Annette's Book Spot

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #4

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #4. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book #4 is:

The Sky is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson

Click on the title to read my full review. Let me just say, if you like contemporaries at all you have to read this. Some adjectives I used in my review: special, poetic, lyrical, beautiful, romantic. This is one of the few books that I used multiple quotes from in my review -- there were so many special things about it. The story is about loss and love. Here's a quote from my review:

They all are struggling in one way or another, and don’t seem to realize that they all need each other to get through this. Nelson tells this story as if she’s lived through it, with such compassion and understanding. One way Lennie has of working through her sadness is to write poems on scraps of paper and then leave them in random places around town. Each one of these poems is a work of art itself.

I don't know what else I can say, except just writing this makes me want to go get this and read it again. You really should.....

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 3!

Book Review: Every Other Day, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

While I enjoyed the premise and the plot of Every Other Day, there were details that were missing or confusing that hindered the experience.

Kali spends every other day as a human, and the odd days as "something else." On these odd days, she hunts preternatural creatures, such as hellhounds, and saves people from the terrors these creatures cause. She is almost invincible, and any injuries she receives are quickly healed overnight.

So she gets this chupacabra inside of her, because she saves a human (Brittany) from certain demise. She thinks by taking the chupacabra herself, she can defeat it when she changes into her non-human form. Because of this act, she forms an unnatural friendship with Brittany and Skylar (who is "a little bit psychic.") I really enjoyed these three characters. They are so different, and circumstances have thrown them together, and it is interesting to see them grow and change as they become more accepting of each other.

The chupacabra speaks to Kali in her head. It makes her very sick while she is human, but once she transforms, it makes her stronger and Kali realizes that another being (Zev) is the one talking to her. He has another chupacabra in him, and he is being held against his will somewhere.

I really had a problem with the lore. We were told how Kali was stronger, hungrier, and healed faster with this creature in her, but since we really didn't know her before the chupacabra, it really didn't mean anything. There wasn't enough back story about Kali's past. The part about Zev was confusing to me. I didn't get why all of a sudden Kali was hell-bent to save Zev. I didn't understand the difference between the chupacabra and Zev.

Skylar seemed to have a brother for any situation. A vet, an FBI agent, and some others that I don't remember. They seemed to come and go as needed, but didn't really add much as characters, just provided expertise.

Barnes keeps the story moving, and there was a nice buildup of tension and some heart-stopping action at the end of the book. There was a nice resolution, which made this seem like a stand-alone, but I'm sure Kali could return for other adventures. This was an interesting adventure story, I just didn't always understand the "why" behind the action.

This one is appropriate for all teens. The main characters are female, but I see no reason boys wouldn't enjoy this kick-ass heroine as well.

Published by EgmontUSA, December 27, 2011
eBook review copy obtained from NetGalley
336 pages

Rating: 2.5/5

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Winners of My Holiday Giveaway

Announcing the winners of my Holiday Giveaway:

Congratulations to Jen from Some Like it Paranormal, who won The Space Between

and

Helen from Helen's Book Blog, who won The Future of Us.

Thanks to everyone who entered and Happy Holidays!

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #5

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #5. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 5 is a bit different, because it's a series. I justify this choice because I read the entire series this year, and all the books received 5/5 ratings. And how perfect that the series ended up on the "Five Golden Rings" day!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth, The Dark and Hollow Places, and The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Click on the titles to see my original reviews of these books. Like I alluded to yesterday, I would have never thought I would be a "zombie lover." The Forest of Hands and Teeth was the first zombie book I read, and I was hooked. Ryan is a masterful story-teller, and these books contain action, romance, tension, and everything I love in a book. Some quotes from my reviews:

From Forest of Hands and Teeth:

I really liked all the characters. Ryan makes you care about all of them, even with their faults. Their reactions to disaster are believable from people who are under this much pressure constantly. The end brings some sadness, some safety, and still a lot of questions to be answered.

The Dead-Tossed Waves is so much more than a zombie book. It’s about survival, adventure, family, romance, and even explores what it means to be “alive.”

How can she do that? How can she write such intense TERROR, and then write such insightful thoughts? To me, that’s what is special about Carrie Ryan.

From Dark & Hollow Places:

This book is heart-wrenching, and takes your breath away at the close calls and misery they sometimes must endure.

Ryan, once again, makes the reader feel connected to these characters and long for them to achieve all their hopes and dreams. There’s romance and tenderness as well as terror. All I can say is she’s done it again… keep it coming!

If you like thrilling paranormal books, even if you don't like zombies, I still highly recommend you try these. You just might change your mind!

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 4!

Monday, December 19, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- #6

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #6. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 6 is:

Dust & Decay, by Jonathan Maberry

Click on the title to read my full review. I loved Rot & Ruin, but it didn't quite make my top 12 books. Dust & Decay beat it out by a smidge. I really got into zombies this year. I never thought I'd say that (more on that tomorrow though...) I loved this one because of the tension, non-stop action, and yet the book was emotional. I cried. I laughed. I got to know the characters better, and I still think about how they're doing and am waiting for the next book so I can find out.

Do you ever do that? After you finish a fictional book, you keep wondering about where the characters are, and how they are doing? And then you think, "Wait. It's just a story. Those characters don't exist." I love it when a book can do that. What a talented author. Here are some quotes from my review:

It's action packed, but the characters are so loveable that you want them to conquer these obstacles so badly! I also love that Maberry has created all of these colorful zom hunters. Each one is unique, creative, and entertaining. And...the villains are just as unique and horrible!

I love that there is an ending to the book. This episode is over, and there is closure. But, the journey isn’t over, and now they must decide whether to go back to Mountainside or continue on to the east.

If you love zombies, you have to read this series. If you love colorful, exciting characters and a thrilling plot, you should give these a chance.

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 5! (Five GOLDEN Rings!!!)

Sunday, December 18, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas - Book #7

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #7. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 7 is:

Virals, by Kathy Reichs

Click on the title to read my full review. I love Reichs' Temperance Brennan books, and so when I found out she was writing a book for teens about Temperance's niece, well, I was all over that! And the book didn't disappoint. Now, it's not about a forensic investigation, like Temperance's books, but its about some really intelligent teens outsmarting some really intelligent (and crooked) adults. There's action, and danger, and I ended up loving the book. Yes, it's a bit far-fetched at times, but hey, the entertainment value more than made up for that. From my review:

The Virals (as they call themselves) must still struggle to prevail, even though they have some extra weapons, so I was able to invest in the outcome and root for the good guys. The twists and turns kept you on your toes. I started to suspect the bad guy, but not until about three-fourths of the way through.

It's a rather long book, but teens who like these types of teen adventures will want to read this. The sequel, Seizure, is already out (and on my TBR!)

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 6!

IMM - Another fun Week

I didn't get a great quantity of books this week, but what I got has made me pretty happy!

For Review:

Scored, by Lauren McLaughlin, from Random Buzzers

Fall of Angels: The Complete Trilogy, by Keary Taylor, from the author

Includes: Branded, Forsaken, Vindicated, and the novelette, Afterlife

The Agency: The Traitor in the Tunnel, by Y.S. Lee, from NetGalley

Hope you all had a great week. I"ll be looking forward to checking out your mailboxes, although I have a busy couple of days, so it might take a while! (I'm sure you can all relate.) Are you all having as much trouble reading and blogging because of the distractions of the holiday season as I am???

IMM is hosted each week by Kristi, The Story Siren. Thanks, Kristi!

And...

My giveaway ends tomorrow, so if you haven't entered, this might be your last chance!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #8

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #8. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 8 is:

The Scorch Trials, by James Dashner

Click on the title to read my entire review. This book is a grabber. It's hard to sit down after just the first few page. It's about kids, who are having a rough time, and have no adults to help them. Actually, it seems like the adults are the ones causing all the problems, so it also tugged at my heartstrings. I wanted to be their mother. The survival aspects are creative and tense. Here's a quote from my review:

The plot moves rapidly, making this a quick read. It's just difficult to put down until all our beloved characters are "safe." But you know there's another story, The Death Cure, so I have a feeling this new-found safety is also short-lived.

Teens, both boys and girls, who like adventure stories love these books. They are never on the shelf very long.

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 7!

Book Review: The Bungalow, by Sarah Jio

The Bungalow was a great mix for me--historical fiction wrapped up in a breathtaking romance.

In 1942, Anne decides to join up and become a nurse in the army. She ends up in Bora-Bora. She is with her best friend, Kitty, but left her fiance at home after postponing the wedding for a year.

A lot happens to Anne and Kitty during their year on the island. Yes, there's horrible injuries to deal with, and lots of them. But there's also romance, accidental pregnancy, unexplained violence, deceit, and even murder.

The war-time details aren't specific. Guadalcanal is mentioned, and heavy fighting and casualties are part of island life, but the book isn't really about the war.

The bungalow, is a small cottage right in the jungle off the beach where Anne and her lover, Westry, meet. The natives think the bungalow is cursed, and anyone who enters will have much bad luck. Anne and Westry don't believe these tales. However, there is a beautiful painting left in the bungalow, and they wonder if maybe a famous French artist lived in the bungalow at one point.

The war story is wrapped by a current-day story, where a mysterious letter arrives and asks Anne (now in her 80s) to return to the island to help solve a murder. This prompts Anne to tell her grand daughter the story of her time in Bora-Bora and her experiences after the war.

Jio writes beautifully and smoothly. It's really a joy to read, and I became wrapped up in these lives. Yes, things end up a little too nicely, and there is a little too much coincidence, but after all, this is a feel-good romance -- and it made me feel good (although a few tears were shed.)

This is really a novel for adults, but mature teen girls who love a warm, romantic story may enjoy this one.

Published by Plume, December 27, 2011
eBook obtained from NetGalley for review
320 pages

Rating: 4/5

Friday, December 16, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #9

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #9. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 9 is:

Forgotten, by Cat Patrick

Click on the title to read my entire review. I described this book as "unputdownable." I loved it because Patrick took a totally unbelievable premise (a girl who forgets everything every night when she falls asleep) and made it believable. And then she added one of the sweetest, romantic boys that just melted my heart. A quote from my review:

There are surprises in store, which keep you on your toes. The ending is not perfect but satisfying. This is a book for young adults, but there’s no reason this book doesn’t have adult appeal. The romantic elements are so heartwarming, and I just felt so deeply moved by what London had to live with day after day.

So try this one if you like a sweet romance, or a teen with a twisted existence. Or both!

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 8!