Editorial Review

For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again.In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, WISH asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for? ... Read more

Reviews

Nothing Special, January 4, 2010

interesting concept, not-so-interesting execution, January 19, 2010

Bravo to Bullen for a well-written debut novel., January 11, 2010

A sweet and magical read, January 10, 2010

Lighter twist on the death of a sibling, January 24, 2010

If you could wish for anything..., January 18, 2010
Olivia hasn't quite been herself since the death of her twin sister Violet. When her parents decide to move what's left of the family across the country to San Francisco, Olivia feels awkward both at home and in her new school. Without her lively sister to forge the way, Olivia doesn't know how to start her new life. When Olivia stumbles upon a small dressmaker's shop and learns that the dress she gets there is somehow magical, the sky's the limit, because with the dress, Olivia also gets a wish, a wish that could bring her beloved sister Violet back. And with two more magical dresses at her disposal, it seems all Olivia has to do to make her life perfect again is wish. But Olivia has to be careful because magic isn't the solution to everything, and what she thinks she wants may not be what she needs to be whole again.

Wish is a cute story of when fairytale collides with real life. Olivia is a grieving, scared girl who's nothing without her twin sister. However, through a very unique fairy godmother, Olivia is allowed more time with her dead sister. Olivia's tale is sad but ultimately sweet coming of age story of loss and learning to stand on one's own legs. It's about making the right choices and fixing mistakes, and it's a story that's extremely accessible because of how easy Olivia is to relate to. Her character may seem uninteresting at first because of her overwhelming grief, but Olivia quickly proves to be a thoughtful and well intentioned girl. Her insecurity and fear of moving on makes readers genuinely care for her. Wish may not be the most romantic or exciting story, but it is one that will touch readers and bring a smile to their faces.

Wish will be enjoyed by fans of traditional fairytales and fairytale retellings as well as by those who liked Saving Zo� by Alyson No�l and A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell. I look forward to more writing from this promising new author.

Thoughtful story, December 30, 2009

entertaining teen fantasy, December 30, 2009

Three Magical Dresses..., December 28, 2009

Cute, January 28, 2010

Editorial Review

Reviews

Is that GREAT or what?, August 24, 2008
I think Jeff Kinney hit the BullsEye with the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I first read some of it at the internet. However it did not take me long to figure out that I had to have a hard copy of this book. Once I got it, I read it from start to finish and was unable to put it down until the end. It is THAT hilarious! The writing by itself is good and the cartoons make all that even better! And I am not the only one to love it. Since the time I got it, my book is being borrowed again and again by all my friends. In fact, I haven't seen it myself for long. It is just being passed from one friend to another. And we are all waiting for the next book in the Wimpy Kid series. I don't have an older brother. But although Greg seems to be complaining a lot about his brother Roderick, I wish I could get all this kind of troubles that Greg gets with Roderick. Life would be that much more interesting!!!!

Another series that we all cannot get enough of is Why Some Cats are Rascals ( Book 3). We are all looking forward to book 4 in the series, It is actually a diary of a naughty cat, believe or not.

Jeff Kinney Strikes Again! PYP Funny!, January 17, 2008
In his latest book, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES, Jeff Kinney nearly put me into the hospital. That man is going to have serious medical bills to pay if this keeps up. I almost busted a gut laughing out loud and almost aspirated my Diet Dr Pepper on a few occasions. And, yes, I hold him completely responsible.

If not for Kinney's dry wit, keen insight into the lives of elementary school boys (especially their rationalization for EVERYTHING), and fantastic line drawing on nearly every page, I wouldn't have had so many close brushes with death in his latest book. But he put me there time and time again. Even when I thought I had things figured out (because I was once an elementary school boy with a wild imagination without a governor), Jeff would throw a wrinkle at me that I didn't see coming. He ambushed me with regularity throughout the pages.

But it's not just me that Jeff has his merciless sights on. He's taking out EVERYBODY. My wife teaches elementary school and Jeff's books are all the rage among the students. I have to admit to adding to that bonfire because I talk about his books all the time (and I have to admit that I haven't quite become the responsible adult either, because I'll rile my wife's fourth grade class up and take my leave--taking her out to dinner usually gets me off the hook and my cool points go up with the kids).

Parents have become interested in the books and I've told them they need to keep up with what their kids are reading. After all, they're supposed to be responsible parents. (I, myself, have been known to buy extra copies of Jeff's books and give out as gifts - some parents have accused me of inciting subversion, but I point out that Jeff's first book was a NEW YORK TIMES bestseller and that is a far better recommendation than I could ever make. Except the TIMES doesn't give away Jeff's books as gifts that I know of. That's why they hold me more accountable.)

But when I recommend the books to parents, I issue a stern warning. I call it the PYP warning. I especially give it to pregnant mothers and people with weak bladders who read in public places. PYP is Pee Your Pants. The books are just that funny. You're reading along, and the next thing you know, WHAM! -- you're laughing so hard you're peeing your pants.

The funniest thing about Jeff's humor, and the life of his main character, Greg Heffley, is that everything in the book COULD BE COMPLETELY TRUE. Speaking from experience, a lot of what's between those pages has been true. But I'm not going to incriminate myself now when I got away with those things all those years ago. And there should be some kind of time statute on most of them. I still don't want my mom to know, however.

Greg is THE man when it comes to taking a boring day and turning it upside down. People who underestimate the creativity of a bored child are simply asking for trouble. Nuclear war pales by comparison.

And Greg has an excuse - or a rationalization - for everything he does. Worse than that, half the time I get sucked in and totally buy into his point of view. Because, upon occasion, that point of view has been mine as well (or at least my defense). That's where Jeff's magic truly lies: he's never lost touch with his inner child. And boy, his wife must be mad and his kids must be terrified!

In this second book, I was totally blown away yet again. Greg is a middle kid, which means that his life is made miserable from both ends of the spectrum - from his older brother Rodrick and his younger brother Manny. Rodrick is the sulky teen with a band called Loded Diper. And their music stinks, so they're appropriately named. Manny is three and gets into all of Greg's stuff.

I love how Jeff sets something up in the books and continues to play off of it at appropriate times. His sense of pacing is fantastic. The work of "art" Manny creates out of toothpicks and aluminum foil is great, and I've seen that done, actually. Greg's mom tells Greg he should keep it around and he does - until it impales Greg's semi-best friend Rowley.

Another sequence in the book focuses on Greg's ringleader abilities. Kids will follow anyone with a semi-great idea. Or at least one that will bring pain or embarrassment to another kid. See, Greg is NOT hero material. At least, not yet. He does show some potential, but it's really far into the future.

One of those ideas involved making believe one of the other kids didn't exist. Following Greg's lead, the rest of the class pretends the kid doesn't exist so much that Greg gets called into the principal's office, then gets read the riot act by his parents.

I loved when Greg gets involved in the role-playing game Magic and Monsters and his mom becomes concerned. She decides to show up and play with them. And her rules don't involve all the violence and bloodshed all the kids are used to enjoying. Worst of all, some of Greg's friends start liking the way his mom plays!

Another instance is when the parents leave for a weekend trip and put Rodrick in charge. They're no sooner gone than Rodrick is on the phone calling people over for a party. Madness ensues. A door gets painted with permanent marker. Rodrick gets Greg to help him change out doors so the parents don't find out. Later, when they're punished, Rodrick says he's going to study the effects of decompression of the spine suffered by astronauts during prolonged weightlessness. He does this by sacking out on the couch and sleeping all the time while he's grounded.

If you want, you can even read the books for free on the internet. Just go to Funbrain-dot-com to read them. One of the most interesting things about Jeff's books is that they're given away for free and STILL sold enough to make it to the top of the NEW YORKS TIMES BESTSELLER bestseller list.

You see, Jeff wants everyone to read his books that wants to. However, kids want books they can hold in their hands, share with friends, and put on a shelf. Plus, it's kind of hard to take your computer and internet along when you're stuck in the car on a family trip or out with a parent at a doctor's appointment or a shopping spree.

One of the best features about Jeff's books after you put them in your kids' hands is that you don't have to worry about batteries going dead. They're kid powered: fueled by imagination and driven by humor. They're good for the environment. Except for that whole PYP warning.

Jeff's books are hilarious. I just can't recommend them enough. Call me subversive if you want.

The Perils of Middle School in a Diary Format, January 30, 2008
He did it again. Jeff Kinney has taken the ups and downs of middle school, friendship, parents and brothers and turned them into a wonderful diary-novel complete with pictures. It's a nonstop read. I laughed so hard and the characters stay with you long after you put the book down. This is a great book for reluctant readers. The best news, there is a third diary on the way!!!!

Anyone Whose Life Was "Ruined" by An Older Brother Must Read Rodrick Rules, April 1, 2008
Diary of a Wimpy Kid was a breakout success in bringing kid humor into classic situations and an appealing format. One of my concerns about reading Rodrick Rules was whether there would be enough classic kid problems to fill another book with side-splitting laughter. Well, some of the best gags are gone but some pretty good ones are left.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid featured humor built from not wanting to touch a piece of rotten cheese. There's no exact equivalent that's as funny Rodrick Rules, but the continuing saga of being dominated by an obnoxious older brother certainly will evoke memories and laughs among those who were a younger brother or the parent of two or more boys.

As in most families, both boys have something they can use to blackmail the other. But Rodrick is much better than Greg at fighting for dominance. What Rodrick has on Greg is truly funny, the sort of thing that would deeply embarrass any middle school boy.

There's lots of contact between the two boys because their parents want to bring them together. I could relate to the sorts of things I tried to use to create peace between two teenage boys . . . that didn't work.

One of the on-going gags involves Rodrick's band and his parents fear of where this could all lead. Any family that's ever had a garage or basement band will relate to this part of the book.

I was also amused to see the book address that perpetual middle school challenge . . . how to pass without doing any work.

This is great fun, just not as side-splitting as Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Hal's review, March 30, 2008
I recommend that you should read this book because the hand written diary style fits in well with the pages of the book. He includes every day things like going to a party or swimming, but puts a humorous twist on it. Gregory's (the wimpy kid) older brother Rodrick who is a lazy under achiever is in a band that can't play. He is either making Gregory's life hell, or playing with his band in the basement. As well as having a teasing older brother he has a snitching younger brother called Manny who tells on him constantly. His best friend Rowley is a bit of an idiot and can be quite annoying he also knows something that Gregory doesn't want people to know, could his best friend tell?
Personally I think that Gregory is most certainly not a wimpy kid.

A wonderful book worth a read, or two, or four!!!, January 22, 2008
Greg Heffley's life is a halirious mixture of class and comic. This is a book that will grab your attention and keep it there until the very last line of halarious and fantastic comedy! Buy it. Read it. Live it!

Regardless of your age, this book is a delight!, February 13, 2008
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, in my opinion, is more gut-busting than the first book, and I loved Dairy of a Wimpy Kid. When an 11 year old (son), a 46 year old (Mom), and a 64 year old (Grandma) burst out laughing at the antics of the Heffley's, especially Greg, the humor is droll, superior, and a something that is easy to relate to regardless of age. It's also a book that can be read, and laughed at, multiple times. This especially makes purchasing it a bargain. How about buying two and donating one to your elementary, or middle, school library? The librarian, and students, will be delighted.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, April 3, 2008
I just happen to pick up this book for my son in the book store. After reading the first one in 2 days. He decided that he wanted the 2nd book and I ordered it from Amazon at a cheaper price. He is now waiting for the 3rd book. I am impressed with how much he is reading with chapter books.

This is a fun, light hearted read! Love it!!, March 10, 2008
Laugh out loud! If you can't relate as a kid, you certainly can as an adult. My wife and I were laughing so hard we were crying. A great read for kids from 3rd grade through adult! And fun!

excellent book, March 10, 2008
Excellent book! My 8 year old son has read it 3 times and has passed it along in his third grade class. I have recommended the book to several parents and they went out to get it. We have the first and second book and can not wait for the third. The two classmates he recommended the book to loved it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Thirteen-year-old foster kid Skye Nicholson has become an expert at being an angry, cold, and defensive teenager. After breaking more foster home placements than she cares to count, and committing numerous offenses, she's headed to her final resort --- juvenile detention. But after a court compromise, hope finds her through a beautiful sorrel quarter horse named Champ and the tough love of Tom and Eileen Chamber, who offer her another chance at their home at Keystone Stables. There she's introduced to a God who has the power to truly save her, no matter how much she thinks she's not worth saving. ... Read more

Reviews

Youth horse books
great horse book for younger girls. If you haven't read the keystone stables series you will love it. If you have...don't be misled like I was..the first four book are the same book with a different cover..although cute and more modern...we ended up with the same book. after the fourth they are new, that is just a word of wise. IF you haven't read them, you'll love them ... Read more

Editorial Review

The epic finale in Richelle Mead's #1 international bestselling Vampire Academy series. ... Read more

Reviews

Bittersweet But Satisfying Ending, December 7, 2010
In the past Rose has overcome every obstacle in her path, no matter the odds, but now she may just be facing the one thing that could bring her down. Permanently. She's to be tried for the Queen's murder, an almost guaranteed death sentence despite her innocence. Fighting for her life isn't her only challenge, she also must carry out the Queen's last mission. Rose must find Lissa's illegitimate sibling to ensure her vote before it's too late. In the end it will take every last one of her allies working together for any hope at survival, let alone a happy resolution.

Rose makes the choice between the two men in her life. I can honestly say that I was almost equally rooting for both of them. They both were good for her in their own way, but her choice really seemed to be the right one for her once all of her reasons were laid out. I felt really bad for the one that she didn't choose, but as soon as she made her choice it was really apparent why it wouldn't have worked with him in the long run. I'm hoping in the spin-off series he just might get a slice of happiness, he deserves it.

While it is bittersweet to say goodbye to Rose, I'm really glad she finally got her slice of happiness. I feel it ended well and my only possible complaint would be for the happily ever after to have been more thoroughly fleshed out. Don't get me wrong, the major plotlines are all tied up, but I couldn't help but feel I was missing something, as if there just needed to be a little more concreteness in the resolution. However, when I really think about it, the ending works as is because it fits Rose perfectly. She is always flying by the seat of her pants, and a completely planned out future just wouldn't work for her at all.

This book is one that you will definitely want to set a large block aside to read, as it will suck you right in. As I was reading it I didn't realize how absorbed I was until I looked at the clock and realized hours had passed. All of the characters have grown so much over the books, especially Rose and Lissa. In this book they really seemed to come into their own, and shine. Some of the ending events were a surprise, but I think everything worked out the way it should in the long run. At least the good-bye isn't really final as I'm sure some of my favorite characters will have a least small parts in the upcoming spin off series. All in all it was a very good book that I really enjoyed and highly recommend.

Left with more questions..., December 8, 2010
I absolutely fell in love with this series and was eagerly anticipating this final book. While I am happy with most of the book, as well as the ending, I was left with more questions and felt like there were missing pieces that should have been included. With this being the final book for Rose, I had hoped to get a little more out of it. I loved the amount of Dimitri in this book. I was disappointed with the lack of his presence in SB so this one was more thrilling to me. The book was happy, sad, and funny at different times. I know many people are disappointed with the way certain people were left hanging (Adrian, Jill, Eddie), but I think they will all be joining Syndey in the spin-off series (Bloodlines). Some other things I enjoyed were Lissa's newfound strength, the severed bond (it was killing Rose), closure of the love triangle, Sonya Karp, Rose's growth, Dimitri finding himself again, and Adrian's anger (didn't expect that reaction). Here are some things I thought were lacking:

Rose/Dimitri: I know they had a lot of time together in the book, but the real stuff didn't come until so late in the book and it left me wanting more interaction between them. They should have talked more about what happened in Siberia, the cabin, her achievements during her trial/graduation, how much she actually did to get him back, her time with the Belikovs in Baia, how she felt when he said "love fades, mine has" and so much more.

The Belikovs: I would have rated this with another star if they had been included in the book. I know they were not meant to have a huge role in the series, but I fell in love with the family and I think they deserved some paragraphs. Even if they were not present, I think Rose should have talked to Dimitri about his family and whether they know he was brought back to life. Although I'm sure Yeva knows.

Abe/Janine: I love Abe's personality and was happy to see a little Janine in this book. I was disappointed that we never did find out what Abe truly does for a living. Also, I was hoping for a more elaborate conversation between them and Dimitri. How do they really feel about this relationship that clearly started back at the academy? We will never know.

I guess we have to make our own assumptions since this is clearly the end of Rose's story. Richelle has stated that this is the last book for Rose and she will only have a cameo appearance in the spin-off series. My guesses for the next book are Sydney (which is a given), Adrian, Eddie, and Jill. Too many things were left unanswered for those four. I know all series must come to an end, but I was hoping for a little more out of this book. Instead I was left with more questions. Although some will be answered in the next series, I know that others will not. It did not have quite the closure I was looking for but I guess you can't make everyone happy, right? Overall it was a good book, just lacking a few chapters in my opinion...

Feels one book short of finished, December 17, 2010
THERE ARE MANY SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

It felt like one really important point was overlooked here. Rose often dreamed and was even forced to live it by Avery, getting away and leading a life of her own choosing with Dmitri rather than a life of servitude to Lissa or any other Moroi. This is a huge point that is brought up in the series and is never resolved. Just because she gets her promise mark does not mean she doesn't want another life for herself. (She did it when it seemed as if nothing could bring her and Dmitri back together.) It is almost like it is passive resignation to a life that was planned for her by virtue of her birth but never by her choice. I think that she and Dmitri needed to talk about what they wanted from life and make this decision to be guardians and not together rather than ignore the reality that they are giving up their life together in servitude to others.

Dmitri goes from almost catatonic with grief and remorse to I love you with too much ease. The few bouts of struggle seem unlikely to yield the turnaround in behavior that they do. Rose is siphoning spirit off Lissa at an alarming pace and only has one huge breakdown? This also felt wrong. Why introduce the people living in the woods and not have them help the story along with either info on the lost Dragomir (I actually thought s/he would be living there in hiding at first)or help clearing Rose of the murder? In the absence of this help, maybe this group should have been saved for the spin off and not bogged down the pace of the story.

Rose and Dmitri never talk about what happened between them in Siberia, even though she forgives him, they should have spoken about all of it. Or his subsequent stalking of her. He never acknowledges the love and strength it would take for her to try to end his Strigoi existence by death or by spirit cure. He never talks about how hard it must have been for her to kill so many Strigoi looking for him. They never talk about her challenging final exam. They never talk about their one sexual experience in the cabin. (The perfect time for that was their second time together.) All of these things could have been addressed in the road trip and would have felt more honest in bringing Dmitri to redemption than "your hair is beautiful" did. Therefore I propose the series really does require one more book about Rose. One that hashes out these points, has Abe and Janine talk to them both about what went on in their past relationship and brings in Dmitri's family.

As observed by other reviewers, there was no mention of Dmitri's family at all. I would have expected most of his family to get on a plane and support him based on Rose's word alone. At the least a phone call should have been part of the story with a planned trip to follow.

The other thing that really bothered me was ending the book feeling like Rose simply did not care about the fate of her many friends. Adrian's conversation with her broke my heart but needed to be done. But once he points out the sacrifices of so many of her close friends on her behalf, she doesn't even say "I'll look into that tomorrow" she just shines it over. She was somewhat selfish throughout the series (which is appropriate for her age) but she was always loyal to her friends and this lack of interest in their well being didn't sit well with me. I understand the author wanted to leave questions for the new series, I just wanted Rose to acknowledge that she would now try to help her friends out of the jams she had gotten them into.

All of that said it is easy to complain when the hard work that went into it wasn't mine. I did love the book, I guess I wanted more of a balance of action and relationship in line with Patricia Briggs. I am grateful to Mead for writing the series and the effort she took in making me care about the characters and keeping me addictively flipping pages to see what would happen next. I look forward to any new books set in this world and hope that she will reconsider relegating Rose to the background and acknowledge that she can have books set in this world that are about Rose and books that feature other characters at the same time (see Kelly Armstrong's women of the other world and Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson/alpha and omega).

OH-MY-GOSH, December 7, 2010
After waiting for this book for what felt like a century. I finally got it and breezed through it, like the rest of Vampire Academy series. I literally went to the book store at 12:00 and got the book. Ten minutes later I was reading it in my car. It took me half the book to finally drive home, even thought my fingers were numb from the freezing weather. I was in such in haste I forgot my gloves. But to the review.

I loved the book. Rose is one of my favorite heroines in YA and it was a joy to get to read about her one last time. The book was faced paced with full of action. But we should already expect that seeing as though the main character is a bad***. If you though Rose was going to be in jail most of the book, think again. By the second chapter she's out and about. Doing what Rose does best getting in more trouble and finding the answers she needs found. She won't let someone fix her mess, no she fixes it herself. Even if it means tapping it back together with a couple of pieces missing. She won't be caged in some crappy motel in a small town that's most likely called town. Not are Rose.

The Alchemist Sydnay plays a huge role in the book. I was shocked by how much she was in the book. I'll tell you guys she's in here more than blood promise. Abe's not in here as much as I would have liked. I through he would play a bigger role. Yes, people there will be some Victor Dashkov and his brother. Then there is someone else I will not spoil it but she is mentioned throughout the books her last name starts with a K. More Dimtri, Rose and Dimtri are together a lot seeing as there both on the loose. It's really not a spoiler because it's like in the second chapter. See the action starts off insanely fast. As another review stated I do wish that there was something about Dimtri's family or a guess appearance. They didn't really mention anything about his family.

The comedy in this book is amazing. Rose has humor like me. She can find humor in opening a can of beans. It was just funny to read her snappy comments, and her banter. Plus she has it in the worst possible places. But it works.

If you're a Lissa fan there is a lot of good things that happen to her so you might like that. We don't see much of Christian and I hated that he was one of my favorite characters. His humor was always a good thing to read about. It was so dry in a good way. Rose looks through Lissa's head a lot like in Blood promise. I'm not going to lie it annoyed me not enough to deduct a star. I just wanted Rose to stay in her world.

The murder was a shocker to me. The person that killed the queen went through my brain but I wasn't really thinking. So it was a shocker not as much after I read who did it.

The illegenement Dragomiar was not so much I knew who it was when I first heard the gender. I'm just sad that he/she is in that situation.

The triangle. That's usually what a lot of people wanted to know who did Rose choose? Well I won't tell you but it was obvious. For the guy she didn't choose I felt so bad for. He didn't deserve that at all.

I heard that there's going to be a spinoff series. I can't wait to read it. I'm really going to miss vampire Academy and Rose. She was what made it. Hopefully I will like the spinoff series just as much.
Here one of my favorite lines from Last Sacrifice. A gun. I had been brought down by a gun. It was practically comical. Cheaters(See humor in the wrong place at the wrong time)
Little spoiler bit if you didn't read the book.
"Fine, I guess it's ok then. Go ahead.
Huh? What's ok?
It's okay if you marry my brother."
(If you read the book you get the person is talking to rose by the way)

I recommend you reading other Richelle Mead's work esepecially Georgina Kincaid series. She's a great author and I would like to thank her for writing such a great vampire series.
Also recommend all
-Ilona Andrews magic bites series
-Patrica Briggs Mercy Thompson series
-J.R Black Dagger Brotherhood series
-Kristen Cashore Graceling
-Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost
-Midnight breed series by Lara Adrian
-Chicagoland series by Chloe Neil

So long, but not farewell..., December 7, 2010
*** The beginning of the end ***

It's here! It's here! The sixth and final instalment of Richelle Mead's epic `Vampire Academy' paranormal YA series. . .

I have been waiting, nail-biting and anticipating this final instalment for MONTHS! And now that it's finally here and I have consumed the book in one sitting my overall response is. . . okay. It was pretty good. I wasn't overwhelmingly in love with the book, I didn't hate it, but it won't make my 2010 favourite's list.

`Last Sacrifice' picks up where `Spirit Bound' left off. Queen Tatiana is dead, staked in her sleep - and all evidence points to Rose Hathaway. Now Rose awaits trial in the court prison, and it is very likely that she will be found guilty and sentenced to death. . . But not if Rose's friends have anything to say about it.

Dimitri, still recovering from his Strigoi-turn, is determined to break Roza out. Adrian, Christian and Lissa want to wade through political intrigue and find out who really killed Tatiana. . .

And Rose wants to get to the bottom of Tatiana's cryptic final message. A hand-written note warning Rose that danger lies ahead, and Lissa is not the last of the Dragomir line. . . she has a sibling, an illegitimate child who could change the course of Moroi royal history forever.

*** Big surprises ***

This is a MAMMOTH final instalment. Following in the footsteps of Stephanie Meyer's `Breaking Dawn' and JK Rowling's `Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', `Last Sacrifice' is a whopping 594-page ending extravaganza. That being said, because it's 594 pages there's a fair bit of legwork on Richelle Mead's part; lots of scene setting and plot strategizing to set up all the players and orchestrate this grand finale. The first 200 pages seem quite slow, revolving around Rose's imprisonment, the political implications of Queen Tatiana's death and Lissa's standing in Moroi society. I would warn that the plot doesn't start to satisfyingly thicken until about chapter fifteen (page 236).

*** She said, she said ***

The book is broken up between Rose's perspective as she hunts for the lost Dragomir child, and Lissa's pseudo-narrative as she hunts for Queen Tatiana's (real) killer.

`Last Sacrifice' follows a similar structure to book #5 `Spirit Bound', in that the book is often split between Rose's `real-time' perspective, and her shadow-kissed bond with Lissa. The bond with Lissa allows Rose to pull a `Being John Malkovich' perspective-swap, and let her see through Lissa's eyes. I'm not a big fan of this tactic; Mead used it quite heavily in `Spirit Bound', when Rose was in Siberia and Lissa remained in St. Vladimir's. I think the reason this point of view structure doesn't sit well with me is because it means Rose and Lissa aren't actually in scenes together. I know the storyline calls for them to be apart, but I've always struggled with Rose and Lissa's bond (mostly because I can never get past the idea that Rose is slave to Lissa's princess) so not actually having them in scenes together means I am missing out on evidence of their devotion to one another. I know that's quite an outlandish response to have, and few VA fans share it, but it's just the way I feel. I've never much liked Lissa, purely because I think she puts Rose in a position of servitude (even if Rose wants to be there).

*** Stake, Treason and Plot ***

The good news however, is that both plots are equally fascinating.

The political storyline is wildly absorbing - not least of all because Rose is the accused murderer at the centre of it all. This plot sees Lissa, Christian and Adrian unearthing court secrets and political intrigues - sex, violence and royal assassinations are at the heart of their investigations. And the court politics runs nicely alongside Rose's hunt for the elusive lost Dragomir, with help from Dimitri and her Alchemist friend, Sydney. Rose's adventure in this book isn't as grand as past instalments - she travels to West Virginia instead of Russia, for example. But the stakes are higher than ever when the hunt for the missing Dragomir could potentially change the course of Moroi history. Even if I have never responded to Rose and Lissa's powerful `friendship', I appreciated the fact that they are both working for the other in this book - Lissa is trying to clear Rose's name, while Rose is hunting for Lissa's lost sibling. It's a nice compliment and balancing act that Mead juggles throughout. . .

*** I think I love you. . . ***

But let's not beat around the bush or walk on eggshells - what fans really want, what made the 12 month wait so excruciating and the prospect of this finale so delicious was the romance. Will Rose choose Adrian, or Dimitri?

Once upon a time, Rose's choice would have been simple. Dimitri was her teacher, mentor, lover and firmly set upon a god-like pedestal. Adrian was once nothing more than a drunken flirtation - a boozed royal amusing himself with Rose's affections. Then Dmitri became Strogoi and everything changed. . . Adrian became a true friend and shoulder to cry on, and then so much more. Rose's romantic entanglements got flipped around and turned inside out, and fans are desperate to know who Rose ends up with. Well, I will say that Rose makes a choice; Mead doesn't take the option away from her.

In `Last Sacrifice', Dimitri is still reeling from his Strigoi turning - and still standing by his `Spirit Bound' decision to stay away from Rose. Adrian, mean while, is as devoted to his little dhampir as ever. It's a tough choice for Rose, and a romantic triangle that Mead didn't write lightly. I loved that she built Adrian's character up from his first appearance in `Frostbite', making him a real contender for Rose's affections. Adrian was once a drunken flirt, but over the course of five books he has made some real changes and become an admirable character and fan-favourite.

Dimitri and Rose still have all the spark that's been there since book one, but Mead piles on the romantic obstacles for these two. . . The romance has been a big selling point of the Vampire Academy series. Rose and Dimitri's clandestine student/teacher affair was a risky and somewhat revolutionary coupling in the young adult genre (and hardly mainstream). But more than that, Mead's doses of romantic tragedy kept fans reeling and devastated. Richelle Mead clearly does not shy away from heartbreak or moral conundrums (as evidence when she sent Rose off to kill the man she loved). `Vampire Academy' marks the first of Mead's series' finales (with `Georgina Kincaid' and `Dark Swan' still continuing). Fans will be going into `Last Sacrifice' not knowing what to expect from Mead's wrap-up style - does she like happy-endings, or will she leave the series on a sombre note???. . .

*** Last Goodbye ***

And on that note, I will say that the ending was so-so for me. The foreword from Richelle Mead (which may only appear in international copies of `LS', to clear-up a name-change error) deflated what could have been a dramatic ending. . . I can't go into too much detail, but if you read the foreword from Ms Mead you will see that she makes mention of the much-anticipated VA spin-off series. Because of this small mention, the ending of `Last Sacrifice' is more of a whimper than a bang, purely because that foreword gave away what could have been a curveball ending for some (like those who haven't been reading spoilers about the spin-off).

I was also a little disappointed by the romantic wrap-up. I expected. . . more. The romance's conclusion ended up being a little more `teen melodrama' than anything else, and instead of a dramatic scene we get a lot of inner monologues and heart-to-heart's. Which is fine, but for the finale a bit ho-hum when not coupled with memorable action.

*** So long, but not farewell. . . ***

The good news is the spin-off series cast of characters become apparent by the end of `Last Sacrifice'. . . and I dare say a few fan favourite's will be coming back for more! And it looks as though the `Vampire Academy' title will be relevant once again, as the spin-off will most likely take place back at Vladimir's Academy - YAY!

The `Vampire Academy' series has been a hallmark of the young adult paranormal genre. It has been an epic series of love, hate, violence and kick-ass girl heroics. This series is a work of unparalleled teen brilliance and Richelle Mead has cemented her place amongst not only the teen heavyweights, but paranormal-writers. If you haven't read this series yet, then you're doing yourself a disservice. Even if I wasn't thrilled with the finale, I can appreciate the series as a whole and will forever count it amongst my all-time favourites.

Hot Series that Fizzles Out, December 26, 2010
I've enjoyed the previous books in this series, despite the fact that I felt like the main character complained like a child A LOT. The action was good, often the dialogue was alright, and I could almost appreciate the characters' struggles. However, starting with the last book and continuing on until the end of this, I was highly disappointed with the direction of the story.

For someone as bitter and acidic as Rose has always been, she sure seems to have everything turn out peachy keene in the end for her, and never takes the time to fully appreciate or reflect on it, or even experience personal growth. In fact, I personally think the smartest thing she's ever said comes in this book when she says, "I suck," to a friend after screwing up royally (yet again). At the end of the series, she is undoubtedly the exact same person as she was at the beginning.

She also doesn't actually receive any serious repercussions from her irrational, childish, and impulsive behaviors--rather, she is often rewarded for them, which in my opinion will give impressionable reader's the idea that life might actually work like this. It doesn't. In real life, if your lover emotionally and physically abuses you, the scars don't go away in a month because that lover is suddenly transformed into the person he was when you first met. They cripple you for years. This is just one example of the unrealistic character development in this series.

However, despite its flaws the books have always been quick, exciting reads. Rarely does the author bore with details, and every once in a while she can land a surprising punch or two. Fans of the reformed Dimitri will enjoy this book, and most of the character's stories are firmly set onto paths that make their future predictable and provide a little sense of closure. Fans of Lissa will no doubt have seen her ending coming since the first book, and rejoice.

Personally, I'm exhausted by Rose and am grateful she's finally giving it a rest. I've enjoyed the ride, but this series needed to end. By the last twenty pages of the book, some of the fans that have grown a little weary of the never-changing characters may find that they're skipping entire pages because they've all read it before. Yet, up until that point the mystery of who-done-it is still unknowable and interesting enough to keep people's attention. Die-hard fans will most likely be squirming with impatience for the next story of this world, and I wish them good luck with it.

I love-hated it..., December 25, 2010
***THE FIRST HALF OF THIS REVIEW IS SPOILER-FREE (because people who spoil books and rehash plots in reviews without fair warning should be staked)***

Before I start this gripe-fest, let me just say that I LUB Richele Mead's books - all of them. I read all 3 of her series. I think she's a brilliant storyteller and she skillfully drags me into the emotional web of all of her characters and their worlds. That being said, on with the griping.

I kinda want to give this book 2 stars as a series finale, but the book is actually good and deserves 5 stars for the story, so I settled on 4. I can only speak for myself, but I'm very emotionally invested in this series and it pains me that I might have to guess at what will happen next, but, seemingly, that's what I'll have to do. Don't get me wrong, this book is really good. Although it strays from the norm in this series, there's a lot of action and a LOT of interaction between Rose & Dimitri. The pacing of the story is good, too, except for a few parts. There are plot twists & surprises that you don't see coming. Overall, it's good - it's just NOT a series finale. I've had some time to really ponder & I think Mead coulda knocked out another book to give us all real closure. I've been dragged (willingly) through this highly emotional & vivid saga and I don't want it all wrapped up neatly in a bow. Not only do I not want to guess what will happen next, I also don't want to hear it from any other character's point-of-view in a future book. I'm hoping & praying that someway, somehow the new series will feature point's-of-view from multiple characters, namely Rose and/or Dimka.
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***SPOILERS*****
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MY GRIPES:

First and foremost, the Keepers were a colossal waste of time. They added nothing to the story except a couple of random laughs. Dimka should have heard everything Rose did in Siberia & after to save him. She went through hell for and with him. They kept alluding to a talk about what happened, but it never really came. I also wanted a firsthand look at Dimka's reunion with the Belikov clan. You come back from the undead and you don't immediately call your mother?! I also would have liked to see Rose & his kid sister patch things up. Most importantly, Rose should NOT have cheated on Adrian!! I'm not a prude, but per the series, Rose has grown & she should have broken things off with Adrian the honorable way - especially after the way she berated herself for killing Victor. Dimitri's all, "No. I can't steal another man's girlfriend. There's no honor in that," but then Rose gives him the "eye" and they just fall into bed and have sex. Ok... There goes honor right out of the window. I guess I just expected more from these two. I expected their legitimate reunion to not be so cheap and at the sake of Adrian.
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END OF SPOILERS
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I still liked the book overall, but again, looking back, it's more like another installment. A good installment, because there was some good stuff there, but NOT a series finale. So sad now.

Not a conclusion....I want more!, December 18, 2010
I love the Vampire Academy series and started reading this book as soon I received it. And I finished reading it all in one day-today. Honestly, this book was really a 3 star book but due to my love for this series and the main characters, I give it 4 stars.

I was left wanting more, heck of a lot more. I did not get that happy, fuzzy feeling after reaching the conclusion in a beloved book where your characters reach that HEA. I didn't feel like there was a HEA at all, and I was left with more questions than answers.

*SPOILERS*

The most important thing to me in the series was the romantic relationship between Dimitri and Rose, especially given how it ended in the previous book. Dimitri was in the book a lot more than he was in the previous books, but I didn't feel like it was enough. There wasn't really a lot of talk about what went down between them in the past. Nothing was mentioned about how much Rose did for him, especially breaking Victor Dashkov out of jail. There were hints and clues but nothing really clear, even though Victor was with them both. I felt like it could have been done a bit better. There wasn't a lot of romance really. It was kinda depressing because in the end, Rose dives in to save Lissa from a bullet. She asks Dimitri later if he had been going in to save her or Lissa, and he answers that he doesn't know. WHAT???? That's just so depressing! And he ends up being assigned as Lissa's boyfriend, Christian's Guardian. Not good!

Then there is Rose being shot by Tasha. She goes in front of Lissa in order to protect her. Their bond is broken as a result because Rose heals all by herself. Nobody heals here because the Guardians have everyone on lockdown. So we are led to believe that after everything, nobody tries to heal Rose and break into where she is being held? They would have just let her die? But thankfully, she recovers by herself, which ends up breaking their bond. And to top it all of, Rose is never even thanked by Lissa for saving her life. What Lissa did was stupid. She went into the crowd knowing that Tasha had a gun and that Tasha's hostage, Mia would have gotten away anyway. So she went in to save the crazy woman with the gun? Very stupid.


Let's get to the Queen's murderer. It's Tasha and she frames Rose because she loves Dimitri and knew about their relationship. She gets detained and more evidence comes to light, but we are not told what that evidence is or what her faith will be. Will she get executed or not? What happens? Call me bloodthirsty, but I would have liked to see Tasha executed or at least killed during the fight. I mean, she framed Rose and sent her to her death, even shot her at the end. Her character should have been KILLED OFF and not just detained because she could always escape. So, that's another loose end. And we aren't told about how Christian feels about Rose turning in his aunt. Although it is mentioned that he still visits her. We aren't told a lot about many other characters either. What happens to Ambrose? What happens to Eddie? What happened to Victor Dashkov's brother, Robert Doru? What happens to Sydney? The alchemist, Sydney, who was in a lot of this book and helped Rose in her quest to find the missing Dragomir and clear her name. Nothing is really resolved.


That was my whole problem with the book. This was supposed to be the FINAL book in the series. I know there is going to be a spin-off series and all, but it's unfair for questions about this series to be answered in the spin-off series. Everything pertaining to this book/series should have been wrapped in this very FINAL book & conclusion to this series! I was disappointed and left wanting more. I want more! I want more Rose and Dimitri. I feel like there is so much more left to their story. Not everything was wrapped up about their relationship or about them being Guardians. What about that "they come first" phrase that was always repeated and how Rose questioned if Dimitri would have saved her or Lissa? Nothing was really resolved. It was just more questions and questions. Rose and Dimitri did NOT even discuss the past matters in their relationship like when she went to Siberia, met his family, everything she did for him, how his rejection of her after he was healed from becoming Strigoi hurt her so much, etc. I want more! Ugh, very frustrating. Many things are still left unresolved. This "final" novel was not a conclusion and left me feeling a bit disappointed and anxious for answers. Guess I'll have to wait all the way until August for the first Bloodlines novel, or wistfully wish for there to be more in this series!

So much better than Twilight!, December 9, 2010
I can't even begin to say how much I love this series. I am not a teen but instead am a 30 year old teacher! I have tried reading all the other vampire novels out there and without a doubt the VA series rises way above and beyond. I wish I could give Last Sacrifice way more than 5 stars because it deserves it and then some. I have waited and waited for this novel to come out and when it did, I found I couldn't put it down. I put aside lesson planning and grading papers until I knew if Rose ended up with Dmitri. I've read a ton of books in my life but can't remember a series resonating with me and whose characters I absolutely adore. I felt satisfied when I finished the book, having gone on this journey with Rose. I am sad it has to end because I would love to read more about her and especially Dmitri!!

Not really an ending to a series, December 7, 2010
This is my favorite YA vampire series and I was excited that this is the last book in the series. (Although a spin off series is coming! The first book, Bloodlines, is due out August 2011.) I eagerly dove into this book as soon as I got it in the mail but when I finished it I kind of felt let down. I'm going to try hard not to give away any spoilers so sorry if some of this is somewhat vague.

The Storyline

As you can imagine Rose doesn't stay locked up for long and she and her friends are trying to figure out who really killed Queen Tatiana, who is this mystery Dragomir that Tatiana referred to in the note Ambrose slips to Rose and Rose and Dmitri have to confront their feelings for each other. The pace of the story was steady but not as much action as the earlier books. Being the last book it was obviously a lot about tying up the little story lines that have ran through the series. We find out what happens to Sonya Karp, the teacher turned Strigoi, the fate of Victor Dashkov, who Rose chooses and what happens with Lissa. I think while not a bad book this did not grab me as much because you could guess pretty early on who the murderer would turn out to be and what happens to Lissa and Rose was kind of obvious as well. In the fact the things that you could not figure out were never explained and the reader is totally left hanging. I guess this was so they could be explained in the spin off series. Which on one hand irritates me because I like to see things wrapped up nicely but on the other hand makes me even more anxious to get my hands on Bloodlines in hopes that I get to see more of some of my favorite characters and find out what happens to them.

The Characters

No real new characters in this one although we do finally get to see a lot more of Sonya Karp and Rose's dad, Abe. I loved that Sydney is back and plays a pretty large role. She's turning out to be more feisty than she first seems. A new group of people are introduced although they did not really add anything relevant to the story other than some comic relief. I have a feeling that this again is something that was more of a setup for the next series. I loved that Lissa was finally showing more back bone and not being as dependent on others to solve her problems. In contrast, I found it irritating that Rose making so many obviously stupid decisions. She is normally rash and lives in the moment but some of her choices made no sense and I actually had to put the book down at one point to say "Seriously? You did not see what was going on in front of your face regarding Dmitri?".

The Romance

Both Dmitri and Adrian get face time in this book and I was still torn about who I wanted Rose to end up with. She and Dmitri just seemed like they were meant to be but could Dmitri overcome the trauma of being a Strigoi and allow himself to love Rose again? I also love Adrian and really wanted him to be happy. He was so in love with Rose and was trying to change himself for the better so he could be with her. So I could really feel for Rose as she had to figure out which way to turn. I'm not unhappy with who she chose but of course I still feel bad for the other guy.

All in all...

I enjoyed this book but did not love it. I did not get a feeling of closure for the series. Instead it felt like one adventure was finished and it's getting ready to launch you into the next book rather than a new series. Not that this is a bad thing. lol. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Humans and half-bloods alike agree--Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a series fit for heroes! Re-live the adventure from the beginning with this boxed set of the first three books.

The Lightning ThiefPercy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. When his mom tells him the truth about where he came from, she takes him to the one place he'll be safe--Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island). There, Percy learns that the father he never knew is actually Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon Percy finds himself caught up in a mystery that could lead to disastrous consequences. Together with his friends--a satyr and other the demigod daughter of Athena--Percy sets out on a quest to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

The Sea of MonstersAfter a summer spent trying to prevent a catastrophic war among the Greek gods, Percy Jackson finds his seventh-grade school year unnervingly calm. But things don't stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half-Blood: the magical borders which protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner by the Cyclops Polyphemus on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters--the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millennia--only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new nameL: the Bermuda Triangle. Now Percy and his friends must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half-Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family--one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke...

The Titan's CurseWhen Percy Jackson receives a distress call from his friend Grover, he immediately prepares for battle. He knows he'll need his powerful demigod allies, Annabeth and Thalia, at his side; his trusty broze sword Riptide; and... a ride from his mom. The demigods race to the rescue, to find that Grover has made an important discovery: two new powerful half-bloods whose parentage is unknown. But that's not all that awaits them. The Titan lord, Kronos, has set up his most devious trap yet, and the young heroes have unwittingly fallen prey. Hilarious and action-packed, this third adventure in the series finds Percy faced with his most dangerous challenge so far: the chilling prophecy of the Titan's curse. ... Read more

Reviews

A true joy for children and adults, and the only other series that even comes close to Harry Potter
I am a 24 year old married woman, and like many Harry Potter fans I have been reading unfufilling series after unfufilling series for the last few years trying to find something to fill that void. Percy Jackson and the Olympians is fantastic. I have to say I did like the second and third books a little more than the first. They were more colorful and funny than the Lightning Thief. Everything that you loved about Harry Potter is in this book, but not in the haphazard, copycat, money-maker way that some other series have tried (*cough cough Charlie Bone and Septimus Heap to name a couple). This is totally original and you will find yourself with the same love of Camp Half-blood that you had for Hogwarts. While this book is for children it is meaty. It has substance, thoughtful characters, interesting plots, and an intricate world I cant get enough of. I had a hard time putting the books down. I cant wait for the next book to come in so I can start right back up again. My cousin recommended this to me and I just cannot thank her enough. Thanks again Debbie!

Excellent, even for reluctant readers
My 4th grade son who does not love to read absolutely loves this series. I can't get him to stop reading; he is reading instead of TV, video games, outside, etc. I read a few chapters of each of the 4 and they are well written, funny, and full of action/adventure. Great books!

Highly Entertaining for Both Kids & Adults
I bought this set for my daughter, who's a fan of Greek mythology, and ended up enjoying them myself as well. Like the "Harry Potter" and "Narnia" series, these books appeal to readers of all ages. I also appreciated the prominent featuring of strong female characters.

Some of the plot twists I did find a bit on the predictable side but I still thought the books were highly entertaining.

Series as a whole
I actually posted this on a discussion thread on books for fifth graders. But I decided it fit well in a review, so here it is. I feel (as a mom and as a teacher) that this series is great for everyone from strong fourth grade readers through eighth grade and beyond.

My now 14-year-old son introduced me to this series: relatively new, from Rick Riordan. The Olympians have apparently moved Olympus over the years, following the westward march of civilization - in fact, Olympus is now floating above the Empire State Building in New York City! The main character is Percy (Perseus) Jackson, who is a half-god (Demigod), introduced in the first book, "The Lightning Thief". This first book is not as engaging as the following ones, but this is mainly because it first introduces all of the characters and has to give a lot of background quickly.

Each subsequent book covers roughly one year (well, usually one summer) of Percy's adventures. They generally start out from Camp Half-Blood, the magically protected space on Long Island Sound set aside for Greek/Roman gods' half-human children. They need this special summer camp for protection from all the monsters and evils that we mere mortals can never see because of "the mist" that makes us interpret what we see only in ways that make sense to us. So, that evil substitute teacher might actually be a harpy, sent to weed out another half-blood. :-)

This creative and engaging series introduces or reinforces ancient myths from Greek and Roman mythology, and does a wonderful job of painlessly increasing cultural literacy for the "history of Western Civilization". In fact, it covers many legends beyond that as well, because the premise is that the Olympians have always existed, and they just keep moving their base every few hundred years, through major civilizations on several continents. Really an awesome series, especially for fairly competent, but possibly reluctant, readers in 8th grade and up.

good books
I've read all four books and I have found them pretty good. Not as good as the Harry Potter books in my opinion- they don't have quite the descriptive and immersing storyline- but the Percy Jackson novels are full of adventure throughout the entire book, which I found to be entertaining enough to make up for lack of detail. My only disappointments are that the books are really written for a younger audience (unlike many other YA books, which are written so teens can enjoy them and older adults can get even more out of them, i.e. HP), also that he either assumes you have a bad memory or that you haven't read the previous books.

My opinion is based from someone who is 25. If your the parent of a teenager or preteen, then my nags do not apply to them. They will likely love the books without any complaints! I'm more speaking to those closer to my age or older.
My 16 yr old brother loved the first book and is reading the second- and he hardly reads. He never finished the 3rd HP book, and hasn't read much of anything else except half of a zombie book. I thought he could use some new books, and I hoped to enjoy them as well. - Which I did.

Each book gets better. the story becomes much more developed with each book, but it always seemed like Riordan tried to keep them short. I personally like more immersion- which needs more detail. But don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to put down the books! I think their great books, and I would recommend them to anyone under 20, and many adults who enjoyed the HP books.

*Edit: My little brother is now finished with the fourth book and my family is excited that he is actually reading! He very much liked these PJ books and is telling his friends about them. I've already said he could lone the first one to a friend. I'm looking for other books now that he might like. Think I'll go with the Bartimaeus Trilogy next.

A great read to share with you and your child
I have been looking for an adventurous series for my almost 9 year old boy and finally found it. I read the first book first then gave to him to read. The author wrote with such wit and it is interesting to combine mythology in the story. Now I want to go back to look for some mythology books to read. It is truly enjoyable.. my son is not avid reader but yesterday he read this book 1 for 4 hours on our long road trip. He is ready to read book #2. I just finished book #2 so we can discuss... He couldn't put it down because he wanted to know how the story develops..

This book changed me
I am an 11-year-old girl who absolutely hated reading. I could never find a book I liked. If I actually found a good book, I would end up getting bored with it and not finishing it. Then, I happened to stumble upon "Percy." I opened up this book, and I never put it down. I read all day long, while eating dinner, while brushing my teeth, and even read it by flashlight in bed. I finished the series in less than two weeks. I cried so hard when I was finished with the last book. I was literally sick to my stomach and had a headache. I was bedstricken, okay???!! Then, I found out Rick Riordan would be writing a new "Percy" series, featuring some of the old characters. I have no reason to live until "The Lost Hero" comes out. (October 12th.) This is coming from a girl who, 2 weeks before "Percy", wouldn't even read a picture book. Rick Riordan, you are amazing. This author knows what his mythology-loving audience wants to read. And I will be reading Rick's work as long as I can possibly stand it!!!!!!!

Exciting Adventures and Likeable Hero
Percy Jackson is an ordinary 12-year-old except for dyslexia, ADHD, and his propensity for getting expelled from private schools. He is also being attacked by monsters out of Greek mythology. His mother brings him to Camp Half-Blood where he learns that he is the son of a god and a hero who has to go on a quest. Percy, along with his friends Annabeth (daughter of Athena) and Grover (satyr) must battle gods and mythological monsters as they try to bring Zeus his stolen lightning bolt before the solstice in order to stop the gods from going to war. Excellent adventure for middle grade readers. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Zach knows Joanna is too young for him, but he has never felt like this about anybody before. She’s so sweet and passionate and flirty and free, and the most beautiful girl Zach has ever known.

Joanna is swept away by her feelings for Zach as they grow increasingly passionate with each other. She’s doing things she’d never normally do, but it’s like God has whispered in her heart Zach is the one for her.

The powerful forces of young love, sex and religion come crashing together in this romantic, sexually charged story.

... Read more

Reviews

Christian porn for teens?
Make that ZERO stars.
A bizarre, unrealistic story of two teenagers, Zach and Joanna, who over the course of her 2 week family vacation from Colorado, manage to fall madly in lust/love. Intertwined throughout all of their self-inflicted sexual temptations is their desperate struggle to please "god". But at last we see their "patience" pay off as they promise Joanna's father to wait until Joanna is 17 to fulfill their commitment to "god" and go all the way. It's the least they could do after "he" came through with the prayed-for-a-few-times scholarship to the prestigious art school a mere 5 blocks from Joanna's house. Now THAT'S a miracle! I'm sure they'll be happily married forever and ever.....(yes, that was sarcasm.)

I hated this book.

unfair reviews?
Before this book was free it received nearly all positive reviews. Obviously it has gained a lot more exposure since then, but the title and cover picture must have given a lot of people the wrong impression of what kind of book this is, and a lot of people must have downloaded it expecting an adult romance or erotica and not noticed it's in the teen/YA category. Most of the positive reviews come from teens who loved the book, while all the negative reviews are from adult women. Many of them speak of it as being juvenile and unrealistic, but the book has a romantic-teen-fantasy feel to it, especially the ending, and most adult romance novels are not realistic either (they're just aimed at a women's fantasies rather than a teens). The ending would be very romantic to a younger teenager, but to adults who have a more jaded outlook it might not be so romantic, and might even be offensive.

There are quite a few religious conversations in this book, and I can understand some people being offended by that and not wanting religion mixed into their entertainment. But I think the religious views in this book are unique and add something to the story. It is not a standard religious message or indoctrination, and it takes an honest hard look at the church through the eyes of its main character. The teenage years are a time of questioning and figuring out what the truth is and what you believe and what is important. This is a real part of "coming of age", but not something you find very often in teen novels. Perhaps its realism is too much for some people. I can also understand some people not liking the realism and sensuality between a nearly 16 year old and an 18 year old. There is a lot in this story that could offend people.

I think most of the harsh reviews are from people who were personally offended by this book. Many of the reviews give away the ending and deliberately misrepresent the story. They don't just give their opinion, they express it as if it is the opinion everyone should share. I think people should try reading it for themselves and form their own opinions, especially since it is free to read.

an amazing love story
I do not understand how come this book get so many harsh review... I think it was captivating. Great love story of 2 teens struggling to stay pure and holy for God.

Today's view is so deformed so a story like that may seem unrealistic but it is very real or at least should be.

Great read!

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Some people that reviewed this novel didn't like it. It's directed at YA, but a mature YA. I'm 15 and I really liked it, keeping in mind that it is fiction.

good read
I think this story was great and it shows pressure teens may face but turned back to GOD

Amazing debut novel!
This is one hot young adult story, but it is also very realistic (for a Christian teen) and well-written. The author includes God and faith in the mix, thus complicating things further when feelings get strong and the pull of young love becomes blinding. I really hurt for this guy. Seriously. I felt his pain as well as hers while they struggled with their budding relationship. I could not stop reading this book. It's the kind of story where you want to crawl inside and talk to the characters to make sure they don't do something they'll regret because they keep putting themselves in tempting situations. I totally remember being the same age as the characters in this book. I identified with the faulty thinking that came with their burgeoning hormones. This author has talent! ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday. ... Read more

Reviews

The Grinch found the strength of ten grinches...plus two!
My 9 year old took a look at the face of Jim Carey, as the movie Grinch, and said, "That's not the real Grinch!"

He's right, of course. It's hard when a book you've been reading faithfully every year is made into a movie, and you see who Hollywood gives the lead part to. (Then again, who else would anyone cast in this rubber-faced role?)

This is the original story, in a classy cover for the Seuss lover or favorite grandchild(ren) on someone's Christmas list. Of course, as the story tells us, material things aren't as important as the intentions behind them.

If the price seems a bit high, amazon offers another version that's a little less expensive and still has the real face of the scowling, mean-spirited Grinch.

That face changes from bad to worse, and then to tender when he finally "gets" the meaning of Christmas. But before he does, children and adults will read (and reread) in delight and shock as the Grinch disguises himself as Santa. The innocent townspeople of Whoville never seem to catch on as the Grinch forces his poor dog Max to help him steal all the toys and ornaments. He's so sure that once he's done away with the material goodies, the Christmas spirit will be gone.

A wonderful story with a message we can't hear enough. Add this deluxe edition (sure to last for another 40 years!) to a child's Christmas bookshelf, or give it to that special someone who's ba-humbuging around.

This book is the classic (accept no substitutes)! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

they just keep getting worse and worse, dont waste your money, this book gets no where, January 5, 2011
When I started reading this series, i genuinely enjoyed it. I thought it was intresting and captivating, however, with each additional book they just go down hill. I can clearly see the authors are just in it for the money, the more books in the series the more money in the bank. It kind of makes me sick. I felt like this book did not take me anywhere, I did not learn anything new, it just a whole lot of time to tell readers what they already know. Get to the point all ready ladies. I have given up on this series, I cant believe it has taken me this long, but I had faith we would finally get some answers in this book. I was so very wrong. Dont waste your time and money on this series which started with so much promise is now begging to be put out of its misery.

This relationship has run its course, January 5, 2011
(This review has serious SPOILERS)
When I first started reading this series, I enjoyed the story line enough to over look all the things that were wrong with the books. I am aware that this is YA fantasy series so obviously I do not expect anything high quality. However, this book reached to the threshold for me and I have to say enough is enough. This was a mid size book and it took me 1 1/2 hour to read. Because there was nothing in it. Let me tell you what happens in this book in one sentence. Two people die (they die because they are convenient characters), Zoey and Stark take their relationship one step further, Kalona realizes he is sharing his soul with Stark which is negatively effecting Stark but they don't know it yet, Stevie Rae and her raven get what they want, the group leaves school to live underground while everyone thinks Neferet is good again, Heath comes back in the form of a vessel who will be doing the bid of Neferet and kill Zoey (obviously it is not going to work in the next book since it is really Heath's soul in the vessel). If you think that is a lot of stuff to happen in one book, you are wrong. Because 70% of the book was dedicated to teenage bickering about pop culture stuff so that we readers feel like this is really happening and these are real characters. The reason that I am ending my relationship with this series aaaaaannnd most importantly with these authors is very simple. I don't want to spend my money for a series which makes me regret it while I am reading every new installment. The quality is dropping because there is simply not enough meat in these books to qualify 10+ books. I don't know if it was the choice of authors or the publishers but they are taking advantage of their fans and I decided not to be one of them.

Well, That was quick and painful., January 5, 2011
This book is simply a retelling and rehashing of previous plot twists. The language and pop-banter is sub-par, even for a YA book. In short, disappointing. I won't be waiting for the 9th. It is a shame because I enjoyed seeing a real heroin with real issues and flaws, but the storyline no longer supports her potential.

Oh, House of Night...why do you torture us so?, January 5, 2011
Oh, House of Night....why do you torture us so?

I was tempted to give this a two star review, but because it was a quick page turning book, I give it 3 stars.

These books are so addictive. To me they are like Halloween candy. You can't quit eating it, and no matter how much you take from the bag, there is no end to the candy in sight. So, you keep eating it and eating it but are never completely full and satisfied. And yet...you love it all the same despite the fact that you have a tummy ache.

Awakened, the eighth installment in the House of Night franchise, is more of the same stuff fans have come to expect.

Zoey and Stark are on the Isle of Skye and learning and recovering in safety. Stevie Rae is continuing her scandalous relationship with the dark creature, Rephaim the Raven Mocker. Oh, and Neferet, the evil head vampyre that caused all the chaos in the first place, is back holding her lead position at the House of Night in Tulsa, Oklahoma. What all this means for readers is that this story (Like Burned before) is told in several different perspectives. At first I wasn't very keen on the various POV's, however because the book covers such a short span of time, I find that it helps relieve some of the monotony of the story.

*potential spoilers*
What I was most hoping for, a more stable relationship between Zoey and Stark, is still left up in the air and that is driving me bonkers! In my opinion there is enough mystery and pulse pounding twists and turns going on to not have at least that one thing settled...without a doubt. I mean, as readers we have been following this story along for 8 books now and through each of these books we see how boys, men and supernatural gods just love and lust for Zoey so much and she can't help but be indecisive about them all. And why does Heath still have to be in the story? Seriously...can't he just be dead for good? It is frustrating.

Another thing that surprised me the most was how intrigued I am now by Stevie Rae and Rephaim's relationship. In my opinion, it was the most interesting part of the book. I actually am kind of routing for them, where before I was appalled and disturbed by their attraction.

My biggest problem and "nails on a chalkboard" annoyance is Neferet. Can someone please just remove her already? Kalona is supposed to be this big bad dude and it's as if Neferet has his bollocks in her purse. I am so sick of that character and her "Day's of Our Lives" comebacks it is not even funny anymore. I literally hate reading about her. If her parts weren't such a major part of the struggle I would be tempted to skip them.
*spoiler finished*

So, where does Awakened leave fans?

Well, that is a tough question. I think that the die-hard fans will continue reading because we can't help but see the series through. On the other hand, I think that several other readers (that are not as big of fans) may become turned off by the lack of resolution in each book. I for one, am most likely going to keep reading. What can I say, I like candy? I also really like the authors personally. I think that P.C. Cast is very talented and Kristin as well. This is evident in their knack for keeping people like me coming back for more of their page-turning books.

good series...good book...long wait., January 5, 2011
The book is great! But I was very frustrated because apparently we don't actually get the picture of the cover...which I always enjoy looking at. Now I have to wait for the next book to come out. Hopefully with a cover..this book seemed much shorter than the others and I wonder if they actually care about the book.....or the money. I love these authors so it disturbs me to say it but is it all about $ now.

Disappointing, January 5, 2011
So I really enjoyed the other books in this series. I even re-read them all so the story would be fresh in my mind. So when I was working through this book I felt like i was waisting my time. It's mostly a review with VERY little new or important information added to the story. Could have cut this book down by two-thirds at least and then just added it to the next book...now I'm nt sure if I'll even read that one. I feel like it was a waist of money!

A Light and Dark review..., January 5, 2011
I'll admit it--I'm losing track of how many books there are in the series. It's extremely difficult to recall specific details past the first couple of books. This could be a good or a bad thing, because while this means the plot is being dragged out, it still reads very fluidly.
This is not a deep, thought-provoking series, but it is very satisfying. I'll never get tired of the mythology and Native American traditions in this series, nor the contrasts between dark and light. I'm not ready to give up on the series because I'm a big P.C. Cast fan, and I really think this series has more substance than other vampire/romance books that are being churned out by the hundreds.
That being said, I wish so much that this book had been longer. I wish that it had not seemed like such a filler novel, written only to extend the series. The one redeeming part is that there is a conflicting issue that is finally resolved [Rephaim and Stevie Rae] but other than that...how much more can Neferet do?? And why throw in all of the stuff from characters that are rarely or never voiced at the end of the book? This book should have been more than what it was, but it's still a good book and I do not regret purchasing it.

Still hooked, January 5, 2011
I realize some people only gave this book one star and I think that's unfair. Obviously you enjoy the series enough to keep up with it and continue to read it.

Is this a challenging, thought provoking book? No. So if that's what you're looking for, then it's not for you.

However this is a light, intriguing story that will keep you wanting more. It is fast paced, and even though somewhat predictable, still a great story.

Waited a long time for it...., January 5, 2011
I was really excited for this books release. I devoured the first 7 in under a week and have been waiting and pacing for it.

Awakened was good, more of the same from the past 7 books. It did offer resolutions to some questions but left us hanging in the end for the 9th book. I have to agree with a prior review that I read. This book seemed shorter than the others, and makes it appear that the authors are more about the monetary gain.

The book shifted viewpoints so many times that I felt I was experiencing an episode of alternative personality disorder first hand... Other than that it really was a good read as I expected with heart breaking, sensual, and edge of your seat drama.

Great new installment, January 4, 2011
Dealing with the aftermath of her soul shattering, Zoey still isn't herself. She needs Stark more than ever and she knows the Goddess has truly blessed her by giving him to her. She decides to stay on the Isle of Skye for the time being to give herself some time to cope and regroup. Meanwhile Neferet continues on her path of darkness and destruction, but now she has the Council backing her again, making her that much more of a threat. Of course Stevie Rae is still bound to the Raven Mocker and it is really starting to cause problems. Her heart is being ripped in two from hiding the secret and her true feelings, and something has to give before it is too late. The stakes only keep getting higher in the quest for light over darkness and it will take all of them to hold to the path of the Goddess and not give into the darkness.

Everything really seemed to come to a head in this book. I won't get into specifics to ensure nothing is spoiled, but I will say that several issues from previous books do get a sort of resolution, while many other ones rear their ugly head. This book is told from several different perspectives, so we get to see how everyone is dealing without getting stuck with only Zoey's view. Sometimes rotating point of views can be very frustrating to read, but after I got used to it, I realized that the rotation made this book much better than it would have been with only Zoey. The conflict is now so much bigger than her, so that warrants the views of others being seen. The rotation was executed nicely and it was very clear who had the focus at the time, making it flow really well.

This book at root seemed to be about solidifying relationships. Again I won't go into specifics, but the lack of unity from the previous is well on its way to being resolved. One of the biggest things I loved about the early books in the series is how close knit Zoey and her friends were. As time went on, however, that was less and less the case. It was so hard to see everyone "splitting" apart, that it made the books slightly less enjoyable. I was very happy to see things start in the right direction in this book, and the "gang" banding together again despite the awful things that have happened. I look forward to the next book with hopefully a stronger and unified front, that will let them lean on each other and become a true force against the darkness again.

As I mentioned before, the rotating perspectives took me some time to get pulled into the story, but once I did, I was completely sucked in. The stakes are just as high as the previous books, if not higher, and the characters have been tested well beyond their believed limits. Their continued perseverance is nothing short of admirable, and I cannot wait for the next installment to see how everyone handles the shocking ending events. Everything has changed, and everything is at stake, making this a very good addition to an already great series. ... Read more

Editorial Review

When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.

Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life-first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse-seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever?

The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions. ... Read more

Reviews

So bad, I want to rewrite it myself, June 10, 2009
I started reading this series after I heard a rave review on NPR during their "Guilty Pleasures" segment. The middle-aged gentleman described Twilight with such enthusiasm that I couldn't resist temptation. I bought the four-book set and settled in for a long weekend of reading.

Three days and 2400 pages later, I'd finished the four novels. I adored Twilight, tried not to slap whiny Bella during New Moon, and mostly skimmed through Eclipse trying to get to something interesting. Finally, I got to Breaking Dawn. I have never been so let down by a book in my entire life. I don't even need to go into all the ways that this book was horrible - the other reviewers have done that well. But, here I go anyway:

Wedding - So, Bella's wedding to Edward was not what she wanted, but what she was willing to trade for sex and immortality. The wedding itself was not her vision and in no way represented their unique love, but was instead a fantasy created fully by Alice's vision.

Honeymoon - Meyer is telling us that sex is scary and awful. You will have a lot of pain your first time and your husband, who puts you up on a pedestal, will hate himself for "hurting" you, no matter how yummy delicious it is. Oh, and once you do get some, it's pretty much the only thing you'll want, and your new hubby will reject you, mercilessly, due to his own hang ups. Woo! I gotta get me some of that!

Also, how come it's either a little french kissing or sex? How come no one ever talks about alllll that space in between those two extremes? What a perfect place for her to talk about sex and the implications of it, especially given her target audience.

Pregnancy - You will get pregnant the very first time you have sex. Pregnancy is the most horrible state you will ever experience. It will be stunningly painful as your body is taken over by something that hurts you, and tries to kill you, and eventually chews its way out of you. The bloodbath of child birth is fine - but it says a lot, to me, about Meyer that she can't write the sex, but can write the gore. Or maybe it's about society, and not Meyer at all. Take your pick.

Renesmee - Say it out loud. I dare you. Look, I get what Meyer was trying to convey here about the beauty of having a child, the connection that a newborn's family feels to the child and how fleeting childhood is. But come on! The massive gaps in logic and leaps of faith it takes you to get here are stunning. Stunning. And impossible.

Jacob - Sigh. Poor Jacob. This boy never had an ounce of pride, he submitted it all to Bella, only to find himself a pedophile in the end. How utterly freaking awful. (and yeah, I tried to go with the whole "it's fiction, not pedophilia" but I just couldn't get there. It was creepy.)

The Cullens - Who? No seriously though, Edward had a family? Where were they after page 150?

Renee and Charlie - So, while Renee has been the primary parent and the person that Bella is closest to for the entire series, suddenly she's just...absent. Laaaame. And suddenly Charlie is Bella's first concern, but we've been given absolutely nothing by way of character development to buy into this. Again, I say: Come on!

Editing: Look, I don't know who edited this book, but ZOMG! fire that person. There were so many errors it was distracting. Dialog tagging: use it. Also, adverbs are not your friends. If Bella "shyly" does one more thing, I'm going beat her with her own arm. If you have to tell us that people are chuckling, giggling, that their eyes are "tightening" (wth does that even mean?) then you're failing at description. If you must tell and not show, read some Willa Cather. She gets away with it. You don't. So stop.

Tone: I'm guessing that Meyer took a break from Twilight land to write "The Host" and that's why the entire tone of this novel is off. It just doesn't even sound like it was written by the same person.

At the end of this novel, I wanted to rewrite the whole thing myself. I wanted to see why Bella decided that she would marry Edward. I wanted her to give a damn about the wedding and see some reverence in it. I wanted to see a real deepening in her relationship with Alice. I wanted Esme to be more than just a paper doll mother figure. I wanted a real, honest to goodness sex scene that lived up to three freaking novels worth of some of the steamiest kisses ever. I wanted Bella to pay a price for some of her choices. I wanted that epic battle with the Volturi to actually happen. I wanted someone to die. Meyer cheated us out of the thoughtful endings that we get when good triumphs over evil. That's what makes life sweet, and makes us appreciate what we have - working for it, sacrificing for it.

Bella would have actually wanted to marry Edward. She would have cared about the decorations and Alice would have developed into a real sister, and not some overblown party planner. There would have been real sex - not smutty, but real, nonetheless. Pregnancy would have disappeared. Bella would have had to make the choice - between having babies and having Edward. She would have been cruel to be kind and given Jacob his freedom. Jacob would have grown and gotten over her, and moved on and found real love with someone who loved him back - maybe even Leah, since that ground was laid pretty well. Bella would have spent months being a newborn, filled with nothing but bloodlust. Jessica would be her first victim. The Cullens would have worked tirelessly to help her transform, and we could have gotten to know them all so much better. Rosalie might have died, doing something selfless for once in her life. That would have been doubly meaningful if Meyer rewrites the whole series from Edward's POV (ala Midnight Sun, which in rough draft form is head and shoulders better than Breaking Dawn.) Bella would have to give up Charlie and Renee for a while, but eventually they would be able to be in her life, altho in a much more limited way. There are a million possibilities that could have had a very nice happy ending, with a bit of bitter thrown in with the sweet.

Meyer is a great storyteller and an okay writer. If she gets a better editor and learns some discipline, she could be very good. I found this particular book to be a total betrayal of the earlier books, which is why my review is so harsh. Overall, I hope she keeps going, and I *really* hope she keeps going with Midnight Sun, which so far, I love.

The Worst Book Ever, May 29, 2009
While I've been known to exaggerate on occasion, I promise you I'm being completely serious when I say Breaking Dawn is the worst book I have ever read. The writing was atrocious, there was no drama and/or real conflict, and Meyer broke her own rules. Repeatedly.

Let's begin, shall we?

First, the writing itself was a huge problem. It's nearly impossible for me to believe Meyer was an English major in college. Maybe she was technically a literature major, but either way, she should have been exposed to enough decent writing to know how to produce it herself. And if she couldln't produce it from her own head, she probably had enough references to replicate it. Instead, Breaking Dawn reads like a terrible fanfiction. Meyer tends to overuse adjectives and adverbs, but does so in the least descriptive way possible. How did Bella look on her wedding day? I couldn't tell you, since Meyer never bothered to describe her dress other than to say it was satin-y. And how about the rest of the wedding ceremony? There were flowers "everywhere" and everyone looked "amazing." Thanks. I can totally picture that.

Bella is also the ultimate Mary Sue, which doesn't help Meyer's writing skills in my eyes. Bella is SO PERFECT. Everyone LOVES HER. Meyer's lame attempts to make Bella relatable by making her clumsy fall flat (pun intended), because the other characters think injury-prone Bella is adorable. Will Charlie object to Bella Sue getting married at 18? Of course not! Will Bella Sue become the most graceful vampire ever, even though she was the world's clumsiest person? You bet! Bella gets everything she wants in Breaking Dawn and sacrifices nothing.

There was also a conspicuous lack of drama and conflict in what should have been an epic conclusion to a series. As I mentioned above, Bella had no problem convincing Charlie that marrying Edward was the right decision. I was expecting more of an objection from the ol' sheriff. Denied. Jacob does make a small attempt to talk Bella out of turning into a vampire, but what could have been another interesting conversation is brushed aside by Bella. Why would she miss anybody she knew as a human? She'll be with her beloved Edward for all eternity; that's all she needs.

The sexy-time was also lacking. I'm not much of a smut fan, but I was hoping for more than a cheezy "fade to black" when Edward and Bella finally do the deed. After three books of anticipation and denial, Meyer doesn't have the balls to give us more than Bella walking toward Edward in the water. Seriously, Meyer? You can show Bella vomiting "a fountain of blood" but kissing before sex is too shocking? Nothing interesting here, folks.

There is also the issue of Bella's pregnancy. Nowhere in the previous three books, and I mean NOWHERE, did Bella mention a desire to be a mother. But as soon as Edward gets his vampire sperm inside her, she decides that motherhood is the most important thing on Earth. (Inconsistent much, Meyer? Another sign of bad writing!) I was expecting Bella to freak out, get angry at Edward, and blame him for ruining her life when she thought she could never get pregnant! But instead, Bella is inexplicably calm and instantly bonds with her "little nudger." Again, any drama that could have been just melted like an ice cube in Death Valley. The plot floats along...

The previously mentioned "fountain of blood" happens when Bella goes into labor. To make a long and rather gruesome story short, the baby almost kills Bella, and would have, had Edward not turned Bella into a vampire. Bella lays on a table for a couple of days until the venom stops her heart. She's dead! Let the crazed baby vampire gather her bearings! She's dangerous right now! Right? Wrong. Bella Sue is the perfect vampire, so graceful and strong. She requires almost no adjustment time, even though Meyer told us in previous books that new vampires are totally out of control. Again, all conflict nipped in the bud.

This leads us to Meyer breaking her own rules. Bella is totally in control of herself as a new vampire even though, according to Meyer's own words, it's totally normal and EXPECTED to have a lenghty adjustment period. Jasper struggled for years, but Bella gets the hang of things in a day. Of course. Meyer breaks the rules so Bella Sue can have her perfect life.

Meyer also gets into a sticky situation with Bella's pregnancy. According to Meyer, speaking through (I believe) Carlisle, vampires don't have any liquid in their bodies except for their venom. Last time I checked, sperm isn't venomous. Getting Bella pregnant should have been impossible if Meyer followed her own rules! That entire plot device (which only served to give Jacob something to imprint on) was an amateurish cop out that I would expect to find in fanfiction, not a novel written by an adult with a college degree.

Oh yeah, they named the baby Renesmee. Vomit.

And then Jacob imprints on it. Double vomit.

Allow me to backtrack for a second. I forgot to mention another scene that should have been exciting but wasn't: the confrontation with the Volturi. Yep, the leaders are back and they want to kill the Cullens for making an "immortal child." Finally, some action! The Cullens invite some vampire friends to gather at their house and fight the Volturi, which should be the epic conflict we've all been waiting for! Except it most definitely is not. It turns out that Bella has a shield she controls with her mind. All the does is put the sheild around everybody and they're impervious to weapons. The Volturi stand around and talk for a while and then... leave.

Breaking Dawn was a letdown in every sense. Meyer's writing didn't improve (it got worse, actually), there wasn't any tension or action, and a lot of the rules established in the first three books got thrown out the window.

Avoid this book at all costs.

(Note: Don't be fooled by the high number of five-star reviews; a lot of them are two sentences long and say things like, "BELLA AND EDWARD ARE IN LOVE!!!!1!11one" They may very well be, but that doesn't make it a good book.)

Sickening, December 9, 2008
Sorry about the length of this, but I am absolutely livid about this book. I am angry at myself for reading the trash, but exponentially more furious at Stephenie Meyer for writing it. This book is an insult. If you are a fan of the series, over the age of 12 and/or have an IQ above 50, then DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. PLEASE listen to me. Thank God I didn't spend a penny on it.

Everything that made the romance between Edward and Bella so great has absolutely been destroyed. Gone are the cute, innocent teenagers who fall into an impossible romance in the cafeteria. I don't think I can ever read or watch Twilight again. I mean, I always slightly cringed when it was obvious that a modern teenager had nothing to do with any of these books. (ex. "Holy Crow?" Even my GRANDMOTHER doesn't say that.) Or the sometimes over-the-top sappy exposition and dialogue. But I could deal. But this BOOK. It was like watching my childhood stuffed animal get... um, defiled. It was that horrifying.

I understand the concept of author's prerogative, but ANY author has a responsibility to 1) Keep leaps of logic to a minimum, which definitely excludes some weird, mutant child of the corn, 2) Keep the plots and characters consistent throughout the series within the framework which the author has set up, and 3) Follow basic rules of writing and editing a novel designed for an intelligent audience. All 3 of which were shockingly snubbed in Breaking Dawn.

Please, please, please. Do yourself a favor and stop reading at Eclipse, or better yet, at New Moon or Twilight, and fill in the very few blanks for yourself. I will never criticize an author for having an ambiguous ending again. Just click on "Most Helpful Reviews" and you will see the many, many people who feel the same way.

*SPOILERS AHEAD, but you should probably read this part anyway to realize just how awful this book is*

Here are a few of the many, many problems I have with this book:

1) So Edward and Bella get married and that part's pretty cute, even though I think it would have made more sense to transform her first, since that's how they're planning to spend their marriage. They get married at the very beginning of the book, and Bella doesn't even really want to. She agreed because she wants to get laid. Wow, warms the heart.
Then begins the vomit-inducing 700 pages.

2) Edward and Bella have sex. A lot. Effectively ruining the innocence of their cute romance and turning it into some trashy, thinly-veiled-porn novella you buy at the airport. Sex is at the very least alluded to in almost every scene they have together. They like it. We get it.
But that's not the worst part. Even while she is HUMAN. Um, Edward is a creature who literally turns iron into dust and moves as fast as a speeding car without breaking a sweat. And she wants him to have SEX with her as she is?! How the HELL would that be 1) Enjoyable for him, and 2) Not life-threatening for her?! Not only does Bella whine, manipulate, and cry her way into doing this outrageously stupid and selfish thing (totally decimated my respect for her character), but then Edward, totally out of character, gives into her crap and agrees to TRY. TRY?! Why don't I just TRY to juggle chainsaws?! And for what? So she can GET SOME a little bit ahead of schedule? She can't bear to have her first time unless she's worried about Edward breaking her in HALF?! If I was Edward, had Bella even suggested such a thing I would have first laughed myself silly, then run screaming in the other direction from such a reckless lunatic. That whole thing really pissed me off.

3) Pregnant. 17-year-old vampire Edward and 18-year-old human Bella. Ew. Ew. Ew. I can accept the marriage, because Edward will never get older, and they love each other. But when I got to that part, and both of their reactions to it, I wanted to scream I was so angry. It is just so small and stupid, so out of place in the story, and CONTRIVED. Ugh! As so many other people said, I thought it was Fanfiction I was reading, not a published work, let alone from the actual author. I'm curious as to what Meyer was smoking when she thought this was an appropriate plot line. But it got worse. What suspension of disbelief I had left broke, and I became permanently removed from the story. I began to hate Bella, and resent Edward's cardboard characterization.

4) Their weird mutant spawn literally kills Bella slowly. And she couldn't be more thrilled about it.
The fact that Meyer had made the ridiculously immature, but lovable and relatable teenager Bella PREGNANT was bad enough. But then it is with some weird, unknown mutant parasite, that saps all her strength, breaks several of her bones (including her SPINE) and causes various bruises, and makes her drink HUMAN BLOOD. During Bella's pregnancy, I was literally shuddering with disgust on almost every page. That is not an exaggeration. And I'm 19.
No joke, I was rooting for the wolves to attack the Cullens and kill the thing. Bella and Edward's characters fly so far off their character rails that you can't even see them any more. Bella whole-heartedly embraces the thing while it slowly kills her, and Edward does nothing but hopelessly mope about it.

5) The birth and Bella's transformation.
UGGGGHHHH. This was hands-down the most disturbing passage I have ever read. I had to put the book down to take some deep breaths several times out of anger and disgust, and then wrestle with myself about whether or not to keep reading multiple times on one page. My Edward and Bella. Who fell in love as lab partners, and cutely fought because of their stubborn personalities.

Here, Bella, dieing and screaming in agony, vomits blood while the mutant baby inside of her destroys her body, internal organs and spine. Edward uses his teeth to bite the baby out of her uterus. Bella dies and then Edward injects vampire venom into her heart with a syringe.

This is how Bella starts her new life with him. TOTAL Slap. In. The. Face.

I was ready to drive to Arizona, find Stephenie Meyer's house, and burn it down.

6) Renesmee. This is what Bella names their child. Ruh. Nez. May. A combination of Renee and Esme. Seriously?

Seriously, Stephenie Meyer?

Why didn't you just sell a book that just says, "To all my fans: F%*# YOU."

When Bella tells her father that the baby's middle name is Carlie, I thought, "well, that's not so bad." Then she says that it's a combination of "Charlie" and "Carlisle."

Again, I considered driving to Arizona.

7) Bella as vampire. One of the things that made this series so great was how seemingly-impossible and different the relationship with her and Edward was. She literally had to give up her humanity, her family, and her whole life, in order to have a future with him, but she decided that the love of her life was worth it. It's a difficult, heart-breaking choice and I really liked that. But no. All of a sudden, Bella has it all. She is infinitely more beautiful, graceful, powerful, inexplicably becomes supermom at 18, and still retains all the parts of her humanity she was afraid to lose. She has a child, she stays in Forks, and tells her family. There are mentions of her carrying wads of five thousand dollars like it was chump change, which is BEYOND out of character. Waiters "gasp" at her beauty. She also becomes sickeningly vain. Then they run off to a little storybook cottage her new family has just given her for free, and Edward and Bella "make love" in it like rabbits every chance they get. If Bella had any relatability left, especially for teenagers, she lost it. This also applies to the believability of the story as a whole and the complexity of the Twilight characters.

8) Jacob and Renesmee.
Jacob, the cute and friendly guy (but also rapist-in-training in Eclipse) who is painfully in love with and loyal to Bella, imprints (falls in love with) on her newborn BABY. This is beyond sick and pedophilic. But it's ok. He's willing to "share" the baby with Bella and Edward. Bella and Edward quickly realize this whole thing is great. WHAT the F#*%?!

If it weren't bad enough that this annoyingly perfect child that absolutely everyone in the book ADORES exists, she is destined to be with JACOB. At the end of the book, Edward calls Jacob SON. I just shuddered again WRITING that.

9) The climax, or lack thereof.
After several stupid and pointless pages, and GIANT letdowns with weak plotlines about secret messages and hidden motives that go nowhere, nothing happens. Bella puts up her magical, super-scary mental shield around everyone and all of a sudden the infinitely powerful and wizened vampire royalty runs away, peeing their pants.

In conclusion, Breaking Down is not only literary trash that should have returned from the editor's office soaked in red ink, but it also completely destroys the story as a whole. It makes me sick to my stomach what this book did to Edward and Bella in my mind and everyone else's. I will never read a single page of this absolute rubbish again, and hopefully I'll forget about it in a few years. I pray this book will never make it into theaters.

Do yourself a favor and don't buy this.

Needs more Cowbell, August 13, 2008
To quickly qualify my review - I discovered the Twilight Saga about a month ago, so I have basically read all four books as one 2500-page novel. I'm in my fifties, and the series was recommended to me by a 20 something guy at a bookstore. Bottom line, I can't speak to the young adult audience for whom the saga was written, and I didn't have years between books to ruminate about how it would all end. Also, whether the laws of Meyer's supernatural world were bent or broken during the writing of this book is for other reviewers to debate.

As I read the Twilight saga, the two things that carried me were the romance and suspense. The romance (whether you're a member of Team Edward or Team Jacob) was palpable throughout. The works that inspired the first three books in the saga - Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet, and Wuthering Heights - number among the great romantic stories of our time, and Meyer adapted them brilliantly to her story of first love in town of Forks, WA. In terms of suspense, big battles never seemed to be the author's choice. Tense moments were built more out of implication than body count. The final showdown with James in Twilight seemed to me the most graphic battle of the first three books. The scenes with Laurent and the Volturi in New Moon were suspenseful, but no blood was shed in either. Even in Eclipse, the confrontation with Victoria and her minions played out like the chorus describing an off-stage battle in a Greek tragedy (with a bit of head rolling tossed in for good measure). So, tense and dramatic, yes. But violent and filled with depictions of hand-to-hand combat, no.

Having said that, I think that Breaking Dawn needed more of the kind of "Cowbell" that made me a fan in the first place. All the heat of that torchy, end-of-the-world, young love was reduced to a patio-sized chiminea. The newlywed's preoccupation with sex was not a problem for me. After all, these kids had two years of pent-up passion to work out of their systems. Heck, I was almost as frustrated as they were by the time they hit that island. For me, the issue had more to do with the small amount of screen time given to Bella and Edward's great LOVE. It seemed as though the wedding guests were still picking rice of our their hair when Bella's first bout of morning sickness made an appearance. Where was the cuddling, the pillow talk, the connection between two young lovers who have finally become one? As for the other kind of Cowbell, i.e., suspense, there's a good reason that no one ever refers to The Merchant of Venice as real page turner. While the play includes a great bit of debate over a pound of flesh, I never for one moment thought that a pound of flesh would actually be extracted. Same here. I didn't expect a limb-tearing, flying-head, re-do of The 300. That's never been Meyer's style. What I did expect, though, was to believe that the characters believed - even for a moment - that they were really in danger. And I didn't.

If I'd been Meyer's editor, I'd have advised her to go for more romance (with a capital R) between Bella and Edward, less Shylock and more Buffy on the battlefield, and I'd have given that vampire UN (like the U.S. Congress) the rest of the summer off. I wasn't Meyer's editor, though. I was just one of her many readers. And as one of her readers, I have to say that I had a pretty bitchin' summer thanks to the Twilight Saga. The story kept me turning pages for about a month, and I can't remember the last time I did that much reading without a thesis paper due at the end. Also, I think Meyer does a great acknowledgements page and, based on her recommendation, I discovered the band Muse. If it's possible for music to "sound like" a book, Muse actually evokes for me memories of the Twilight Saga. Pretty cool, eh?

I hope that the negative reviews of Breaking Dawn don't keep people from making a stop in the town of Forks. It's actually a pretty interesting place with some pretty interesting people -- and an inordinate number of really cool cars.

Poorly written and vastly overestimated, August 4, 2008
Okay, I'm not going to lie: I am addicted to Twilight. I own actual, physical copies of the first three books and the copy of Breaking Dawn I ordered from Amazon is on the way (I read an online version). But I really cannot understand why anyone, ANYONE, can treat it seriously. The entire series is filled with convenient plot devices, shallow, one-dimensional characters, and Meyer is not a very concise writer, which means that the books are long. Really long.

I'll admit the initial plot is engaging: deadly yet benevolent vampires, a forbidden love. All very marketable and appealing. What bothers me is the lack of skill with which the stories are executed. Meyer's writing is not bad, it's just amateurish. Quite honestly, I think I or any other of my friends could have written it the way she had, and I'm not even out of high school. Everything in Breaking Dawn slots neatly into place, making all the fuss that precluded it practically useless. What was the point of building all that up if it's just going to resolve it anyway?

I hear people comparing her series to Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice, and wince. I sincerely hope that the masses don't feel this way, or else I'll lose faith in society's ability to judge quality forever.

Just, wow., September 30, 2008
At the time, I was 12, and I had seen Twilight in book stores hundreds of times. I had never paid it any attention until one day I finally decided to read it. I had read the back cover, but it wasn't too informative, but I did gather the fact that it was typically about vampire love. So, against my better judgment, I thought "Well, if I've seen it this many times it MUST be good."

The beginning of Stephenie Meyer's writing leaves so much to be desired. In all of her books, for the first 150-200 pages I am bored out my mind, wishing for SOMETHING exciting to happen. I remember reading Twilight and being at least a hundred pages in and not caring about any of the characters at all. If they all decided to jump off a bridge I doubt I would have batted an eyelash. But then, something that changes the entire story occurs and it finally gets interesting 'till the point where I just can't put the book down. That is, until Breaking Dawn. I remember being at page 107, and looking at the 550-600 more pages I had to read and feeling like breaking down and crying. I wanted to chuck the book out the window and just have my friends fill me in on what happened, because I was just sick of it all. I had to force myself to read what I did, and every five minutes or so I got distracted by something around me because the book just couldn't hold my attention.

In Twilight, I instantly liked Edward because of what I thought he'd be, but then later I realized I got his personality all wrong. I imagined he'd be . . . I don't know, different. Deep, meaningful, calm, cool, collected. Not some overactive stalker. (He said to her face that when she got to Forks he WATCHED her SLEEP. I mean, mega ew much?) Bella, I hardly had much of an opinion on until much later. She wasn't strong enough for me to respect, didn't have enough of a personality for me to like, and wasn't practical or smart enough for me to even comprehend. Her boyfriend was a freakin VAMPIRE, and she's totally fine with that. She wasn't terrified, or even the slightest bit nervous, which makes no sense. Think about it for a second: If your boyfriend is a VAMPIRE, would you be THAT cool about it? You wouldn't be scared at all, when a month ago the thought of a vampire existing would have you laughing at the absurdity? But here, Bella is introduced to a world of vampires and werewolves and she's pretty much chill with it all.

Um, where's the conflict? Where's the "OMG YOU'RE A VAMPIRE?" Where's the "Ohmygoodnesswhatonearthisgoingon?" panic attack? Vampires and werewolves don't just waltz into everyday life and I expected at least SOME kind of resentment or hesitation Bella would have for Edward. But oh no, that would make too much sense.

In New Moon, I had the slight hope that maybe through the course of the series Meyer would have Bella grow and develop into a strong, wonderful and mature character. Sadly, she didn't. To the very end, Bella remains a selfish, impractical, and illogical girl who for the life of me I can't stand. Jacob was the only one with a sliver of a complex personality. He had a goal and did everything in his power to achieve it, and throughout the books you saw the different faces of his personality. Everyone else's personality could just be classified with one or two descriptions.

I won't even get into Eclipse, because I can never remember what it was about.


[Spoilers]

Okay, from the beginning. What was with that wedding? The wedding was something I was actually EXCITED about. I thought "Oh, wow, I wonder how Alice is going to out due herself." Honestly, I don't even remember what anything looked like. Weren't the colors white and blue? That's probably wrong, but then again that's Stephenie Meyer's horrible descriptions at work. Most of the time I just imagine what everything and everyone looks like for myself. I didn't even KNOW Alice had spiky hair until the third book when Bella patted her head. "What? Alice has spiky hair? Since when?" And I didn't have a single clue as to what Jasper looked like besides that he had golden eyes and was blonde, and then after Bella becomes a vampire they mention his scars. Oh, and there's also the fact that Rosalie is gorgeous. Well, come on now, how descriptive is that? Gorgeous HOW? Like, pretty pretty model gorgeous? Or sophisticated gorgeous? Or seductress gorgeous? Meyer, come on girl, surely you can be more creative than just using vague descriptions about people.

Now, the honeymoon was nice and all, something I thought she could have skipped until I saw the purpose it held. Bella gets pregnant! Oh joy! Oh hell. She's 19, and she gets pregnant. What kind of message was Stephenie Meyer trying to send to the young audience that reads her books? At least Edward had the decency to call Carlisle and assure Bella they would get Nessie out of her. (I am going to call her Nessie, because I think Renesmee is a hideous name and Meyer should be slapped for even considering it for the girl.) But what does Bella do? She stops him. She suddenly gets an overpowering sense of maternal instincts and wants to keep her baby. Bella didn't even really like children, and before then she never had the slightest thought about wanting one. But now, she's suddenly ready to die for this thing that's sucking the life out of her. In plain text, Bella isn't the motherly type. I wouldn't trust her to take care of my dog, let alone a baby. Isn't this the same Bella who did dangerous stunts to hear a voice in her head? Isn't this the same Bella who, on a whim, thought it was fine to jump off a cliff in a rainstorm? Being pregnant doesn't magically make you a mom, or magically make you mature. It makes you utterly terrified. No matter whom you are or how old, for any woman who gets pregnant, her first instinct is to have her mom there at all times. But does Bella call Renee? Nope, she calls Rosalie. ROSALIE, PEOPLE. That makes SO much sense.

Another point about Nessie: Wasn't she just the PERFECT baby? I mean, she was disgustingly perfect. I mean, when at all did Bella ever show any true motherly characteristics? I was surprised at Meyer, because she actually does have children, and I wondered what she was thinking when she wrote about Nessie. When did Bella ever feel the horrible strain that comes with taking care of a baby? Nessie was way too perfect. There was no constant feedings every two hours, there was no changing diaper after diaper, there was no shopping for baby clothes and supplies, there was no Nessie waking up at 3 AM and crying - which was a surprise, considering the head-board destroying sex Bella and Edward have every night. You'd think it would wake her up - and there was not much of anything. The only time Nessie cried was when she wanted Bella, which I thought was just plain ridiculous. (So what, she never wanted Edward?) Now, I understand that sometimes there IS such a thing as a quiet baby. I was one myself, and I never cried unless something was wrong with me, but there is no baby that just doesn't cry at all unless it wants its mom. That just doesn't happen. (Did anyone else feel Alice's statement that Nessie had never been set down in her life laughable? When I read that, I didn't know whether to fall out my chair laughing or give myself a face-palm and chuck the book into the dirt where it belonged. Honestly, I was surprised Nessie could even walk.)


May we move on to Jacob's point of view? I thought it was going to be, like, Jacob traveling the world from Canada to Mexico to South America to Greece and such on a spiritual journey to find himself and realize that he really, really didn't need Bella. But again, I was wrong and expected too much. No, instead he hangs around Forks, determined to stay with Bella until she has her monster baby and they turn her into a vampire. Oh, but there's a solution! They can abort the baby, and then Jacob can have a baby with Bella the NORMAL way, so Bella can still have a child. Btw, this was Edward's idea. Btw, Jacob agreed.

Ew, much. Ew on so many levels.

But I guess Bella isn't THAT sick because he didn't agree. One of the smartest moves she's made this whole series.


Another thing, I hated how Bella skipped the newborn stage. I was actually excited about that, wishing, praying that Bella would turn evil and start killing off humans. Wouldn't that be so interesting?! Her, the heroine, suddenly becoming the evil villain, using her vampire powers for her evil deeds. And wouldn't it have been beautiful if the Cullens and Blacks and Volturi and whatnot had to, oh goodness, KILL her to preserve the secret and save humanity? I would have loved Meyer if anything remotely relating to that had happened. But, as I've learned, I always expect this woman to redeem herself and the whole series be worthwhile, only to be continually disappointed.

So, why did Bella skip the newborn stage? Oh right, because it was her state of mind. She didn't WANT to be one, therefore she WASN'T. Because Bella is SPESHUL, therefore she can DEFY the natural laws Meyer has set up. But since Meyer just wants all her characters to be happy, even if it means doing so in the most illogical ways, she decided to have the most sugar-coated fairytale ending I'd ever read in my life that wasn't in picture book.

So, Bella gets everything she wants, including Edward, a baby, a family, immortality and tons and tons of sex? Check. Jacob has someone, even though she's 2 months old and it makes him a pedo? Check. The Volturi are defeated without actually engaging them in battle, causing the most depressing let-down in the history of potential battle scenes ever? Check. Sugar cakes and muffins and gummy bears rain from a glittering sky and Carebears run frolicking through the meadows of innocence as the final ending? Check. Well, well, Meyer, you've outdone yourself if I do say so myself.

Boring, fails to use logic. Lacks in character interest., August 4, 2008
Okay, I know I'm probably going to get comments over me saying that the book has no logic. Yes I am well aware that the whole series based around the fantasy of vampires and werewolves etcetera. I can't get past the fact that Stephenie Meyer broke the rules of her own world while writting this novel. Numerous times in interviews she has stated that it is impossible for her vampires to have children, and that once turned into a vampire all of their bodily fluids are replaced by venom.

As reading this book I felt like all the elements circulated through the other three novels were thrown out the window, the characters for the most part were boring, Edward lost his charm, Bella went from being obsessed with Edward to obsessed with their child, and Rosalie flipped into a motherly role that just seemed out of place (I know Rosalie's backstory and that she wanted to have children, I understand the way SMeyer was probably trying to go with getting Rosalie involved). If SMeyer was going to get Rosalie put into this motherly role then where was Esme? Last time I checked she had a yearn to bear her own children as well. As an author, SMeyer developed a seemingly okay plotline but just didn't expand on it enough. It felt as though it was rushed in the end.

The "explanation" of how Bella got pregnant was also put to fault later in the novel, when a Amazonian vampire explains how his father is trying to create a superior race by impregnating human females with his children. How would this even be possible if, when using SMeyer's logic. She explains that Edward was able to get Bella pregnant was because he was a virgin and that he still had sperm in his system from when he was turned 100+ years ago. With that said, vampire males couldn't create more sperm, so how could this Amazonian vampire keep going around and impregnating human females?

After the birth of "Nessie" the book took a downward spiral and was nothing more than a borefest, everything just seemed to happen without any conflict whatsoever. Bella easily shifted into vampire life without any problems, she was able to care for her baby, keep her friendship with Jacob, and even was able to "slightly" let Charlie in on her secret. Even at the end of the story, we are led up to believe that there is going to be a fight between the Volturi and the Cullen coven along with other covens who agreed to support their cause. What you think is going to be a fight just turns into pages and pages of endless drabble between the Volturi and members of the Cullens' defensive, and in the end lead Volturi member Aro agrees to let them be and he leads the rest of the Volturi on their way, so Bella and Edward could now begin their "happily ever after." Where in the last pages Bella finally allows Edward to see inside her mind, one of the features that drew him towards he at the beginning of Twilight.

What disappoints me the most is that this novel had potential, it seems to me that in anything SMeyer writes she has a generally good idea but can never expand on it. Breaking Dawn seems to me as though it was completely rushed, and that she just finished writing it because she had to. Not to mention I am curious as to what happened to the editors in this book. Has SMeyer ever heard of a thesaurus? I have never seen an author overuse the words "chagrin" and "dazzle" as much as she does. I am honestly curious as to how any editor would allow the sentence "He was both dazzling and dazzled" be put into print.

Lastly, I find it really sad that there are so many people giving this a five-star review just because it is a SMeyer novel. Yes, it is nice to have loyalty but please a poorly written book is still a poorly written book no matter who writes it.

Can I give it zero stars?, December 12, 2008
UGH. This whole series was a travesty really, but like any good masochist I plodded through. By the time I got to Breaking Dawn I knew I was in it just for the laughs but sadly, it failed in that department too. I can honestly say this is one of the few books in my life that I've literally had to refrain from throwing against the wall in sheer frustration. There are just so many things WRONG here that it's hard to sum them all up succinctly.

Reasons why this thing almost ended up as wall fodder ( **warning, spoilers below**)

1. Our heroine barely out of high school really REALLY wants to have sex with her sparkly boyfriend. Okay, whatever. There's a catch though. Sparkly boyfriend wants to wait until marriage. Bella doesn't want to get married, in fact the idea utterly repulses her. But sparkly boyfriend just won't let it go and our fearless heroine ends up "caving" because she really, really wants the sex that badly. The whole "engagement" scene amounts to Bella trying to jump him and getting denied, then accepting the ring with a lackluster "sigh....FINE. If that's what It takes to get laid then I'll do it. Give me the ring that I don't want to wear already, damn!!" Really Steph?? That's the best you can do for two people who are supposedly passionately in love?! Nice.

2. Oh and screw college while you're at it. Because who needs an education when your ultimate goal in life is to marry a rich vampire and spend 24/7 with him. What a message to send to your target audience.

3. The Pregnancy. This has to be the saddest excuse of pro-life propaganda disguised as sexy YA fiction ever. If that's your cup of tea then great, you'll really like the first half of this book. If not then be prepared for massive headaches caused by excessive eye-rolling.

4. The Birth. I find it fascinating that the author tiptoes gently over the whole implied sex thing, yet goes above and beyond (wayyyy above and wayyyy beyond) to make sure the Miracle of Childbirth is depicted in a way that would make the makers of the Saw movie franchise proud. If the readers were expecting no less than a monster bloodaholic baby to come out of this romantic union, then this delivers (no pun intended). I will give Meyers credit in that she definitely has a promising future in the horror/scifi genre.

5. A Dingo Ate My Baby? No honey, that's just the werewolf imprinting himself on the newborn. But the Cullens have more important things to worry about, like keeping Bella away from her newborn lest she find the Bundle of Joy appetizing. To her credit though Bella isn't exactly down with the whole imprinting thing at first. That is, until she realizes that having your kid get engaged to the family dog means a built-in babysitter and thus more time for sex with Edward. Awesome.

6. Vampire p*ssing contest. What happens for the rest of the book is pretty much pointless, as the whole thing gears up to to be one big showdown that never amounts to anything. Basically the leaders of the vampire underworld, the Volturi, aren't down with Bellaward's freaky kid and plot to destroy them all. So the Cullens gather their frenemies to lead into battle Lord of the Rings style. Except the battle doesn't happen, except in Bella's and the Volturi leader's minds. Because now that Bella is a vamp she has super awesome magical powers like an invisible shield that she spreads over the frenemies to protect them from an equally freaky vampire that can make them pretend they are in pain. And then they all live happily ever after. Not joking.

Let Down, August 2, 2008

The fans who stuck by this series, regardless of age, will be dissatisfied with this product. I still love Stephenie Meyer's first three in this saga, yet the fourth seemed to be written by someone who did not care for the established story. I loved Bella's vulnerability and naivet�; Edward's love, maturity, SENSIBILITY; Jacobs playfulness, loyalty and his love as well. The traits I fell in love with were almost forgotten. Edward gave into Bella's irrational wants and the rest of the book hung on his indecisions.

Sure, fans got what they wanted in every way possible. I agree with other fans: cop out. All of the tragic novels mentioned in the previous books (Romeo and Juliet for example) should have been a compass to what love stories inevitably are: tragic. There was a line that talked about how it was strange when puzzle pieces finally fit together for Bella, they were all about to come undone. That is real. This book? Not so much.

Petition for rewrite? Sorry Stephenie Meyer seems like you missed the mark for a lot of people on this one. I refuse to believe this is what you have been dying for your fans to read.

And she would've gotten away with it too, if it weren't for those meddling IQs above 40., December 23, 2008
So, I guess that consistency, logic and entertainment were out of the question, then?

I was never a rabid fan of this series. Seriously. Why? Because, let's be honest, they're not, and never were, well-written. It has always felt like a fan fiction to me. The way the books are written in first person, the way the main character is proclaimed to be (not really ever BEING it, though) and the way every single character acts around her, always made me feel like an intruder in Stephenie Meyer's deep wet fantasies. And yes, I noticed. I noticed how you were supposed to insert yourself in Isabella's shoes (ahah!) to make it your OWN fantasy. Durr, I see what you did thar!!

"Why did you read it then, stoopid?" - you might ask.
Well, I might answer, though they were never the great books they were hyped out to be, and Meyer still isn't the best writer evah (not even the greatest storyteller, in my opinion) and these series is not (or should not be) best-selling material, they were fairly entertaining. They were simple, entertaining, simple and entertaining. That's it. A good escape read. So yes, I kept reading them; if only so that I could get some closure on the story and the complete set of the series (I hate incomplete series on my bookshelf).

My opinion never changed, though. It only grew stronger and became more and more confirmed by Meyer herself with each new book. I don't hate the author. I just don't think she deserves this much attention. I mean it. Her writing doesn't even sound to me as a college literature graduated one. These books are only successful because a LOT of teenage girls and bored housewives lived through Meyer's fantasy as their own: a simple, regular girl (*ahem* you!) draws the attention of hot, mysterious, popular and rich guy. Not only that but she's the ONLY one he ever got interested in (in 107 years! Really?! Talk about dead hormones and some serious sex issues!) AND everyone seems to love you AND you get some action in your life, during which you can play damsel in distress (over and over and over and over again!) and be saved by hot guy, ALWAYS. YAY! Fantasy fulfilling time!

Twilight was, when compared to the others, good. The best of the series, I think. Maybe that's because it is the beginning and as so, it didn't ask so much for all those pesky things like: consistent characterization, character development and continuity. Then, the other books needed it much more. Oh noes! New Moon was bo-ring. And honestly, annoying. With all the Romeo and Juliet pseudo-crap! Bella showed herself as being even weaker, needier, dumber and more pathetic than previously. I don't think I ever saw a character go back in development before but, alas, she did. And Edward too. I didn't find it endearing that he tried to kill himself. Nor did I find attractive that Jacob was all around the place moping for Bella. Can you spell pathetic? As in, the most pathetic, needy and weak characters' cast in the history of ever? Eclipse just accentuated that so much more. Is there anyone with a personality in here, somewhere? And a strong one at that? Why can't, any of the main three characters, really stand up for themselves (and for the right reasons), grow a spine and stop being so damn miserable? Why can't they just grow and be strong and go away from what's hurting them? These characters and their interactions with each other remind more of a bunch of drug addicts and their drugs. Because Meyer's characters are addicted to each other.

Breaking Dawn just delved deeper and deeper into the waters of mediocrity. Its continuity with the other books is zero. Everything that produced even the tiniest spark of thought in my brain on the other books was totally erased, stepped on and vomited by Bella in this thing. Serves me right for trying to think at all about the previous themes of choice, sacrifice and consequence. How dare I, trying to take something actually meaningful from this series...

Breaking Dawn was worse because it made me laugh when I don't think I was supposed to. Also, it reached new degrees of disgusting, all in the wrong places. It was so uninteresting; it was painful to read sometimes. Never before had I ever had to force myself to keep turning pages. It was also way too long. How can anyone say so much about nothing, I will never know. I seriously doubt this was edited at all. Heck, I almost doubt even Meyer herself read it more than once. Grammatical mistakes, bad and sloppy writing, obvious OOCness, all mistakes that can NOT be in a best selling product. Heavy chunks and entire sections could and should be erased. My biologist's heart weeps for all those poor innocent trees. IF an editor looked at this thing I would like to meet this person and ask him/her what the hell...?! And also what were you high on, because it must be good.

It's the final book in a best-selling series, yet it's extremely and amazingly amateurish. All the bad choices were taken. Not to mention that it's a YA romance novel that it's neither YA nor romantic. Meyer says she never wrote a YA book in her life. Really?? Well, my darling, then either you're not the one writing this or someone doesn't know what the hell they're doing. Because they are being sold as much, so you have to write to YA. Not the case with this book.

The Positive:

-Leah and Seth ruled! They were fun and interesting and had a personality.
-Jacob also ruled until the sad, sad end.
-Jacob's chapter titles actually made me smile.
-The final scene with Edward and Bella because it was the only shadow of romance and the only bit in the entire lengthy book where they were like their previous selves. AND maybe by entering her mind Eddie will finally understand how boring Bella is. Take that, Edwarckle! Yeah, I had to put up with that for four books! And you'll have to put up with her for eternity! Ahah! Not to mention it was the final scene!

The Negative:

-Everything freaking else.

Now, on to the marvellous piece of WTF known as "plot".

The wedding was... meh. Short, uninspired and under described.
The honeymoon was an unsexy joke. I did stop finding it funny when she started begging for sex. Way to go Bells, I guess dignity isn't in your dictionary. And the sex was... also meh. THAT was what everyone's been waiting for?! Thanks, Steph, I could barely contain myself with all the burning passion, desire and sensuality of that. When childish kisses and innocent holding are more sensual than the actual making of the love, you know you are in for one long crappy romance.

The pregnancy was the biggest ridiculousness in the entire life of ridiculous. OMFGWTF?! I don't even care about the impossibility of it all, but as soon as she started with all the chromosomal mumbo-jumbo, a lonely tear of anger made its way out of my biologist's eye. It was sad, all that ignorance. Leave science out of it, damn it! Darwin actually rolled on his deathbed.
Jacob's book was a bunch of wah wah wah wah wah wah, but as I already noted, Leah and Seth were cool. I was annoyed that Jake had to go back to selfish Bella and more so with Edward just giving her away for sex. Well, I guess I would want to give her away too. But I actually enjoyed understanding Jacob better because he was cool (until the sad, sad end) and I love his sarcasm! I don't love that he loves Beauty Swan. I wish Leah would've smashed the crap out of her instead of just making her cry, but oh well. I was rooting and cheering for Leah all the way! Seriously, it was about time that someone told Bella how lame and selfish and unbearable she is.

Now, the birth scene. Can you say YUCK? I actually felt nauseated! Gross! Was that really necessary? Oh, and the ripping uterus with teeth thing? So romantic! Way to go, Meyer, you destroyed the last shred of hotness that Edwarckle might've still had at this point. Eww! "Fountain of blood" ... I was prepared to vomit a fountain of actual vomit! And then, after all that, we're supposed to just love cutey pie Renesmee?! She's NOT adorable, she's freaky and creepy. Oh, and the loving scene when a mother holds her child in her arms for the first time? Nope, the creepo mutant alien thingy just bite her! Oh, predator, where are you?

The transformation was a disappointment. The vampire Bella was a disappointment. Of course she is the most beautiful, graceful, controlled, perfect vampire ever! Wow, Steph, another opportunity for character development completely destroyed. The transformation and the newborn phase, had they been made correctly, could've been a great time for struggle and pain and development of depth to both Bella and Edward alone, not to mention it was perfect to mature and take their relationship to a higher level of depth and connection. But, no. Just throw that away! The only thing that was done was make Bella even more annoying and perfect. Oh, and of course she had to have a power. A lame one, but still. Was I the only one waiting for a romantic, passionate but still difficult scene between Edward and Bella? One when he would actually bite her?
Oh, and the motherly and fatherly vibes that I got from Renesfreaky's parents were just amazing. I wish Edward and Bella would adopt me so I could be conveniently passed on to Rosalie and Jacob whenever they wanted to get it on - vampire style!

The imprinting ... God! I don't even want to go there. Again, another opportunity for growth and development for Jacob completely raped and chewed on. Wouldn't it be great if he just resisted the imprinting crap thing? And actually fell in love? Remember all his talk about not wanting to give up on his free will? Yeah, she basically just stepped over it, shred it to pieces and set it on fire. Because, you know, who wants to have freedom, anyway? Not to mention how severely disturbing it is that he imprinted on the child of his former target of obsession. AND the fact that the thing is still an infant. Well, he's just going to have to raise it until it's ready! ARGH!

The new vampires were more of the same wah wah wah. And useless one, for that matter.
The battle was the most epic non-battle that I have ever not-read. It was just disappointing. I only wanted for someone to die (and, please, Irina-whoever does NOT count)! Or at least suffer a little bit! God forbid, Stephenie, God forbid there's actually some sacrifice or pain or struggle. It was lame and *yawn*.
The cheesy happy ending was the saddest of all happy endings ever. Yes, absolutely EVERYONE got EVERYTHING without giving up ANYTHING. No one deserved it. No one. It was all so sparkly and happy, with rainbows and unicorns, all so sweet and candy that I think I got diabetes by just reading it.

Now, the characters. Are you expecting to find any of the ones you met in the earlier books? Well, stop deceiving yourself, because you are not going to find them here. They're simply gone.

Bella has got to be the most annoying main character ever. And I refuse to use the word "heroine" because she just isn't. She's whiny; she's selfish, immature and embarrassingly weak and needy. I just can't understand why everyone, including Edward and Jacob, love her so much. It's amazing, though, that without many qualities and so many faults she still manages to be the perfect Mary-Sue. She's the sparkliest, most beautiful, perfect and most special and purest snowflake you can find. If sparkly, beautiful, perfect, special and pure snowflakes had a name it would be Bella. For now on, every time it snows, I'll just call it "snowbells". It makes me sick.

Edward was reduced to a pathetic shell of self hatred, hidden in a pool of his own miserable impossible tears. Not sexy, at all! Maybe it's just my Latin-Oriental roots talking, but really, cold and hard marble who just weeps in misery without stepping up and taking action just isn't my type. I don't want a man who just gives me what I want blindly and gives in to my every whim; I want one who can give me what I NEED and who can step up against me when necessary. Well, I guess I just find strong personalities hotter, it's a matter of taste.

Jacob was the ONLY developed character in this series. He actually had a personality, and a fun one! Ironically, he's the one character that Meyer wasn't planning on developing. Whoops! Well, he got butchered on the end with the imprinting thing and is now stuck to Bella and Renespooky for eternity so... I guess he got what he deserved for having depth.

Renesmee... I think we're supposed to love her. Aren't we? I just love mutant babies that grow with repulsing speed, are born with teeth, chew their way out of mommy, drink blood and read. Such cuties. Again, I cannot understand why everyone loves her so damn much. I guess the Sueish gene runs in the family. She got that from her mommy.

Leah and Seth were awesome. Too bad they were not even considered for development. Leah just... well, stayed there, I guess. She was developing a good, real relationship with Jacob but then ... Puff! Sucks to be you, Leah! Maybe if Meyer had inserted herself in your shoes she wouldn't have to do this.

The Cullens weren't there. Period. And when they were, they were so out of character it actually gave me physical pain. I don't even remember reading Esme's name, except in that idiot island's one.

The humans are just GONE. Minus Charlie, but after what she did to him, I wish she would've just lost him somewhere like she did to Renee, Jessica, Angela, Mike and Ben. Because, you know, humans just aren't good enough to be in this dazzling book.

The Vulturi ... Oh Mother of God.

In conclusion, it was a mess. A big, sloppy, illogical, unprofessional, uninteresting and unedited mess. I won't even go into all the messages and innuendos out there because honestly I don't even know if she understands them herself. And I'm tired of talking about this.

Read it if you must, but borrow from someone or get it from the library.

I am sorry for the lengthy review but hey, Meyer does it lengthy - ALWAYS - and somehow it seems to be working for her.

... Read more

Reviews

A basic for every child's bookshelf, January 9, 2007
I remeber reading the Ramona books as a child and recently purchased the collection for my 8 yr. old and 5 yr. old daughters. They beg every night to hear another chapter read to them. The stories and situations are timeless and they can easily identify with Ramona and Beezus. The stories are told from a child's point of view, which can be sometimes enlightening for us grownups who have forgotten what it's like to be 4 or 5 years old. My girls delight in hearing about Ramona's occaisional "wickedness" and very stubborn nature.
I find myself giggling when I recognize things from the era that it was written (my childhood!) like putting plastic bread bags over your shoes and then stuffing them into rubber boots! I highly recommend this collection of books. The word wholesome comes to mind.

Still great stories!, September 28, 2007
I loved these books as a kid and now my daughter's love the stories too. The illustrations inside are enough to help give the kids a little idea and then they picture the rest inside their heads as we read along! I really do prefer these Ramona stories compared to the Junie B Jones stories. Ramona seems to be alot more wholesome where I do find that Junie B Jones can be quite the rude little girl often. Very nice to be able to share with my girls and they are always trying to tell the stories to their friend that see the books too. Very cute!

Great read!, February 7, 2007
My daughter is 7 and devoured the Ramona books. She was able to relate to the character and found these books easy to read. They were her first page turners!

Shockingly poor quality paperback books, April 22, 2008
Ramona is one of my favorite characters in children's literature, so I sent this collection to my niece for her birthday.

When I arrived at my brother's house, and saw the poor quality of the books I was shocked. I have never given a child a book before that was made to fall apart after one reading.

Good-bye to my fantasy of her reading it over and over or giving it to a friend!

Still a winner!, May 25, 2007
I loved these books when I was a kid, and now my daughter loves them. Still a classic.

They Hold Up Amazingly Well (My Theories on Youth), August 2, 2010
I hold a personal belief that every so often we should go back and revisit those things that were important to us in our youth. Whether it's picking up a copy of an album you haven't heard since high school or watching "The Breakfast Club" for the first time in 20 years, I think it's important to put yourself in touch with who we were.

So, when I heard about the Ramona movie coming out, I decided it was high time to revisit some of these books, which were favorites of mine from grades 2-5. Not only was I surprised at how much of these books I remembered, I was also very pleased with Cleary's writing and the universality of the situations in these books. In many ways, they serve as a window into how kids deal with things from the perils of having a younger sibling to take care of to parental unemployment. The great thing about these books is that the messages are never heavy-handed. Cleary lets them unfold naturally through the characters, in particular Ramona Quimby and her sister Beezus (in this set, anyway).

Some people may feel it's a waste of time to look backward at what made us who we are. I can't think of anything better to ground myself. And even more so, I'm incredibly pleased to find what good taste I had as a child. Highly recommended for those of us looking back and those looking to introduce their grade schoolers to reading.

I'm glad I took the time. If you haven't read these since grade school, you should, too.

Best children's book there is! :), September 16, 2009
First I want to say thanks to all of your positive ratings and feedbacks. You've encouraged me and helped me decide to buy "Ramona Volume 1 AND 2."

These books are the best books there is. It's great for children who will enjoy the simplicity in the narration and the stories and the adventures. It's also great for adults. I found this book in here at Amazon.com., and I'm glad I did. I haven't read these books when I was young but I'm happy I found them now.

After reading them, I found myself thinking back to my childhood and it also helped me remember a few things like how I used to think when I was in that age. lol! Beverly Cleary wrote these books so well it's as if she wrote as she grew along with Ramona.

I also love the new illustrations by Tracy Dockray because it shows an updated look on today's kids which they can identify and it looks so much better.

I totally recommend the volume 1 and 2 of Ramona by Beverly Cleary. :D

We love Ramona!, September 23, 2008
My 7-year-old would rather read than sleep. This collection has been a delight for her and her ravenous appetite for reading. Ramona is Great! Fun stories, very engaging.

great collection, February 8, 2008
item came in brand new and very quickly. Ramona books are good for kids of all ages.

Perfect for First Graders!, January 20, 2008
My neice is in the first grade, but reads on a third grade level. She LOVES these books. She cannot decide which one she wants to read, because she enjoys them all so much. Great buy!!!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Among the mega mansions and perfectly manicured hedges of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, everyone has something to hide—especially four very pretty little liars.

High school juniors Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily have been keeping secrets ever since their best friend, Alison DiLaurentis, disappeared three years ago. But when the girls begin receiving threatening notes from someone named “A,” their secrets—the big ones, the little ones, even the long-buried ones—no longer seem so safe.

Unravel the Pretty Little Liars’ wildest mysteries in this special box set. But remember, nothing is as it seems in Rosewood . . .

Pretty Little Liars Box Set includes books 1 to 4

Reviews

Pretty Little Liars, October 27, 2010
Most of you have probably watched the show on ABC Family but I have to say you will enjoy the books so much more. I think personally with all the detail that is written in each and every 4 books, you get to see at all aspects of what each girl is going through.

As for the first book - You get to meet each of the girls and get to know who they all are individually and its great to meet each and every one of them to see how different they have become since their very close and dear friend Alison's dissapearance. The book starts out a little slow and then it starts to pick up more when it comes to discovering Ally's body. All the girls get together and talk about her but are never really all that close since each of them has changed so much through the years. Aria moves back to Rosewood and isn't to thrilled about it due to her father's affairs and Alison's disappearance but she meets this handsome english teacher and her life all it seems to be different. As for Hanna, she becomes what Ally was; THE QUEEN BITCH and is on top of the world with her bestfriend Mona in which they both had lost tons of weight and revampped themselves as girls that everyone wants to be and be friends with.

Emily is this sweet and loving girl who has a huge secret about herself hidden in her that is wanting to break out but the fears of what people think of her is what is holding her back but things happen and things change for her and as for the brillant Spencer; shes on the verge of something and no one knows where it is going.

All the girls become closer in each book trying to figure out who is secretly sending them and their family about secrets on A knew but somehow they kept thinking that the body that was found was not A it had to be her but all in all someone is playing bad tricks on them and its making them all question who is really the killer and who would really want Alison dead and why??

Pretty Little Liars, May 25, 2010
I enjoyed this series so much. The characters each have their own personality and they are all easy to relate to. My favorite part about the books is the note at the very end left by "A" just for us. I think that's really unique, and it definately made me want to read the next book that much faster. I hope that I'm able to pick up the rest of the books from this series soon and I'm really looking foreward to the TV show that's coming out in June.

Best books ever,,,and I NEVER read!, August 27, 2010
I am 16 and I never read books. After seeing the pretty little liars show I became obsessed and wanted to read the books. I just finished the fourth book and I bought them a month ago. They are so addicting. By far the best books I have ever read! I cant wait to get the rest in the series!!

These books made my daughter read!!, July 13, 2010
I purchased this set of books, and the remaining four in the series, for my 14 year old daughter. She had watched the first television show based on the series, liked the show, and said "Hey, mom, this show is a book, too." Well, I bought the books immediately! She started reading on June 13 and just finished the eighth book on July 11. She LOVED the series, thought the books were way better than the television shows, and talked to me about the books as she read. As a mom and a middle school teacher, anything that gets my child "hooked" on the printed word is great!! I only wish there were more books in the series!!

Not a peep from the backseat on a 31 hour road trip!, September 2, 2010
I bought this boxed set for my 11 year-old daughter just before we drove from Minnesota to Florida. After a few hours into the trip, she started reading - and didn't stop until we got to Florida 31 hours later. Her Lexile score is around 1000, and I think these books range from 660L to 770L. They must be entertaining, because she absolutely could not put them down. I had to keep looking in the back seat to make sure I hadn't left her at the last rest stop.

At $[...] for the boxed set, I saved $18.42 over buying the books individually. I knew if I bought the first book, I'd be looking for a store along the way to buy the second, third and fourth books - so I took a chance and bought the set. Each book is about 300 pages, so the set runs around 1200 pages giving your daughter (or son - probably not) a sense of accomplishment. Most parents would agree that they love to see their children engrossed in a book rather than playing video games or watching movies (both of which I also enjoy!). Buy this set, and I guarantee you won't see your beloved one until she comes asking for books five through eight.

Amazing.., July 26, 2010
These books are amazing.. I couldn't put them down.. I can't wait to read he rest!! I do wish there was a boxset of all 8 books, but I think the last 4 are new installments.. But theybare amazing.. :)

Great!, July 18, 2010
This box set was cheaper than buying all four of those books separately, which is one plus. And another is that these books are great. They definitely keep you wanting to read more. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Meet Ivy and Beantwo friends who never meant to like each other. This boxed set is a delightful introduction to these spunky characters. It includes the first three books in the Ivy and Bean seriesand a secret treasure-hiding box�with a cool surprise inside! ... Read more

Reviews

Adorable, November 30, 2008
My niece instantly fell in love with this series of books. Ivy & Bean the Secret Treasure Box is a box set of the first 3 books as well as an additional gift!!!

As an adult, I, myself, found myself drawn to this box set. Containing the books: Ivy and Bean (book 1), Ivy, Bean and the Ghost that Had to Go (book 2) and Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record (book 3).

We are introduced to two wonderful and adorable little girls - Ivy and Bean. Neither have very many friends and are urged by their mothers to "go play together" - neither are particularly enthusiastic as they do not seem to share anything in common. Yet, as soon as they get together they realize that they are fast becominng BFF (as my niece puts it!!!).

What follows are 3 absolutely adorable books! The storyline in each is cute and quite unique. They are also quite educational (although I don't use this word around my niece) and surprisingly - the storylines are funny - and not corny. The illustrations are extremely well-done.

I thought this book was very well priced (around $17.00) as this box set looks very professionally done.

My niece, who is 9, went through all 3 books in record time asking me when the next one in the series would be out. BUT, her most favorite part of the box set was definitely the "gift" that came with it - a wonderful "diary" or "journal" which is perfect!!! I mean - I remember how excited I was to have my first diary when I was 10!! - It held all my precious secrets and my niece has made sure to start writing in it everyday - and to hide the diary so we "grown ups" can't find it!!!!!

This is a great box set and I think would make a great gift for the reader or future readers in the home.

Excellent book to help kids love reading!, May 8, 2010
My six year old girl does not love to read. The only books I could get her excited about were the Junie B. Jones books--but they were awful for my daughter--she started to pick Junie's constant terrible words (hate, stupid, dumb). The Bean & Ivy books are so much better! Ivy and Bean are still crazy enough to make my daughter giggle, but the girls are much more like regular high spirited kids. I think there are about 7 books in the series so far-- we just finished the first 3. My daughter and I both had a fun time reading them together. She also loved the treasure box book that came with the set. I really hope the author will keep writing these great books.

Just right for my girls., June 30, 2010
I've given this boxed set several times as gifts for the little girls in 1st and 2nd grade who are at the stage of gaining competence in their reading skills. They have all loved these books.

Book #1 - Funny and fun for both parent and child!, December 10, 2008
Bean likes to play with other kids in the neighborhood, no matter older or younger. She loves to have fun! Bean also likes to play tricks on her older sister, who's at that age that she sees Bean as nothing more than a brat. Her mother suggests she meet and play with the young girl across the street - Ivy. But Bean is not willing to be friends with Ivy, so always seems to be quiet and reading and wearing dresses than going out and having fun.

Ivy's mother wishes Ivy would go out and have fun with the neighborhood kids than spending all the time by herself. She suggests she meet and play with the young girl across the street - Bean. But Ivy is not willing to be friends with such a loud, obnoxious girl.

One day, Ivy is sitting outside, reading, when Bean decides to hide in a bush and play a trick on her older sister. Seeing Ivy dressed in her robe, and holding a stick, she thinks maybe she can play a trick on Ivy as well, and begins to pretend to be a ghost. However, her trick on her sister backfires, and as she runs to find a place to hide, not wanting to get in trouble with her mom, Ivy invites her into her backyard to hide.
A fun adventure for two girls how had no intentions of being friends! Parents will want to laugh right along with their kids! Although both Ivy and Bean never wanted to be friends, they bonded and banded together quickly, and both enjoyed conjuring up a plan to get back at Bean's sister. My daughter (7) loved the part of Ivy becoming a witch. My son (6) absolutely loved the worms, and both hooted when Bean's sister fell into the hole they dug. While both of my children know they'd never get away with a stunt like that, they thought the story was funny and loved how the girls became friends.

And neither can wait to read book #2!

Adorable Series For Young Readers, December 5, 2010
We bought this as a Christmas gift for our six year old niece. I know she will love it. Our seven year old daughter has been checking the Ivy and Bean books from the library and enjoys them. As parents we think the stories are not as "bratty" as some of the other series out there for this age group.

My daughter and I love these books!, October 18, 2009
The Ivy and Bean books are filled with fantastic adventures and great dialogue. I started this series as a read-aloud with my five year old daughter, and we're both hooked! Hurrah for Annie Barrows for creating such creative kids and capturing their exploits with such humor. We can't wait to read them all.

Beware, September 20, 2010
Thinking the book would be about the friendship of two little girls that are around the same age as mine, I picked it up at a local bookstore for my 7 year old. Half way through the book, the girls begin talking witches, potions and spells. One of the girls paints her face white and adds blood drops.

I suppose in today's world this seems completely normal for children this age to be reading and digesting and contemplating. However, if you desire for your children to read things that are edifying and age appropriate do not purchase this book. The material appears to be innocent at first glance but ends up having dark elements that are inappropriate for children. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Tessa Gray descends into Victorian London's dark underworld to search for her missing brother, with the mysterious Shadowhunters as her only allies. ... Read more

Reviews

Another strong beginning, August 31, 2010
When Tessa Gray arrives in London on a ship from New York, she's eager to see her brother, Nate. But before she can find him, she's intercepted by two women, known as the Dark Sisters, who kidnap her and force her to learn how to use the strange magical powers she never knew she had, all the while promising her that she is lucky, and she will soon meet the sinister Magister. Terrified and confused, Tessa is rescued by two young Shadowhunters, Will and Jem, and is taken to the London Institute, where she learns that her powers are just the beginning of a strange, magical world she never knew existed, full of wonder, but also full of hate, prejudice, and danger...and Tessa is in the center of it.

Clockwork Angel, the first in Cassandra Clare's new Infernal Devices trilogy, is a descriptive and elaborate book and a strong start to what is sure to be another knock-out trilogy. It takes about thirty pages or so before the book, which is set in the Victorian era, to reach familiar ground readers might be looking for, but once it does, the book unfolds quickly and smoothly. The times dictate that the mannerisms are a bit more refined in the characters, but Clare manages to sneak in plenty of humor and fun alongside the darker and riskier action scenes. There are a plethora of excellent new characters readers are introduced to, and each one is very realistic, and many have their secrets and mysteries--for Tessa, it is her heritage, and Will and Jem both have hazy backgrounds that are bound to become bigger issues later on.

One conflict that Clare portrays quite well was the struggle for the women Shadowhunters to be proper young ladies and women that society demands while balancing the Shadowhunters' need for strong fighters. Two characters, Jessamine and Charlotte, while on opposite ends of the controversy, both have to deal with it in their own way, and it's an issue that sets Clockwork Angel apart from Clare's previous work while at the same time making the setting more believable.

The idea of a clockwork army is brilliant, and the forethought and plotting that went into the book is impressive. There are plenty of intriguing mysteries and labyrinthine twists toward the end that will leave the reader far from where they were at the beginning of the book. Clare's talent for writing well-developed and entertaining characters and her fearlessness when it comes to creating dramatic, complicated conclusions to her books will garner Clockwork Angel plenty of attention and will leave readers impatient for the sequel.

Pretty damn good., September 1, 2010
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare is an really good read.I stayed up until 2 am on the day I bought it because I was totally sucked in. The setting of Victorian London is really atmospheric and well written, for anyone who loved the mortal instruments but doesnt read books set in this era, dont worry. It's really great.

In regards to the characters in this book, I was both dissappointed and relieved. They are all VERY similar to those in the mortal instruments trilogy. Will is Jace with brown hair, Jem is kind of a straight Alec and Jessamine is isabel, and then there is Nate who is basically sebastian but without demon blood. I actally liked Tessa more than I did Clary, she was really likeable and felt more real to me. I am glad in some ways that the author stuck to a formula of characters that definately worked for her with mortal instruments, but also I just felt a little cheated. I loved the mortal insturments characters so much I dont have much love left over for characters that are so damn similar.

The clockwork monsters we're really quite scary, certainly far more frightening than their creator and master who I was really disappointed in. Magnus Bane is as always totally fabulous and I really love the witty banter between the two main characters. Tessa's humour is dry and clever, very funny. There is a joke in there about a seven fingered dwarf named Nigel that cracked me up like there is no tomorrow.

All in all I would absolutely, one-hundred-percent recommend this book to people who enjoyed the mortal instruments trilogy or the fantasy YA genre, for me it just wasnt as good as the earlier books, though to be fair, that is an exceedingly tall order.

Why write a new book if you can't create new characters, September 13, 2010
I liked this author's previous books. She did take some risks with her story line but overall Mortal Instruments were quite creative and interesting to read. I was looking forward to this book since I was under the impression that there will be no more Mortal Instrument follow-up focusing on the original characters. Apparently that decision is changed and she will continue with two more books. In general if the author was not planning to write more books in a series and changes his/her mind after, those books do not turn out very well organized but we shall see what happens. When it comes to this book: the good side is, it is well written and again interesting to read. But at the end, it was Clary and Jace`s story taking place at a different time/location with different names. Their personalities are the same, their conversations are the same... I am disappointed because of the lack of character creativity but the story was interesting. That's why I am giving this book 2 stars... Wait for the paperback and don't waste your money. If you get too desperate, open one of the previous books and read any chapter and imagine it takes place in old London...

The same mistakes made, yet again., October 16, 2010
The following review has some spoilers.

Sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray moves to London after the death of her Aunt so that she may live with her brother, Nathaniel. Problem is, when she gets to London she isn't greeted by Nathaniel but is instead picked up by two women who call themselves the Dark Sisters. They force her to uncover her shape-shifting power, but soon after she is rescued by William Herondale, a Shadowhunter. She then learns of the world of the Nephilim and of Downworlders and her new place in it. This is all somehow tied to the disappearance of her brother, whom Tessa is now determined to rescue from whatever danger he may have been thrown in to.

First, and foremost, it must be said that Tessa and Will are basically Clary and Jace with different names and different clothes. Tessa is just as boring and obnoxious as Clary is and Will is just as much of an irritating jerk as Jace is in all the same ways that Jace is- actually, scratch that, he's much worse than Jace is. There is nothing, nothing whatsoever that makes me feel like there's any difference between Jace and Will specifically. You could take lines from one, give it to the other, and I would not be able to tell you that those lines did not belong to that character. *They are exactly the same.* You know what particularly sucks about that? I hated Jace in City of Bones, so naturally I've hated Will the entire time that I read Clockwork Angel. If I was at least re-reading a good and entertaining character, I may have been able to forgive Cassandra Claire, but alas, I cannot.

Secondly, yet again, Claire has managed to write pages and pages of filler nonsense that made this book way bigger than it needed to be in order to tell the full story. There were several instances in which I wondered why I should care that Charlotte had a hard time getting two carriages instead of just one from the Institute. What use is this kind of information in forwarding the plot? Why is almost half a page dedicated to this nonsense? Why do several pages of this book have this very same problem? If I had a red pen, I could've crossed out paragraphs of information and none of the story would have been lost.

I have to go back to the issue of Claire's characters though. While I will not say that Jessamine is an exact copy of Isabel, I will say that she's the same formula for a character. Jessamine has issues with being a Shadowhunter, while Isabel is comfortable with her life as one, but aside from this they serve the same purpose: they're hot chicks with superficial personalities that exist to show you that even though Tessa (Clary) isn't a drop-dead gorgeous babe, she is still way better than Jessamine and thus more desirable for male leads such as Will. She had interesting moments here and there, but in the end, she turned out to be pretty disappointing. I don't enjoy books where the other girls that are around the same age as the protagonist are written off as bitches, I prefer it when the protagonist makes genuine relationships with other girls, because that's something I can relate to, and even if I couldn't, that's still something I would *want* to relate to.

Speaking of relationships, you know what really annoys me? I'm supposed to have this understanding throughout the book that Will and Tessa are falling for each other, yet there's nothing in the books that makes me feel like their should be a reason for their feelings. Why does Tessa feel anything for a guy that flips moods with her from one day to another, or a guy that has a sarcastic reply to anything and everything, or a guy that is outright snobbish and rude no matter who he's talking to or what he's talking about?

"Will cared for her, she was sure of it. Yes, he had been rude to her almost since he had met her, but then, that happened in novels all the time." (p. 454)

I agree, Tessa, and I am deeply sick of it. The above quote is followed by a comparison to Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship, and how he had been rude to her before he proposed. The difference here is that Darcy doesn't try to be an ass on purpose, and once he realizes he's been an ass, he tries to change his asshaterriness. Will is an ass entirely on purpose. The entire time, to everyone, and although part of the ending shows us he's got this sweet, chocolate center to him, he *still* likes to put on the image of being a complete ass afterwards. It is not romantic, it is not sweet, it isn't heartbreaking to think that he's got ~deep secrets~ and an oh-so haunting past. I don't care what his excuse for his behavior turns out to be (because it's obvious Claire is setting us up for a moment of "Oh so that explains why he was always so mean! Well I can totally forgive him now!") the stuff he says and does is just too much. The description of this book says, "Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length... everyone, that is, but Tessa." Um.. Last I checked, he kept her away as well, except that she wouldn't stop badgering him with inappropriately personal questions because she found him so damn physically attractive and alluring. They share nothing throughout the book, not even their enjoyment of literature, because you can't really enjoy literature with someone if they spend half their time trying not to show you how much they enjoy literature. They're rude to each other, and Will especially said some horrible things throughout this book. If anything, they should be enemies by now. I just don't understand why YA has developed this trend in which the male leads are complete jerks and the girls just *can't* stay away from them. Give me Harry Potters, Ron Weasleys, Peeta Mellarks, Seths (from Wicked Lovely) but please, for the love of God, don't give me any more William Herondales. Guys like him suck.

Moving on.

Name-dropping classic book titles does not warm me up to your characters. No matter how many times you do it. It does not give them personalities to have them quote A Tale of Two Cities, so stop it. Please find better ways of developing personalities.

The dialogue. Oh God the dialogue! In this book and in her first book all of her dialogue was awkward and contrived. You could start a new scene, and it would be as though nothing happened while you, the reader, were gone because the dialogue would soon give you an unnatural summary of recent events. Nothing felt natural, no one said things that I felt someone in real life would naturally say. People still kept setting each other up for one-liners. Awkward statements were made with no indication that the author had made it awkward on purpose. Everyone always feels the need to stop in the middle of an action scene, or a suspenseful scene, and say something witty. Example:

"She's dead," said Jem.
"Are you certain?" Will could not take his eyes off the woman's face. She was pale, but
not with a corpse's pallor, and her hands lay folded in her lap, the fingers softly curved,
not stiff with the rigor of death. He moved closer to her and placed a hand on her arm. It
was rigid and cold beneath his fingers. "Well, she's not responding to my advances," he
observed more brightly than he felt, "so she must be dead."
"Or she's a woman of good taste and sense." (p. 130)

Yeah, so you find what you think to be a dead body, so what's the natural reaction to that? Why, talking about women's tastes in relation to your good looks, of course! What other reaction *could* there be to a dead body?

People also often tell me that they enjoy Claire's world-building, but I have to disagree, because her dialogue is another reason why I can't feel like she builds her world well at all. Prepare for a bit of more nitpicking. Example:

Will leaned back against the wall. "Did that order of misericord blades come in,
Thomas? I've been running into a certain amount of Shax demons lately, and I need
something narrow that can pierce armored carapaces."

Will is asking Thomas, a man who presumably has trained and lived with them for a long time, about misericord as though Thomas would not naturally understand why he would need them. Normal dialogue between people doesn't require explanations like this. If he were explaining to a curious Tessa, then that might work, but that wasn`t what he was doing. If he said, "Did that order of misericord come in Thomas?" and Thomas said, "No, it did not- why did you order those anyway?" then Will could say, "I've been running into a certain amount of Shax demons lately." Thomas should, having lived in their world for a while now, understand what a Shax demon is and therefore require no further explanation about armored carapaces. A chef would not say to another chef, "Did the order of large kitchen knives come in yet? I've had large pieces of meat to work with lately and I need something that can cut through all that thick meat and bone." It is unnecessary because people who know each other and live in the same environment don't need to go through these extra explanations, unless someone asks. There should be a mutual understanding as there would be in real life. This is why I can't be like, "Oh this is great world-building!" because at the time I'm thinking, "People don't talk like that!" And perhaps if this had only been one instance of awkward dialogue I might've been able to forgive Claire, but it isn't. I'm not, however, going to bore you by bringing up examples of all the other instances in which dialogue is just wrong, because that would take forever and probably wouldn't be much fun for me.

Then there's the issue of Shadowhunters and the villains. The Shadowhunters, as usual, have too many runes that easily allow them to deal with problems throughout their missions. Example:

They seemed to thread with the pattern of his veins, as if his blood ran through the Marks, too. "For swiftness, night vision, angelic power, to heal quickly," he read out loud. (p. 105)

Newsflash, Claire, if your heroes have an unnecessary amount of helpful tools on their side, then it makes it very hard for me to believe that they're ever really in danger. Also, it's hard to believe that old, "powerful" vampires like de Quincey are much of a threat if a seventeen year-old Shadowhunter can put up a decent fight. As for your other villain, why is it that I so easily guessed he was going to disappear at the last minute? How did I know he was going to make an easy escape? Was it because you did just about the exact same thing in City of Bones?

Finally, I dislike books that are so very obviously trying to set up a sequel. It's bad enough that I think this novel was filled with paragraphs and paragraphs of pointless information, it only makes it worse to leave so many questions unanswered. Not that I'm dying to know the answers now, I just think it's bad form. If she had let this book stand on its own, maybe, just *maybe* I would have liked it a bit more, but unfortunately, that's not what happened.

Meh., September 9, 2010
First, I'd like to say that this is not a bad story. Overall, this book kept me turning the pages. But I was disappointed in three things:
1. Flat characters, almost all around. For instance, who's Charlotte? What's her history in a nutshell...in other words, why should we think of her as more than a school-marmish annoyance? Henry annoyed the crap out of me. He seemed little more than a bumbling automaton himself. Why does Charlotte, and the Clave in general, put up with such an apparently inept blockhead (and not endearingly so)? Tessa was all but completely cardboard. I saw very little redeeming characteristics, she was annoying, you never learn enough about her as a person to relate to her. She's uppity, shallow, and petulantly childish. Why on earth would Jem and Will care about her one way or the other?
Speaking of which, Jem is the only guy out of the two main male interests with any kind of character. He's good, kind, genuinely concerned, and honest. Will is just...well, mean. He pouts, throws tantrums, preens, and constantly talks up what a "bad boy" he is. I guess some girls are drawn to that, but in order for me to go along with a female character's infatuation with a guy, he's got to be genuine and good underneath. In other words, it takes more than good looks and repeated hints that there's "more to Will than meets the eye" for me to feel anything other than uncomfortable with him. And the hints need to be resolved at some point. There was too little of Will's story revealed in this book. I know there's a sequel coming, but seriously...give us SOMEthing. I know sexy/tortured/brooding is in, but we need to know WHY he is the way he is in order to understand and appreciate him, let alone care about what happens to him and whether or not he gets the girl.
2. There are waaaay too many odd details pointed out for no apparent reason. For instance, why are we made to note the green jewel/necklace that Jem is wearing? It apparently meant nothing. What's the story of Tessa's angel necklace? What is it, exactly? Where did it come from? What's the deal with the apparently special globe owned by the two evil sisters in the beginning that they never let Tessa see? Is there a reason the grey cat with the green eyes is given such focus near the end? I kept thinking it would be special or relevant somehow since such pains are taken to save it when the Institute is obviously in peril and there's not a moment to lose. But no, it's apparently just your typical animal rescue. These types of things are all over the book and I was constantly thinking "okay, that's going to mean something down the road" and then....it never did.
3. Overkill on the ambiguously good/bad theme. Too many characters were made out to be good and turned out bad. Or made themselves out to be bad when we're supposed to believe they're actually good (Will, various vampires). Jessamine...what the heck? Good? Bad? Accepting of her Nephilim identity or not? She defies it throughout the book, but uses it with a vengeance in the end. We need to be able to trust SOMEbody! After so many twists, you're just going to get nauseated.

Admittedly, this is my first book by Cassandra Clare and there was great potential for a good story here. As I mentioned before, it was a page-turner for me overall and I read it in a day and a half. But I got to the end and just shrugged.

Quick & light but too similar to her other books, 2.5 stars, October 28, 2010
In Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1), Tessa Gray comes to London to meet her brother after a ticket is sent to her in America. When her brother doesn't appear and two women called the Dark Sisters abduct her instead, Tessa finds herself drawn into the city's magical underworld for the misuse of powers she never knew she had. Later freed by the Shadowhunters, including the caustic and beautiful Will, Tessa begins to learn her place in their world as she continues her search for her brother. All the while, the Shadowhunters must fight increasingly dangerous and suspicious enemies, including ones that still want Tessa for themselves.

Like in her City of Bones (Mortal Instruments) (MI) series, Clare has created an easy, quick, and sometimes entertaining read in CLOCKWORK ANGEL. Tessa was a likable protagonist, who's battling between Victorian norms and her own wishes to be more outspoken. Secondary characters, like Sophie, Thomas, and Charlotte, were interesting and sometimes more complex than the main characters. Favorite characters from MI appeared, including Magnus Bane, and readers get to learn their history. Some interesting plot twists emerged as things picked up near the end. This novel also contained the tightest, least flowery language I've ever read by the author.

The main downfall of the book, however, was that it felt entirely too similar to her previous books. The set-up is nearly the same: three young Shadowhunters at an Institute and a new girl - a girl who is quiet and na�ve and something she never knew - now thrust into a world she didn't know existed. A main villain emerges and his nefarious plan will undoubtedly span across the trilogy. There's even a question of unclear parentage among one of the characters. Characters from MI are interchangeable with these new ones, with Will obviously a stand-in for Jace and Tessa so like Clary. Instead of Jem (the other young, male Shadowhunter ) being too much like Alec or Simon from MI, the relationship between Will and Jem was uncannily similar to the Ryves brothers in Rees Brennan's The Demon's Lexicon trilogy. Pacing lagged significantly for the first 300 pages, and repetitive language patterns emerged that one can recognize from her other books. The steampunk elements felt unnecessary and underdeveloped, and there were contradictions in this mythology. Many plot points were left unexplained, and a cliffhanger ending results. Even with this cliffhanger, a sense of predictability looms regarding certain relationships and events. The sense of setting and time also failed, in that I never felt the characters were truly in Victorian England based on their interactions and language.

Though I found CLOCKWORK ANGEL to be unoriginal and predictable, I'm sure that many fans of Clare and the MI series will love it nonetheless. In the coming two books, I hope Clare brings more originality to her characterization and plot and a better sense of time and place to make for a more enjoyable read.

Twists so predictible your eyes may roll out of your head, October 19, 2010
Clockwork Angel is not a terrible book. The writing is clean and moves quickly. The characters are well fleshed out and aside from being severely emo, are believable enough. The plot is better than it has to be, though it is largely a collection of recycled tropes from other, better, supernatural tweener fiction.

Cassandra Clare is an adequate writer, though at times she does tend to reach deep into the thesaurus to produce inexplicably obscure word choices (On the second page of chapter 1, a girl's room is described as having "... and porcelain jug for her ablutions" Really? "Ablutions" instead of "baths"?).

Word choices aside, the book crisply advances through the now-familiar narrative of surprisingly-chaste-fish-out-of-water-girl who falls for emotionally-unavailable-but-quite-studly-supernatural-boy. There are some ancillary characters as well, each with their own unrequited love interest. There does not seem to be any couple in this book who share a reciprocal love interest, unless you count the one crossover character who is apparently not-quite-gay-yet in this series.

As for the action of the storyline, the less said the better. The main character has a power, but she very rarely uses it and its advantages and limitations are not very well explained at any rate. Enemies bring up some pretty legitimate and compelling arguments on racism, but the book does not explore these at all.

Then there are "twists" in this book. If you are paying even the slightest bit of attention you will see them coming less than a quarter of the way through the book. What follows after that is another 300 pages of inevitability very much akin to the sensation you get when you watch a blonde co-ed stumble off into the woods with her drunken boyfriend in a slasher movie. You just want to reach into the pages and slap the main characters, and you really wonder how they survived in such a dangerous world this long.


But for all that, it's a light read of popcorn romance that will keep you entertained on a short flight or a day at the beach. Total read time is in the 4 to 5 hour range (473 pages with a generous font size).

Nothing new or exciting., October 16, 2010
It almost feels as though Cassandra Clare re-wrote her first book and sold it to us as a brand new story. The characters, William and Tessa especially, resemble characters from City of Bones too closely to be able to really tell them apart. These characters aren't even good characters to begin with. Tessa is boring, and Will- well, Will makes it really difficult to enjoy the book at all. He's mean beyond mean, and I know Clare wants us to think he's doing it all for a good reason, but I'm just not buying it.

Clare's writing also hasn't managed to improve at all since her first book. Actually, she has less similes, but that doesn't make it all that much better. She needs to go back and edit a lot of unnecessary information out and fix sentences that are too awkwardly worded.

After trudging through nearly 500 pages of this novel, I am left neither curious nor satisfied, just simply tired. I would not recommend this book to anyone, it just isn't worth the time spent on it.

Disappointing, September 10, 2010
I had been looking forward to reading the prequel to The Mortal Instruments, especially hearing that there were steampunk elements in it, but there wasn't much. I was even more excited after watching the video interview with the author on Amazon speaking about how she had done so much research on the Victorian period for this book. She mentions how much more formal people were then, but these characters did not seem authentic to the time period. Having a character say "Oh dear" or call someone "poppet" now and again just doesn't cut it. Several characters also seem identical to characters in The Mortal Instruments series: Will is Jace, Tessa is Clary, Jessamine is Isabel. I kept reading hoping that I would get hooked sooner or later, but it just didn't happen and I was relieved when I was done with the book... even though nothing is really answered and is left open so you'll have to buy the next volume. I was put off that the steampunk and Victorian aspects of this book that would make it different really weren't there. Instead I trudged through a less-engaging version of The Mortal Instruments where the ordinary-but-not-so-ordinary girl falls in love with a guy who is constantly sarcastic, rude, and cocky, yet has moments of violent passion and then turns the girl away.

Not bad, but I wanted it to stand on its own more, September 29, 2010
Even though I'm not as devoted as many other Cassandra Clare/Mortal Instruments fans out there, I still had to check out the first book in Clare's prequel series, Clockwork Angel. While I did read and enjoy The Mortal Instruments, I could take it or leave it. In fact, I was a little worried when I heard about the prequel series, because I wasn't sure there would be much of anything of interest to talk about.

My worries were somewhat founded. In Clockwork Angel, young American Tessa goes to England to find her brother, but ends up as the prisoner of the Dark Sisters. Tessa finds that she has the unusual ability to shapeshift into another person, and that a mysterious man who runs the Dark Sisters called the Magister wants to make Tessa's power his own -no matter what Tessa wants. After running away, Tessa encounters the Shadowhunters. In exchange for her help, they promise to help her find her brother. Nothing, of course, is that easy, as Tessa must figure out how to fit in with the other Shadowhunters, make sense of her strange ability, and decide who she loves: James or Will.

Clare brings her vivid mortal instruments world back to life in Clockwork Angel, with the same writing skill fans are used to. Though the idea is interesting, Clare manages to make it boring. Unlike in The Mortal Instruments, it seemed like all of the characters just kept dragging their feet, especially in the middle, like they didn't know what to do. It also drove me nuts that Clare seemed to do the bare minimum here in the area of originality. Though it was nice to visit the same world again, there really wasn't much that was new or different. Not only did the setting suffer from this, but the characters did too. There were so many repeats and so few new faces that I wonder why Clare didn't just adapt this into a Mortal Instruments novel.

Overall, Clockwork angel just didn't intrigue me as much as the Mortal Instruments books did, and the lack of something new and original made it difficult to get involved in the book. Fans of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments while probably enjoy Clockwork Angel, and will most likely be hooked for the entire Infernal Devices series, but I just wasn't excited about it. I was hoping for something a little more original that this, maybe with some new characters. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Recipe for disaster:

4 parties.

Add 2 friends and 1 crush.

Divide by 1 mean girl out to RUIN Nikki.

Mix well, put fingers over eyes, and CRINGE!

Settled in at her new school and flanked by awesome friends Chloe and Zoey, life is looking up for Nikki Maxwell, especially since her crush, Brandon, asked her to be his lab partner—a seriously awesome development. However, when Nikki overhears mean girl Mackenzie bragging that Brandon’s taking her to the Halloween dance, a bummed Nikki signs on to spend Halloween at a kids’ party with her little sister, Brianna, instead. After she finds out Mackenzie was lying and her dream of going to the party with Brandon could be a reality, Nikki has two events to juggle . . . plus plenty of other entertaining trials and tribulations along the way!

www.dorkdiaries.com ... Read more

Reviews

Great follow-up in the Dork Diaries series!
I was SO excited to hear that the Dork Diaries series would be continuing with this second book, Dork Diaries: Tales From A Not-So-Popular Party Girl. I adored the the first book, the author has such a way with humor that I think all her jokes are funny and I just adore Nikki! And the situations Nikki finds herself in, oh man, I'm not the target audience but they were hilarious! There is something about the way that Nikki writes her journal that is so innocent and genuine that she's instantly lovable.

In this book nemesis MacKenzie really starts to show her claws so it's really interesting to see how Nikki will handle these situations in her polite and innocence manner. Nikki's friends Chloe and Zoey are also a great backup duo to Nikki and her crazy ideas! While I would have loved to have seen Nikki's little sister Brianna a bit more in this book, she was still as funny as I remember her from the first book.

I can see the Dork Diaries series going on for a long time and with each book Nikki is maturing a bit more and learning new things about herself. I love how this book ended and it's set up for what I'm sure will be a great third book to the series! Can't wait to read it!

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
This is the second installment of the DORK DIARIES, the girls version of the DIARY OF A WIMPY KID books for boys.

It is written in a diary form with drawings. When I told my fifth grade girls that I had the second book in the series, they got very excited, since most of them had already read the first installment.

Nikki is the heroine of this series. She is in middle school and is a great artist. She has two BFFs, Chloe and Zoey, and a crush on a popular boy named Brandon. There is also a queen bee named MacKenzie. Nikki gets involved with the Halloween dance. She has to plan and organize it - and MacKenzie wants her to fail.

The story is told in a very charming way and has a lot of good cultural references. You want to root for Nikki and boo MacKenzie. The story is a little unrealistic, but I still accepted it hook, line, and sinker.

I enjoy this series and so do all the girls I have given it to. So curl up and enjoy this very funny story!

Reviewed by: Marta Morrison

A Great Sequel!
After reading the first Dork Diaries book I couldn't wait to read the second addition, and luckily enough, Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl was even better than the original book!

From the first page of Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl the reader is thrown back into the hectic life of seventh grader Nikki Maxwell, dork extraordinaire. Much to Nikki's surprise she's quickly adjusting to middle school life and is actually enjoying it. You see, she has her two equally dorky side-kicks Chloe and Zoey on her side and her crush Brandon is starting to notice her. Plus, she's been invited to popular/ mean girl Mackenzie's latest party. Though soon enough all the good things in Nikki's life come to an end when Nikki finds out Mackenzie is set to not only sabotage Nikki's chances with Brandon but the Halloween party Nikki is now in charge of as well. What will one No-So-Popular Dorky Party Girl do? Well, only time and more pages can tell!

Nikki is such a fabulous main character! Sure, she's awkward and dorky, but she's hilarious, a great friend, and full of snark in all the best kind of ways as well. While Nikki is a lot younger than me, I can still find myself relating to her, especially when I think back to my own middle-school days, and I feel most people will feel the same kind of way if they give this series a chance. I also loved the additions of Nikki's best friends, Chloe and Zoey, two girls anyone would be lucky to have on their side, and Brandon, the seventh grade's token cutie.

Another aspect I love about this series is how it's told through Nikki's own personal diary entries. I feel that they give the reader a great and a more personal look into Nikki's life than what a regular narration would provide. Plus, I have to admit the pictures and comic strips included are simply hilarious!

While the story is a bit predictable, it never stopped it from being cute and laugh-out-loud funny. I loved being there right along with Nikki as she went through planning the Halloween party to attending two parties at once.

In all, the Dork Diaries is well-worth the read no matter how old you are, and I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who can't wait to read more about Nikki's adventures!

Grade: B+ ... Read more

Editorial Review

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal.

The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED? ... Read more

Reviews

A Jaw-Dropping Thriller, October 20, 2010
The Scorch Trials picks up right where The Maze Runner left off and it certainly starts with a bang. James Dashner incredibly makes this installment even better than the first. There is non-stop action and unexpected twists and turns in every single chapter. Thomas is once again thrown into this crazy environment, fighting for his life, as well as the lives of his friends.

WICKED is more involved in this one, but we still don't really know much about them. Is WICKED good or is WICKED bad? That really is the question to ask throughout this entire book. Dashner really made me question everything and everyone. Like Thomas, I wasn't sure what to believe.

Be prepared for more than a little creepy action going on because the Cranks sure are terrifying. Dashner vividly describes the pure nastiness that exudes from the zombie-like creatures. The short chapters kept me completely enamored with the story. It was more than a little difficult to put the book down because things just keep on happening. Whenever the action seemed to slow, Dashner did something that had my jaw hanging open. I frequently found myself asking what? How? Why? Why? Why?

Nothing is what it appears in this book and Dashner perfectly captures Thomas' confusion, his anger, his fear, his every emotion about being thrown into this hellish world and trying to come out of it alive and relatively unscathed. His dreams about his memories were one of my favorite aspects about the book and the tiny clues they offered made me want more and more.

The Scorch Trials is a jaw-dropping thriller filled with the most insane and unexpected twists. Dashner will blow your mind with everything that WICKED puts the Gladers through and for every question raised, we get the teeniest insight into what is really going on. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you begging for the final installment.

Opening line: She spoke to him before the world fell apart. ~ pg. 1

Favorite line(s): He didn't care about the others anymore. The chaos around him seemed to siphon away his humanity, turn him into an animal. All he wanted was to survive, make it to that building, get inside. Live. Gain another day. ~ pg. 136

Dark Hard Desparate, October 13, 2010
I loved this book, frankly the crazy, hap hazardous, rushed, psychotic things that happened fit perfectly with the plot line. The whole point of the Maze Runner and the Scorch Trials are to trick the readers' heads. Do we trust Teresa? Who is Brenda? Thomas should be the leader! No Minho should! The whole trilogy is an experiment on us, we don't know what is real, or what is fake, and at the end of the day we don't know if WICKED really is good or bad.

Thomas, wow what a character. Since we're basically living in his head and experiencing his emotions I feel for him. Do you trust your best friend? Isn't she the Betrayer? I completely understand why he's concerned about WICKED when the only things he can remember from it, are tests, subjects and Teresa. Scorch Trials is a harder book than Maze Runner because people die in the book for seemingly no reason. I mean we know it's for `patterns' and `killzones' but it is so seemingly pointless from Thomas and the other Gladers' perspective. How does lightning killing roughly half of your group help these `patterns'? And who do you trust when Cranks try to shoot you and drug you up. I trust Dashner though and know that what he reveals in the final book will be completely unexpected yet perfectly fit with everything we have gone through.

I don't know how I personally feel about WICKED, throughout the entire story they are eluded to being good, to trying to save humanity, yet their actions show otherwise. What was the point in the final battle? Were they really trying to wheedle down their `perspective candidates' but then what about the rest? I read this book in three hours because it was that good and I couldn't put it down. I feel as if Dashner captured human character and emotion perfectly. You have to remember these kids lived together in the Glade first, they know about death and dangers and how WICKED can change things in the blink of an eye. It doesn't take much more to believe that WICKED would set up elaborate games and plans that would force people into doing something they don't want to. They have the power of life and death absolutely. After so long of being under that kind of power you either are dead or accept it. I am anxiously awaiting the third book, and know that it's going to be one heck of a kicker.

Leaves you scratching your head and chomping at the bit to read on., October 18, 2010
Food to eat while reading: Scorched Cr�me Brulee ([...])

I am not usually a fan of middle books in a series, but this middle book in The Maze Runner series reads like a great beginning--all over again.

What I liked:

The setting kept changing and with each new place came dangers, creatures and people that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The main characters remained consistent and believable, yet they changed and grew from their experiences, like good little characters should. In fact, I almost cheered at the end for Thomas on the last page when he makes a difficult decision. Hooray for characters that change and show us that we can too.

Brenda, and Jorge are a great addition to the cast. They throw more variables into the equation and complicate the trials. And I love that Dashner introduced a second love interest for Thomas. Let the cat fights begin!

The balance of intrigue in this story is perfect. The questions and answers are braided together so that I am always wondering what will happen, but satisfied by the questions I have already received. Dashner has gained my trust, and though I still have unanswered questions, I am willing to read through quite a bit before I get the answers because I know that he will deliver.

I am eager to see why all of these horrible things are happening to these kids and how Thomas had a hand in creating the trials that he now is subjected to. I have an idea of why the variables are there and what the patterns are for, but I am content to wait until 2011 for The Death Cure.

I can't wait to see this on the movie screen-it will lend itself easily to media.

What I would have changed:

The Scorch Trials is quite a bit more violent than The Maze Runner. My son is currently reading the first book and I am unsure about giving him the second one just yet.

It bothered me that Aris' character is so underdeveloped. He mozies along with the Gladers, only showing spunk when he is required to act out a role for WICKED. Perhaps the author has hidden Aris from us for a reason and we will see his character unfurl in The Death Cure.

Much of the jeopardy was killed for me by a scene in the middle of the book. I just didn't worry so much for Thomas' safety and that led to a loss of intensity.

The verdict:

The Scorch Trials is an excellent addition to the very popular dystopian genre. It will leave you scratching your head and chomping at the bit to read on.

The Book of Pain, November 1, 2010
I read the first book. I liked it. The second book bothered me. The author did a good job of finding multiple ways of describing pain. The main character, Thomas, is in pain most of the book and with each page the author is challenged to find a new metaphor to describe the most excruciating pain in a new way. He does fairly well at that. But this book is one endless series of unfortunate miseries after another. The primary reason for having an ensemble travel with the main characters is so the author has a group of people to kill off in random ways. The group is supposed to be survivors because they are the fittest or the smartest but the deaths of so many are so random that it is annoying.

Think of the Lord of the Flies where most of the cast wears red shirts marking them for death in the most miserable and gruesome ways. They wander through the most miserable environment populated by zombies who want their noses.

Ok, I keep reading even though I suspect as I do that I could skip 20 chapters and not miss out on anything. When I reach the end, my suspicion is confirmed. I could have skipped 20 chapters and missed very little. The last 15 chapters or so keep telling us on each page that very soon we will have why these kids are subjected to this miserable torture. Each page promises that the next page will have an explanation. That never happens. Wait for book three.

I do care about the main character. I would like to know who is the traitor. I would like to know who WICKED is and what they hope to accomplish by experiments that would make even Hitler shudder. Do I trust the author to answer those questions in book three? No.

Do I want to go through yet another book of pain in hope that there will be answers?

What actually happened here?, December 8, 2010
This book got 3 stars because even though I enjoyed it very much, (although not as much as Maze Runner) I also found it unbearably frustrating. The biggest thing to get me down was that all the characters seemed to go through all the trials from some whacko's say so, without any real motivation that I could see. Or at least it could have been made a bit clearer. After everything they had gone through, one would think that at some point they'd stop and refuse to be an experiment.

Sure, they were told that they had been infected with the flash, but that the same group of people killed half their friends in book one, lied about who they were and their motives, and kidnapped one of the party. Trustworthy? I think not.

The only real motivation I saw was that Thomas wanted to find Theresa, and that along with the question of who WICKED really is was what got me through the book. Was it answered? No. Will I read book 3? Yes. At this point I also dislike Theresa with a passion and if the author has Thomas forgive her in book 3 I will probably tear it in half and burn it.

There was also too much Thomas and not nearly enough of everyone else in the story. I really liked Minho and Newt from the first book and hated seeing them nearly reduced to an afterthought.



DISCLAIMER: I tend to give very harsh reviews. This doesn't mean I didn't like the book. I won't finish a book I didn't like. I just don't have that kind of dedication.

Scorch Trials, November 6, 2010
I don't know how to rate this book. I do know that this book pushed me over the edge to keep my promise NOT to read trilogies until all three books are published.

James is a good writer.

That said, I had a hard time with this story. I knew it wouldn't be easy on the youth who had escaped the Maze. But they never seemed to get a break. They had a day here and there of easiness before James plunged us into another terrible situation.
He made sure the reader didn't know who to trust which is frustrating. The whole time I kept hoping they would get help/food/out.
This book is way more brutal than Maze Runner.
It drove me crazy that they knew who was doing this to them but they couldn't get out. They couldn't do anything to help themselves except get to the place they were told to go. One time WICKED even intervened.
The tats were as big of a deal as I thought they would be.
Thomas is amazing how he just keeps moving forward.
I did skim ALOT in this book. There was a ton of internal dumping (it felt like anyway).
I can't decide if I want to read the next one.
*sigh* But I will! I'll do it for James because he is awesomesauce.

Rating: PG 17
V: Yes. Death, killing, dying, fighting for survival
L: Maze slang
S: No

More of the Same..., November 28, 2010
I read the first book in this series, The Maze Runner, before I started blogging, so I cannot link to a review of it. So to sum up my feelings about book one now: I read it on high recommendation and as part of my dystopia obsession and was largely disappointed. While it is decent, it's not amazing and the lack of information given to the reader about the actual world outside the test makes it hard to know whether Dashner has a neat, unique apocalyptic view of the future or not. The book basically left me kind of lukewarm.

Book two very much follows in the tradition of book one, so I have little to add. The characters did not become any more dear to my heart in this book; in fact, I like most of them quite a bit less. Thomas spends a lot of time being emo because Teresa won't talk to him anymore; then, once she does, he's emo because she doesn't like him and he doesn't like her as much anymore either. That gets a bit trying. And, as much as I generally like for there to be a little romance in my fiction, I really could have done without it here.

If you thought escaping the maze meant that you, the reader, would finally get to find out what is going on in the real world in this dystopia, you are going to be seriously disappointed. I had a feeling that would be the case, what with the title including the word 'trials,' which would tend to indicate that this would be another test. Still, I find myself somewhat annoyed at the fact that there is little to no added to what had been learned in The Maze Runner. I realize this is intentional and it leaves the reader feeling much like the kids in the trials: frustrated. And, although I dislike this gambit, I must admit that it works, as I do intend to keep reading the books to find out what's happening.

If you liked The Maze Runner, read this with dispatch, because you'll love it. If you just want to know what the heck is happening in this dystopian world, then you could, if you want to, read a summary of the plot and wait for a book where the kids do something real. If you didn't like The Maze Runner, you won't like this one any better.

Not as good as Maze Runner, October 30, 2010
I agree with one of the other reviewers, this book is very much like "Lost". Every time you think it's going to solve a riddle, 5 more pop up. It picks up right where the first one left off, which was nice. But then a lot of the main characters get split up and/or killed, and it just becomes total chaos and confusion. The theme of this book is basically about the WICKED people (whoever they are) examining how the kids (but especially Thomas) handle the "variables" (which are never really explored, just mentioned constantly to the point of annoyance). I did not enjoy this one as much as Maze Runner, the focus is completely on Thomas and there is very little on the rest of the kids - which gets a little monotonous/one dimensional. I also wasn't sure how to feel about the big twist with Teresa - they never do make it clear what her deal is. I felt like this one was a little all over the place, but it was still enjoyable and I got through it pretty quickly. A fun, easy read... but I"m hoping the final book gets back up to the caliber of the original.

Killing Time Until The Third Book..., December 9, 2010
The Scorch Trials / 978-0-385-73875-0

As full disclosure, I wasn't a huge fan of The Maze Runner - gave it 3 stars, if I recall correctly - but I really love dystopia fiction and I really hate not finishing a series, so my curiosity got the best of me and I picked up The Scorch Trials at my local library, prepared to dive back down into the futuristic mind games perpetuated by W.I.C.K.E.D.

First impressions were initially good - the book starts off a lot faster than "The Maze Runner", with disaster setting in almost immediately after the daring rescue of the first novel. It's nice to see a dystopian future come up with a creative merge of massive global climate change and zombies, and it's especially good that we start the first chapters off with a strong and steady dose of creepy-bordering-on-terrifying.

After the first few chapters, though, the paces slows drastically, and the novel starts to suffer from "middle series syndrome". Despite being out of the Maze and immersed in the "real" world, we actually learn very little of the details of this dystopian future, which makes it very difficult for the reader to connect to the global problems that W.I.C.K.E.D. is supposedly trying to solve, which makes it hard to get attached to these increasingly nebulous "experiments" that are somehow supposed to come up with some kind of cure...for something. Around the halfway mark, it starts to feel like we're killing time to get to the end of the book so that we can then get the THIRD book and find out some actual answers, and after awhile one starts to wonder if the ending will be worth it. And then the reader actually does get to the ending, only to find that really one could skip over this second novel entirely and be none the worse for wear - just like the first book: nothing is explained, everything is a mystery, please buy the next book, kthxbye.

Some of the things I didn't like about "The Maze Runner" the first time around crop up again here. Thomas continues to have more than a whiff of Mary Sue about him; way too much angst is expended on the designated love interests (and, really, I think Thomas has more romantic chemistry with Newt than with either of the two girls provided here); and almost the entire "cast" of Gladers are anonymous red-shirts - in fact, whenever anyone other than Minho, Newt, or Thomas is suddenly granted a name and/or minor personality, it's pretty much a given that they're about to die horribly for insta-angst. I understand that it's difficult to write a group of 20+ well-rounded individuals, but Thomas' continued insistence on not learning the names or personalities of the people fighting and dying around him starts to inadvertently make him seem like a psychopath or - immersion-breakingly - the only important character in a story.

I guess a recommendation for The Scorch Trials depends on your reaction to The Maze Runner; if you loved the first book and want more of the same, this sequel delivers. If you were less than completely enthralled with the first novel, however, and are more interested in answers than in dragging out the Thomas/Theresa love shipping, I'd recommend giving this book a pass and skipping over to the third book entirely. I didn't feel like it was a waste of time reading this novel, and there were definitely several high notes in the first half, but I just can't help but feel that it could be a lot better with a little less ham-handed "mystery" and a little more character development.

A word about the audiobook for this novel: The audiobook is fairly well-narrated. The reader paces and pauses well, although his voice could perhaps be a little more animated during the "action" scenes. My favorite parts are when he speaks as Newt, because he brings out this wonderfully outrageous accent that I suppose is meant to be Scottish. Overall, though, the audio is well done and worth listening to.

~ Ana Mardoll

As good as the first book... if not better. (No spoilers), October 14, 2010
After reading the first book I thought to myself, "That was an awesome book! The only thing that would make it better is if some blood thirsty zombies were thrown into the mix." And that is exactly what Dashner did in this sequel. This book was every bit as intense, exciting, and mysterious as the first one; with the added bonus of "zombies"! True it doesn't answer all of questions, but if it did, then there would be no need for a third book. I can wait to find out how the trilogy ends! ... Read more

Editorial Review

“I think I understand!” Little Star cried out. “The baby Jesus is a king! He’s just little!”
 
A king is about to be born! The stars in the heavens are competing to shine the brightest to celebrate his birth. But when they see the poor family, the donkey, the shabby stable, the stars all think, That can’t possibly be a king. We’ve been fooled.

All except one. The smallest, loneliest star in the sky, Little Star, is the only one to understand what the king was about to bring to the world. But what can Little Star do for him? 

Certain to become a Christmas classic, this delightful tale connects the star atop our Christmas trees to the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, in the hearts and minds of young children. ... Read more

Reviews

Sweet Children's Christmas Story, November 10, 2010
I was recently presented with the opportunity to review Anthony DeStefano's Little Star. Little Star is a Christmas story for young children. It is beautifully illustrated by Mark Elliot. The illustrations remind me a bit of The Polar Express. I found myself gazing at many of the illustrations for several minutes. My five year old spent a good twenty minutes flipping though the book to just look at the pictures after I had read the book to her. She was equally captivated by the illustrations.

I was impressed by the sweet story of Little Star. The focus of Little Star's is the birth of Jesus. Without giving away the story, Little Star gives his best to recognize the birth of the little king who was born in the most humble circumstances. Children learn about the real Christmas story as Little Star experienced it.

I like this story because it's not one of those Christmas stories that's focused on the secular aspects of the holiday, instead, the story's focus is precisely where it belongs, on Christ. The story's meaning is very easily conveyed to young children. I'm sure this book will be well received by children between the ages of three to eight.

I was provided with a review copy of this book, by the author in exchange for my honest review.

Great Book For Christmas!, November 1, 2010
The book is about a King that is about to be born. The stars in heaven are competing as to who will shine the brightest to celebrate his birth. But when they see the poor family, the donkey, the stable, the stars don't believe he is the king. One little star does.

This book is beautifully illustrated on every page, and definitely a great book to read to your kids or give as a gift!

Last night my husband read the book to our kids in bed and they got into the story, was happy for the star, and then sad until they saw how it ended and rejoiced. They completely got into and loved all the pictures. It was a hit with our little group! What a great present to get for your child, little family member or friend for Christmas!

Fresh Perspective on the Christmas Story, October 30, 2010
I'm always looking for Biblically based Christmas stories for my children. I am thrilled with Little Star, as it gives a fresh and creative perspective on the birth of Jesus. Tears came to my eyes when I came to the part of the story where the star gets it. "... Little Star was the only one to understand the king's message. His message was love." What a wonderful way to capture the purpose behind this once ever event. Anthony Destano has hit the bulls-eye once again.

A Shining Little Star in the World of Children's Books, November 12, 2010

When my children were small, we used to pile on the couch, me in the middle with my daughter on my lap, and the boys on either side, sometimes sitting on the top of the couch so they could get a better view of the pictures, and we would spend hours each evening reading stories. Those were wonderful moments for my family and I do miss those storied evenings now that my children are so much older and read on their own.

So, when Anthony DeStefano asked me to take a look at his newest book for children, Little Star, and told me that it was about his effort to encapsulate the whole Christ story in the message of the incarnation, I was not only intrigued to see how he made that effort work, but I was also overcome with a sense of nostalgia for reading childrens books, and so I gladly accepted his offer. I am very glad that I did!

When the book arrived in the mail, I quickly glanced through it and decided I would wait to read it until I could invite my two youngest children, Jack-11, and Mary-9, to read it with me. I wanted their viewpoints on the book as well, since it is intended for children. The three of us shared a relaxing evening as we enjoyed the artwork of Mark Elliott (we especially loved Little Star's cowlick of hair!) and the enchantingly uplifting story of Little Star. When we finished reading the book, I asked my children if they understood what the story was about, and without missing a beat, Mary answered, "It's about the death and resurrection of Jesus." Her response made it obvious that the object of the story came through loud and clear.

Through the viewpoint of the stars in heaven, one little loner star rose to a lofty position as the only one who recognized the importance of a king born in a cold and humble stable. He roused himself to shine brightly for the baby, offering warmth and light as his gift, and burned so brightly that he burned himself out for the Lord. Through Little Star, we learn that when we lay our lives down for others, giving our best and our all, we will never die, but like Jesus, we will live forever in the memories and hearts of those who follow us.

Little Star is a wonderful story with a wonderful message. It's sure to become a family classic enjoyed not only at Christmas time, but throughout the year as well.

One Star - Many Stories, December 5, 2010
I was looking for a good Christmas story for my 4-year old daughter and was excited to receive this book for review in exchange for an honest opinion.

As taken from the back cover of the book, "A king is about to be born! The stars in the heavens are competing to shine the brightest to celebrate his birth. But when they see the poor family, the donkey, the shabby stable, the stars all think, That can't possibly be a king. We've been fooled." Well, all the stars but one think that and this is the story of that one little star. Little Star is a bit different from the other stars and is ignored by them as a result. He alone recognizes the importance of the event he's witnessed and in an effort to love and warm the baby Jesus, he winds up "burning himself out".

The illustrations, by Mark Elliott, (especially the nativity scenes) are beautiful. The illustrations depicting the story of Little Star and the other stars and seem a little out of place. They are done in a different style - almost cartoonish compared to the more realistic scenes of the father/son storyline and the nativity.

The story is passed along from father to son and tries to make a connection as to why many people put a star on top of their trees at Christmas time. The story is cute and there was a nice lesson to be learned from it. However, I felt like there were 3 different stories going on in this children's book and it could be confusing for younger children. I somewhat liked the tie to our traditions of using stars on top of our Christmas trees, but that almost seemed like a fourth story idea. I was a little bothered by the ending that every Christmas, people put stars on top of their trees to remember Little Star. Overall, it was a cute book, but I would give it a 3 out of 5 stars due to the disjointed illustrations and numerous story lines going on.

Great Story - Great Illustrations!, November 9, 2010
Got this book about a week ago & read it to the kiddos right away. Even my 8 yr old loved it! Great illustrations as well.

What someone little can do for love, November 23, 2010
I was excited to receive a review copy of Anthony DeStefano's new hardcover children's book, Little Star, from Waterbrook Press. This nativity story for children, just in time for Advent, is unequivocally pro-life. I am happy to recommend a book for children that celebrates the precious gift of life. My own reaction to the book is one of delight. Mark Elliott's enchanting illustrations will captivate young readers as they learn about the tiniest star in the sky, Little Star, and his desire to show his love for the newborn Baby Jesus.

"I think I understand," Little Star cried out. "The baby Jesus IS a king!"

This pro-life message is very apparent as young readers understand that looks can be deceiving: Being physically little has nothing to do with greatness or worth. A little star and Jesus, the Baby King-- both very little but full of so much love. Indeed, as Little Star realized his love and devotion for the newborn King, he could not contain it any longer, and proved to the rest of the other, bigger stars just what someone little can do for love. The sacrifice that Little Star made for his adoration of the newborn King in Bethlehem mirrors the supreme Act of Love that Jesus made for each one of us.

In fact, the sweet character of Little Star reminds me of St. Therese, the Little Flower, who loved her littleness and had such devotion to her Savior, doing all she could for Him in spite of--and because of--her littleness.

I highly recommend Little Star this Advent season for children and the adults who love them.

So Amazing that I cried!!!, August 12, 2010
This is a truly remarkable book for those of any age. In a way, it reminds me of the Giving Tree. Not only will children love it for Christmas but grown ups will enjoy reading it with them. This amazing author really finds a way to touch our hearts every time.

The Parable of Little Star, December 3, 2010
Since I am a big fan of Anthony DeStefano's "Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To," I was thrilled to receive a review copy of his latest project, "Little Star." As a devout Catholic and mother, I am always looking for good books that teach faith principles without being "preachy" and "Little Star" is just that.

After reading this beautifully illustrated book, I gave it to my 11 year-old daughter. She flipped through the pages, enthralled, and handed it back to me, declaring, "I just love this book!" Even older children appreciate the simple lesson that Little Star teaches us.

If you read the book carefully, you will realize that Little Star is a Christ figure. Little Star is humble and self-sacrificing, rejected by his peers, willingly gives his life for others but is resurrected in light and glory. God rewards Little Star for giving his life by ensuring that he is remembered forever and ever. Sound familiar?

"Little Star" offers the perfect opportunity to teach our children to be Christ-like through this little parable which gently reminds us that Jesus is "the reason for the season." Highly recommended.

A Nice Story, December 1, 2010
There are so many seasonal books available, but so few really live up to expectations. This one almost hits the mark.

Little Star is ignored by all the other stars, but when he sees the new king born in a humble stable, he alone of the all stars understands that Jesus chose to be "born little to show all the people of the world that he loved them, no matter how small or poor they were." Inspired by this love, Little Star burns brightly to warm the newborn baby, in the end burning himself out. But he isn't really gone, because every Christmas we put a star on the top of our tree to remember him by.

The illustrations in the story are lovely for the most part - the manger scenes are truly gorgeous. The images of Little Star and his fellow stars, on the other hand, are very cartoony and feel disjointed compared to the more lavish earthly images. The story itself is sweet and has a nice moral, but I found the "tell me a story, daddy" narrative device to be unnecessary and contrived. And while I liked the tie-in to our tradition of star tree-toppers, the idea that our memory keeps Little Star alive bothered me. Still, it's a nice little story to add to the genre. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Hunter, Autumn, and Summer—three of Kristina Snow’s five children—live in different homes, with different guardians and different last names. They share only a predisposition for addiction and a host of troubled feelings toward the mother who barely knows them, a mother who has been riding with the monster, crank, for twenty years.

Hunter is nineteen, angry, getting by in college with a job at a radio station, a girlfriend he loves in the only way he knows how, and the occasional party. He's struggling to understand why his mother left him, when he unexpectedly meets his rapist father, and things get even more complicated. Autumn lives with her single aunt and alcoholic grandfather. When her aunt gets married, and the only family she’s ever known crumbles, Autumn’s compulsive habits lead her to drink. And the consequences of her decisions suggest that there’s more of Kristina in her than she’d like to believe. Summer doesn’t know about Hunter, Autumn, or their two youngest brothers, Donald and David. To her, family is only abuse at the hands of her father’s girlfriends and a slew of foster parents. Doubt and loneliness overwhelm her, and she, too, teeters on the edge of her mother’s notorious legacy. As each searches for real love and true family, they find themselves pulled toward the one person who links them together—Kristina, Bree, mother, addict. But it is in each other, and in themselves, that they find the trust, the courage, the hope to break the cycle.

Told in three voices and punctuated by news articles chronicling the family’s story, FALLOUT is the stunning conclusion to the trilogy begun by CRANK and GLASS, and a testament to the harsh reality that addiction is never just one person’s problem. ... Read more

Reviews

Powerful conclusion to a stunning trilogy, September 14, 2010
Nineteen years after the conclusion of Glass and four children later, Kristina Snow is still a slave to the monster that irrevocably altered her life the summer she visited her father. Only now, it's her children's turn to tell the story. Alternating between the point of view of Kristina's three oldest, Hunter, Autumn, and Summer, Fallout chronicles their very different lives and the ways that Kristina's decisions have affected them, and how, even though they barely know each other, they each struggle with the very same issues of addiction, anger, depression, and disappointment in a parent who can never be the person they want her to be.

Fallout is a powerful book and an entirely fitting conclusion to Ellen Hopkins' trilogy that started with Crank, based on her own daughter's struggles with addiction. Flashing forward nineteen years into the future may have been a little unexpected, but it is the perfect way to demonstrate to readers the prolonged and far-reaching effects of addiction and bad decisions. Hopkins does an excellent job at steadily building up the story thorough her inventive and diverse poems, she creates a good amount of suspense by switching back and forth between Hunter, Autumn, and Summer, and it's not hard to draw parallels between mother and children.

Hunter's story is engaging as he is one of the closest connections to the first two books, and he fills in a lot of gaps of missing information, allowing readers to piece together what has happened since his birth for themselves. Autumn, who is oblivious to her mother's identity and hardly knows anything about her parents, is a fascinating character and her struggles and desire to know where she comes from is emotional and even a little turbulent as she reaches out for human connection in any form. Readers will see a lot of Kristina in Summer, but Summer is also determined not be her mother, despite her mistakes that will try to lead her in that direction. She and her siblings, unlike their mother, have the consequences of bad choices and mistakes laid out before them, and live them every day, but yet they still grapple with temptation and each faces moments when they must make decisions that will dramatically alter their futures.

There is plenty of great emotional depth throughout the book, but power of this final installment lies in the moment when Hunter, Autumn, and Summer look at Kristina and are unable to understand her, yet can't help from seeing a part of themselves in her. This is an impacting and perfect conclusion to such a weighty and commanding trilogy, full of unexpected discoveries and mistakes, but also love, hope, and perhaps, redemption.

Emotional Rollercoaster, September 14, 2010
I don't know how to put into words what I feel about these books. They are so powerful that I know I just can't do this review the justice it deserves. I stay so emotionally wrecked while reading these books that it takes me a couple days to recover. Fallout was no exception. It had me laughing, crying, and shaking with anger in the span of only a few pages.

In CRANK and GLASS we go through teenage Kristina's dance with "the monster", meth. We see her spiral deeper and deeper into addiction. When reading these two books from Kristina's point of view you just can't help but feel sorry for her, feel like it's not all her fault. But, while reading Fallout, which is from the point of view of her 3 teenagers, we see the fallout of Kristina's addiction of a completely different point of view. I found myself hating that same girl that I once felt sorry for. How dare she keep doing the things she's doing when she has these wonderful children that she should be living her life for?

We learn that her amazing mother has been through so much for her and that she could have gotten help, if she would have just reached out and accepted when it was offered to her time and time again. I don't know how anyone could read these books and even consider trying drugs afterward. Once you see how one person's addiction can spiral out of control and affect so many peoples lives.

These books should be required reading in every high school across the country in my opinion! Don't ban it, celebrate it! I suggest all of my readers who haven't read this series yet run out and buy it right now!!! What are you waiting for?

To much left unsaid seeing as it was the last., November 22, 2010
Love Ellen Hopkins bold bravery when it comes to revealing the crude reality the average teen faces every day that most people would rather cover up and pretend dosent truely exist.
As for the crank series I fell in love with crank and glass, and began to fall in love with fallout making due with the repetitive spelling errors until midpoint of the book when I began to get the feeling Ellen Hopkins has let the fame get to her head. She gets to carried away restating repetitively how famous her books have made her. I was also disappointed with the ending outcome of the book leaving so many questions unanswered, to the point it felt as if there was no real ending and pages were indeed left out. I hope to see better outcomes in her future books to
come this following year, and hope to see more dedication on behalf of her editors and publicist.

Fallout, September 20, 2010
Fallout is the powerful, honest conclusion to Ellen Hopkins' life-changing trilogy that started with Crank and Glass. It's written in Hopkins' usual beautiful poetry, and is of the same high standard as her previous six books. While Crank and Glass focused on Kristina and how drug addiction broke her life, Fallout jumps nineteen years into the future where we meet three of Kristina's children: Hunter, Autumn and Summer. Each of these characters tells their story just as Kristina did, with as much vulnerability as their mother before them.

Hunter, Autumn and Summer don't know each other well at all. They're related, but in the loosest sense of the word. There's no happy Christmas celebrations or quality time for this family; instead they each live separately and stand in the shadow of Kristina's questionable choices. Hunter, Autumn and Summer all see themselves in Kristina, whether it be in the form of anger or addiction.

Autumn is probably the closest resemblance to her mother, thanks to unfolding problems with an alcohol addiction. She knows she doesn't want to end up like that, but current living arrangements don't offer much in the way of an alternative. Summer is oblivious to the fact she has several siblings out there, and is dealing with years of abuse from foster parents and her father's girlfriends. Hunter has girlfriend trouble, abandonment issues and a meeting with his real father for the first time in Fallout, and is finally faced with the man who raped his mother. Hunter is the one constant throughout this trilogy, and his inclusion in Fallout allows parts of Kristina's past to come together for the reader. The last nineteen years are unknown to us, though through newspaper articles and Hunter's recollections, Kristina's story comes full-circle.

Fallout ultimately shows the aftermath of drug addiction, and how it affects a family as a whole. No one person is spared from the worry or hurt that years of substance abuse causes, and more often than not children of an addict can grow up with similar problems to their parents. Fallout says it's okay to move on from that, and that your parents don't define you. Sure, they structure your early life and guide you into adulthood but, at the end of the day, you're your own person. Don't let the past ruin your future -- make a change.

Ellen Hopkins has changed my own personal outlook on drug addiction and those affected by it. She's shown me that anyone can meet the monster, and that their perfect upbringing or straight-A school report has nothing to do with living a clean existence. I've never experienced drug addiction firsthand, but Crank, Glass and Fallout have spoken to me as if I had. They're incredibly emotional and moving reads, though they're not to be taken lightly. Fallout is a poignant end to Kristina's story, leaving you with the knowledge that no-one is perfect and that addictions can be overcome. There's very little in life that can't be fixed, you just have to possess the strength and determination to do it.

Amazing and inspiring..., September 19, 2010
Fallout is a stunning book, in the way that it shows that drugs don't just effect the user. It show the damage that can come to their families in the future. Hunter's voice was strong and while he lived with Kristina's parents, he still felt out of place and like he was abandoned. Hunter had his issues with his on and off girlfriend, because of this. Autumn lives with her grandfather and aunt. She also met the first boy that has paid attention with her. That is until her dad comes in and she learns about the family that she never knew about. Summer goes from foster home to foster home with the occasional stop at her dad's house. Her family doesn't seem real anymore. Hopkins weaves all three of these stories in ease. She shows that all of Kristina's children have had their problems in the past and present. All of the tension build up to a stunning ending that keeps you wanting more, while resolving what happened. I enjoyed the fact that there were news paper clippings through out the book. Fallout was an original book, because you usually don't get to see what happens after someone continually does drugs. Hopkins is a stunning writer. Her books are gritty, fierce, and honest that will keep you wanting more. I highly recommend this book to fans of Courtney Summers, Julie Ann Peters, and Ellen Hopkins' previous books. ... Read more

Editorial Review

New school. New mean girl. New crush.

New diary so Nikki can spill about all of it... ... Read more

Reviews

Funny and authentic, June 16, 2009
Nikki Maxwell, a self-proclaimed dork, is just trying to get through her eighth grade year at her new private school, Westchester Country Day. A voracious writer and budding artist, she deals with all the normal things girls her age face: her parents not understanding her, an annoying sibling, friend troubles, and stuck up girls. But then a school art competition gives Nikki the chance to shine--if she can beat Mackenzie, the most stuck-up and snobbish girl in the school.

Dork Diaries is a hilarious and authentic portrayal of the ups and downs of middle school, finding friends who understand you, and finding yourself. Nikki is a witty, smart, and self-deprecating character that many young teens and preteens will be able to relate to, and her voice is especially compelling, despite her tendency to be a bit dramatic. The many drawings and the simple, straightforward writing style in Dork Diaries is certain to appeal to girls who don't normally read. Rachel Russell has created a fun, clever, and highly entertaining book that is sure to satisfy.

Wimpy Kid - For Girls, August 20, 2009
Nikki Maxwell needs a cell phone, and she needs it before she starts at her new school, otherwise she can kiss popularity and a social life goodbye. Fortunately for us, Nikki's mom doesn't comply in the way she expected. Instead, she gets a diary, and in the line of Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The formats of the two books are pretty much identical: a teenager writing and drawing about their life. The main difference is that Dork Diaries is aimed at girls, while Diary of a Wimpy Kid is targeted at boys. The interesting thing about the two is that Wimpy Kid will appeal to girls also. And I don't mean that boys won't identify with Nikki, it's just that when you put a pink cover on a book you are saying: This book is for girls. There are few boys out there that will willingly pick up a pink book.

The content of the book is Nikki getting adjusted to life at an upper-class school that she is only attending because her dad got the exterminator contract for it. I love when she wants to melt into a puddle when he pulls up in his van; because of course it has a giant roach on the top of it. At one point she pulls out the old `take-a-garbage-bag-and-poke-holes-in-it-so-no-one-sees-me' trick which I absolutely loved because I happen to have had an experience that required a paper bag! (No, I'm not telling, and yes, it was forever ago!)

Nikki goes through the trials and tribulations of a young girl who wants to be friends with the popular girls, realizes the popular girls are really mean, and finds friends who she wouldn't necessarily have chosen, but who turn out to be good for her. All-in-all Nikki is a believable 14-year-old (who sometimes seems a bit younger, but that could have just been me reading her as being whiny) who will have her readers laughing and sighing in agreement all at the same time.

Notes on the Cover:
I love the yellow post-it on the cover with the stick drawing of the gossipy girls in the background with Nikki front and center. I love that she's writing with her favorite pen and trying to ignore the haters behind her. I do like the pink, but my concern is that boys won't pick it up. Of course, they're not the target audience, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't enjoy it!

You will love Nikki Maxwell! Cute, cool & captivating!, May 31, 2009
The heroine of this YA story is eighth-grader Nikki Maxwell, a cute, cool and captivating girl you will fall in love with. Although the word cute is not a cool vocabulary choice for today's kids, I use it here because I love that word; it means much more than cool. To me it encompasses looks, personality and sincerity, while cool is...well "cool"...it can be a pose with some kids. So our NIkki is not only cool to her friends, she's also cute to us parents: the kind of girl every decent kid wants for a friend, every parent wants for a daughter. And I predict she will captivate everyone who reads this book, young and old alike.

But Nikki thinks of herself as a dork because rich, snooty MacKenzie Hollister and her wannabe followers go out of their way to make her appear that way. After one too many "klutzy" accidents--caused by the despicable MacKenzie, of course--Nikki starts writing the "Dork Diaries."

And what fun diaries they are! This honest, precocious girl writes EVERYTHING in those pages, illustrating her tales with humorous drawings. These drawings by the author enhance this book, making it an unforgettable reading pleasure.

I admire the way Nikki handles all the set-backs in her life; she never loses her temper, attacking MacKenzie as many girls would. Instead she remains calm and works things out in her own way. That girl has more self-confidence than she knows.

While Nikki doesn't follow the dictates of the "Fashionista Police," she dresses cute and flattering. But there's much more substance to Nikki than clothing; this is evident when she attracts the attention of Brandon, a school photographer that MacKenzie has set her cap for.

So what does MacKenzie do when Brandon repeatedly helps Nikki? And what do tattoos have to do with Nikki suddenly becoming so popular that even MacKenzie pretends to be her friend? Does Nikki fall for it? Do her best friends, Zoey and Chloe drop her for MacKenzie? And what does Nikki do when MacKenzie finally learns that Nikki'a father is the local bug exterminator, driving around with a huge roach atop his truck? How embarrassing is that to our heroine?

And does she ever get the coveted iPhone that she thinks she needs to be cool?

The final showdown between Nikki and MacKenzie is a big school project. Nikki has much more talent (skills, as they call it), but will MacKenzie win through trickery? But to learn more about our Nikki, you will have to read for yourself, and follow along with the illustrations.

Even though author Rachel Renee Russell's writing flows easily, I had a hard time reading this book--through no fault of hers. Each time I put it down, my granddaughter grabbed it and when I wanted to read a chapter, I had to search for it. I told that girl I would pass it on to her. Can't she wait? (But she's a lot like NIkki, so I can see the appeal.)

A side note about this author: As I was reading this story, it was obvious the writer knew and understood the teens' mind, so I felt as though I were actually reading a diary written by a teen. I was surprised to learn that Russell is an attorney who "prefers writing children's books to legal briefs." After reading "Dork Diaries" I can see why. I look forward to many more books by her.

This review is from an ARC sent to me by the author.

Reviewed by Betty Dravis, May, 2009
Author of "The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley"

GREAT book for tweens(like me)and fans of Diary of Wimpy Kid fans(also like me)..., December 27, 2009
Funny book about a 14 yr old at a new school. Not just doesn`s have friends for a while but has horrible luck. HILARIOUS book. DEFINITLY worth the money. And it Is not like Diary of a wimpy kid because the pictures are a completely different style and story is waayy different.

From Nona at J. Kaye's Book Blog, June 21, 2009
Dork Diaries is very much like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, only for girls. Since I am a fan of that series, I was really excited to read this book. Nikki Maxwell, an enormously funny character, is getting ready to start a new school. She wants to be part of the CCP group. CCP stands for cute, cool, and popular. She's positive that if her mother purchased her a new iPhone, it would secure her a spot there.

Nikki's mother arrives home with a back-to-school present she purchased at the mall. Nikki is positive it's an iPhone. What does her mother purchase for her instead? A diary. Although Nikki swears not write in the diary, she does. And because she is artist, many of the pages include her sketches.

Even though Nikki doesn't get an iPhone, that doesn't stop the desire. An opportunity presents itself when Nikki learns about an art contest. The grand prize is $500. The only problem is Mackenzie Hollister, leader of the CCP group, is also entering. Mackenzie will do whatever it takes to win.

There was so much to love about the book. The ending was different than I expected, which was a great surprise. What I liked best was seeing her grow in the book. Nikki experienced some pretty horrible things, but she did find friends - good friends, not the superficial CCP ones.

Hilarious!, June 3, 2009
This book was HILARIOUS! Nikki Maxwell has the greatest imagination from turning a old hearing aid into a faux cell phone to making up stories about the tooth fairy to scare her little sister, Nikki is always right on the ball. I just love the author's sense of humor!

When I found out that Dork Diaries was a diary that also included illustrations and comic strips I was sold. There is no way you can go wrong with a diary format and comics. And it worked out so well. Some of my favorite drawings were an overview of the cafeteria and reading themed tattoos! The drawings definitely enhanced the story and made Nikki come to life that much more! It's definitely one of my favorite styles of storytelling!

So many of the situations that Nikki finds herself in are pretty easy to relate to. I really liked how well rounded the story was, there was friendship, art (I'm all about the art), crushes, family, humiliation, bullies, fitting in, it's all there. So while the book was laugh out loud funny at parts, I liked how it dealt with issues that young girls find themselves dealing with everyday, a great balance I think!

All in all, Dork Diaries is a fun, hilarious, and sweet book!

Delightful & Funny, May 29, 2009
Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell is a delightful book for middle school kids, especially girls (9-13), but truth be told I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm a whole lot older! It's full of all kinds of great little sketches and doodles and is written in a diary format with entries by 14 year old, eighth grader, Nikki Maxwell.

Nikki is attending a new private school courtesy of her father getting her a scholarship as he's the new exterminator for the school, a fact that causes Nikki never ending embarrassment and horror at being discovered. Now Nikki isn't exactly private school material and she knows it. She thinks to fit in she needs a new cell phone, new clothes and very likely a new family as hers certainly can't afford all those things. Above all, her parents or 'rents as she calls them just don't get it! She can't fit in at a private school-she's just not one of them so who are they kidding?

Fast forward to the first day of school and of course, the always most popular girl who this time happens to be the rich, pretty and 'mean' Mackenzie. Nikki is torn between hating her and wanting to be like her and have her as a friend. After all, that would put her in line with the popular kids, the CCP-Cute, Cool & Popular. Even worse, Nikki's locker is right beside Mackenzie's so she has to tolerate Miss Perfect and her attitude every day. Then came the art competition which Nikki had been intimidated by Mackenzie not to enter. Nikki is a really talented artist already and deep down she knows she can do well. Finally, she throws caution to the wind and enters but that ends up being a whole other story too.

I should also mention that Dork Diaries is downright funny. I found myself laughing out loud throughout. There's the cute little sayings like GGG-ing which is giggling, gossiping, & glossing. Also , throughout the book, Nikki screams or says things inside her head-always so one else hears but her. How many of us do that? I still do that. Added to that are the cartoons which really add so much to the telling of Nikki's story.

What I loved most about this book is how real Nikki is-she's a normal 14 year old girl with all the worries and fears that come with it. I love how this book relates the fact that you don't have to be popular and belong to the in-crowd to have fun and have friends. You can carve out your own little space in the world. Yes, it's a struggle but it can be done. This is why young girls are going to love this book-because it's true to life and maybe even very close to what they're experiencing at that very time. There's maybe even a hint of first love which is really sweet.

Perfect reading for a young girl or for a mother/daughter read. I found it really took me back to memories of being in grade school myself. Let's face it, for most of us it's a rough time. We're just learning about ourselves and really trying to find our place in it all while lacking the self confidence to achieve it. This books shows girls that it's ok not to be the popular one. You can be just as happy if not happier just by being yourself!

Perfect for teens, tweens and anyone who loves YA reading., March 14, 2009
Eighth grader Nikki Maxwell candidly shares with us the journaling of her no-so-fabulous days at her new private school Westchester Day School. Nikki's father, being the new exterminator, earned her a scholarship to a school where she doesn't fit in with the rich and snobby CCP (Cute, Cool & Popular) clique led by the snarky Mackenzie.

Nikki knows that in order to dazzle the new crowd into accepting her she needs a new iPhone but her `rents stubbornly refuse to buy her one. Her Mom even goes so far as to tell her that if she really wants one she'll have to save up and buy it with her own money. Ugh!

Just when everything seems to be doomed the school announces a school-wide art competition where the first prize is $500!! Nikki knows she's totally got this since she's an artist with plenty art camp experience. Nikki runs to the school office to sign up and who does she run into??? None other than Mackenzie. No way is she brave enough to compete against the queen bee of WDS. Can she turn one disaster after another into triumph?

Dork Diaries is simply fabulous! I've been in Nikki's shoes a time or two as I changed schools 8 different times while growing up so I can totally sympathize with being new girl on the block. At least my Dad didn't drive me to school with a giant roach on top of his van.

The entire book is Nikki's diary filled with hilarious stories and amazing drawings (also illustrated by Rachel Renee Russell). It's the perfect read for young girls who agonize over not being part of the in-crowd like I used to. Nikki goes from the zero to a hero and then finally settles nicely into her niche as a typical teen. I recommend this read for all YA lovers.

Perfect Book for Middle Grade Girls!, June 9, 2009
I can't believe how much I enjoyed the new middle grade book DORK DIARIES: TALES FROM A NOT-SO-FABULOUS LIFE by Rachel Renee Russell. I guess you could say I was pleasantly surprised by my reaction to this book -- basically, I didn't want to put it down. It was just so much fun to read, and I absolutely couldn't wait to hear what my nine year old daughter thought.

I just adored this book. I loved the character of Nikki and felt that almost all young girls are going to be able to relate to her. She has the "normal" middle school insecurities such as the desire to be popular, wondering who she can trust as a friend, and fear of being laughed at. It's been a long time since I was in eighth grade, but I could definitely relate to being the new girl in school -- it's very hard at that age!

While there were certainly times that I felt Nikki's pain, I'd say for the most part this book was a hoot! Nikki was a terrific character who had a great perspective on her life. I found myself laughing hysterically at her attempts to get an iPhone, and I also thought the scenes with her little sister to be fantastic. (Like Nikki, I had a sister who was a good bit younger.) And her parents....well, as a parent I probably shouldn't have thought they were so funny, but the way Nikki described their actions was hilarious. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I laughed out loud while reading this story.

Since DORK DIARIES is supposed to read like Nikki's actual diary, the book had a really cool format with interesting fonts and amazing illustrations. I loved the look of this book and thought that Nikki's drawings really enhanced the story and allowed the reader to better understand Nikki. Ms. Russell is not only a fantastic writer but also a terrific artist! The various pictures of Nikki's life were just adorable while also being extremely funny. DORK DIARIES is very easy to read with the font and pictures, and I think this book will appeal to even the most reluctant reader. I am sincerly hoping that it's going to be the first in a series. I definitely want to see more of Nikki and her family and friends.

I have a feeling that this book is going to be a big hit with middle grade girls. When my daughter took this book to school, the girls were all over it -- asking her questions like "where did you get it?," "how did you get it?," "can I borrow it?," etc. I think the cover alone will attract many young girls because it is just so cute.

I definitely recommend this book for any middle grade girl in your life, although I have to admit that I enjoyed it a great deal too! The messages in this book are fantastic -- ones that young girls need to hear over and over again. I like that the book focused on what's really important in our lives such as family and friends. This book also showed that it's normal to feel insecure at this age, but I'm hoping that young girls will see how Nikki coped and learn from her. In fact, my daughter thought Nikki was great and didn't understand why she thought she was a "dork." I jumped at this opportunity and told her that maybe some people would say the exact same thing about her! (I think it's sometimes easier to see things in others.) I also liked the message that girls who seem to have it all, sometimes don't; and that it does pay to be a nice girl and a good friend.

I wasn't surprised when my daughter absolutely devoured this book. I don't think we saw her face the entire time she was reading DORK DIARIES because she had her nose buried in the pages. Here are some of her thoughts:

I liked DORK DIARIES because it was really made me laugh. It was kind of sad too in parts of the story, but it was still funny. I liked Nikki because she is really funny. I liked her drawings of the characters. I sometimes feel geeky and nerdy at school, so I understood how Nikki felt.

A hilarious look at middle school from a girls eye view, August 8, 2009
Dork Diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell is a hilarious look at middle school from a girls eye view. I adored this book and read it in one sitting and I can easily imagine a middle school girl doing the same.

Nikki, the main character, is 14 years old and an eighth-grader at a "new" private school and she is the "new" girl in town. That is always so hard and many girls will relate to this. Nikki desperately wants an i-phone so that she can be "cool" and accepted by the other girls. She does some hilarious things along the way in trying to be cool. Her mother tries to understand and gives her a diary to help her adjust to her new school. This is definitely now what Nikki thinks is cool but she ends up filling it with her writings and drawings. The story is told in Nikki's voice through daily diary entries complete with wonderful whimsical drawings, sketches, doodles and comic strips all drawn by Nikki. These drawings are illustrated by the author Rachel Renee Russell, she's a very talented lady.

I laughed along with Nikki and felt her pain and awkward moments as well. We all go through those growing up and Ms. Russell honed in on typical challenges that girls of middle school would face such as peer pressure, being popular and accepted, finding your identity and who your "true" friends are and even dealing with your first crush. Nikki got herself into some sticky situations and was able to figure her way out with her wits and talents as well as her friends support. She has to face down the popular girl who humilites her and not be intimidated and that takes a lot of strength for a young girl.

Nikki seems like a typical teenager and although she feels like a dork, in reality she is not. The author did a wonderful job in having Nikki be a relatable character. I think that many young girls will relate to her. As an adult reading this book, it brought back memories of my own teen years. I liked that Nikki has a normal family with typical issues to deal with such as annoying siblings, and being embarressed of your parents and a relationship with her grandma who gives her advice and is someone that she can turn to. In the end, I think that Nikki realizes that her parents have her best interest at heart and Nikki realizes how important family is.

I believe that this book will be a sure winner for middle school girls. The reading level for the book is 9-12 but I wonder if some of the pop culture references may be over a 9 year old girls head. I think that this book willl definitely draw girls interests who will appreciate the humor and storyline. I would definitely recommend this book for 10-11 and up. The style and content do remind me of a girls version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, so if your child is a fan of that series this one will definitely be a good one to pick up next.



... Read more

Editorial Review

Hell on earth.

That’s what it’s like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel.
It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts—immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students: Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn’t told her everything. He’s hiding something—something dangerous.
What if Daniel’s version of the past isn’t actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else?
 
The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies. ... Read more

Reviews

Can't understand the disappointment, this was an amazing followup!!, October 3, 2010
liked Fallen.

I LOVED TORMENT!

First of all, one of my favorite themes to read is good vs. evil and even better when it's heaven vs. hell. And while most people are probably going to be more interested in the love story aspect of this series, for me it's really all about the battle between the angels and demons. Daniel, the good guy against Cam the bad guy....or are they?? The line in the sand is sometimes a little fuzzy in Torment. You'd think it would be easy to predict the behavior of either one, but sometimes they act in unexpected ways which leaves Luce confused and questioning. And is one of the things that makes Torment so compelling. There are definite mysteries to be solved and I am loving trying to figure them out!

Torment gives us a new setting...the gorgeous California coast. Shoreline is everything that Sword and Cross wasn't. Sunshine and beaches and a gorgeous building with decks and windows where classes are held. We are also introduced to some new characters at the school...Shelby, Luce's new roommate and Miles, a totally sweet guy who helps make Luce feel comfortable in her new school. And there are two teachers who...well, let's just say they're not your ordinary teachers *wink*

And then of course there's Daniel and his glorious wings. Lauren does an absolutely amazing job of describing them...not only can you picture his wings, she makes you hear and feel them too. As you would expect, Daniel's main goal is protecting Luce from the Outcasts, but he's also protecting her from her past. There are lots of unanswered questions and we are left wondering just what it is that he is hiding from her. I think there are going to be some amazing reveals in book three!

I was really happy with Luce's growth in Torment. Granted, she has a habit of doing the absolute opposite of what the people trying to protect her tell her to do, but I think ultimately that is an important part of her personality. She has free will and she acts on it. She puts herself in some situations she should avoid, but there is so much about her past she doesn't understand and she wants to know. You really can't hold it against her. I also really love the fact that while she has this great passion with Daniel, she questions their relationship. She gets that passion and attraction and history isn't everything. So many girls in YA fiction don't do this and I love that Luce is actually thinking.

Bottom line...if you liked Fallen, I think you're going to love Torment!

Extremely Disappointed, September 29, 2010
I was eagerly awaiting this book because the first one was amazing, but I read Torment yesterday and was very disappointed. We really didn't learn anything new that wasn't already told in the first book, there were hints, but in 450 pages I'd prefer if there had been a real climax (one I don't think this book provided). This story has so much to offer, yet we still can't see the details of it. I too will read the third book, hoping for a remedy to the disappointment I felt after finishing this sequel. There were good parts in it, but there was just a lot of the book as I was reading that made me roll my eyes and hope it was getting closer to the end. I think I was most frustrated with Luce's angsty "everything's my fault" and finding comfort only in the arms of either Daniel or Miles.
Which leads to the whole other, why the hell bring Miles into it? I thought it was a triangle between Cam, Luce, and Daniel which I really liked, but it seems Cam has been replaced by Miles whom I don't really care for his character at all. Is she turning it into a love square? Or is she pulling a House of night and have Luce fall for all the guys that pay her attention and offer comfort?
I agree who ever said the book was basically full of fluff and I felt it held a lot of repetition. Here's to hoping Lauren Kate can bring back my interest in this series with book #3

A great follow up to Book 1, October 18, 2010
Anyone who has read Fallen knows that author Lauren Kate ended the book with a cliffhanger. If you haven't read the first book--and plan to--I suggest you skip this altogether!

So, if you're still reading, I assume you were hooked at the end of the first book in the series and left to wonder: What will happen during the eighteen day truce between groups of fallen good and fallen evil angels who seem to be fighting over Luce's fate? Torment picks up only a couple of days later as Luce makes her way to Shoreline, a school in northern California for unusually gifted students. Her classmates are Nephalim--children who are part human, part fallen angel and Luce will board and study with them at this safe haven until Daniel returns for her.

At the school, Luce is more comfortable and less of an outsider than she ever was at Sword and Cross, but it's what she doesn't know that still haunts her. Eventually, she learns the Shadows that plague her are windows to events from her lives, both current and past. She intends to manipulate them and illuminate her relationship with Daniel. The problem? The Shadows only reveal a glimpse. Sometimes partial understanding is more misleading than none at all. Ultimately, viewing her past confuses Luce. And, adding to her sense of bewilderment is Luce's new friend Miles, a warm, funny, open guy who is so different than Daniel.

Often the second book in a series can be a letdown, but Torment did what a second book should do--pull you deeper into the unfolding story and leave you wanting to read the next! The eighteen-day countdown as the end of the truce nears creates a fast-paced read. Following an exciting climax, author Lauren Kate leaves the reader with another cliffhanger ending and a lot of unanswered questions. So, along with other fans of the series, I'm waiting for the next book, Passion, due to hit shelves in the summer of 2011.
-- Reviewed by Michelle Delisle

Review from Blkosiner's Book Blog, October 15, 2010
(slightly spoilerish)


Torment was a very enjoyable read, though I had a few issues. The issues were surpassed by awesome characters and tremendous writing. I didn't want to put it down and I am now craving Passion even though I have quite a time to wait.

Luce grew a backbone in this book, and for this I am very glad and applaud Lauren Kate. Even though she felt this magnetic pull to and incredible love for Daniel, she began to really question why it was there. She has no memories of the past lives that they shared, all she has are stolen kisses and a few sweet memories. When he gives orders, and is forced to be behind the scenes, she stands up for herself and demands to know more, she gets angry and pushes to know the relevant information. I am not saying that this driving desire doesn't result in some bad decisions, but she has every right to know more, and to wonder at the intensity of their love.

I really wanted to see more of Daniel in this book. I am honestly not completely sold on him, even though I would really like to be. I adore the concept of undying love, and he has the potential to be an amazing love interest and an awesome character, but I just don't know enough about him. I am in the same boat as Luce except that I don't have any pull to him. There is just too many secrets and so much mystery shrouding him and what role he plays in tipping the balance of the war.

As for the new characters, they are wonderful and really made me get into the story more. Shelby is a firecracker and I love watching her and Luce's relationship build and their interactions. Miles is so cute, and I love his devotion, friendship and understanding toward Luce. He is a down to earth guy and I got to see the cute moments that really build a relationship between him and Luce. Though I am hesitant to get too attached because I know that this is ultimately Luce and Daniel's story and I don't want to hope for romance with them even though it made be alluded just to have that shot down or him be a character just brought in to sacrifice himself for her. Oh, and Franscesa and Steven were also wonderful- they wonderfully illustrated the talk about the line between love and hate- angels and demons- is more blurry than one would like to think. It is heart breaking when she says- "Do I love him, yes. But when the battle comes, I will have to kill him."

Adrianne comes back in this one, and kicks some butt. I totally did not see it coming, but I am glad that she is back. Cam is also back in this one, and he is still a big question mark. I am unsure of his allegiances in the end, and him and Daniel working together.

Overall this is a great story, and I feel like Torment is doing a lot of ground- work for scenes to come.


I have to share a few quotes that I found amusing:



"If you two were going to be that obvious about it, why didn't you come down stairs in your Team Daniel and Team Miles T-Shirts?"

"We should order those," Shelby said.

"Mine's in the laundry," Arriane said.



"Well, as much as I love kicking asses and taking names, it's way past curfew for you three"- Arriane"

A Spectacular Sequel, October 7, 2010
I was eagerly awaiting this sequel to Fallen by Lauren Kate, and was not disappointed. The world of paranormal suspense is fun to get lost in, and I enjoy it all. Vampires, fairies, werewolves, but in particular, I love me some fallen angels. And can you get better than Daniel . . . and Cam?

Both Fallen and Torment are L.O.N.G. books. Torment was 452 pages, yet it didn't stop me from reading it in a day, just as I did with Fallen.

Right off the bat, to the critics of Fallen who say Ms. Kate took too long to get the story going--in setting up the world and backstory--that is not an issue here. We already fully understand the world Luce is now a part of and are able to dive in from page 1. To lose ourselves in Luce's struggle--her torment--over her relationship with Daniel, dealing with her past and unsettled future. Who and what is evil? Who or what is good? Who are the bad guys? Who are her friends? What is real love? And can she save her current loved ones from the anguish of losing her or being hurt themselves?

My only disappointment with this sequel was there was not enough Cam. Whenever he did appear, however, the page singed with his sexy charm and bad boy humor. Ms. Kate introduced a new potential love interest/triangle in the form of Miles, a fellow student at the Shoreline school Daniel and Cam send Luce to hide. Miles brings something new to the table that neither Daniel nor Cam can provide Luce--stability and normalcy. With him, she can be a normal teenage girl with normal experiences. She even says that their joking relationship "was exactly the kind of goofy, teasing rapport she would love to have with Daniel. If he weren't so brooding all the time. If he were actually around."

The final battle scene in this installment wasn't nearly as epic as in Fallen, but left you with some very big clues into Luce's past . . . and future. The story continues in Passion, the next book in the Fallen series, which will be released Summer 2011. I, for one, can't wait.

Good Storyline, somewhat predictable, October 3, 2010
If you liked the storyline from the first book, then you will enjoy this book. The characters are well-developed but some of the things you can plainly guess at well before the characters realize it. I gave it a 4 because I like the storyline and I like the way the story was written. I am looking forward to the third installment.

Torment? It Felt Like It, October 11, 2010
I should begin by saying that I wanted to like this book. I wanted to like the series. I really appreciate beautiful, thoughtful graphic design, and I like to see authors and publishers beginning to appreciate just how important good design is as a marketing technique. The series is lovely in concept.

In execution, not so much. The first book was mediocre, and the second was an equally mediocre follow-up. Luce is a troubled teen, put in reform school for her role in the death of her high school crush. In her new, gothic school, she meets a variety of punks and pretties, all fallen angels in disguise. The hero, Daniel, leader of the fallen angels on the side of good, competes with equally attractive Cam, representative of the dark side, for Luce's affection. The second book picks up where the first left off, with Daniel winning Luce's love and her realization that they have been playing out a tragic love story for millennia - Daniel finds her, then Luce dies. This time Luce has not perished, so Daniel sends her to a private school in California for Nephilim, children of angels or demons, to hide her from the growing ranks of their enemies. They proceed to spend the next 400 pages fighting with one another and then making up whenever Daniel comes to visit.

The characters are caricatures - not a single one is fleshed out to real personhood - instead the author relies on style and stereotype to fill in the blanks. The heroine, Luce, waffles from defiant to resigned at dizzying speeds. Even though she realizes she's in an abusive relationship (kudos to the author for making that clear early on), she continues to explain away the fights and problems with that over-exploited panacea 'true love.' It's okay if your relationship is miserable (and killing you!) if it's all in the name of true love.

And since no YA paranormal romance is complete without the requisite Twilight reference, let's just say now, that while Edward becomes a possessive, emotionally manipulative boyfriend from New Moon on, at least in Twilight he is made into an attractive, seductive, tragic, somewhat desirable partner. At the very least, the reader can see why Bella is drawn to him. Daniel is never very attractive - it's hard to see what all the fuss is about. For an angel, supposedly a near-perfect being, he doesn't seem to have many positive qualities. He spends the extent of Torment attempting to dictate orders to Luce, 'for her own good.' He treats her like a child, he's emotionally manipulative, and he's secretive. In real life we'd advise Luce to give him the boot, but because he's a supernatural being, and the Romeo to her Juliet, we're supposed to put up with abusive behavior? Not for me, thanks.

So, with a cast of forgettable characters and an irritating celebrity couple we move towards the BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL that marks the finale of the book (again...in Torment evil wears a different face, though that's really the only difference between it and Fallen). We don't learn any new information, Daniel becomes less, rather than more likeable, and Cam is written out nearly entirely for a new, milquetoast-ish Nephilim love interest.

Bottom line: I skimmed, I got bored, and I wasn't sad when it ended. Two stars for the story, 3 for the design...because I'm shallow.

Loved this sequel, December 7, 2010
Loved this sequel to Fallen. Cannot wait till the third book. I would recommend for grades 9 and above.

Great paranormal love story!!, December 2, 2010
Torment was great, even better than fallen. The love story is just perfect, but doesn't take up the entire book. Luce is easy to relate with and you can't help having a little crush on Miles!

Great sequel to FALLEN, December 1, 2010
i fell in love with Torment just like i did with Fallen.
Torment is sooo much better than Fallen. I dont understand why people are dissapointed by it.
There so much action and alot of hot scenes.
I do not want to ruin it for the other people but believe me it is an AMAZING BOOK!!!!
SPOILERS*
i love how it starts
but I dont like how daniel treated Luce. i think she did right to leave and get some fresh air. i felt like i needed the fresh air myself! but its great!! cant wait for PASSION to come out and i cant wait for all the drama!!! :D

P.S.
for you that have read it;
what do you guys think Luce was the sacrifice for??
Im so impatient, i wish i was 2011 already!
:D ... Read more

Editorial Review

The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush!�

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine? ... Read more

Reviews

The real pull in CRESCENDO is once again the alluring & poignant love story between good girl Nora & the ultimate bad boy Patch, October 19, 2010
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

As a rule I'm afraid sequels. Especially YA sequels. The spark of first attraction has usually burned out, the blush of first love has usually dimmed, and the mystery has usually been solved. I say usually because there are always exceptions to that rule and CRESCENDO is a big one. In fact, in many ways it's even better than Hush, Hush.

The writing is actually quite a bit better, with better pacing, better use of flashback memories, and better dialogue. The mythology of Nephilim is explored more fully, and Nora's own history and the mystery of her Dad's death are revealed in shocking, game changing detail. But the real pull in CRESCENDO is once again the alluring and poignant love story between good girl Nora and the ultimate bad boy Patch.

Patch, the fallen-turned guardian-angel, is every inch the bad boy we loved from Hush, Hush but with one important distinction. We know his motives now. He can be the same thoughtless, jealous, jerk he always was, but everything he does from spending time with Nora's arch-enemy Marcie Millar, to his increasingly cryptic and bizarre behavior, isn't as suspect as it once was. He chose Nora before, giving up his chance for humanity, his chance to experience touch, all of it, for Nora. I don't doubt him anymore. Nora, of course isn't as trusting. She sees Patch with Marcie and sees red.

And if you thought one bad boy wasn't enough, wait till you meet Scott. A childhood friend of Nora's (and by friend I mean he used to make her eat bugs) who moves back to town with his vintage mustang, brutal good looks, and a dangerous past. Scott, or as Vee calls him, Scotty the hottie, is trouble in a way Patch never was which means, in Nora's mind, he's the perfect guy to make Patch jealous. Yep, get ready for some killer fight scenes in CRESCENDO, and not just between the guys.

I don't know what it is about fallen angel mythology that resonates so much with readers, maybe it's the idea (at least in Becca's version) that they gave up everything for love that we find so appealing, or in Patch's case at least, that even as the ultimate bad boy, he can be redeemed. Whatever it is, it's working overtime in CRESCENDO. The romance is hotter, the suspense full of enough turns to make you dizzy in the hands of a lesser author, but with Becca, it's just enough to make you clutch the book tighter and thrill with each page. Until you reach the end....cliffhanger alert and it's a cruel one. All I can say is that the third book in the Hush, Hush series, Tempest, won't be published until Fall 2011. It's going to be a very long year.

Sexual Content: Kissing. References to sex. A few scenes of sensuality.

Better Than The First, October 19, 2010
After reading Hush, Hush I wasn't too excited to get started on this novel. A recent discussion in our house about sequels had me jumping in quicker than I expected. We were pondering if there has ever been a sequel in movie format that was better than the first one. While we didn't come up with any movies that we thought made the cut, I was reminded of a few books in which I liked some of the later books better than the first ones. (Southern Vampire Mystery Series, His Dark Materials, House of Night...to name a few.) Crescendo plays into that list as well.

I still feel the same way as I did before about Patch, there is just not enough there to like about him. He would never stand a chance as my boyfriend, no matter why he wants to say he's doing the things he's doing. His good qualities just aren't enough to justify his bad ones. And again, the first half of the book left me feeling like nothing was happening, it was just watching a crappy relationship get crappier.

However, I liked this book better than the first one because I actually didn't foresee what was happening until right before it was revealed and that was a nice treat. I liked the addition of a not-so-lovable, but entirely complex character who felt very well fleshed out and his reasons for being not so great were entirely justified. Nora seemed to get more of a grasp on herself and not be as helpless as she once was, though she is still too reliant on her friend Vee, but I love Vee, so I didn't mind that at all, that means she gets to be in more of the story.

The ending was once again left open so that there could be a follow-up and due to the final circumstances of this book, I do want to know how it is all going to tie together and how the characters are going to come out at the end. Those that loved Hush, Hush are sure to love this one as well as all the characters left standing at the end of book 1 are back and some have bigger parts to play in this one.

Crescendo Hits a High Note, October 18, 2010
Becca Fitzpatrick's Crescendo, the follow up to last years breakout hit Hush, Hush, hits a high note. The story starts with Nora and Patch's relationship in that wonderfully beautiful bliss that is first love. But secrets and jealously put everything in jeopardy. Soon Nora and Patch's relationship along with his guardianship hits splitsville. And it couldn't have come at a worst time, because someone is trying to kill Nora.

Nora's rivalry with the local mean girl Marcie heats up as she goes after Patch. Rixon and Vee are dating, which leaves Nora feeling lonelier than ever. It doesn't help that she's being haunted and seems to see or hear her dead father at every turn. An old and very hot acquaintance Scott is back in town testing Patch's hold over Nora's heart, and it doesn't help that he just happens to be Nephilim. But there's something not right about him and Nora wants to find out what's so shady about his past. Everyone seems to have a secret. Nora's determined to find the answers. Her inner Nancy Drew emerges, as she manages to break in and search just about everyone's home. Meanwhile the truths about Nora's father and his murder are revealed.

Crescendo is filled with heartache and angst, secrets, lies, and loads of betrayals. Nora's life is turning out to be more soap opera than sitcom, which will leave you longing for the next installment. Pick it up and you won't want to put it down.

Can Nora please aquire a sense of self-preservation before Book 3?, December 14, 2010
I realize I am one of the minority that did not like Hush, Hush. I had a real problem with the fact the hot guy wanted to KILL the pretty girl, and I couldn't really move beyond that. We see a lot of jerks in young adult fiction these days. Some are tolerable. A lot are not. For me, their motivations really matter. There are a lot of the "I'm a jerk because I love you and I'm trying to keep you away from me for your safety." Was Patch one of those? Nope. He really did WANT to kill Nora. When did creepy obsessive become hot? Yes, Patch redeemed himself at the end, and that's what made me like him more in Crescendo. But Nora? Wow. She won my title for 2009's TSTL heroine, and it looks like she's going to repeat again this year.

What happened to Nora in Crescendo? She turns into a total SHREW. She's jealous, vindictive, insecure, angsty, and "woe is me" for way too much of Crescendo. Again, she makes STUPID, STUPID choices, many of these designed to get back at Patch. Even her reasons for breaking up with Patch made no sense. When she instigated their big break up scene a few pages after making Patch swear to love her forever, I just decided I could never understand her. I get the whole "I love you so I'm breaking up with you to keep you safe" which is pretty much Book #2 of the majority of paranormal series these days, but this break up just didn't make sense to me. Nora just came off as a jealous, psychotic, paranoid, untrusting girlfriend. Patch even tells Nora's she's crazy and that he "must be crazy for putting up with it"--I wanted to cheer that someone was finally calling Nora on it. Wow. Nora is a train wreck this whole book.

Patch, on the other hand, I liked loads better in Crescendo than in Hush, Hush. Sure, he had that whole mysterious seduction/obsession thing going on in Hush, Hush which some girls seem to go crazy for (not me), but he wasn't trying to kill Nora in Crescendo, which I liked. However, his whole not telling Nora what's going on was a really lame plot device. Pretty much 3/4 of this book could have been solved if he'd just told Nora the reasons for his actions. He had his chances in Nora's dreams, but he just wanted to make out with her instead. And what was he thinking setting up Vee with Rixon??? If you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about. Seriously, Patch.

I know I'm one of the few who didn't like Hush, Hush and Crescendo, but I like my heroines to limit the STUPID, DANGERIOUS choices. Some mistakes and a little irrationality along the way are fine and needed, but Nora, who's supposedly intelligent?, just can't stop putting herself in death's path. And doing it again. She's the pin-up girl for TSTL. And the two stars? That's for the highly addictive quality of these books. I admit--I read Hush, Hush and Crescendo in one sitting each. I couldn't put them down. But can Nora please acquire a sense of self-preservation before Book #3?

Not Fallen, Just Broken, November 26, 2010
Genre: Paranormal YA

Thoughts:

Let's face it this is one big hit in the YA genre. Especially for the new venue of Angel books hitting the book shelves. With a cover like this and the fact that you can never go anywhere without seeing this book splattered on every blog and book site there is, expectations were high. Sadly for me, they deflated all over the place.

The plot was pretty average. The take on angels, fallen, not, and Nephiles was pretty original. However, this book tried so hard for 80 percent of the read to be mysteries that the plot went no where. When a masked attacker kept popping up I couldn't help but groan and go, "Really again, where the hell is the plot!!" Answers were not forth coming until the last 20 percent. Where everything was suddenly dumped. Sure the ending was good, it had a plot twist in there that I did not see coming right away. Sadly the fantastic ending was blown by trying to cram everything all at once. This had potential, but Fitzpatrick spent so much time trying to make it mysterious that all the plot development that should have been sprinkled throughout the book was just shoved in your face at the end.

Patch and Nora's relationship was one of the more believable ones I've read which isn't saying too much. Patch is a creepy stalker. Don't get me wrong at the beginning of this book I was ready to join the legions of Patch fans. After a while his creepy stalking dominated the pages. We get zero information about Patch until that last 20 percent I was talking about. If we could have been fed that information during the story Patch would have developed nicely. Because all of this important stuff was jammed into the ending a lot of the emotions and plot was lost.

Nora herself, was a very vague character. She felt so blank. Of course her father had died and she had one friend. It was like her only purpose was to be there for the reader to insert themselves in her place. Trust me you are going to be doing a lot of self insertion out of shear desperation to get some kind of character depth out of Nora. Which sadly means you're probably not going to be happy with some of Nora's choices or reactions. If my life is being threatened, I'm not going to act like a love sick crack head no matter what the songs say!

Bottom Line: The only thing this book really had going on was the sensational cover. The plot was average, and the good parts crammed into an ending that ruined the experience. Patch, the little hottie, was too much of a creepy stalker. Even the when juicy info is finally dished out it's too late to get the appropriate character build-up. Out of sheer curiosity I'll buy the next book when it comes out in paperback.

Sexual Content:

Kisses and some sexual innuendos.

Rating: 2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out

Disappointing followup, November 10, 2010
My husband and I really, REALLY loved the first book Hush, Hush. I couldn't put it down and had it read in 2 sittings. When I found out there was a 2nd book, I had to preorder it, I was so excited. However, both my husband and I were really disappointed with this book. The story is drawn out, and to us - there are a few inconsistencies that make the story disjointed. And Nora overreacts and just keep disappointing me. I won't get into it, since I don't want to spoil it for the people that haven't read it yet. I should have waited to get this from the library instead of paying for it. I really hope the third book will be better.

Richly Evocative and Emotionally Charged, October 19, 2010
Quick & Dirty: A richly evocative, emotionally charged, and seductive read with heartwrenching conflicts and intriguing characters.

Opening Sentence: The fingers of the thorn-apple tree clawed at the windowpane behind Harrison Grey, and he dog-eared his page, no longer able to read through the racket.

The Review:

Nora Grey's life is in a continuous state of chaos. On the heels of surviving an attempt on her life and falling in love with the dark and dangerous fallen angel, Patch, a little excitement is understandable. Unfortunately for Nora, things are getting even more complicated. Her relationship with Patch is falling apart. Battling her jealously and insecurities, Nora struggles with the reality that her nemesis, Marcie Millar, might have stolen her man. To make matters worse, Nora is having nightmares and seeing visions of her dead father. She becomes obsessed with finding out who murdered her father. Believing she can no longer trust Patch, Nora is feeling betrayed and alone. Along the way, Nora makes some gruesome discoveries in her quest to find her father's killer. The things that Nora finds out about her father are troubling to say the least, and as a result, Nora's life will never be the same.

Crescendo is the sequel to the brilliant Hush, Hush, and maintains the same degree of edginess, sexiness, and danger. Crescendo isn't just tough and edgy; it's also a story about complex relationships. Characters are forced to make hard choices and face emotionally charged situations. Ms. Fitzpatrick has crafted complex characters with complicated pasts. This drives an already great plot forward at a break-neck pace.

The world-building in this series continues to be top-notch. This world is vivid, imaginative, and the terrifying mythology continues to evolve. A deadly supernatural secret society is introduced, adding new levels of intensity. I really enjoyed learning more about the relationship between fallen angels and their Nephilim hosts. There are some intriguing new dynamics at play and it's hard to say which side will win in the end.

The romantic relationship between Patch and Nora is complicated, titillating, seductive, and at times explosive. Nora continues to have doubts about her relationship with Patch and she begins to question his loyalty. Nora is very different now than when we first met her in Hush, Hush. In many ways her character has grown, but at the same time she's a little immature. Emotions run high throughout, and I was actually surprised to see Nora fall prey to pettiness, jealously, envy, and selfishness. This is completely understandable and lends credibility to her character. Ms. Fitzpatrick eschews the trap of the too perfect to be believable heroine for a flawed, but far more realistic character. Nora eventually realizes that Patch isn't well handled and that he won't simply bend to her will or respond the way that she wants him to. Nora is still a likable and sympathetic character that's easy to care about - more so because of her imperfections.

A word about Patch - some readers have had mixed reactions to him. Some readers have described Patch as overly aggressive, mean, manipulative, devious, and even gone so far as calling him a sexual predator. Nonetheless, I've enjoyed the character from the beginning, despite the fact that he can appear creepy at times through the lens of our 21st century morality. I think Patch can be so easily misunderstood because we as readers come to our stories with an inability to abstract from our modern century world view, which Patch and anyone born 500 years ago would not share. Patch lacks the anachronistic characteristics that are ubiquitous in the archetypal immortal love interest. He's neither "sweet" nor "sensitive" in the vein of the completely unrealistic immortal archetypes that dominate some books in the YA genre. Patch is a flawed character and that makes him all the more intriguing.

We come to our stories with preconceived notions and 20th/21st century morality, which Patch does not share. Patch lived through a time that saw bouts of the plague and other disease epidemics, religious wars, the occasional inquisition, public executions, political assassinations, and contrary to popular belief - very little romance. Most of the moral developments of the last century are relatively novel concepts to him, including ideas of gender equality. Heck, they'd be a little new to our grandparent's generation. Patch is hundreds of years older than your great grandparents. The point is, he's going to be rough around the edges.

Overall, Crescendo is simply stunning. The ending is to die for because it's a cliffhanger. At first I thought my ARC was missing pages or that the ink ran out. Maybe even turned invisible. Alas, I came to my senses and realized that Ms. Fitzpatrick pulled a fast one on me. I was completely shocked and I can hardly wait for the next installment. Ms. Fitzpatrick dishes up another sexy, gripping read with plenty of danger and thrills. Crescendo is a compelling story with clever plot twists, and is sure to have readers riveted. With romance, supernatural treachery, a deadly menace, and plenty of action, Crescendo will keep you turning pages long into the night.

Notable Scene:

He wrestled the pillow out of my grasp and walked me backward until I came up against the wall, his motorcycle boots flush against my toes. I was drawing breath to finish my sentence and call him the worst name I could think up, when Patch tugged on the waistband of my underpants and pulled me even closer. His eyes were liquid black, his breathing slow and deep. I stood that way, suspended between him and the wall, my pulse stepping up as I became more aware of his body and the masculine scent of leather and mint lingering on his skin. I felt my resistance start to ebb away.

Suddenly, and without heeding anything but my own desire, I curled my fingers into his shirt and pulled him the rest of the way against me. It felt so good to have him close again.

The Hush Series:

1. Hush, Hush

2. Crescendo

FTC Advisory: Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of Crescendo. No goody bags, sponsorships, "material connections," or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don't receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.

Disappointing sequel, November 25, 2010
After gobbling up Hush, Hush with enthusiasm, I was eager to get my hands on Crescendo. This sequel is disappointing and confusing, especially with the evolution or de-evolution of the lead character, Becca. Right from the get go, she devolves into a super paranoid, whining, screaming shrew who can't seem to get her act together. I understand that the young lovers can't continue living happily ever after since a good story needs conflict and tension; but I found the speed at which Becca looses faith and trust in Patch to be somewhat disconcerting. The excuses she uses to justify her break-up and lack of trust are flimsy and doesn't quite cut it for me. After all, it was only yesterday that she readily sacrificed herself in the name of love.

There's a lot of action throughout the book, sometimes at breakneck speed, which left me breathless, but not in a good adrenalin-rush kind of way but more like coming off a bad roller-coaster ride.

I wanted to see more interaction and character development between the lead characters (Becca and Patch) and couldn't care less about some new characters that were introduced, like Scott, whom, incidentally was the red herring.

I really enjoyed the first book and hope that the third book, whenever it gets published, will be less of a disappointment than Crescendo.

Not great, will give the next book a chance, November 25, 2010
I enjoyed Hush Hush a great deal and was looking forward to escaping into Crescendo when it came out. It was decent, but not one I feel compelled to own. The book is comprised largely of Nora distrusting and angry with Patch. As a result, the book was cumbersome to read and I grew tired of Nora's tantrums. Crescendo sets readers up for the third book in the series, but I didn't feel there was much substance to the book independently.

What a cliffhanger!, November 16, 2010
My Plot Synopsis

Nora Grey is in love beyond her wildest imagination (and her imagination has definitely run amuck in the past). Her boyfriend, Patch, isn't your every day guy. He's a smexy, badass fallen-angel-turned-guardian-angel, and he happens to be Nora's Guardian. Dating a guardian angel must not be a walk in the park, especially one who has outsmarted the archangels at their own game. And archangels don't like to be slapped around by their own rules.

Once Nora confesses her feelings to Patch, he starts to pull away. In fact, it seems as though some gravitational pull has caught ahold of him and is yanking him closer and closer to Marcie Millar. *barf* Nora is beside herself with grief, and she can't get a straight answer from Patch. Is he doing this for her own safety, or because Marcie undeniable puts out? We all know Patch can be described as anything but angelic...

In the interim, a distant childhood friend of Nora's - Scotty the Hottie - moves into town and something isn't quite right about him. Yet, despite warnings from Patch, Nora is determined to live her life without his interference. Nora also begins to have odd dreams about her father, and without Patch around to decipher the meanings, Nora sets out to piece together the truth about her Nephilim blood line.


My Thoughts
Due to the situations and mood of the book, we didn't get a ton of the snarky, sarcastic Patch that I fell in love with in Hush, Hush. He was very serious in this book, given the circumstances. His fun personality poked through a bit in the beginning, but then all was lost to his secret mission that is finally revealed at the end. While I missed this side of Patch, it definitely made sense and fit the story. However, he is still soooo smexy. *cat call*

We learn more about the Nephilim and fallen angel history and linkages in this book. We also get an unhealthy, unwanted dose of Marcie Millar. On the bright side, Vee was much more likeable and less annoying in this book. I quite enjoyed her this time around. In a way, she replaced Patch with her witty lines.

Nora wasn't as likeable in this book. She sprouted fire from her mouth on many occasion and it was completely out of character for her. Her logical, independent nature slid into the depths of irrational, i-can't-live-without-you land. It angers me that once again, a young female character feels as though life can't go on without her love interest. Ugh. Nora has moments of clarity and refuses to let her loss of Patch rule her existence, but she always slumps back into a depressive state. I get it, I've been there, but this seemed so melodramatic. At one point she talked about not continuing on with life, and I became greatly angered. This is such a major issue with young people, and it breaks my heart to know that many young adults do go through with that very decision.

I have the same gripe about this book as I did about Hush, Hush. Nora, once again, was left home alone for days at a time. I know this is a fantasy book, but when you are bringing humans into the mix, you have to keep it somewhat realistic.

I think the world was better flushed out than Hush, Hush, but I think that is probably common for subsequent books in series. I definitely loved the use of flashbacks and dreams to piece the story together. Patch ended up infiltrating Nora's dreams to speak with her `privately'. I thought that was a neat touch.

In the end, I was surprised, although it doesn't take a lot for me. There are some interesting twists and a serious cliffhanger! I am itching to find out what happens next! We have to wait an entire YEAR for Tempest! So cruel...*sobs*

My Favorite Quotes

"I'm going to grab a cheeseburger," I told Patch. "Want anything?"
"Nothing on the menu."
I smiled. "Why, Patch, are you flirting with me?"


Everything had come into sharp focus : his smooth words, his black, glinting eyes, his broad experience with lies, seduction, women. I'd fallen in love with the devil.


"Don't start. I saw Marcie climb inside your Jeep."

"She needed a ride."

I adopted a hands-on-hips pose. "What kind of ride?"

"Not that kind of ride," he said slowly."


"That's very eco-friendly of you," Vee told Marcie. "Recycling Nora's old trash."


"I hung my fingertips on his waistband, tugging him closer.
Patch buried his face in the curve of my shoulder, his hands flexing over my back. He gave a low groan.

"I love you," he murmured into my hair. "I'm happier right now than I ever remember being."

Check out this review at Smash Attack Reads! [] ... Read more