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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
The Name of the Star
Shades of London #1
Author: Maureen Johnson
Paperback
Pages:400
Published: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Speak
Overview:
The day that Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school is also the day a series of brutal murders breaks out over the city, killings mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper spree of more than a century ago. Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him--the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target. In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.
My Take:
I finally got around to this book! The entire book was quite an interesting read. The way the images just flew off the page was very vivid and great. I could see and feel what was going on. The story kept on going at a great pace. It was interesting to get to know the characters a bit here! A few reasons I grabbed this book was it was a young adult paranormal, takes place in England, Jack the Ripper, and ghosts! Who could not resist those reasons?
The main character is Rory who goes off to school to London. It takes her a while to adjust to the school and roommate. Once all settled in, the The Ripper mania continues to explode. The Cops are on the lookout of what is going to happen next? Can they solve this mystery?
Rory thinks she saw something related to the "Ripper" mania and reports it to the cops. Somehow the cops who get involved with Rory are rather unique cops and the next you know Rory is thrown into the world of ghosts! This was a lot for her to take in. Will Rory be the next victim? Will Rory figure out who it is? What will happen?
There were a few lines in the book that I enjoyed such as: "You told him I had period fever" I replied. "There's no such thing as period fever." This made me laugh. I loved it!
Another line is:
"Fear can't hurt you," she said. "When it washes over you, give it no power. It's a snake with no venom. Remember that. That knowledge can save you." This made me think of power. Knowledge is power!
Go ahead and pick up this read today! I will be getting book two soon! I need to see what happens to Rory!
Story: B
Cover: A
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Disclaimer: I was given this ebook to read from part of a book blog tour in exchange to give it an honest opinion!
Time's Twisted Arrow (The Chronos Files #1)
Author: Rysa Walker
eBook
351 pages
October 1, 2012
Publisher: Gypsy Moon Books
Overview:
They weren't panic attacks. Of that, seventeen year old Kate is certain, no matter what the shrink told her parents. But it's even harder to accept the explanation offered by her terminally ill grandmother - that Kate has inherited designer DNA from the time-traveling historians of CHRONOS, who were stranded in the past by a saboteur. Kate knows that her grandmother's story could easily be the brain tumor talking, but that doesn't explain the odd medallion or the two young men - one of them hauntingly familiar -- who simply vanish before her eyes on the subway. It doesn't explain Trey, the handsome stranger who now occupies Kate's assigned seat in trig class. And it definitely doesn't explain why Kate is now in an alternate timeline, where leaders of a previously unknown cult hold great power and are planning a rather drastic form of environmental defense.
In this new reality, Kate's grandmother was murdered at age twenty-two on a research trip to the past, which means that Kate's mother was never born, her father doesn't know her and, for all intents and purposes, she doesn't exist. The only thing keeping her from disappearing entirely is the strange blue medallion around her neck, and the only thing keeping her sane is her burgeoning relationship with Trey. To restore the time line, Kate must travel back to 1893 and keep herself and her grandmother clear of H.H. Holmes, the serial killer who is stalking young women at the Chicago World's Fair. But that choice comes at a price - she'll remember the past few months with Trey, but when he looks at her, he'll see a total stranger.
My Take:
I loved this story! The book kept going and going with action and keeps your attention to turn the pages to find out more of what will happen with Kate. It was well written and a quick fantastic read.
I loved the main character Kate as she gets thrown into this whole new world of time travel. At first she was not sure about it but destiny calls to her to help. Kate has a gene that allows her to time travel with the medallion which I thought was pretty unique to have written in this story. I love how Kate immerses herself into learning time travel and how it works along with the rules so the time line doesn't get disrupted. She heads back in time to save her grandmother who's a time traveler herself which made my head spin. You'll have to read the book to understand what I'm talking about!! You will love it.
As for the romance department, there's two guys: Kiernan and Trey! Who will the be one for Kate? Kiernan is aware of time traveling and knows quite a bit. Trey is the other guy who falls for Kate during a timeline being disrupted for her. He was there for her and gave her chance to help. Will either one of them remember what is going on and their romance with Kate? Will Kate figure it out as well?
The ending left me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Will there be a sequel? I hope so!!! I want to know what happens next. The characters I just absolutely loved. I'm not indulging in all the details of this fantastic story because you need to read it yourself. It's a great adventure. If you like time travel, a bit of sci fi, adventure and a bit of romance, then this book will fit perfectly with you. You won't regret it! Pick it up today.
Story:A
Cover: B
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Clockwise (Clockwise 1)
Author: Elle Strauss
Format: eBook
Pages: 290
Published: November 21, 2011
Publisher: ESB Publishing
Overview
Casey Donovan has issues: hair, height and uncontrollable trips to the 19th century! And now this—she’s accidentally taken Nate Mackenzie, the cutest boy in the school, back in time. Awkward.
Protocol pressures her to tell their 1860 hosts that he is her brother and when Casey finds she has a handsome, wealthy (and unwanted) suitor, something changes in Nate. Are those romantic sparks or is it just “brotherly” protectiveness?
When they return to the present, things go back to the way they were before: Casey parked on the bottom of the rung of the social ladder and Nate perched high on the very the top. Except this time her heart is broken. Plus, her best friend is mad, her parents are split up, and her younger brother gets escorted home by the police. The only thing that could make life worse is if, by some strange twist of fate, she took Nate back to the past again.
Which of course, she does.
My Take
Casey is quite a character in this book. She time travels since she was 9 years old and has adjusted to it. She adjusts her time between high school, home life, social life and time traveling. She is a very down to earth character and is quite lovable. She is also thinks quickly on her feet given the situations she gets in.
So she gets ready to time travel and somehow ends up taking Nate with her! Well this was a first time and was quite a shock! She of course has a crush on Nate as well. I think it's more of a love and dislike relationship with Nate due to the fact that Nate's girlfriend so does not like Casey. Anyways, Nate at first thinks it's a prank and does not believe it's 1860. Once reality hits Nate, he's shocked and curious at the same time. I think he realizes he had to depend on Casey and the way she took gumption of the situation was great. Do they become friends or enemies when they go back to the normal time? You must read this book to find out.
I love love love the history aspect of this! It allows you to understand history more of how United States was back in 1860! You get a peek of farm life, family life, racism, no transportation and even a bit of sexism pops up. All of these aspects you see in the book and really gives you a sense of it was back in 1860. I enjoyed it!
There are a few other surprises in the book related to the character Samuel which caught me off guard! You'll like this little surprise. The other characters in the book help the story along perfectly. The story is well written and you won't regret reading this book today. If you are looking for something simple and fun to read then this book is for you. I liked it because it was time traveling, adventure, friendship, historical and even perhaps a bit of romance?
Story: A
Cover:B
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
The Dark Unwinding
Sharon Cameron
Pages: 318
Published: September 1, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Hardcover
Overview:
When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.
Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.
As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it.
My Take:
I spied this book in the store as the cover caught my attention. The stunning blue dress was just too good to pass up. Once I had the book in my hands, I read what the story was about and figured to give the book a chance.
Basically Katharine is sent off to get her Uncle committed to the asylum by her greedy Aunt so that the family fortune could be released to her aunt. o off Katarine goes on an adventure in the matters of her uncle. What she finds is that her uncle state is a not crazy, but a genius inventor. It seems that her uncle is great with numbers and somehow could be seen as crazy back then compared today where he might have a disability.
Katharine learns that her Uncle employs quite a few people and begins to feel the burden of what to do. To protect her inheritance or this strange place? What will she decide?
Her uncle's apprentice Lane Moreau requests for a 30 day delay. Katharine accepts the request and she hoped she could pull it off but realizes her Aunt may try to sneak her claws in earlier. She did the best she could.
Of course there is a bit of love going around in this book between Lane Moreau and Ben Alridge and Katharine..so who will win? What will happen? As you find the answers towards the end of the book, it made me relieved!
All the characters in this book were strong and had their own uniqueness. They all played a part of the story. Some were quiet, some were quirky, some were protective and even catches your attention from beginning to end. If you like young adult historical, then this book is for you. The one thing that jumped out at me in the book is the spinning. What is that? You have to read the book to find out.
The ending of the book left me feeling that there could be a sequel. I hope so because this book had my attention and made me wonder what was going to happen. How the story went took me by a complete surprise! Nice little gem to read.
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Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B
Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Time Traveling Fashionista 1
Author: Bianca Turetsky
Pages:262
Published: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Poppy
Overview
What if a beautiful vintage dress could take you back in time?
Louise Lambert has always dreamed of movie starlets and exquisite gowns and longs for the day when she can fill the closet of her normal suburban home with stylish treasures. But when she receives a mysterious invitation to a vintage fashion sale in the mail, her once painfully average life is magically transformed into a time-travel adventure.
Suddenly onboard a luxurious cruise ship a hundred years ago, Louise relishes the glamorous life of this opulent era and slips into a life of secrets, drama, and decadence. . .
My Take
I saw this book in the store one day. Honestly the pink cover caught my attention and I just had to have it. Time traveling by fashion? That is awesome. Of course this book is geared towards 5th-8th graders but the story itself is great! I love the whole book and the themes that are in this book.
Louise Lambert craves for vintage fashion. She can't get enough of it considering she's only twelve years old in the book. So one day she gets an invitation to this vintage fashion sale. She could not resist this. She had to go and off she went! She is on a mission to find a dress for the dress that is coming up.
Off to the store she goes. She ends up meeting these two strange ladies in the shop. While Louise browse the shop, she finds a stunning dress that just calls to her. The two older ladies encourage her to try it on. Loving the dress, Louise eventually gets shipped back in time on a ship! At first she did now know where she was and who she was. But somehow she figures it out and learns she was on the Titanic! She needs to figure out how to save herself and those she's met on the ship? Can she do it?
This was such a fun read and quick too! I love how the author brought these pages to life by the story and illustrations of the gowns and events that were going on. I am also a fan of Titanic stories. So I was glad to make this purchase! The character Louise is a likable, fun and adorable character. One would be happy to go on her journey with her.
The Time Traveling Fashionista at the Palace of Marie Antoinette
Author: Bianca Turetsky
Hardcover
Pages: 272
Published: September 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Overview
Louise Lambert's best friend's thirteenth birthday party is fast approaching, so of course the most important question on her mind is, "What am I going to wear?!" Slipping on an exquisite robin's egg blue gown during another visit to the mysterious Traveling Fashionista Vintage Sale, Louise finds herself back in time once again, swept up in the glory of palace life, fancy parties, and enormous hair as a member of the court of France's most infamous queen, Marie Antoinette.
But between cute commoner boys and glamorous trips to Paris, life in the palace isn't all cake and couture. Can Louise keep her cool-and her head!-as she races against the clock to get home?
My Take:
Louise Lambert shows up again. She is another year older and learns that her father is out of a job and her class trip to France is cancelled due to financial woes. She was feeling a bit bummed out now. Even to make matters worse the one boy she likes seems to like a new student.
The one thing that cheers her up is that she received an invitation for another vintage fashion sale by the two strange ladies that she met from the last book who's names are Marla and Glenda. She arrives to the shop as she glances around checking out the dresses while Marla and Glenda are strange as usual. She somehow finds a stunning blue French gown tucked away. She was tempted to try it on but it wasn't what the owners wanted her to slip on. She transformed back in tome to the world of Marie Antoinette court with politics and drama!
Louise finds herself in shock and sees France for its truth in wealth and poor. She remembers if what her history teacher told of her the events that happen to Marie and tries to fix it. She does her best but somehow realizes she needs to get herself back before the revolt starts. I love how Louise learns about herself again in this journey, how rich history really is and how history can even reflect on your own home.
Another fun and quick read! The illustrations are stunning as usual! I love these series. The pace and history details in this book and previous book is just amazing. I look forward to more from this author! Book three I think will be in the works considering Louise may have a new crush!
Go pick up these series today...great reads, great fun!
Stories Ratings: A
Cover Ratings: A
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Ripper
Author: Amy Carol Reeves
Pages: 340
Publisher: Flux
Published: April 8, 2012
Overview
It's 1888, and after her mother's sudden death, Abbie is sent to live with her grandmother in a posh London neighborhood. When she begins volunteering at Whitechapel Hospital, Abbie finds she has a passion for helping the abused and sickly women there.
But within days, patients begin turning up murdered at the hands of Jack the Ripper. As more women are murdered, Abbie realizes that she and the Ripper share a strange connection: she has visions showing the Ripper luring his future victims to their deaths--moments before he turns his knife upon them. Her desperation to stop the massacres leads Abbie on a perilous hunt for the killer. And her search leads to a mysterious brotherhood whose link to the Ripper threatens not just London but all of mankind.
My Review:
The cover caught my attention immediately! I purchased this book and then started to read.
The setting takes place in 19th century in London. The author immediately makes you feel like you are there during that time period. Of course I liked how Abbie gets thrown into the world of the medical field. She seems to be the type of gal that can handle anything thrown her way. If I was thrown into that situation I don't think I could handle the cases that Abbie attended to. Abbie seems very interested in learning about the medical field and wants to pursue it. I thought this was great. During that time, it was very rare for women to try to pursue this considering most were to be married and have children.
Anyways, the main character is Abbie who has a wild spirit like her mother but is living with her grandmother who wants her to act a certain way. Her grandmother wants Abbie to have the proper upbringing. Although Abbie tries to abide her grandmother's rules but she knows better than to go down that path. She's a generous, kind and a hard worker character.
While she continues to volunteer, she gets visions tied in with Jack the Ripper killing the victims. Abbie is very brave to tolerate those visions she gets. I know I would be out of mind if I saw what Jack the Ripper did. This also gets Abbie's curiosity peaked as she tries to solve who Jack the Ripper is. Abbie also feels guilty that she had to see those women die and she cared for them.
Of course there is a love triangle in this story. There is Simon and William. The one thing different about this love triangle compared to the usual one is that Simon and William are both good guys. It's not like the good guy vs the bad guy. Okay Simon genially cares about his patients and would be a great approval from Abbie's grandmother as well. Simon is a saint type of guy. Then there's William who is a great physician as well but holds back in trust a bit. Simon is a bi tore open while William is a bit more closed. Who will Abbie go for?
The ending let me wanting more. Is there a second book? I so want to see what happens next with Abbie, Simon and William. Will the Ripper get caught? What will be next?
BR>
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B +
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Timeless by Alexandra Monir
Randhom House Children's Books
3/13/2012
304 pages
Overview:
When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.
My View:
Time traveling!!! This book had me wrapped around its finger. I read it in two days. I could feel what Michele, the main character was going through emotionally along the adventures she embarked on with time traveling. It was also interesting to see what family secrets Michele uncovered. Music is even mentioned in this book which is another thumbs up.
Other characters being mentioned in this book were amazing aw well. You could see and feel their personalities. I also enjoyed the characters, Philip and Lily. Great characters over all. I look forward to more!
The history that is mentioned in this book is awesome too. You get a feel for what it is like back then in the early 19th century. A great historical and supernatural book. Pick it up today to read.
The cover is stunning. I so cannot wait to see the second book's cover was well as the story. Keep up the fantastic work Alexandra!!
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A
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