Audiobook review: "Etiquette & Espionage" by Gail Carriger

Title: Etiquette & Espionage
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher:   Hachette Audio, 2013 (print available from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
Narrator: Moira Quirk

When Sophronia is told she will be sent off to finishing school, she is not pleased. Not at all. However, after a decidedly odd interview with "Mlle Geraldine," it quickly becomes clear that Madame Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality is not exactly what it appears to be on the surface. As it turns out, the school is not only a place young girls are trained to become ladies, they are also trained to become intelligencers. Classes include etiquette and how to execute a proper curtsy, as well as the use of seduction, stealth, and proper fighting techniques. In addition to all this knew knowledge, Sophronia and her friends do some intelligencing of their own regarding a missing prototype, an older schoolmate who failed to Finish and has been sent to study with the debuts, and other mysterious activity.

This first book in Gail Carriger's new series for teens is just delightful. Fans of her adult series, Soulless, would be well advised to pick this one up as well. Who can resist a fine comedy of manners mixed together with steam technology, the art of espionage, how to manipulate and obtain information, all while still being presentable for afternoon tea or ready to dance a quadrille at a ball? Oh yes, mustn't forget the werewolves and vampires. This book has action and humor in spades.

Sophronia herself is an excellent heroine, and a character I look forward to watching develop over the course of the next books in the series. She's resourceful, intelligent, has a good heart, and does not shy away from getting her hands dirty if necessary. I loved a lot of the secondary characters too, namely the sootie Soap, the young French engineer Vieve (age 9), and the loyal and easily scandalized Dimity (who also, I might add, is the daughter of evil geniuses and describes herself as "a good girl," to their chagrin).

Honestly, I think I like this one more than Soulless, though that might be because I listened to the excellent narration by Moira Quirk. Her accents and inflections completely made this for me, and I would highly recommend that anyone who had trouble getting into this series try the audio. This is one of the 2014 Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults for a reason.

Disclosure: I downloaded this audiobook through my local library and OverDrive.

Audiobook Review: "Because It Is My Blood" by Gabrielle Zevin

Title: Because It Is My Blood

Author: Gabrielle Zevin

Publisher: Macmillan Young Listeners, 2012 (print available from Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

Narrator: Ilyana Kadushin

In book two of Gabrielle Zevin's Birthright series, we pick up Anya Balanchine's story after she is released from her summer incarceration at Liberty prison. This second installment had all the excitement and action of the first, as well as some great twists, but toward the end it fell victim to second-book syndrome.

Because of her prison time, Anya finds that not many schools will allow her to enroll with her checkered past. Eventually she finds herself in a situation she never envisioned herself in—she is sent to a different country, one where cacao is legal, to learn about how it is grown. But the longer she stays abroad, the more heated things get at home, until she must return to the life she has been condemned to live.

We come back into Zevin's futuristic America where chocolate and coffee are illegal and organized crime revolves around these two substances. I was struck by how much cacao's existence in this world mirrors marijuana's existence in ours, and I think that was what Zevin was aiming for, especially with some of the questions on the ballot in this upcoming election. It's an interesting parallel and does indeed make you think about illegal substances in our society, regardless of whether you believe they should be illegal or not.

The change of setting was welcome for me, as I'm not a huge fan of NYC anyway. Plus the new cast of characters that comes with the change of place is wonderful. Theo is my favorite character in the entire series so far now—love him. I'm interested to see where the next book will take us as far as the relationships between characters. Who will become allies, who will become enemies? It's pretty clear that Zevin has set up for something big in the next book.

That said, because of all the setup, the action tapered by the last pages of the book. We know something series shiz is about to go down, as Anya pretty much tells us so, but we are left with a short argument between Anya and another family member and then that's pretty much the end. Luckily the beginning and middle were gripping and full of action.

Ilyana Kadushin, as always, does an excellent job narrating Anya's story. Though her voices for other character's aren't always the most distinct, it doesn't really matter because Anya is the one telling it. Her narration is measured and calm, just what is needed for Anya.

I'm mostly looking forward to the next book in the Bloodright series, though I am also pretty apprehensive. I'm not a huge fan of violence, and I have the feeling there is going to be a lot in the next book.

Disclosure: I received this book for review from the publisher in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Book Review: "Seraphina" by Rachel Hartman

Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012

You may have read some rave reviews of this high fantasy novel lately, and all of them were right. This is a wonderfully refreshing return to what fantasy should be, with a fully realized and well-constructed world and dynamite characters.

In Goredd, a tense peace exists between humans and dragons, the latter of whom can transform into human form. Seraphina, the new assistant to the royal music coordinator/conductor/composer, has the most dangerous secret she can have in this world: she is half dragon. Passing as fully human, she must hide what she is, something that is so unthinkable that humans and dragons alike cannot conceive that something like her can exist.

Right at the beginning of the novel, we discover a member of the royal family has been killed in a particularly draconian way. Because of her insight into dragonkind, taught to her by her tutor and relative Orma, she finds herself deep in the intrigue and conspiracy that follows the murder, all while trying to stave off visions and keeping the characters in these visions from driving her insane.

Set in a medieval fantasy world, Seraphina reminds me of the classic fantasy from days of old. It's not only incredibly well written, it seems to be very well researched as well. Hartman did her homework when it comes to instruments, tools, and other aspects of medieval life that she worked into Goredd and the countries surrounding it. I also found her construction of the religion of Goredd fascinating, though I'm not entirely sure I understand it—basically they worship a large number of saints and believe in Heaven, but no one deity. I'm hoping we learn more about it in the next book.

It's clear that dragonkind and humankind pitted up against each other is metaphorical for race relations in our world, and it works very well. Having to hide her parentage affects Seraphina in distressing ways, but it is inspiring and heartening to see how she handles it and uses it for herself and for her people. Again, I'm interested to see where Hartman takes this in the next installment.

Coupled with the carefully built world, we have a thrilling plot, mystery, and a bit of romance. Seraphina and Lucian Kiggs, the captain of the royal guard who is also a prince of the kingdom, investigate the murder of Kiggs's uncle, leading to some very dangerous situations. Seraphina also discovers things about her mother, dragon intrigue, and what she truly is a part of bit by bit through her visions and unexpected meetings at the palace. All through the book I wanted to find out who did what and what would happen next. I still want to know, since it's quite clear there will be a sequel, though the ending here is satisfying and no intense cliffhanger.

One note: There is a glossary and list of characters at the very end, which is nice to have. After reading through them, a few things were a bit clearer to me about the world.

Disclosure: I got this book from the library.

Review: "Princess Academy" by Shannon Hale

Title: Princess Academy
Author: Shannon Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA, 2007

Miri and her family lives near the quarry on Mount Eskel, and have lived there for generations. She desperately wants to prove she is useful and work in the quarry alongside her sister and father, but he won't allow her to set foot inside it. Things in their day-to-day village life change, however, when it is announced that Mount Eskel is where the next queen will come from. All of the girls between the ages of 12 and 18 must attend the Princess Academy, a time-honored tradition in the kingdom, where they will get a basic education and learn how to be proper ladies. One of these girls will be chosen by the crown prince as his bride. Though the girls and their families resist at first, eventually all those of age head to the academy, a 3-hour journey in a building that had been abandoned years ago. Tutor Olana, their appointed teacher, is overly strict and quick to punish, quickly making the rest of the girls resent Miri when she causes them to miss an anticipated visit home. But despite all this, the girls begin to get excited about the possibility of becoming a princess, and though Miri tells herself she just wants to prove that mountain girls can be intelligent when she throws herself into her studies, a part of her wonders too.

When I heard the title Princess Academy, I kind of rolled my eyes a little. It sounded like something fluffy that I wouldn't be interested in, but it was chosen for the library's middle school book club. I'm so glad it was, or it never would have been on my radar despite its Newbery Honor. What a fantastic story! The world Hale creates is enchanting, though for a fantasy there is not a whole lot of magic or fantastic incidents (with the exception of the mountain people's ability to communicate via a sort of mental telepathy), so it's more like a fairy tale than a fantasy in that respect.

One of the biggest themes in this novel is the value of a good education. The girls have no idea how to read or write, or even what the value of the linder (a type of stone, the descriptions of which brought to my mind a type of marble) they mine from the quarry is. Miri is fascinated by all this, and begins to try to figure out a way to use it to the village's advantage. I love that this was pretty much the main theme; it doesn't matter where you were born or how you were raised, the potential for intelligence just needs to be nurtured and it will begin to make a difference in the lives of the learners and their loved ones.

Miri was an incredibly strong character, too. She has a strong sense of what's fair, and she knows she and the other girls are bright. She wants the very best for her family and her village, and though she feels like she is too small and therefore useless in the quarry where everyone she knows makes their living, she still grasps for ways she can be useful to her community.

One other thing I really liked was how the girls weren't sure if they were interested in actually marrying the prince. It's nice how the prince isn't this mythical Prince Charming figure for them; he is just a guy, albeit one with enormous power. For them, it was more the idea of a different sort of life than the one they know they will be leading if they don't get chosen.

There is a lot of tension throughout the novel, too. Miri is ostracized for a good portion of the book by the other girls because of her misstep at the beginning of their academy education, causing her to become friends with the "outsider" of the group, a lowlander (someone not from the mountain) named Britta, who has her own problems, namely being an outcast even before the academy. The competition is high for the title of Academy Princess, awarded to the girl who gets the highest marks right before the ball where the prince is supposed to choose his bride. And there is the matter of the high suspense that happens toward the end of the book, which I will refrain from going into detail here because of spoilers.

All in all, I highly recommend this book to fans of Hale's other work, strong female characters, and fairy tale stories. It certainly deserved its Newbery Honor. AND I just found out a sequel is due out next month! I can't wait to see where Miri's story goes next.

Review: "The Other Side of the Island" by Allegra Goodman

Title: The Other Side of the Island
Author: Allegra Goodman
Publisher: Razorbill, 2008

Honor, born in the eighteenth year of Enclosure, has just moved to Island 365 after living with her parents in the Northern Islands for most of her life. Now that they are under the watchful eye of Earth Mother and her Watchers, they cannot act as freely as they did when they were on their own, before they were found and brought to their new home. They can't sing out loud, they must follow the rules, they must stay away from the ocean, and they cannot own any books at home. They must not be Unpredictable. But the problem for Honor is her family is Unpredictable, and they are very different. Her parents have another child and refuse to give him back to the government, they sneak out at night and don't come back until morning. Honor and her friend Helix find out that bad things happen to people who don't fit. They disappear, and they never come back.

In a literary landscape full of dystopian literature, it's nice to come across a book with a more original premise that doesn't have a fated love story or love triangle. It's a disconcerting vision of the future that makes one uneasy, a world where climate change has destroyed much of the earth, leaving only islands dotted here and there across the oceans. Little details here and there show how much people are aware of nature and the earth, or seem to be aware of it, such as wearing sun hats and applying sunscreen. However, in this world, weather is supposedly controlled by Earth Mother, and Enclosure, which basically means a big dome encloses each island completely. The sky is covered by an overlay with a picture of a perfect sky or a moon with seven stars, depending on time of day.

Earth Mother is something like the Big Brother of George Orwell's 1984, always in control and watching, but never actually seen in the course of the book. More immediate villains are those who uphold Earth Mother's reign, such as Miss Blessing at Honor's school. The way they treat people is chilling, be they adult or child, man or woman. And the orderlies, people whose brains have basically been rewired to do exactly as they are instructed, do all the hard work around the island, all the landscaping, cleaning, cooking, transporting, etc. They sort of reminded me of the Avoxes in the Hunger Games trilogy, unable to speak and basically slaves to those in power.

One of the most important things Earth Mother does to take power from the citizens is taking away their memories, mostly those from their childhood, but more if you are particularly unruly. Think about losing all memories of who your parents are, how you grew up, learning only what you are told in school and not being allowed to question it, or even have the ability to question it if you can't remember otherwise. That was the scariest thing about this future to me.

I was not a big fan of the writing style. Sentences were short and simple for the most part. I didn't really like the terseness, but it didn't really take much away from the book as a whole. My biggest problem was the ending, which seemed to stop too soon, with an author's note that said she did it that way to leave it up to the reader's imagination what the outcome is. I know not all books end in neat little bows, and I don't like it when they do, but stopping mid-action makes me feel like it's something of a cop-out.

All in all, a fresh take on dystopian future that is worth reading in the sea of dystopias out there right now. It's a good read for middle grade readers and strong older elementary readers, and should appeal to boys as well as girls.

Disclosure: I got this book from the library.

Audiobook Review: "Behemoth" by Scott Westerfeld

Title: Behemoth
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio, 2010 (print version available from Simon Pulse)
Narrator: Alam Cumming

Starting off where Leviathan ended, we're thrown back into the world of Darwinists and Clankers, this time with the added bonus of Ottomans who have sort of combined the aesthetic of the Darwinists with the mechanics of the Clankers. For those of you new to this world, this trilogy takes place in an alternate steampunk past during the Great War, or World War I as we call it today. Darwinists are people from the United Kingdom who use genetic engineering to create animals that work as tools, including entire ships and weapons of war. Clankers are Germans and Austrians, among other peoples, who use advanced mechanics and machines as those tools.

In Behemoth, Deryn (disguised as a boy named Dillon in order to be in an airman in the army) is dealing with her growing feelings for Alec, the prince and heir to the Austria-Hungary throne (she is one of only a handful who knows his true identity). Alec, on the other hand, is treated as a prisoner of war aboard the Leviathan, and he must find a way off the ship if he is to keep his secret and fulfill his destiny. Things get complicated when a new friend joins Alec along the way, and as he and two of his men explore the city of Istanbul and join a band of resistors, Deryn muddles through the city on her own after a successfully completed yet badly ended mission. As they find their way to each other, they soon realize the fate of the Leviathan and the English army's fate lies with them.

There was a lot I loved about this volume in the Leviathan trilogy. The number one thing is probably not going to be as loved by most anyone else, but I'm going to say it anyway. There was a character with my brother's name. You might not think that's totally crazy, but here's the thing: My brother's name is Zaven. You don't see many characters with Armenian names like that unless it's a book about Armenian history. And Zaven in the book is Armenian! I loved that bit.

Anyway, Westerfeld does a fantastic job of continuing his story. There's plenty of action, a little romance, the most confused love triangle I've seen since Twelfth Night, and a new alternate culture to explore. I kept hoping that more secrets would be revealed, just because there are so many that either we as readers are privy to that the rest of the characters are not, and those that are mysteries to us as well as the characters.

Quick note on the audio: I love Alan Cumming. I love him in pretty much everything he does, and I love how he can get accents pretty much spot on. He does a fantastic job with the narration. The only thing he did wrong was mispronounce the Armenian word "Nene," a form of the word grandmother. But other than that, he is everything I love in a narrator. Or maybe that's my bias talking.

I'm looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, Goliath, especially on audio since it is once again narrated by Alan Cumming. I'm interested particularly to see if Westerfeld writes anything about the Armenian genocide, which happened in 1915; Behemoth ends in the year 1914. I'm not sure if the next book will go that far into the future, but I'm eager to see.

Disclosure: I got this audiobook from the library.

Audiobook Review: "The True Meaning of Smekday" by Adam Rex

Title: The True Meaning of Smekday
Author: Adam Rex
Publisher: Listening Library, 2011 (print available from Hyperion, 2007)
Narrator: Bahni Turpin

Starting off with a short essay on what she thinks is the "true meaning of Smekday," 12-year-old Gratuity Tucci tells a short story of how she knows the reasoning behind the new holiday—only to be told by her teacher that she needs to elaborate. So she tells a more full version of her story, basically how her mother starts talking about aliens who talk to her through a mole on her neck, how she ends up with a Boov (the aliens previously mentioned) named J. Lo, and their trip in a floating car named Slushious to Florida, the land allotted to humans by the Boov. After that abridged essay is written, she continues a secret, full-length version of how she and J. Lo cross the country to Arizona in Slushious, meet a number of colorful (and often eccentric, to put it mildly) characters, learn about a bigger threat to Earth than the Boov, and attempt to save the world.

This book is so incredibly rich in symbolism it's fantastic. I could not listen to Rex's words without thinking of Native Americans and relocation; it's pretty much impossible to not think of it if you know the history. It's an incredibly smart and often hilarious post-colonial piece of literature, disguised as a science-fiction story about alien invaders. Oh, did I mention all the satire Rex slips in about American culture? It's great.

Don't be scared away by that description though. This is also a fast-paced road trip story, complete with alien weaponry and battles, and lots of humor. Rex is truly a genius when it comes to poking fun at fantasy cliches, my favorite involving a blob of taco sauce. He also incorporates themes of family and friendship incredibly well, without making it hokey or sappy.

As for the audio version, Bahni Turpin is a master. She gives the Boov great voices, to the point where I believed it was J. Lo talking each time she read his dialogue. Everyone had a distinct voice, and her sound effects added so much to it all. This was one of the best performances I've listened to in a while, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good way to pass the time on their commute.

If you're looking for a smart and incredibly entertaining sci-fi novel, look no further. I've become a huge fan of Rex after this beauty of a book.

Disclosure: I got this audiobook from my local library.

Review: "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (HarperTeen), 2011

In a futuristic Chicago, people belong to factions and exhibit the trait most valued by the one they belong to. Beatrice has just turned 16 and therefore must make a choice that will affect her life forever. Should she stay in the faction of Abnegation, where selflessness is valued, and where she has grown up and lives with her parents and brother? Or does she dare to abandon everything she knows for what she most desires? Once her choice is made, she plunges into an adventure she never imagined, not even after all the thinking she has done. And she has one very dangerous secret she must keep... if she wants to survive.

In the influx of dystopian novels out recently, it's hard for one to stand out from the crowd. Surprise! Yep, this is another very positive review of this book. Divergent succeeds in being original, suspenseful and completely enjoyable. In the world Roth has created, people are put into strict groups, which is not a new concept. What is new (at least to me) is the concept that the people of each group have ONE trait or quality that they value above all others (selflessness, peacefulness, courage, intelligence and honesty) and live their lives accordingly.

What I loved about this so much was that the characters aren't on a grand mission to overthrow their government or society or whatever because they recognize it's a flawed society or that they want to be FREE, dammit. No. I'm pretty tired of that, honestly. These characters all completely accept their lives and do the best they can in the world their given, which is what I would expect. Sure, things happen that show these flaws, but it's not like a light bulb ever goes on about how awful their world is. Only hints here and there. (This might change in the other books of the series, I don't know, but I liked that part of this volume.)

And speaking of characters, I loved how flawed they all are. No one is perfect, ever. In fact, I hated Tris, our narrator, a few times during my reading. But I was glad for it. Tris is often something of an anti-hero, though she shows some cojones quite often. I admired her and despised her, which makes a pretty good case for Roth's writing. And another awesome thing: There is some diversity in this cast of characters, hallelujah. What's interesting is people's skin color is not noticed so much as their way of dress, which indicates their faction. There is still prejudice in this world, just a different kind than we're used to.

Oh, did I mention I could barely put the book down for all the action and layers of mystery within the plot? Yeah, that was pretty great. This book has nearly 500 pages but I flew through it.

I am very impressed with Roth's debut, and I will most definitely be picking up the next book when it comes out (whenever that may be—soon please?).

Disclosure: This book was sent to me by the (very awesome) publisher.

Audiobook Review: "The Off Season" by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Title: The Off Season
Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Publisher: Listening Library, 2007 (print edition from Houghton Mifflin)
Narrator: Natalie Moore

Starting where Dairy Queen left off, D.J. tells the story of the fall of her junior year. Things seem to be going her way finally, what with playing for her high school's football team, spending time with Brian Nelson, and doing better in school. Her older brothers are talking with her family again, though her oldest brother Win is still a bit distant. But D.J. lets us know right away that this won't last, since she tells us she's writing all this in a hospital. Things start to go downhill when she and Brian end up in a feature for People after a misunderstanding (which is kind of hilarious, by the way). Things quickly get worse after Amber runs off with Dale, her girlfriend, and D.J. has to stop football because of an injury. But the worst event happens during one of Win's college games—he gets hit in just the wrong way, causing a spinal cord injury that leaves him partially paralyzed.

Still told with humor, though the story D.J. is telling is clearly more serious than her previous one, The Off Season is an entirely satisfying sequel. D.J. is growing and maturing, though it's subtle and happens gradually as each incident crops up in her life. Once again, she becomes the glue that is keeping her family from falling apart, taking responsibility for things her parents and her brothers can't quite handle. She keeps a brave front and does what she can for everyone she loves. It's really hard not to like D.J., and I definitely wouldn't mind having her for a sister.

What I think I love most about D.J. in this book is how she realizes she not only needs to do what's best for her family, she also needs to do what's best for her. She discovers the path she needs to take, and once she does she's a stronger girl for it. She finally begins to truly see and understand her own worth, and I love that.

I also learned a lot about sports injuries, told in a way that is incredibly easy to understand. Because D.J. is a novice to this stuff herself, she does a great job at explaining what happens to her brother and the path he's going to have to take. There's a lot of easy-to-understand (not to mention interesting and useful) science going on here, which is always a plus.

Again, Natalie Moore does an excellent job at narrating. She's probably one of the best narrators I've ever come across in my audiobook listening, definitely top three. She rocks that Wisconsin accent and talks just like teens would, a job made easier for her by Murdock's grasp on teen dialogue. In this second book I've listened to narrated by Moore, I realized how good a job she does at distinguishing each character's voice from everyone else's. She makes it very clear who is talking. She also makes it clear when D.J. is speaking to other characters in the book versus when she is narrating the story, which gets two thumbs up from me.

I loved this book, both the story and the narration. I can't wait to listen to the last in the trilogy, though I will be sad that I'll be done with D.J.'s story! I highly recommend this to pretty much everyone. It's just a great story with great characters, and it's told really well. Go read it! Or listen to it. You won't regret it. (Side note: As of right now, the print edition is only $3.47 on Amazon! Totally worth the buy. You can click on the link at the top to get to the page.)

Disclosure: I got this book from the library.

BBAW: Influenced By Other Bloggers

Hello everyone! I am going to take part in the Book Blogger Appreciation Week prompt today, as it is something that has affected me recently.

Here is the prompt:

Book bloggers can be some of the most influential people around!  Today we invite you to share with us a book or genre you tried due to the influence of another blogger.  What made you cave in to try something new and what was the experience like?

I am on Goodreads, as many of you know, and I follow one wonderful reviewer in particular by the name of Chandra. She reviews mostly picture books and children's books, with the occasional adult novel. One picture book she reviewed about two weeks ago grabbed my attention.

Title: Rose Blanche
Author: Roberto Innocenti
Publisher: Creative Editions, 1985
Where I got it: I requested it through my library.

Rose Blache is a young school girl in Germany during World War II. She sees trucks go by, driven by soldiers, but can't figure out what the trucks are transporting. Until she sees something one day that will change her life forever.

Her mother notices that she is growing thinner, even as her appetite seems to grow incredibly large, much too large for one little girl. Where does all that food go? Where does she bring it after she packs it into her school bag?

This is a picture book that is most definitely meant for older children. It is very heavy, as it is about the Holocaust and deals with hunger, war and death. It is completely absorbing and harrowing, yet very subtle in its prose. Much of the story is told through the pictures, which tend to be drab and gray with the exception of the objects we are expected to notice. It reminded me of Schindler's List a little in that regard.

Perhaps one of the most affecting characteristics is the switch from first-person point of view to third-person about halfway through. At this point, the language reminds one of the prose of a fairy tale, though not a happy one. Though it is not a happily-ever-after ending, I found it fitting, though it did make my heart skip a beat.

This is certainly one book to at least take the time to read, if not add to your personal collection. It will stay with you long after you close it and place it down.

Vampire Weekend, Part V: "Marked" by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Title: Marked

Authors: P.C. an Kristin Cast

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 2007

Where I got it: I bought this at Barnes & Noble.

Set in a world where vampyres are a normal part of life, and in which most celebrities and high-profile people are in fact “vamps,” Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast, the first novel in their House of Night series, centers on newly marked vampyre fledgling Zoey Redbird. In this world, vampyres are "marked," or chosen by the vampyre goddess Nyx; they are then sent to a school for fledglings, or not-yet-adult vamps, called the House of Night. The series begins with Zoey’s marking and subsequent move into the school, as the new girl on campus. There are all of the typical school problems: mean girls, new boys, deaths of old friendships and the forging of new ones (one of which is the only gay vampire I’ve come across).

But Zoey is a really weird case for a fledgling. After she hits her head in a fall, she has a dreamlike run-in with Nyx, and upon regaining consciousness, the mark on her forehead (every vamp has a mark) is colored in. The thing is, this isn’t supposed to happen until a fledgling graduates to full vampyre. She also discovers she has premature bloodlust (only adult vamps require blood-drinking to survive). And as if all this weren’t enough to make her stand out, it appears Zoey has an affinity for all five elements—air, water, earth, fire, and spirit—a blessing that is all but unheard of in the vamp world. Apparently Zoey is in for an atypical high school experience, even for a vamp.

Zoey narrates the book and has a very engaging voice and sharp wit, making for a really fun read. She talks like a teenager talks, unlike some other books aimed at teens where it’s clear the author was trying too hard to sound like one. Zoey comes off as really genuine and likable. My only issue with the narration is that it tends to get preachy when it comes to drinking, drugs and sex—the tone is condescending and is a real turn-off. But the preachy moments are only sprinkled here and there, and for the most part I was absorbed with the story and the details of the vampyre world.

The vamps in this world follow some of the typical vampire folklore, such as drinking blood and not being able to go out during the day easily (it is possible, but very uncomfortable as they are very sensitive to light). But there are also drastic differences from the typical vampire image, notably the blending of pagan beliefs and rituals with Native American beliefs (Zoey is part Cherokee). The rituals and services held in honor of Nyx are reminiscent of Wiccan practices (the pentagram plays an important role in both, to name one similarity). I, for one, found this fascinating. Cats are also vital in this world—many vamps own a cat, and the cat chooses its owner. The vamps have a special connection with this animal, though it isn’t really delved into too deeply in the first book (Zoey is chosen by a cat, whom she names Nala).

Another difference from typical folklore is the fledgling stage of vampyres. Fledglings are not guaranteed to make it to vamp adulthood—their bodies can reject the Change (from human to vampyre), happening out of the blue and killing them within minutes. Fledglings are not supposed to crave blood, but are often hungry and eat a lot of food (the House of Night insists it be mostly healthy). After they are marked, a tattoo appears on their forehead, an outline of a crescent moon; when they become adult vamps, their tattoos are colored in and often they will be embellished by Nyx, a gift given through her power.

A riveting read and nice blending of different belief systems, the first House of Night novel is a worthwhile and fun addition to the vampire teen lit canon. Not only is it told from the perspective of a believable teen heroine, it also gives us another strong female role model and broaches gender issues without putting the readers off. However, it is geared toward an older audience; there is a lot of swearing and sexuality that would make this series decidedly for teens.

On The Broke and the Bookish: "Sisters Red" by Jackson Pearce

Today is my day to review on The Broke and the Bookish! Here is my review reposted here for all you readers who don't yet follow The Broke and the Bookish (if that's the case you should fix that now!).

Title: Sisters Red
Author: Jackson Pearce
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 2010
Where I got it: I got it through InterLibrary Loan.
Why I read this book: I read about it in a Ypulse interview with the author and liked the sound of it. Fractured fairy tales have always been an interest of mine.

Sisters Scarlett and Rosie March are hunters. They track and kill the Fenris, werewolf-like monsters that hunt and prey on young women (obviously not Twilight-esque, dreamy werewolves). Ever since one attacked her and Rosie as children and took her eye, Scarlett is determined to kill as many Fenris as she can. Rosie feels it's her duty to her sister to fight alongside her, even though she longs for a life outside of the hunt. Meanwhile, their friend Silas, a woodsman who has been their neighbor, playmate and fellow hunter through the years, returns from California to join them again in their self-appointed quest.

Yet all of a sudden, more and more wolves are found in their small Georgia town of Ellison, and even more in nearby Atlanta. Why are they coming back in such numbers? They're looking for something, or someone, but what? A determined Scarlett, somewhat reluctant Rosie, and loyal Silas decide it's their duty to find out and hunt them all down. Things get even more complicated when Rosie discovers she's falling for the woodsman, her sister's partner and only friend, aside from her.

This fractured version of "Little Red Riding Hood," narrated alternately by Scarlett and Rosie, has a whole lot of action. From the very beginning, we get to the wolves and the fighting, and it doesn't really stop until the end. Scarlett and Rosie are some pretty awesome butt-kickers—they're deadly with their weapon of choice (Scarlett a hatchet, Rosie daggers). Silas is also someone not to trifle with.

The characters are all believable, though they seemed a little underdeveloped to me. I could see why Scarlett is the way she is, all fight and passion when it comes to the wolves, but a little distant when it comes to people. Rosie is a sympathetic character, someone who feels obligated to a certain way of life because she was saved by the one she follows, yet wants something more. It's hard to judge Silas in the same way, however, since we are never inside his head. I never really understood him completely; it would have been nice to get more information about him, like about his relationships with his siblings (who no longer speak to him) and with his father. But for the purpose of the story we get enough.

My problems with it start from maybe 50 pages in. Yes, there's a lot going on, but I didn't feel like there was any real point or direction in which the story was headed until about halfway through. It just seemed like Scarlett wanted to kill Fenris and Rosie didn't really, but went along with it anyway, and that would be it. It finally all came together, but it took too long in my opinion.

I would also have liked more information on the mythology of the world in which the book takes place. We keep hearing that Pa Reynolds (Silas' father) knew everything there is to know about Fenris, but we don't really hear any legends. Just that they lure and slaughter young women, don't have any souls, and travel in packs. It would have been nice to know more about them. I also got super frustrated with how long it took them to figure out what was going on; but that's just a pet peeve of mine. I hate knowing the answer and waiting for the characters to figure it out too.

Even though there are some flaws in the plot, the main characters are strong and admirable women who don't need a prince to save them, and that always wins points in my book. They're their own people and don't take anything lying down.

Throwback Thursday: "Sarah Bishop" by Scott O'Dell

Time again for another Throwback Thursday, my own creation in which I look back at books I read when I was little. This week's selection:

Title: Sarah Bishop

Author: Scott O'Dell
Publisher: Scholastic, 1980

Where I got it: The first copy I got from Amazon.com when the site was new and exciting. The second copy I got from the Ithaca Friends of the Library Book Sale. (It was as many books as you could fit into a plastic shopping bag for a dollar. I saw it and had to, since I think it's out of print.)

Why I read it: I was a huge Scott O'Dell fan and read a lot of his books when I was younger.

Sarah Bishop is a 15-year-old girl caught in the middle of the Revolutionary War. Not for one side or the other, she is full of anger at the deaths she has had to endure and the war that caused them. Alone, she sets off as there is nothing left for her at her farm on Long Island. But she is soon accused of a crime she didn't commit and, on the run, decides to survive in the wilderness with nothing but her musket for company. Sarah decides that she will create her own fate.

This is a war story, a survival story and a coming-of-age story all rolled into one neat package by O'Dell. What I love most about his writing is that it's very blunt and to-the-point without sacrificing style, suspense or characterization. He manages to keep you riveted without long, unnecessary descriptions or flowery language. Simple sentences with complex themes, perfect for a younger reader.

Sarah is a strong heroine who knows her own mind and isn't afraid to protect herself, no matter who she's dealing with. She tends to distrust people, often a little too late, but manages to keep herself out of life-threatening danger (for the most part). I recognized a lot more in this reading than the first time I read it, mostly that Sarah is not as tough as she portrays herself to be. She is really very lonely, and frightened most of the time; she just hides it well. We only see this because she is telling us her story.

I really liked that there isn't a romance in this, though one could argue there is an interest later on in the book, but I wouldn't go that far myself. O'Dell excelled at writing strong female characters that don't depend on men to support and protect them, women who were fine on their own. A romance would have gotten in the way.

The thing I remembered the most before my rereading was how Sarah's father is a Tory. This had been completely new to me—I had always learned about the Revolutionary War from a fairly biased viewpoint. It was the first indication that Tories existed as good people and not as triators to the Revolution. But this book is not for any particular side in the war; in fact, it is largely anti-war. It reminds me a lot of My Brother Sam Is Dead by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier in that respect, which would be a good choice for a reader who liked the Revolutionary War aspect of this book.

This isn't my very favorite O'Dell (that one is reserved for Island of the Blue Dolphins of course, though I might have to do a Throwback Thursday for that one and see), but it is still exceptional in the historical fiction genre. It's based on a true story, as Sarah Bishop was a real girl, and O'Dell puts this in an author's note at the beginning, which wins him major points. I would have liked to know more about her actual life, but I guess that is what research is for!

Sorry this TT post is a little late, but hey! I made it on Thursday still! Hooray for me.

On The Broke and the Bookish: "Rapunzel's Revenge"

Today I'm the featured reviewer on The Broke and the Bookish! You can check it out on that blog here, or you can just read it on mine. Since, you know, you're already here.

Title: Rapunzel's Revenge

Authors: Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale (no relation)

Publisher: Bloomsbury, 2008

Where and why: From the library through ILL, for the folktales/fairy tales unit in my children's

lit class.

Who remembers the old story of Rapunzel? If it's what you're expecting in this graphic novel, you're in for a surprise and a treat. In this tale, things are a bit different.

Rapunzel grows up in a beautiful villa, with servants and everything she could possibly wish for—except the love of the woman she believes to be her mother. Eventually she discovers that beyond her (ridiculously tall) garden wall, there is something she could never have imagined possible.

Things happen—Rapunzel is locked up in her tower, her hair grows. Her witch of a stepmother visits yearly, until Rapunzel crosses her one too many times. What's a girl locked in a tree tower to do? Why, put her 20-foot length of hair to use, of course.

This is a completely fractured and often hilarious Rapunzel tale, a hodgepodge of familiar fairy-tale characters and legends, with a few literary allusions thrown in for good measure. There are a lot of elements that are the same (taking from parents for some stolen lettuce, long hair, trapped in a tower), but the whole thing is completely turned on its head. Set in a vaguely Wild West–ish land, it's a great adventure full of thieves, rescues, acts of daring, narrow escapes, and a bit of romance—not to mention the most awesome fairy-tale heroine I've come across in quite some time. Just look at that picture of the cover! You know she's using those braids for some serious lassoing and butt kicking. Finally, a Rapunzel who knows how to DO stuff.

There's a lot of great detail in here, too, not only in the clever nods to various literary characters, but in the setting and the secondary characters. The ethnicities of each is clearly carefully chosen, especially concerning who owns what type of shop and who is in charge at various villages and towns. It looks pretty well researched, though it lacks any kind of source notes, which is unfortunate. I'd love to know why the Hales chose to use certain aspects and not others, why they decided to set it where they did, and a few more things.

But despite that one drawback, here we finally have a graphic novel heroine who not only holds her own, but is the one to fight for what's right and save the day. This is great for reluctant middle-grade readers, or even those in high school. (It will probably appeal more to girls than boys, but boys can certainly enjoy it too. There's a sequel titledCalamity Jack that came out in January, featuring the male protagonist in its predecesor, which might appeal more to boys. Either way, I certainly plan on reading it.)

Nathan Hale's illustrations are absolutely fantastic. He uses a lot of color, perspective, detail, and humor throughout. He's also great at showing what panels are flashback, what dialogue is meant to be an aside, and each character's face clearly shows their emotions (unless they are too far away in the panel for that kind of detail).

If you like retellings or fractured fairy tales, and you could do with a nice dose of graphic novel fiction, definitely go for this one. It's a fast read, the illustrations are beautiful, it's hilarious, and it's pretty much nonstop action—something for just about everyone.

"Does My Head Look Big In This?" by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Title: Does My Head Look Big In This?

Author: Randa Abdel-Fattah

Publisher: Orchard Books, 2007

Where and why: I bought this from Barnes & Noble because I was curious about it. It's been required reading for a lot of students in the past and I wanted to see why. Plus, it sounded like it would be pretty funny.

Does My Head Look Big In This? is about Amal, a Muslim-Australian girl, who decides she is ready to wear the hijab (the scarf some Muslim women elect to wear over their hair). She has to deal with the shock and curiosity of her classmates at an elite private high school, the misunderstandings about her religion and her culture, and a nasty bully at school (who Amal handles quite well, actually). To make matters complicated, this novel takes place in the year after 9/11—racism rears its ugly head, as Muslim Australians were targeted as "terrorists," similarly to how many Middle Easterners were in the United States.

As I was reading this, I had a lot of admiration and respect for Amal, and liked her very much. She seemed like someone I'd want to be friends with. There were points, however, where the language was a bit unbelievable. For example, when her white friend Simone would moan about her weight. It just seemed unrealistic—almost everything she said had to do with her appearance, or if it didn't it would end up there. That got annoying fast.

I really love how Abdel-Fattah gives non-Muslims a glimpse at life in a Muslim family. I learned a lot about the religion, and it made me think about my own religion as well. Amal is a strong defender of her faith and is not ashamed to stick up for herself or Islam. She also really leads her life according to the Koran, which is something I don't see very often (living your life by your religion's Holy Book). Plus she is a feminist, which is just fantastic. I didn't judge Muslim women who wore the hijab before, but now I have a whole new perspective on their decision and a deep respect for them.

I completely understand why this has been required summer reading for the past couple of summers in my area. I really do think students should read this—it will give them a lot of insight and, I hope, a more respectful approach to Middle Easterners and Muslims. Highly recommended for middle and high school.