like the "Duff" and I think a lot of girls will realize that anyone even a beautiful person can be a "Duff".

Overall I think this is going to be a hit with the YA population. It was easy to read and very insightful from a young author. It's not the typical girl swooning over guy YA fiction. This is a lot edgier.

Sexual content: Lots of sex...I am not used to reading a book with so much sex. :) 
Violence/Disturbing images: Brief violent scene
Drugs and Language: Like many people Bianca swears. Alcohol is consumed a little too much by one of the characters and it's not a pretty picture.

Dark Song by Gail Giles



Image from RPL




Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication: September 7, 2010
Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-0316068864, Hardcover
Reviewer Source:Advance Readers Copy

Synopsis of book from Amazon:
Ames is not the person she was a few months ago. Her father lost his job, and her family is crumbling apart. Now, all she has is Marc. Marc, who loves her more than anything. Marc, who owns a gun collection. And he'll stop at nothing--even using his guns--to get what he wants. Ames feels her parents have betrayed her with their lies and self-absorption, but is she prepared to make the ultimate betrayal against them?

Personal thoughts on book:
When I read the back cover of Dark Song, I knew it would be a dark story and I was not displeased. I might have wanted the story to be a little bit darker.
 
As I was reading the book, I did not find many of the characters likable. At first, I could see how Ames the narrator, was upset since everyone was lying to her at home but then she started acting like a princess and I did not feel sorry for her. Her mother and father were horrid and I felt sorry for Ames' little sister Chrissy. Chrissy seemed to be the only one in the family who was thinking reasonable and she was six.

The story was believable and I wanted to know what would happen next. So many families today are losing their picture perfect lives due to living beyond their means. Even though the narrator was a young teenage girl, I believe that teenage boys will find an interest in this book. If you are looking for a page turner, then this is your book.

Sexual content: sex with an older man but it is not graphic.
Violence/Disturbing images: guns, bursts of violent behavior from many different characters in book
Drugs and language: pot smoking, drinking, and light swearing