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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read for myself and to give it an honest opinion.
Life After Theft
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Hardcover
Pages: 345
Published: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Overveiw:
Moving to a new high school sucks. Especially a rich-kid private school. With uniforms. But nothing is worse than finding out the first girl you meet is dead. And a klepto.
No one can see or hear Kimberlee except Jeff, so--in hopes of bringing an end to the snarkiest haunting in history--he agrees to help her complete her "unfinished business." But when the enmity between Kimberlee and Jeff's new crush, Sera, manages to continue posthumously, Jeff wonders if he's made the right choice.
My Take:
I've never read any books of Aprilynne Pike until now. My first impression on "Life After Theft" was that it was quite interesting take on a ghost. Most ghost stories that I have read swim towards romance, revenge or horror aspects. In Aprilynne's "Life After Theft" has the ghost geared towards more of realizing how you can affect someone. This book is contemporary with a light touch of paranormal.
First off Jeff moves to a state of the art school that is filled with rich students. He enters the school thinking all will be well. The first person he sees is a girl named Kimberlee who acts really strange to him as he thinks she's playing a joke on him since he's the new kid. Kimberlee is a ghost and has been trying to get someone to notice her for some time now. Jeff is the one who can see and hear Kimberlee! Kimberlee is quite happy about this and then wants Jeff to help her with her unfinished business. Jeff is not so thrilled about this concept since it's about returning all the stuff that Kimberlee stole when she was alive.
As the task begins and Jeff learns the story behind this. Both Jeff and Kimberlee have their good and bad moments. Jeff realizes Kimberlee is not the easy to get along with and was not really nice when she was alive. While dealing with Kimberlee, he also manages to snag a girl named Sera who has issues as well. Jeff learns about the issues of Sera as he sticks with her no matter what Kimberlee says about her. Jeff seems the type of guy giving everyone a chance which I found this to be quite a nice feature. Does Jeff help Kimberlee with the whole thing? Does Kimberlee change? Does the romance between Jeff and Sera actually work?
The book was a fun read. I enjoyed Jeff the most since he was just a great, round guy. Kimberlee took me some time to warm up to. Sera had me curious at times and then I was not sure if I could trust her or not. It was a game of Sera vs Kimberlee for I. Overall the characters were quite interesting and real. I think think book shows you a depth of everyone wanting to fit in somewhere. The plot was quite an adventure since all the characters connect to each other on one level or the other.
If you are looking for a simple and light read, then go pick up this book today. I'm glad I read "Life After Theft!" I look forward more of Aprilynne Pike's work.
PS: The cover is quite interesting!!
Story: B
Cover: B
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Beautiful Decay
Author: Sylvia Lewis
Paperback
Pages: 304
Published: April 9, 2013
Publisher: Running Press Kit
Overview:
Ellie Miller has always needed her space. Literally. With a touch that rots whatever she encounters, Ellie must keep people at a distance for their own good. Not that her classmates are itching to be best friends with the "freak" of the high school.
So when newcomer Nate MacPherson makes it his mission to get close to her, Ellie has her suspicions. But when he identifies her as a viviomancer who can work the forces of life and reveals himself to be a necromancer who can manipulate death, Ellie finds herself trusting Nate and the romance that is blossoming between them. Unfortunately for the two, family secrets can kill, and they will need more than their abilities to keep a zombie mom and a conglomerate of evil-doing supernaturals under control.
After spending her life pushing everyone away, Ellie's realization of the full extent of her power and willingness to let people get close to her may be the only way to save the ones she loves.
My Take:
I found this little special gem at the bookstore while browsing about! The cover just jumped out at me and said 'read me!' I had to take this book home.
I enjoyed Ellie, the main character quite a bit. Ellie is shunned in town due to her ability which I think takes a toll on her. So she fades in the background as much as she can, keeping to herself. As time goes on as she learns about Nate, the new guy. After hanging out with Nate as best as they can, usually through phone calls, she learns to stand up for herself. She realizes she does not have to be afraid and can control her ability. You will read Ellie being sarcastic quite a bit in the book. THe one thing I did not like was the fact that her mother and father were not very close to Ellie. Her parents did not take the time to be involved in her life as Ellie herself did the same thing.
Nate is a guy who has a lot going on in his life and was surprised that someone like Ellie was in the school that he attended. He tells her things such on matters of his life, the ability he has and what her ability is. Ellie seems to be cool with what he speaks of and takes it all in as best as she can. He is a guy who is straight to the point and swears quite a bit, but is very protective. He dislikes people who get picked on. You will be able to see this in the story and I think it is a great trait for Nate. Nate lives with his mom and she has this special need which Nate takes care. I admired Nate for doing what he does.
Then there's Mackenzie, Ellie's best friend whom she met online. I love those those two connect and tease each other. They are so great! I love how Mackenzie talks of different hair colors she tries and asks for Ellie's input. I can see these two being best friends for life. Mackenzie also has a secret as well which I thought was very, very cool. What will Mackenzie's reaction be if she finds out about Ellie's ability and the drama she is going through? Will she still remain friends or no?
As you get closer towards the end of the book, danger arises! Nate, Ellie and Mackenzie get thrown into a world of action, drama and suspense. The first few pages of the book captured my attention. As I continued to read, I could not put this book down. I had to know what Ellie's world was about and why she was there and what was going to happen to her. It was amazing how the three of them worked together to the best of their knowledge. Ellie is one tough cookie, Mackenzie has that smart gene, and Nate knows enough to get by. The ending was kind of left open which makes me wonder if there will be a sequel! I hope so. So go find this little gem and read!
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Story Rating: A
Cover Rating: A
Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Dying to Remember The Station #2
Author: Trish Marie Dawson
Format: eBook
Published: December 12, 2012
Publisher: Pretty Little Weeds Publishing
Overview
Piper has new challenges to overcome, new names to learn and is faced with a new Station occupation. Did she make the right choice - choosing to stay at the Station and become a Volunteer? Does she really want answers to the questions that never leave her mind? How did the Station come to be? What lies beyond? Who is Andurush and what, exactly, does he want with Piper?
She must ask herself once again if she has what it takes…but this time it isn't about saving lives, it is about discovering what lies beyond death.
Would you want to know?
My Take
Oh my gosh! This story was amazing. The first book leaves you with a cliffhanger and then picks up onto this next book. I could not put this story down at all. I had an intense desire to read it all the way through.
The story flowed nicely and it was well written. The character Piper goes on another adventure with her job and works hard as she can. When she gets back from her assignment, there's a meeting being called due to her last assignment as this type of incident has never had happened. When Piper hears about it, she's shocked and amazed and curious and confused. Such an emotional roller coaster for her! When I read about this part of the book, I was shocked too but in a good way. So what happens now for Piper?
Remember the hot guy Sloan from the first book? Well he's back in this second one. Piper has feelings for him, will it happen? I like how Sloan and Piper connect on each other's level. They immediately understood each other so well. You got to get the book to find out if they will be together or not. It's another journey in Piper's life.
There's another aspect of the book on the matter's of Piper's job which leads to find out that she is different. How is she different? It's amazing what she finds out of this aspect but at the same time Piper is frustrated and so forth. For me I'm curious about this as I'm sure it will be explored in the next book as I wait in great anticipation with a new character called Rush! I'm curious of this character Rush and how he will come into play.
So go get this book today! You won't regret it. Great book and Trish did a great job. The cover is amazing too even though I have the ebook! I look forward to more.
Cover: A
Story:A
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Disclaimer: I bought this ebook to read to give it an honest opinion!
Dying To Forget (The Station #1)
Author: Trish Marie Dawson
Edition: Kindle
143 Pages
Published: August 3, 2012
Overview
"...With trembling fingers, I reach up and touch the hard and chiseled contours of his chest while Ryan's large and strong hands roam over my entire body, feeling and squeezing everything. I've never been touched like this before and my insides are starting to freak out.
"I want you, Piper," he murmurs into my neck.
My mouth drops open in surprise and even though my brain seems to be telling me to jump and run out of the room, I’m unable to move, stuck firmly to the same place on the mattress. With my nerves on high alert, I glance at the door repeatedly, sure that someone will come bursting through it at any second but the steady thumping of the music downstairs reminds me that no one can hear what is happening in this room. No one cares that Ryan Burke took me, of all people, into a bedroom. That realization hits me suddenly. Oh. My. God. What am I doing here?"
Piper Willow dies the summer after her high school graduation but she doesn’t make it to Heaven or Hell…instead she finds herself in a spiritual terminal called the Station. She’s given only two choices: Return to Earth as the subconscious for a person in need of some outside assistance, or move on and spend an eternity lost in her own sorrow and pain.
Does Piper have what it takes to save a life - to be the nagging voice inside someone else’s head - or will she fail and end up lost and tormented in limbo...forever?
My Take
This story was quick for me but I enjoyed it a great deal. This lovely gem covered some major issues that teens go through but the main issue that pops up is suicide. This is a tough subject to cover but the author handles it with great care. I did think how or what could drive someone to consider suicide while reading this story but I was mostly focused on the main character Piper and her journey.
Piper is the main character who is quite an a regular teen but with issues. The things she goes through in life makes her unique and a tough cookie, but sadly Piper decides to puts her flame out. It was a heart wrenching decision. Things change once Piper ends up at the Station. I liked this concept a great deal! To have another place to go other than heaven or hell is quite interesting to me. I'm sure the concept has been done but I think the way Trish explains what The Station is makes you think there is another chance to be happy with aspiration. So what choice does Piper make? Does she go to earth as a subconscious for a person who needs help or does she spend an eternity lost in her pain? The decision she makes is quite cool.
The story was so good that I'm not giving you the whole thing because I WANT you to go get it and read it! Although I must say there Piper's mentor who seems to be interesting. I am curious of his story. I wonder if the author will do his story but back to this book! One other character that popped out at me was Sloan and it was quite fascinating!! Each page of the story was filled with such wonderful writing as it held my attention in the late hours of when I was reading! I got lost in this story and finished it. The ending left me wanting more! It was a cliffhanger! It was amazing. I want more and I will have more of this Piper's story.
The cover is stunning. It popped out at me when I was browsing online. I want those boots from the cover. Someone get them for me? The cover and the synopsis sealed the deal for me so I had to purchase this book for my iPad. I'm so glad I did. I would have loved to have a paper copy of the book as well. I enjoy having both copies: paper and electronic. :)
Cover: A
Story: A
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Recalled (Death Escorts #1)
by Cambria Hebert
Expected publication: February 15th 2013
Overview
Love or Death? A simple question really. The choice seems obvious. But. What if you never knew love, what if your life was spent just trying to survive? What if you knew your fate before you were fully grown?
And then you died.
And you were given another chance. A better chance.
This new life depended upon one thing: your job. And so you agreed. You thought it would be simple. You thought it would be cut and dry.
It never is.
And now you are left holding the fate of someone else in the palm of your hand and you have to make the ultimate choice.
Love or Death?
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
Between the Lines
Author: Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer
Hardcover
Pages: 358
Published: June 26, 2012
Simon Pulse
Overview:
Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.
And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.
Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale.
My Review:
I grabbed this book as the title caught my attention. I read the the tidbit about what the book was and decided to give it a go. Well when I started it was okay but when I got further into the story, it seemed slow and a bit confusing from the different point of views that were going on. Each chapter or sub chapter would be from the charter's point of view (mostly Delilah's or Oliver's). You would have to concentrate a bit on the story to keep up with it.
Fairy tale story with a modern twist. Of course this story has a prince, love, friends, creatures..the usual aspects that fairy tales consist of. Then there's the heartbreaking part of losing someone. The modern twist is at the end of the book which I thought was pretty amazing!
The fun thing about this book was the sketches. I loved seeing the sketches with the story in this book. You could actually get a feel for what was going on better.
The two characters that are mentioned in this book mostly is Oliver and Delilah. Delilah is a gal who is a loner and loves to read. She wants to get lost in a story and not deal with real life. What teenager wants to get lost in a different world at times? Oliver is a character in the book who wants not to be in a book anymore. He is curious of what is outside of this story and book. He wants to be free. Freedom is something everyone treasures and dares to be explored! Delilah identifies with Oliver and see him as a friend. They both are likable characters. Who could not like them? I thought they were a good match for each other.
So one day Oliver ends up trying to talk to Delilah and she hears him! Their worlds collide as they chat to one another. Can you imagine a book talking to you one day? This was pretty neat. They both like each other and yet the mission was to figure out how to get Oliver out of the book! I liked how they come up with hypothesis and then test them out! Some go well and some do not. Each one is an adventure. At times both Oliver and Delilah get frustrated in dealing with figuring things out along with reality that hits them in their own worlds but they still try to figure out a way. Will they succeed in getting Oliver out of the book?
As I mentioned up above, it was kind of confusing for me a bit on what was going on and seemed a bit slow. It was an okay story. To those who like fairy tales, I'd give it a shot if you are into that genre! I'm glad I read it just to try something different and new.
Cover Rating: B
Story Rating: C
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
After
Author: Kristin Harmel
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publisher Date: February 9th 2010
Pages: 240
Overview:
Lacey's world shatters when her dad is killed in a car accident. And secretly? She feels like it’s her fault. If she hadn’t taken her own sweet time getting ready that morning . . . well, it never would have happened. Her mom wouldn’t be a basket case. Her brother Logan wouldn’t drink. And her little brother would still have two parents.
But life goes on even if you don’t want it to. And when Lacey gets the chance to make a difference in the lives of some people at school, she jumps at it. Making lemonade out of lemons is her specialty. Except she didn’t count on meeting a guy like Sam. Or that sometimes? Lemonade can be a pretty bitter drink to swallow.
My Review:
I saw the cover of this book online and immediately was drawn to it. I clicked on the overview of the book and knew I had to get this book to read.
After a few days sitting in my house, I began to read this book. I could not put this book down. Lacey has her normal routine starting out in the beginning of the book and then the tragic event strikes. I felt Lacey was a great realistic character.
Of course Lacey ends up helping out another student who lost her mother to cancer which gets her mind thinking on things. She somehow creates a group for those who have lost a parent. I thought that was kind of nice to do since others would know how it felt to be treated. Some do not know how it is like until they lose a parent. Everyone deals with the loss differently but the group made it more normal for everyone.
During this process, Lacey also sprouts a romance with a the new guy, Sam. Sam has something major to tell her but then something else pops up and makes Lacey wonder. That secret got my attention!! Great suspense there.
Lacey's family also deals with her father's death differently. Her mother seems to be stuck in the process of grieving and not living. Towards the end of the book, her mother eventually reverts to back to her old self and lives for her family. Her brother Logan ends up drinking and then gets himself in a bad situation regarding to this matter. A big wake up call! Her other brother Tanner is always quiet. The family seems apart but in a way they are grieving in their own ways. Slowly the family gets back together. I liked how the family deals with grief a different way but should be done in more of a healthy manner.
On a personal note, the book did hit close to home, since my dad was killed in a car accident by a truck driver. At the end of the book where Lacey felt like it as her fault, I had those moments too. Life goes on. It's a great book for those who have lost a parent.
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A
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Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!
The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
Publisher: Penguin Group Inc (USA)
Publication Date: 2/21/2012
Pages: 400
Overview
Brie's life ends at sixteen: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart - literally. But now that she's in heaven, Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend knows a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost - and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul who's been D&G (dead and gone) much longer than she… and who just might hold the key to her forever after. With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on… but how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?
My Take
The cover caught my attention right away and figured it would be a fun book to read. I was right! It took me about 2 1/2 days to read this book.
The main character is named Brie who is quite interesting. I love how Brie meets Patrick in a pizza joint after she dies. Those two characters really set the mood for the book and I just love their relationship. Of course Brie goes through the stages of grief as Patrick is there to guide her and eventually gives her something. Patrick also has a few secrets which Brie eventually finds out which does shock you. I know it shocked me! I love how Brie goes through the emotions of learning things about herself, friends and family.
The had it's funny moments and heartbreaking moments. I thought the two did really well through out the book. Romance, friendship, life, how you deal with grief and important of family is what this book is about. It's a journey.
Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B
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