Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
Johnny is not a stranger to heart break. At thirteen, his father was killed in a car accident and his mother drowned her sorrows in sleeping pills and Gin. In order to keep a roof over their heads, and food in their stomachs, Johnny had to become the "man" of the house and take over for his emotionally distraught mother. Now that he is sixteen, Johnny has one thing he never thought he would have: a drinking problem. In order to get away from his awful existence, Johnny drinks and drinks. The fond memories of his time with his "babysitter," Tessa, are what keep his somewhat sane and addicted to music. Other than that, Johnny does what he can to carve his place in the world, which is somewhere between the wall and the wallpaper to escape his former zombified mother. As much as he enjoys his solitude, Johnny does have one friend whom he can partake with named Terry. If Johnny is messed up, Terry is a train wreck. Although Johnny is struggling to find his place, his world changed when he woke up in the hospital after mistakenly taking pills that he thought were Aspirin. After being sent to rehab, Johnny's discovered the brilliance of Blondie and when he heard Debbie Harris sing in French was literally love at first sound. When he was released, nothing was the same and things got weirder when his mom shipped him off to his uncle's in South Carolina. Although he was expecting the worse, living with his uncle and cousin isn't that bad, especially when he meets Maria. For Johnny, life may actually get better, but when he decides he wants to be Debbie Harry, things between him and Maria, and his classmates, is going to leave on fabulous mess.

Critical Evaluation:
In this relatively short story, one teen loses everything only to gain so much more. After the death of his father, Johnny, and his mother, fell apart. When his mother finally got it together, Johnny was an alcoholic. Unfortunately, when we lose a loved one, some people aren't able to deal with the loss and they hide from everything and everyone. In Johnny's case, he had to become the adult to make sure that he and his mom had a roof over their head and food on the table. However, while his mother was sulking, he drowned his sorrows in alcohol. Obviously, it wasn't anyone's fault that this happened, but, in reality stuff like this does. The only way Johnny could cope was to self-medicate, which led him to a party that landed him in the ER, Fortunately, Johnny found a much safer alternative to deal with his problems by listening to Blondie. What's interesting about this particular story is that Johnny has been constantly looking for himself and it seems that he isn't satisfied with just Johnny. When he heard Debbie Harry sing in French he was just amazed, entranced, and mesmerized. Not only was she gorgeous, her voice made her special and different. Johnnie has always wanted to be and feel special so he used clothing, make-up, and radical hair styles to show everyone that he is someone different. Although most teens experiments with fads, especially fashion fads, they are trying to demonstrate their autonomy, but, at the same time, find that place where they feel comfortable in their own skin. For Johnny, he felt that if he somehow became Debbie Harry, he would feel wonderful and perfect. As the story unfolds, a lot of secrets will be revealed, which will not only settle the animosity between Johnny and his mother, but allow him the opportunity to stand up for himself and have the courage to believe in himself. 

Information about the Author:
According to her publisher's website:

Meagan Brothers is the author of the young adult novels Supergirl Mixtapes, which was a 2012 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nomination, and Debbie Harry Sings in French, which was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, won a GLBT Round Table ALA Award, and was named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age. A native Carolinian, Meagan currently lives in New York City. 

Genre:
Teen  LBGTQ Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Debbie Harry Sings in French:

• I am J by Cris Beam
• Freak Show by James St. James
  

Awards & Recognition:
Review Quotes from Amazon.com

"Will keep readers fully engaged." — Publisher's Weekly, starred review

Plot Summary:
In this true tale, Lizzie revisits her past with an amazing tale of love and hope. On February 13, everything changed for her and her family. On February 13, four days after her sixteenth birthday, her hometown of Dresden, Germany, is leveled to the ground by Allie firepower. Not only is homeless, the life she knew was all over every since the war started. With her father gone, her mother had to take over his duties by getting a job at the local zoo. What Lizzie didn't anticipate is her mother's attachment to an orphaned elephant named Marlene. Although Lizzie sees this bond as silly, she is having a hard coping with the fact that her father is gone, her mother works too much, and an elephant has taken her place in her mother's eye. Thankfully, all of that changes when her mother brings Marlene home. Usually, one does not keep an elephant for a pet, but, in this case, extra exception have been made. With the impending invasion of Dresden, the zoo keeper was given a direct order to destroy most of the big of animals; if the zoo is bombed, all of the wild animals will escape and hurt others. Since Marlene has been raised by Lizzie's mother, with a lot of convincing, the director of the zoo gives her permission to care for Marlene. When Lizzie sees Marlene in her garden, she has no idea what's going on. Although Lizzie has been jealous of Marlene, all of that melts away the moment Lizzie looked in Marlene's big brown eye and it was love at first sight. In many ways, Marlene has the ability to see inside the hearts of those she meets, which is not only comforting, but allows the person to see inside hers. With the busyness of life, Lizzie admits she actually forgot about the war some days, but it wasn't for that horrible night when Dresden was finally bombed. With her family, and Marlene, in tow, they must find shelter or face an uncertain future in the German wilderness.

Critical Evaluation:
Michael Morpurgo is a master of storytelling. By incorporating three true stories, Morpurgo has created a story where one family and one elephant come together to survive the horror of war. Just like War Horse, the bonds between humans and animals takes center stage and its the relationships that inspire us to hop, to dream, and to love. I absolutely love elephants and I am so overjoyed to know that one little elephant was saved because her human companions loved her so much they did everything they could to keep her alive. Although we, humans, have this horrible ability to destroy everything we love based on ideology, it's the power of the human spirit that can make all the wrong right. For Marlene, she knew she was being protected from the forces that could destroy her. However, in efforts to show her gratitude, her affection for her family was more than the could ever expect. I think what makes elephants extraordinary is their empathy. Marlene could feel the hurt in Lizzie when it came to her father simply because she lost her own mother. The beauty of this magnificent creature is not just their way of expressing emotion but their temperament. Most elephants, unless provoked, are very social, calm, expressive, and collected; they tend to their young and they go about their days. In many ways, elephants are more trusting and caring than most humans so having Marlene beside their side gave Lizzie, and her family, the will to survive. An Elephant in the Garden is a wonderful story where friendship, love, forgiveness, sacrifice, and hope can make the darkest of days a little brighter.


Information about the Author:
According to his website:

Michael Morpurgo is, in his own words, "oldish, married with three children, and a grandfather six times over." Born in 1943, he attended schools in London, Sussex and Canterbury (one at least of which was horrible enough to inspire him to describe it obliquely in The Butterfly Lion). He went on to London University to study English and French, followed by a step into the teaching profession and a job in a primary school in Kent. It was there that he discovered what he wanted to do. "We had to read the children a story every day and my lot were bored by the book I was reading. I decided I had to do something and told them the kind of story I used to tell my kids - it was like a soap opera, and they focused on it. I could see there was magic in it for them, and realised there was magic in it for me.

In 1976 Michael and his wife, Clare, started the charity Farms For City Children (FFCC), which aims to relieve the poverty of experience of young children from inner city and urban areas by providing them with a week in which they work actively and purposefully on farms in the heart of the countryside. They now have three farms – Nethercott in Devon, Treginnis in Wales and Wick in Gloucestershire. "As a teacher I realised many children had little real contact with the world around them – to them the television was real. I wanted them to experience life at first hand." In the last 30 years over 50,000 children from cities and towns throughout the UK have spent a week of their lives living and working for a week on one of the three farms.

Living in Devon, listening to Mozart, and working with children have provided most of the stimulae Michael needs to discover and write his stories. He spends about half his life mucking out sheds with the children, feeding sheep or milking cows; the other half he spends dreaming up and writing stories. "For me, the greater part of writing is daydreaming, dreaming the dream of my story until it hatches out - the writing down of it I always find hard. But I love finishing it, then holding the book in my hand and sharing my dream with my readers."

Genre:
Tween Historical
 

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 6 & up

Books Similar to An Elephant in the Garden:

• The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
• War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
  

Awards & Recognition:

Review Quotes:

To learn more about Sheila's (aka. Marlene) story:

• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5038279/Baby-elephant-kept-as-pet-to-save-her-from-WW2-blitz.html
• http://www.belfastzoo.co.uk/ZooHome/NewsAndEvents/4594.aspx

Plot Summary:
Billy Bloom is not the average teenage boy. In fact, he is far from average; he is FABULOUS! As a drag princess, Billy has absolutely no qualms about slathering on the white make-up, wearing extravagant costumes, and dawns a loud and proud attitude. In Connecticut, he was the reigning leader of the Gay-Straight Alliance and had the time of his life. However, his mother decided that it was time his nonexistent father took care of him and she shipped him off to the armpit of hell: Florida. After his first day at the Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Billy knows he is not only an outsider, but a target for bigots, holier-than-thou hypocrites, cruel cheerleaders, and just plain mean people. Although Billy takes refuge into his own world (aka. the cupboard), he has no choice to face this journey on his own since his housekeeper doesn't approve of him and nor do his parents. Just when things couldn't be any more depressing, God sent a little angel, a girl whose name sounds like blahblahblah, scoops him up and befriends him. What's even more shocking, the high school hear throb, and football hero, Flip, actually says something nice to him. Despite these silver linings, the teasing and the taunting escalates. In an attempt to put an end to this viciousness, Billy decides that going to school in full drag will end it up. Sadly, it didn't and it sends him to the hospital. What he didn't know is that the person who came to his rescue was non other than Flip. After the the almost fatal beating, Billy and his peers receive an unexpected lesson that will not only change their opinions about one another, but force them to realize that hate has no place in this world. Furthermore, the more we get to know each, the more we realize that we are all little grains of sands falling through the hourglass no matter good-looking, ugly, straight, gay, stupid, smart, popular and un-popular we are. No one is perfect and Billy and company will learn the reality of this message.   

Critical Evaluation:
HOLY CRAP! I LOVED THIS BOOK! I have to hand it to James St. James when it comes to comic relief. I could not, whatsoever, stop laughing. In this "no holds bar" story, a teens learns the hard reality that despite the fight for equality in progressive communities, there are still quite a few areas that have yet to embrace/learn this lesson. St. James does a brilliant job providing readers with every detail, feeling, ans insight into what it means to be someone who is not only different, but not willing to hold back anything. Billy is probably one of the most patient, vulnerable, and loveable characters I have read in a while. I seriously wish I could meet Billy because not only is he real, he is straight-up honest when it comes to people and their actions.I absolutely love how all of the cultural nuances and references because it not only adds to the humor, it provides readers with examples they can relate to. I will definitely admit that when it hurt when he would tell us about the awful things he had to endure at school and all I wanted to do was get angry and kick come ignorant booty, but, with his courage and grace, Billy continues to tolerate these actions. However, what readers will see, is that bullying is not at all acceptable. Unfortunately, there are still quite a few people who cannot accept people, ideas, or things that are different, especially if it makes them look bad. As much as I hate to say it, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School isn't a fictional place--it's very real. Being a teen is hard enough, but imagine if you are a teen who is not only struggling with adolescence, but struggling with their sexuality and dying to express their individuality. This world is so beyond cruel, it's infuriating, and readers will struggle with these issues as they read Billy's story. However, there is always light at the tunnel because if we can get through to one person at a time, the whole world will chance and we can learn to love others and ourselves. As the infallible Lady Gaga would say:

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way 

Information about the Author:
According to Amazon.com:

James St. James (born James Clark August 1, 1966) is an American television personality, author, celebutante and former Club Kid of the Manhattan club scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. James St. James was notorious for a lifestyle of excess that included heavy drug use, partying, and bizarre costumes that first brought him to national attention as the subject of Club Kids television appearances and interviews. He wrote Disco Bloodbath (now published under the title Party Monster) that was later made into the feature film Party Monster starring Macaulay Culkin as Michael Alig and Seth Green as St. James. His life was the subject of the 1998 documentary Party Monster: The Shockumentary.

Genre:
Teen Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Queer Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Freak Show:

• From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer
• Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Awards & Recognition:

• Starred Review Publisher's Weekly (3/19/2007)
• Starred Review Kirkus Review (5/1/2007)
• Starred Review School Library Journal (6/1/2007)

Resources for LBGTQ Teens:

• http://www.oasisjournals.com/
• http://www.itgetsbetter.org/
• http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/home/index.html
• http://www.friendsofglbtyouth.org/

Resources on Bullying:

• http://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/index.html/
• http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2010/10/resources_to_help_stop_bullying_0930.php
• http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/antibullying/index.html
  

It's that time again! It's Back to School Time! Yay. As most of you know, going back to school can be exciting and yet incredibly frustrating at the same time. However, let us welcome you back with some fun and food! Come and hear about what Teen Services has to offer you!

Thursday, August 23
3 PM
Reese Hall 

Come and hang out with us and participate in probably one of the coolest events a Library could ever offer a teen.

Plot Summary:
Kylie is an overachiever. Not only is she going to NYU on scholarship, she is the Valedictorian of Freiburg Academy. Although Kylie is the smartest girl in school, she is also a loner and an outcast. Unlike her Freiburg peers, Kylie is not rich and is there on scholarship, which makes sets her apart from everyone else. Max is the exact opposite of of Kylie. Not only is he super popular, but rich and gorgeous. Will, on the other hand, is unbelievably rich, but an outcast like Kylie who isn't shy to express who he is much to the chagrin of the school principal and his parents. Lily, Kylie's nemesis, is not only smart, but she is also rich and beautiful and Max's girlfriend. Kylie's goal in life is to be a writer because, through her characters, she can fully express who she is and nothing will stop her from achieving her dream. However, when Mistress Murphy announces one last assignment before graduation, Kylie's is extremely unhappy with this paper; it's not that it's difficult, her task is team up with another classmate who just happens to be Max. Mortified, and terrified, Kylie just wants to get this over with so she can get out of La Jolla and to New York so she can finally live the life she has always wanted. The only problem is that she has to somehow get Max to meet with her so she can complete their assignment. Surprisingly, this meeting will be the weirdest and the craziest ride of her life. When her laptop is stolen, Kylie does the dumbest thing she could have ever done: chase after the thief. However, she isn't the only one with bad judgment since Max decides to help her out. What they don't realize is that they are about to ruin the plans of some serious thieves. Just when things couldn't get worse, Max and Kylie are left, alone, in Ensenada and all they can really do is talk and Kylie is not about to let this gorgeous, rich boy tell her about how his life is difficult when her own is about to implode if she doesn't get home quick. The irony of it all: spending time with each other turns out to be the best thing that has ever happened to both of them.

Critical Evaluation:
I gotta admit, this book was hilarious, heart-breaking, and absolutely wonderful all at the same time. When I picked up this book and, by looking at the cover, I was expecting something light and almost vapid. BOY WAS I WRONG! What makes this story brilliant is that it's told in alternating point of views, which not only adds to the depth of the story, but really conveys to readers that each these characters are the real deal. What I love about this story is that the main characters evolve wonderfully where they are not only able, and willing, to discuss their vulnerabilities, but their vices as well. Max, who seems like world's biggest jerk, is not at what Kylie thinks. Now Kylie, according to Max, is seriously one of the quirkiest persons he has ever met, which makes her unreal. When Kylie not only hijacks his BMW, she hijacks the van that was transporting all the electronics that were stolen, which not only makes her his hero, but someone to admire. When Max is able to walk into a room, and own it, Kylie's admiration for him skyrockets. These two characters have really underestimated each other and it's great to see how humbling this experience is to one another. As for Will, Lily, and Jake, their own stories compliment this story because not only are Max and Kylie struggling with their own insecurities, and fears, Will, Lilly, and Jake are also forced to re-evaluate their own characters as well. I will also admit that I loved, loved, loved, Jake's voice in this story. Jake has Asperger's Syndrome and he clings to Kylie because she knows about everything he likes and dislikes. As reader's dive further into the story, they will learn that their father is practically a ghost. When Kylie is unable to take of Jake for the day, their father is the one who has to step in. For Jake, he has to go out on a limb and give their dad a chance without throwing a tantrum. When he walks out of the house to find Kylie, not is the father given a major wake up call, Jake learns that he has to start communicating with others besides Kylie. As I said, along with the sheer comedy, the characters have some serious issues that will not only be revealed, but have to be dealt with. The ending is perfect and I was completely satisfied.

Information about the Author:
According to Amazon.com:

FROM WHAT I REMEMBER...is the second novel by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas. Their first novel, KARMA BITES, was a middle grade novel published by Houghton Mifflin in 2010. Kramer is a former film producer and currently writes movies, tv and magazine articles. Her television credits include LIZZIE McGUIRE and LESS THAN PERFECT. Her film credits include LABOR PAINS (writer), JAWBREAKER (producer) and IGBY GOES DOWN (producer) among others. She's at work on a new movie for Twentieth Century Fox. In addition, she's written comic pieces for ELLE, MARIE CLAIRE and THE LONDON SUNDAY TIMES as well as a variety of other publications. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and three children.

[Valerie Thomas] is a writer of young adult novels. I spent many years working in the film industry as a producer and screenwriter until I escaped to the relative calm of the book world.

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction, Teen Humor, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to From What I Remember:

• Spanking Shakespeare by Jake Wizner
• This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen 

 Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com:
"It's no surprise that both Kramer and Thomas share common roots in the film industry. Their love of the medium comes through not only in Kylie and Will's passion for quoting movies but also in the fast-paced action sequences that seem made for the big screen." - Kirkus Review

"...the quick pace and the hot-and-cold relationship between Kylie and Max will keep readers interested and rooting for them until the very end. Far from flawless, the characters seem real." -School Library Journal

"This has all the right ingredients for an engrossing summer read... Pack it in the beach bag along with sunscreen and shades, take a break from ACT prep, and put a Do Not Disturb sign on the worry side of your brain." -Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This book made me laugh, cry and swoon; sometimes all at once." -YA Books Central

"From What I Remember's charm resides largely in its various characters' viewpoints, all teenagers capable of rather impressive empathy (when they choose to use it) and self-awareness. These are kids who are not only smart, they think. And they express themselves with clarity and style. " -Best Children's Books 

Plot Summary:
In the Goodgrounds, the City of Water is inhabited by citizens who do what they are told and how to think. In the Goodgrounds, no one every leaves without authorization; no one goes into the Forest; guys and girls are never allowed to be alone, nor are they allowed to touch one another. In this world, everyone abides by the rules or face incarceration. For Vi, she is willing to risk her freedom, and her life, to be next to Zenn, her match. After receiving a commlink from Zenn, Vi takes a long and dangerous trip out of the City of Water to meet up with him at the Special Forces compound. What she didn't realize is that the reason Zenn had her come all the way out there is that he was going to tell her something very important. However, their conversation was interrupted by a Hovercopter. Although Vi swears she has done nothing wrong, the Hovercopter is there to take her to the Green: the base of Thinkers. Not sure why the Thinkers would be after her, Vi is preparing for the absolute worse. The thing about Vi is that she is a but of trouble maker. In other words, this wouldn't be the only time that she was busted by the authorities, which is not only good, but rather unusual for a mild-mannered, rule abiding Water citizen. When her hearing started, she learned the real why she was there: she is a Free-Thinker and a threat to Goodgrounds. After being banished to the Badlands, Vi is devastated and angry. What's worse, is that she is locked up with Jag, who is an escapee from the Badlands. For Vi, this punishment is not only unfair, but she will meet the same fate as her father who was also exiled. What she didn't count on is that everything she has ever known, and learned, is a lie and the Badlands is not what its supposed to be and she will soon discover the truth behind her father's disappearance and her sister's untimely demise. Furthermore, the more time she spends with Jag, her future with Zenn slips away. 

Critical Evaluation:
 Johnson has created a world not only devoid of individuality, but of humanity itself. Every section of the world is divided amongst character traits and duties. For Vi, the City of Water is a place where serenity and obedience are its greatest strengths as well as its ability to create citizens who are gifted. However, somewhere in the gene pool, the traits to become great inventors skipped Vi and gave her the rebellion gene. The greatest thing about Vi is she is nothing but a typical teenager; however, in this realm, its against the will of the Thinkers for teens to be anything but mailable and well behaved. Vi is strong, independent, opinionated, and not afraid to speak her mind. More importantly, her free will is what gets her in to trouble and that is why she lands a one way trip to the Badlands. One of the main issues explored in this story is the struggle for freedom from oppression, but celebrating our individuality and the ability to feel. When I think of this story, I am reminded of the movie, Equilibrium, starring the gorgeous Christian Bale, where human emotions are suppressed with discipline, fear, and reliance on mood altering chemicals. The motive behind not feeling, or, in this case, touching, can stir up feelings and ideas that could lead to utter ruin. For Vi, she wants nothing to be touched and to be loved because, to her, it's worth risking everything and that is dangerous for any organized hierarchy or specific way of life. Humans are unpredictable and it is absolutely impossible to control them so the Thinkers have established the routine of ridding Goodgrounds of it's bad elements by banishing them to the Badlands. However, what they don't realize is that the Badlands are thriving. In fact, they are doing so well they are infiltrating Goodgrounds to bring it down by stealing technology. Despite the fact that she has lost Zenn and her home, Vi sets out on a journey to not only uncover the truth behind her father and sister's death, she will do everything in her power to bring an end to the Thinkers. Although this story is very similar to Ally Condie's Matched, Possession will keep the reader hooked despite the many similarities. 

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

Elana wishes she could experience her first kiss again, tell the mean girl where to shove it, and have cool superpowers like reading minds and controlling fire. To fulfill her desires, she writes young adult science fiction and fantasy.

Using her boring human powers, she graduated from Southern Utah University with Summa Cum Laude honors in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics. She started her teaching career as an upper grade music and art specialist. After a four-year stint in 3rd grade, she is currently the technology specialist.

In her world, Oreos and bacon would be the only food groups. Everyone would drive 10 over the speed limit. Winter would be eliminated as a season, and Jeff Probst would be President. As it is, she lives with her husband and two kids in central Utah, gets cited when she drives too fast and eats Oreos only on special occasions.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thriller, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up
 

Books Similar to Possession:

• Matched by Ally Condie
• Witch & Wizard by James Patterson

Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com:

“Who Should Read This: Anyone who wants a challenge: This plot is so twisty, I had to read the last chapter twice before I could believe what happened. There's also a very nice balance between badass action and romantic tension for readers who like a good mix of the two.” –MTV.com

“Most [readers] will be drawn in by the love triangle, revelations about Vi and her family, and a dark twist ending that maintains the faintest glimmer of hope.” --PW

"[T]he super-cool, surprise ending...stays entirely true to the plot....[T]he romantic tribulations...may serve to draw romance fans into the sci-fi side....[T]he setting is developed with care and detail, making for a vividly drawn alternative world. Fans of Matched (BCCB11/10) and other recent romantically focused additions to the dystopiansub-genre may wish to add this to their reading list."
-The Bulletin

“This debut novel fits neatly into the latest dystopian fantasy craze. Readers will enjoy tough-as-nails Violet ‘Vi’ Schoenfeld and her two love interests, Zenn and Jag.” –Library Media Connection

Plot Summary:
It all started centuries ago. In Sixth century China, a scholar spots an eagle carrying something extraordinary in its beak...a white snake. Instead of witnessing this creature's death, the scholar raises his bow and shoots an arrow at the eagle, forcing it to release the. After seeing this magnificent creature fall, the scholar rushes to its aide. After gently washing and bandaging its wounds, the scholar makes a promise: if this beautiful snake were a princess in its past life, he would find her and marry her. Centuries later, the snake would appear, but this time, she is in another form that not even the scholar could have known. Meanwhile, after taking some time off from his mundane life in Australia, Charlie goes to Venice to protest at the G8 meeting. The moment he stepped off the plane, he knew he was in a magical place. In fact, this place is so magical that he when he met Caitlin, it was literally love at first sight. Could Charlie be the scholar that once saved her life all those years ago? Convinced that Charlie is her soul mate, Caitlin decides that she will love Charlie for the rest of her life; however, Caitlin harbors a dangerous secret: she is not human. After attempting to rescue Caitlin, and her friend, Alice, from a few thugs, Charlie is wounded and unconscious. The last thing he saw before blacking out is Caitlin and Alice taking those thugs down quickly; Caitlin and Alice supposedly know martial arts, but these guys were strong. In fact, they are so strong they happen to be vampires. Although Caitlin is willing to risk everything to be with Charlie, the question that remains is will Charlie accept her for who she really is? Caitlin's will be revealed, whether she likes it or not, because not only is the Council after her, old enemies are turning up as well.


Critical Evaluation:
In this imaginative re-telling of an Chinese folktale, Martin Chu Shui has created a story filled with love, mystery, action, surprises, ans suspense. I am not familiar with this particular tale, but it's based on a love that has not only managed to grow over centuries, but reunite two souls who have been separated by time and space. Although the story, itself, is a bit hard to believe (the love at first sight thing), Shui's story uses love as tool to lure readers into this fast-paced adventure where demons and monster are real. I definitely will say this story was a quick read, but there are problems with the grammar, but readers won't care since they are simple mistakes. Also, the author uses a lot of European spelling, which is only natural since the story itself takes place in Europe and Australia or maybe the Shui is just cool like that. The characters are very likable, especially Charlie who is totally clueless. In a way, readers will feel sorry for Charlie (no pun intended) because he has no idea what his role in this relationship/story is. Despite knowing his heritage is tied to Caitlin's background, he doesn't believe in all of the "hocus pocus," especially when James tells him that he part of a Council that battles monsters and demons. Unfortunately, when Charlie is drugged, the fairy tales that he studied in school are about to come true after realizing that Caitlin is actually a the same white snake that was rescued by the scholar who is also carrying their unborn child. There are some parts of the dialogue that are on the cheesy side, but when you have vampires, fairy tale creatures that are real, and an entire secret organization chasing after our heroes that is a small detail we can live with. Anyone romance fan will eat this up, but be prepared for an epic battle that is about to begin.  

Genre:
Teen Paranormal Romance
 
Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up


Information about the E-Book:
Readers can download this book at:

• Amazon.com
• Smashwords
  

Plot Summary:
In order to save her village, Soah makes the ultimate sacrifice by becoming the wife of Habaek, the Water God. The villagers not only fear Habaek, Soah's is terrified that she will be eaten up by a monster. However, when she descends into Suguk, the water country, Soah learns that Habaek is not a monster, but a child. Relieved to know that she will not be eater, Soah is content with her reality, but, when she meets Mui, Habaek's cousin, her feelings are torn between her loyalty to her husband and this seductive stranger. What Soah doesn't realize is that Habaek and Mui are one ion the same. After failing to protect the woman he loved, Nakbin, Habaek was cursed to be a child by day and a man at night. Not knowing who, or what to believe, Soah sets out to find the truth, which not only reveals the truth behind Habaek's past, but unleashes never ending plots to tear her away from Habaek. Meanwhile, the Emperor of the Gods' has finally found his key to begin a bloody with his rivals, which include Habaek's parents and Habaek himself. However, what Habaek doesn't know is that his previous bride, Nakbin, may still be alive, which not only threatens his ties and love for Soah, but reveal that many traitors that want to destroy him. For Soah, the more she gets involved with Habaek, the more danger she is in, but, with trust and faith, she sets out on her journey to not only find a way to lift Habaek's curse, but to provide him with a reason to change his own fate.


Critical Evaluation:
When I first laid eyes on this Manwha, it was love at first sight. Mi-Kyung Yun has created a world with such exquisite detail that readers cannot but help fall in love with the story. For those who are unfamiliar with Korean mythology, like myself, not only do we get a wonderful taste of these myths, the artwork is what drives the dialogue. Although I cannot really comment on the storyline itself, I will definitely say that this is probably one of the most romantic graphic novels I have ever read. Although Habaek is cruel and unfeeling towards Soah, it's her bravery and will that makes him fall in love with. Although many characters see Soah as a replacement from his previous wife, Nakbin, Soah's love for human life is what sets her apart from Nakbin. As readers dive further into the story, we learn that Nakbin is only half-human, which explains her ability to disregard the lives others to save those she loves, but, at the same time, be selfless as well. Call it selfish, or impulsive, but Nakbin was willing to destroy the man she loves because of a deal she made with her father to save her brother. For Soah, she is a true human because despite her "weaknesses" and her "bleeding heart" she literally welcomes utter disaster because she cannot bear the thought of letting someone die when she has the power to save them. For Habaek, this quality ignites something within his soul that will not only change the course of the story, but his fate itself. What I like the most about this story is that our destiny doesn't make who we are, but we are the ones who make our destiny. Guys and girls, alike, will not only identify with this story, but they will equally enjoy the journey that these two characters take.   

Information about the Author:
According to Goodreads.com:

Mi-Kyung Kun (윤미경) is a Korean comic artist; she is currently publishing the Bride of the Water God series in the Korean comics magazine Wink.

Received the Silver Medal for Seoul Media Group's "Shin-in-gong-mo-jeon" ("New Artist Debut Competition") for Na-eu Ji-gu Bang-moon-gi (The Journey of My Earth Visit) in 2003.

Received a "Shin-in-sang" ("Best New Artist") award from the Dokja-manhwa-daesang organization for Railroad in 2004.

Genre:
Teen Manwha

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Bride of the Water God:

• Black Bird by Kanoko Sakurakoji
• Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno

Awards & Recognition:

• 2004 Dokja-manwha-daesang Best New Artist Award 

Plot Summary:
Two years ago, Pierce Oliveras died. While in the Underworld, she met a face she had met quite some ago. She actually met him at her grandfather's funeral when she seven years old and he did something no one could do--he resurrected a bird. After drowning in her own pool, Pierce gathered her courgae to speak with him and, although he didn't remember her at first, he gave her an option: get on the boat over the River Styx or stay by his side. Not knowing what to do, she foolishly agreed to be by his side, which meant she would be with him for an eternity. Afraid and clueless, Pierce tried to escape only to be brought back to life when the paramedics revived her. When she regained consciousness, she realized that she brought something from the Underworld with her--a rare diamond necklace that would protect her from evil. Even though she is alive and well, her life took a turn for the worse when two unspeakable things happened to her, which not only forced her to leave Connecticut, but brought an end to her parents' marriage. Now a resident of Los Huesos, Florida, Pierce is trying to regain some sort of normalcy except for the fact that her savior/captor still watches over her. John, her Hades, has never stopped looking out for her, which begs the question: why does he stick around?  Under the impression that Pierce wants nothing to do with him, he is still there. What's worse is that an invisible force has been creating trouble in Los Huesos and Pierce is forced to come to terms with her feelings. Unfortunately, her life is about to become more complicated when The Furies, themselves, descend upon her to seek revenge and John makes an incredibly rash decision. Hades and Perspehone definitely didn't have it this bad. 


Critical Evaluation:
In this re-telling of Hades and Perspehone, Meg Cabot puts an impressive twist on this classic tale. If readers are not familiar with this tale, they will get a brief insight to the ancient love story where a God fell in love with a mortal. However, the story behind John and Pierce is a lot more complicated, especially when Pierce was the pawn to kick start and long time feud. What's great about this story is that it's really easy to get into and it is hard t put down because of the narrative. Cabot uses flashbacks wonderfully where she reveals Pierce's past that not only put her in the present, but reveal her true purpose. Furthermore, the location of this novel is sheer genius because there is no better place to put the mouth of the Underworld than the steaming, unpredictable land of the Everglades. Although readers know a little about John Hayden, readers will be wanting more other than the fact that he was a victim of foul play and just happened to find the lost necklace of Hades. Honestly, I have never heard of this necklace until I read this story. After surfing the internet, I saw a great example as to what the necklace may have looked like. I am not so sure about the myth of warding of evil, but my research will have to continue. This series is definitely definitely darker than most of works, but the plot, which, in itself, is based on a classic tale of treachery and compromise that is bound to spark all kinds of interest. Bring on the sequel: Underworld.


Information about the Author:
According to her website:

Meg Cabot is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of books for both adults and tweens/teens. Born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, Meg also lived in Grenoble, France and Carmel, California (the setting for her bestselling Mediator series) before moving to New York City after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Indiana University.

After working for ten years as an assistant residence hall director at New York University (an experience from which she occasionally draws inspiration for her Heather Wells mystery series—two new books in the series will be out in 2012 and 2013), Meg wrote the Princess Diaries series, which was made into two hit movies by Disney, sold over 20 million copies, and has been translated into 38 languages.

Meg Cabot (her last name rhymes with habit, as in “her books can be habit forming”) currently lives in Key West with her husband and two cats.

Genre:
Teen Supernatrual Romance
 
Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up
 
Books Similar to Abandon:

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• East by Edith Pattou

Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com:
“Cabot shows the dark side behind the bling-blingy superficial worlds.” —Teenreads.com

"[The] strong, amusing voice, the plot twists, and the possibility of romance will draw mystery and chick-lit readers alike." —ALA Booklist

“Bag the tiara and get out the gun ... Cabot delivers.” —Publishers Weekly

Plot Summary:
After claiming herself, Lena has found the solace and the relief she has been looking for ever since her sixteenth birthday. However, now that she has chosen to be both light and dark, strange things have been happening in Gatlin. Not only is is unbearably hot (hotter than usual), the fields are burned black, and the Lubber bugs are everywhere. What looks like the end of times for the mortal world is also affecting the Caster world where Casters are unable to use their magic properly and Lena's powers are more unpredictable than ever. Despite the possible end of the world, Link is getting use to his new life as an Incubus and Ridley is struggling without her powers, which makes him more confident and her more possessive and determined. Also, Ethan's father is recovering quite well and has decided to write a new book entitled Eighteen Moons, which instills great fear since Ethan and Lena know that the only person who communicates with that song is Ethan's mother, which begs the question: who is trying to communicate with Ethan's father? What's worse is that Ethan's dreams are becoming more vivid and dark and he is tarting to forget things he shouldn't.  With Abraham Ravenwood and Serafine on the loose, Ethan and Lena set out to find the truth behind Abraham's reappearance with the help of Marian and Liv. However, Ethan has other problems than Abraham Ravenwood--Marian has been accused of treason, which sets off a chain of events that reveal ever more treachery. In order to prevent the end of the world, Ethan and Lena must find the missing John Breed and find a way to bring order and balance between the mortal and caster world. The ending will leave readers speechless. 

Critical Evaluation:
In the third installment of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy, Beautiful Chaos delves into the history behind Serafine and the search for the mysterious John Breed. After her claiming, Lena's decision created a major problem where both the Caster and Mortal world are slowly falling apart; in other words, the delicate balance between Casters and Mortals has shifted where the Gatlin has turned into Moses' Egypt when Pharoh refused to let the Hebrews free. For the Caster world, their powers have be altered as if they are slowly losing their abilities to channel them properly. Although Lena chose to be both light and dark, this choice has caused a huge riff that even Abraham Ravenwood cannot fix unless he finds John Breed. The plot is literally filled with quite a few surprises that will not only add to the complexity of the story, but shed light an specific characters who have been severely misunderstood. I was very, very curious about the life of Izabel Duchannes (aka. Serafine), which, oddly enough, is quite the opposite of what we have seen thus far. It is actually possible to say that this horrible woman was once innocent and harmless; she was a person who actually loved and wanted nothing but to be a part of the Light .As Lena continues to uncover her mother's past, readers will hope that Lena will get the answers she has been longing for her whole life. However, the idea of John Breed was very perplexing simply because he is the key that Abraham Ravenwood is after. As a mutant/hybrid Incubus, John was purposely picked by Abraham for his powers. Readers don't learn a whole lot about his birth parents, but John lived a extremely unhappy life. The worst part about it is that John has no recollection of ever kidnapping Lena or hurting others; John, in many respects, has been an unwilling puppet for Abraham. What's great about John is behind the "jerk" facade, he develops a soft spot for Liv, which shows he is more than a "freak of nature." As readers get through the series, they realize that with every sacrifice, or decision, there is always a set of consequences. When Amma and Lena resurrected Ethan, they didn't realize that he would return with only one part of his soul. When Lena chose to claim herself as both dark and light, she created the rift between two worlds. When Ethan asked to Marian and Liv to help him find Lena, he didn't know that Marian would be tried for treason. It seems that no matter how noble, or terrible, our choices may be, someone is always going to suffer. However, what we also learn, is that with time, support, and love we can always get passed these decisions and find a way to make amends. This theme is constant throughout the series, which is not only hard to swallow, but very enlightening. The final installment, Beautiful Redemption,  readers may get the happy ending they are hoping for.

Information about the Author:
According to their website:

Margaret is a veteran of the video-game industry, and after working with Activision (now Activision Blizzard) and Westwood Studios (now Electronic Arts), Margaret became a cofounder of 7 Studios with her husband, Lewis Peterson. She has previously been nominated for Most Innovative Game Design at the Game Developers Conference.

A graduate of Amherst College, where she won the Knox Prize for English Literature, Margaret earned a master’s degree in English from Stanford University and completed coursework for a doctorate in American Studies at Yale University. Margaret was a teaching assistant in Romantic Poetry at Stanford and in Film Studies at Yale. She attended the Creative Writing program of the University of East Anglia, where she was mentored by the Scottish poet George MacBeth.

Margaret loves traveling the world with her daughters, who are épée fencers, and living in Santa Monica, California, with her husband and two bad beagles.

Kami grew up outside of Washington DC, wore lots of black, and spent hours writing poetry in her journals. She has always been fascinated by the paranormal and believes in lots of things “normal” people don’t. She’s very superstitious and would never sleep in a room with the number “13” on the door. When she is not writing, Kami can usually be found watching disaster movies, listening to Soundgarden, or drinking Diet Coke.

Kami has an MA in education, and taught in the Washington DC area until she moved to Los Angeles, where she was a teacher & Reading Specialist. In addition to teaching, Kami was a professional artist and led fantasy book groups for children and teens. She still lives in LA with her husband, son, daughter, and their dogs Spike and Oz (named after characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

Genre:
Teen Supernatural Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Beautiful Chaos:

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
  

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:
"This richly imagined series has all the elements of a successful Southern gothic supernatural romance....The ambiguity of good and evil adds appealing complexity....Genre fans will love it." (VOYA ) 

Plot Summary:
Katsa is not like any other girl in the seven kingdoms. In her world, certain children, of gracelings, are blessed with gifts called graces where some are gifted with the art of music, dancing, cooking, etc. For Katsa, her grace is the art of killing; everyone knew Katsa was a graceling because of the color of her eyes: one green and one blue. When she accidentally killed her lecherous cousin, she thought her life was over and then her uncle, King Randa, took a chance on her. Rather than fearing her gift, he decided to use her as a weapon; whenever the kingdom was threatened, or Randa wanted someone dead, it was Katsa's job to see it through. Katsa never wanted her gift, nor did she want to have the responsibility to take human lives, but when she learned of the injustices that were occurring in the neighboring kingdoms, she decided to use her gift for greater good. With the help of her cousin, Prince Raffin, the head spy for Randa, Oll, and Giddon, a noble, she created The Council whose sole purpose was to protect the people from those who prey upon them. The riskiest aspect of the group's formation is that every meeting, every mission, and every detail must be kept secret and no one could tell King Randa. The latest mission from the Council is to retrieve the grandfather prince, Tealiff, from King Murgon. Although no one knows why the elderly grandfather of King Roc of Lienid would be kidnapped, Katsa and the Council set out to find those responsible. Although three of the neighboring kingdoms don't get along, the possibility of alliances forming to overthrow the other kingdoms is very likely. However, during the rescue mission, Katsa meets as a formidable opponent, named Po, who is not only the grandson of Prince Tealiff, but a powerful graceling just like her. The more she gets to know Po, she starts to realize her own vulnerabilities, which help her realize that she is not the monster that people make her out to be. As Po and Katsa set off to find Prince Tealiff's kidnapper, they not only learn the truth about a beloved King, they also learn the horrors that befalls those he ensnares.

Critical Evaluation:
Graceling is an amazing adventure filled with mystery, love, tragedy and triumph. Kristin Catshore has written an addictive story where the heroine is not only extraordinary, but incredibly insecure and vulnerable. Although this idea can be said about a lot of strong women, Katsa's experiences and skill convey just how complicated she really is. Known as lady killer, Katsa is seen as someone to fear. Although people avert her eyes, and her wrath, we, as the reader, have the chance to see Katsa as someone with good intentions, courage, and strength. Yeah, so she can break an arm with twist or snap a neck with a flick, she is finally given the opportunity to do something she never though she could do...control her power. I absolutely love the dynamic between the characters simply because they make up the family that Katsa never had. Her cousin, Raffin, is just downright adorable because he is the complete opposite of Katsa, which makes him endearing. Po, just like Raffin, is also the exact opposite, but in a good way. There is that age old phrase that opposites attract, but for Po and Katsa, that phrase doesn't do them any justice. For the first time in her life, Katsa is beginning to feel something more for Po than Raffin. Although she has said she would never marry or have children, Katsa forgot one major element when it comes to marriage and a family: love. Although Giddon proposed marriage to her, she refused because she didn't see her life as a queen and because she didn't love him. Granted, Katsa is a bit of a newbie when it comes to the opposite sex, readers see that she is falling in love with Po, which not only proves that Katsa is like any other human: she wants to love and be loved. What makes this book amazing is the character development, action, and plot twist so readers will be begging for the next book.

Information about the Author:
According to her blog:

I grew up in the countryside of northeastern Pennsylvania in a village with cows and barns and beautiful views from the top of the hill and all that good stuff. I lived in a rickety old house with my parents, three sisters, and a scattering of cats, and I READ READ READ READ READ. I read while brushing my teeth, I read while chopping parsley, the first thing I reached for when I woke up in the morning was my book; the only two places I didn't read were in the car and in bed. What did I do then? The one thing I liked even more than reading: I daydreamed.

At 18 I went off to college-- thank you, Williams College, for the financial aid that made this possible-- and it almost killed me. College is hard, man, and the Berkshires are cloudy. A (phenomenal) year studying abroad in sunny Sydney revived me. After college I developed a compulsive moving problem: New York City, Boston, Cambridge, Austin, Pennsylvania, Italy, and even a short stint in London, where my showerhead hung from the cutest little stand that was exactly like the cradle of an old-fashioned telephone. The best phone calls are the pretend phone calls made from your telephone tub.

During my stint in Boston, I got an M.A. at the Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons College. (Thank you, Simmons, for the scholarship that made this possible!) Grad school almost killed me, but I felt a lot more alive than when I was almost being killed in college. The Simmons program is stupendous. It got me thinking and breathing YA books. It got me writing.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Adventure

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up

Books Similar to Graceling:

• Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
• Divergent by Veronica Roth 

 Awards & Recognition:

• 2009 William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist 
• California Young Reader Medal Award Winner
• Starred review Publisher's Weekly (7/1/2008)
• Starred review Kirkus Review (9/1/2008)
• Starred review School Library Joural (10/1/2008)

After burying Macon, Lena is plagues with grief and regret. Although Lena survived her sixteen moon/birthday without having to choose if she will be a dark or light caster, her powers, as a natural are growing rather quickly. For Ethan, this last year has turned his whole world upside down and it seems like he is losing everyone he loves, including Lena. Although Ethan's father was able to get the help he needed to cope with his wife's loss, everyone, and everything, is changing. In fact, Amma has even stopped doing her crossword puzzles and drowns her sorrows in her cooking. It seems that ever since that fateful night, and Macon's death, an uncertain and disturbing series of events are making their way to Gaitlin. Although their relationship is at a stand still, Ethan refuses to give up on Lena and hopes that she will eventually bounce back. However, when a new caster, and Ridley make their way back to Ravenwood, its obvious they are up to something or Lena is not in her right mind. Furthermore, the visions have returned and without Macon to decipher the mystery behind, Ethan is on his own to uncover the mystery behind the Ravenwood curse. Not only does this task seem impossible, Marian could not be directly involved and Lena was not available, or willing, to help Ethan. Unfortunately, when Lena makes a rash decision to leave Gatlin with Ridley and John, a hybrid Incubus, Ethan not only feels abandoned, but leads him to think Lena no longer loves him. Unable, and unwilling, to let Lena go, Ethan enlists the help of his best friend, Link, and Keeper-in-Training, Liv, to not only go on a deadly journey beneath the Tunnels, but find the location of the Great Barrier. What they weren't counting on is the lethal group of incubuses, Serafine, and Abraham Ravenwood and their plot to force Lena to claim herself.

Critical Evaluation:
I have been this saying this a lot, lately, but I could not put this book down. I cannot express how much I love this southern-Gothic tale where secrets, magic, and danger lurk in every corner. Compare to some sequels that I read, I was really, really frustrated with the situation, which means that this story is only going to get more exciting. Lenna's characters is so grief-stricken that she literally convinces herself to leave everything because of the death of Macon. In fact, she is heartbroken that she takes it upon herself to leave everything behind to protect those she loves. Meanwhile, Ethan, who is just falling apart, refuses to give up on Lena because he knows, deep down, that something, or someone, is trying to convince Lena that she is bad. What he doesn't realize is that she is doing it out of love, which, to him, makes him more determined to save her because she was the one who brought him back to life. Readers will find themselves angry and frustrated because, like the main characters, we want Lena and Ethan to be together because love knows no bounds. However, we do get one very unexpected surprise in regards to forbidden love, which not only makes Lena and Ethan more determines to fight for their love, but bring an end to the nonsense between mortals and casters. I will re-iterate that the reason why I love this premise so much is because not only is the Civil War engrained in the community of Gatlin, it is also going on in the caster world. Civil Wars are never, ever worth fighting in any world since all it leaves is a path of destruction where people die and misery thrives. I am very, very excited about the next installment because with the re-appearance of Abraham Ravenhood, the battle is only going to get worse. I sincerely hope Lena, who claims herself both light and dark, will learn to control her powers.

Information about the Author:
According to their website:

Margaret is a veteran of the video-game industry, and after working with Activision (now Activision Blizzard) and Westwood Studios (now Electronic Arts), Margaret became a cofounder of 7 Studios with her husband, Lewis Peterson. She has previously been nominated for Most Innovative Game Design at the Game Developers Conference.

A graduate of Amherst College, where she won the Knox Prize for English Literature, Margaret earned a master’s degree in English from Stanford University and completed coursework for a doctorate in American Studies at Yale University. Margaret was a teaching assistant in Romantic Poetry at Stanford and in Film Studies at Yale. She attended the Creative Writing program of the University of East Anglia, where she was mentored by the Scottish poet George MacBeth.

Margaret loves traveling the world with her daughters, who are épée fencers, and living in Santa Monica, California, with her husband and two bad beagles.

Kami grew up outside of Washington DC, wore lots of black, and spent hours writing poetry in her journals. She has always been fascinated by the paranormal and believes in lots of things “normal” people don’t. She’s very superstitious and would never sleep in a room with the number “13” on the door. When she is not writing, Kami can usually be found watching disaster movies, listening to Soundgarden, or drinking Diet Coke.

Kami has an MA in education, and taught in the Washington DC area until she moved to Los Angeles, where she was a teacher & Reading Specialist. In addition to teaching, Kami was a professional artist and led fantasy book groups for children and teens. She still lives in LA with her husband, son, daughter, and their dogs Spike and Oz (named after characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

Genre:
Teen Supernatural Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Beautiful Darkness:

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• Shiver by Maggie Steifveter

Awards & Recognition:

Review quotes from Amazon.com

"The authors ground their Caster world in the concrete, skillfully juxtaposing the arcane, magical world with Gatlin's normal southern lifestyle. . . Fans will devour this latest book and plead for more." (VOYA, starred review )

"The southern gothic atmosphere, several new characters, and the surprising fate of one old favorite will keep readers going until the next book, which promises new surprises as "18 moons" approaches." (Booklist )

"This engrossing must-have sequel...will leave readers clamoring for the next installment." (School Library Journal )

"Readers eager to revisit Ethan and Lena's romantic tension and learn more about the Caster world and the Ravenwood family legacy will find satisfaction here." (Kirkus ) 

Plot Summary:
Nikki Beckett has finally returned home after 100 years in Everneath. During these 100 years, Cole, an immortal, has been feeding off of her emotions, ridding her of her availability to feel. When she finally awakes, Nikki has a choice to continue down the road to Everneath or go to the Tunnels where she will spend eternity in purgatory. However, the memories that have kept her alive all these years during the Feed, which, for most mortals is unprecedented, is the memory of her boyfriend, Jack, which gives her the will and way to return to this reality, but for only six months. Just like Persephone, who was swept away by Hades, Nikki finds herself face down in the Stop and Go mart, looking like an abandoned dog with no feeling. What Nikki doesn't realize is that during her escape, a Shade from the Tunnels has embedded itself into her, which will, eventually, bring her back to Everneath to endure an eternity of suffering. Although Nikki longs to be with Jack again, her disappearance, and re-appearance, has brought back a lot of pain and regret. However, Cole refuses to let her go. In fact, he takes it upon himself to enroll in her high school to not only taunt Jack, but to make warn Nikki that it's better to be in Everneath with him. What she doesn't know is that Cole has a secret agenda for Everneath, which involves war and rebellion and Nikki is the key to his ambitions. Knowing that her time is limited, Nikki has to make a choice: let go of her life and return with Cole or fight for the life and love she once had. The ending of this story is only the beginning.

Critical Evaluation:
I will not lie when I say that I absolutely, positively love Greek mythology. The moment I picked up Edith Hamilton's, Mythology, I have always been interested in Greek myths. When I saw that Everneath is based on the tale of Hades and Persephone, I was curious to see this played out during modern times and teenagers. Unlike the actual tale, Persephone was swept away instantly by Hades without any notice or choice. What I love about these "spins" is that readers actually get an insight into the thoughts and minds of the characters, which helps them see the thought-processes of these characters. Although Greek myths were written quite a long time ago, the modern story arc and use of prose leaving the tales rather stale. However, Brodi Ashton has managed to re-invent this story where the modern Persephone is given the opportunity to change her fate unlike the classical Persephone. Furthermore, this Persephone is much more complex, which makes her very, very human even though she is Forfeit. By intertwining another famous Greek myth (Orpheus and Eurydice), Brodi gives readers yet another alternative where Jack (aka Orpheus) chooses not to look back, but sacrifices himself to keep Nikki with her family, out of the tunnels, and free from Cole. Although the original Orpheus screwed up by looking back, Jack did the opposite by going forward. This story is about redemption, love, and courage where two young people will sacrifice everything to be together and, despite the whole gushy romance stuff, makes one heck of an entertaining story. In my opinion, Romeo and Juliet have nothing on Jack and Nikki and readers will be starving for the next installment, Everbound.

Information about the Author:
According to her blog:

Because of two parents who were Greek myth geeks, I grew up thinking the latest fashion trends were inspired by Aphrodite, and a good conversational opener was, “So, which mythological character do you most resemble?” Despite these social shortcomings, I found a great husband who’s always my first reader. We live in Utah with our two young boys, who still have no idea why I'm at the computer all the time.

I received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics.

Genre:
Teen Supernatural Romance


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Everneath:

• The Space Between by Breanna Yovanoff
• Matched by Ally Condie

Awards & Recognition:

Review Quotes from Amazon.com:

"I was pulled under by this bittersweet, beautiful retelling of the Persephone myth. Ashton's lovely storytelling and strong-on-her-own-terms main character set this one apart. Wonderful!"--Ally Condie, author of the MATCHED trilogy

"Ashton's debut, is complex and intriguing. Drawing inspiration from such myths as Osiris, Orpheus, and Persephone, it explores the nature of loss and longing and what it means to be alive."--Publishers Weekly

"Enthralling and suspenseful, EVERNEATH is pure indulgent escapism!"--Becca Fitzpatrick, New York Times bestselling author of HUSH, HUSH and CRESCENDO

"The author brings a fresh, innovative concept to young adult fiction with well-developed characters and a fantastic plot line .... Libraries are advised to buy multiple copies-this one will fly off the shelves."--Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (Starred Review)


"The powerful emotions, moving and painful rebuilding of strained relationships, and star-crossed love story is sure to resonate with teen readers."--School Library Journal

Hello, everyone!