This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Genre: Romance

Paperback: 345 Pages

Published: March 8, 2004

Series: None

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

My Review:

Although I have loved most of Sarah Dessen's books, I didn't really like this one. I don't really know the reasoning for that, but I guess I struggled to connect with the main character. It's the story of Remy, a girl who has no faith in love. Part of this is because her father never really knew her, he only wrote a now famous song, called "This Lullaby," about her before he died. Not to mention her mother is on her fifth marriage and Remy's response to her mothers numerous weddings is, "She takes on husbands the way people change their hair color: out of boredom, listlessness, or just feeling that this next one will fix everything, once and for all." 

     Remy's problem is that she likes to be in control of things when she has a boyfriend. She knows that getting into relationships is hard and if she gets attached things never go the way they are supposed to. So before any guy can end a relationship, Remy ends it before she gets hurt. So one day when Remy is at her new step-fathers dealership she meets a guy named Dexter. He's very determined to get to know Remy, is persistent that they go out, and isn't willing to give up on their relationship. For once in her life, Remy is unsure of what to do. She really likes Dexter, but she's afraid he will hurt her. As their story continues we see many changes take place in the characters and eventually things work out for the best. Overall, it was an okay book to read. Not one of my favorites by Dessen, but a light entertainment.

Roadside Assistance by Amy Clipston

Genre: Romance

Paperback: 278 Pages

Published: April 23, 2011

Series: None

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A very bumpy ride.

Emily Curtis is used to dealing with her problems while under the hood of an old Chevy, but when her mom dies, Emily's world seems shaken beyond repair. Driven from home by hospital bills they can't pay, Emily and her dad move in with his wealthy sister, who intends to make her niece more feminine---in other words, just like Whitney, Emily's perfect cousin. But when Emily hears the engine of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, and sees the cute gearhead, Zander, next door, things seem to be looking up.

But even working alongside Zander can't completely fix the hole in Emily's life. Ever since her mom died, Emily hasn't been able to pray, and no one---not even Zander---seems to understand. But sometimes the help you need can come from the person you least expect.

My Review:

WARNING!! THIS BOOK CONSISTS OF RELIGIOUS ASPECTS! So if that's not  you thaaang... then keep moving forward! lol :)

This book leads the reader on a very spiritual, emotional and meaningful journey through a girl who has lost everything. It's about this girl finding her way back to God, through situations that make her question her faith. When I picked this book up I wasn't expecting to relate to the main character as much as I did. I am too very religious in the aspect that god has planned everything for you, you just have to be patient and let it happen. This book illustrates the story of a high school girl who is coping with the loss of her mother and the idea of finding her way back to God is difficult.

After losing everything, Emily and her father have to move in with her aunt. Trying to get along with her perfect Christian cousin, Whitney is a challenge that Emily doesn't want to deal with. All she wants is to keep to her self, work on her car, and pray that her situation changes. All while everyone is trying to mold her into her perfect cousin, pestering her to go shopping and hanging out with Whitney's friends. Besides all this craziness, Emily's neighbor, Zandor seems to have caught her eye. They have had few encounters, but all of them have been interesting and you can tell there is something romantic brewing between them. 

Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Genre: Sci-Fi

Paperback: 272 Pages

Published: May 14, 2009

Series: None

Rating: ★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin, son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance, consistently outtalks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at sparring. They are at the top of their class until Dane jeopardizes everything and Aerin is unintentionally dragged down with him. When the pair is given a joint punishment, an unexpected friendship and romance begins to form. But Dane and Aerin both harbor dangerous secrets, and the two are linked in ways neither of them could ever have imagined. . . .

My Review:

            Academy 7 is a sci-fi/space opera kind of book. I have never encountered a book that is filled with space airplanes and interstellar alliances, rebellions on planets, beaten slaves, fierce generals, politics, tragedy, and arrogant girls. I would have never picked up this book had it not been advertised in such a manner that it seemed interesting. It's not really a good example of a young adult sci-fi novel, but it does include some sci-fi aspects.

Aerin Renning is an orphan girl with a mysterious past who is suddenly accepted into this prestigious institution (Academy 7). As she settles into her life she encounters Dane Madousin, the cocky son of a military general. As Dane and Aerin become sparring partners they realize they don't get along. Spending time together causes them to throw verbal blows as well as physical blows at each other. This is clearly just a set-up for a sad love-hate affair. They had no connection what so ever and I honestly didn't believe their fondness towards each other. To be honest, I don't really remember what the plot was about either. Actually I don't even know why I read this book. Overall, it could have been better, the romance could have been written realistically, and the characters were dull.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Genre: Romance

Hardcover: 383 Pages

Published: June 16, 2009

Series: None

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect.

My Review:

            Auden has just finished her senior year and is looking forward to spending her summer like she always does: staying home, studying, and occasionally attending parties hosted by her mother for her grad students. Instead of spending her summer like she always does, Auden decides to spend time with her father and his new family near an attractive beach. Auden's summer starts off with her meeting her new half sister, Thisbe, as well as her group of friends. But the most fascinating thing about the town is the mysterious guy Eli: a secretive young man who is an insomniac like Auden. As they get to know each other they spend their nights exploring the childhood Auden was never able to have. They open up to each other and discover they both have secrets that they don't want anyone to know.

            Dessen has a unique style of writing. I have read many books by Dessen and I have to say each time I read her books I fall in love with them. My favorite one was The Truth About Forever, and now this book is in my top favorites by Dessen. Her writing captivates  the reader and hooks you until the end of the book. One thing I really like about Dessen's writing is that it revolves around family, friends, and life choices. I love books that show reality and get the reader to connect with the characters. Overall, an awesome book and I truly enjoyed reading.

Necropolis #4 by Anthony Horowitz

Genre: Thriller

Paperback: 388 Pages

Published: November 2008

Series: The Gatekeepers

            1. Raven's Gate

            2. Evil Star

            3. Nightrise

            4. Necropolis

            5. Oblivian

Rating: ★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Hong Kong has been taken over by the Old Ones and has become Necropolis, City of the Dead. Once in, there is no way out… Evil has been unleashed on the world and only five children – with special powers – can save it. Matt and the other three desperately need to find Scar, the final Gatekeeper, who has been trapped in Hong Kong, where puddles of water turn into puddles of blood, where ghosts, demons and hideous creatures stalk the streets. Matt has no choice but to follow her. Now, both imprisoned, their only hope of survival is to reach a secret door in the Man Ho temple. But even if Scar can find her psychic power, it may already be too late.

My Review:

            I gotta admit that Necropolis was the darkest of the books so far. A lot of secrets were uncovered, the five chosen ones are finally revealed, there are many fights and battles with the Old Ones, friends have turned into enemies and enemies have turned into friends, and a lot has happened since the last book.

            The fifth member of The Gatekeepers is about to be discovered: Scarlett Adams, the adopted Asian daughter of divorced British Parents. Her father works for Nightrise and when it is accidently revealed that she is the fifth Gatekeeper, he sends his goons for her. Matt, Scott, and Richard travel from Nazca in Peru to try to stop her from going to her father, while they are hunted by the Old Ones at every step. Their powers are increasing and they are learning how to fight, but Matt fears that their powers will never match up to the Old Ones and they won't be able to defeat them. The Old Ones have set up their base of operations in Hong Kong, where their minions are posioning the city and killing inoocent people. Thus, turning it into a Necropolis: a city of the dead. Can Matt and Scott save Scarlett or will they be too late?

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Werewolves

Hardcover: 390 Pages

Published: August 1, 2009

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls

            1. Shiver

            2. Linger

            3. Forever

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without.

Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing

himself, and Grace, forever.

My Review:

            So I read this book right after Twilight came out and I was in love with the idea of wolves turning into humans. I mean it was a pretty popular topic a few years ago. So when I read Shiver I was interested in the book and I liked the story line. However, as I kept reading I realized it was very similar to Twilight.

            Grace is basically a boring girl who loves to watch the wolves in her back yard. Her favorite one in particular is a yellow eyed wolf who she can't help but be drawn too. So when summer comes around and she meets a yellow eyed boy, she immediately thinks of the wolf. Turns out Sam (the wolf) lives two lives. During the winter he is forced to turn into a wolf and during the few months of summer he is human. Grace and Sam start to get to know each other and eventually they start to have feelings. But things start getting interesting when its winter again and Sam is struggling to turn into a wolf. He wants to stay human, but if he can't resist the change he won't turn human again. Will Grace and Sam be able to fight for their relationship or will life get in their way?

      Overall, this book could have been a good one, but the fact that it is so similar to Twilight turns me off. I think Maggie could have used a little more originality and spruced things up. But after reading Twilight, Shiver just wasn't good in comparison.

Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Urban Fantasy 

Hardcover: 416 Pages

Published: October 18, 2011

Series: None

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

My Review: 

            To be honest Scorpio Races was a very boring book. Don't get me wrong, the concept and the characters were interesting, but the book it self was just boring. Basically,  nothing happened. N-o-t-h-i-n-g. A third of the way through the book I was bored to tears because the plot wasn't going anywhere. It was building up to the actual races that takes place in the last 15 or so pages of the book. Ahhh. There was nothing in the plot to keep me interested, yet I continued to the end of the book.

            I couldn't even remember the main characters names or why they were so determined to participate in the Scorpio Races. The relationship between the two main characters seemed very off. I didn't buy the reasoning behind Sean's participating in the races and there wasn't a lot of romance. Since I am a huge fan of romance and there wasn't that much in this book, I didn't connect to any of the characters. Although this book wasn't it for me, I do know that there are others who really enjoyed this book. So if this is something that interests you as a reader then by all means I say give it a shot. Hopefully, you'll enjoy reading this book more than I did. 

Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: Magic

Paperback: 488 Pages

Published: May 1, 2009

Series: Glass

            1. Storm Glass

            2. Sea Glass

            3. Spy Glass

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she hadn't known she possessed… - powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known.

  

My Review:

Opal Cowen is a glassmaker and a magician in training. She isn't like other magicians who have multiple talents, instead she has only one: she is able to trap magic within a glass. So that's the basic story line of this book. I would give you all more details about the plot, but I don't really know what they are. The story has multiple events taking place at the same time and somehow they all connect together, but I just couldn't see it. For the most part the beginning was engaging and did catch my attention. However, I found it to be boring and too long by the middle of the book and when I actually got to the end I struggled to finish this book.

The characters were not bad, but I just wasn't able to connect with them on any level. This is what made this book boring for me. I like books with characters that I can connect with or ones that fascinate me. However, most of the characters in this story were just okay. Plus the romance was little and I was expecting there to be a lot more than what I got. Overall, this book is alright for those of you who like magic and don't mind a book being long. I was just irritated at the amount of pages and details that I had to read because I wasn't getting any information on the actual plot. Even though I did not enjoy reading this particular book the concept was interesting. So if this is something that fascinates you as a reader, then by all means give this book a shot.