Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Vol. 1

  In the fall of 2012, DC Comics/Vertigo announced that they will publish the official graphic novel adaptation of Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy, starting with The Girl with Dragon Tattoo, which has also been adapted into Swedish and American films. The publishers will adapt each book in the Millennium Trilogy in two hardcover graphic novel volumes. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at the graphic novel before it was published, courtesy of DC Comics/Vertigo and Netgalley.

Description (from the book): Harriet Vanger, a scion of one of Sweden's wealthiest families disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently trapped by a libel conviction, to investigate. He is aided by the pierced and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander. Together they tap into a vein of unfathomable iniquity and astonishing corruption.

Review: I'm not a very big fan of the Millennium Trilogy, but I did enjoy the books. I've yet to see the movie not because I'm afraid the movies will ruin my reading experience, but rather I really don't want to subject myself through the grueling and graphic violence featured in the books. I can distance myself enough from reading those scenes but seeing them acted out on screen is a bit too much for me.
  I know several people who tried the series because it was popular and they wanted to know what all the hype was about, but they were unable to finish it due to the long, dense first half of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (and to give you an idea, that long dense first half is about the first 150 pages of a 460 pages book). For these readers, I think the graphic novel will definitely work better for them. The dense subplot filled with Swedish finance corruption is completely stripped away and we are immediately introduced to the mystery that lies in the heart of the book.
  The story and characters have been altered in order to convey emotion and urgency on the page. The plot moves at a steady pace and is separated with two plot lines that weave and will eventually meet in the second novel. One plot line introduces the star of the series, Lisbeth Salander while the other shows how Blomkvist's own troubles and his involvement with the mystery. Major plot points are present and some are explicitly shown such as Lisbeth's boss openly flirting with her and how she is raped and beaten by her 'guardian.'
  I wasn't overly fond of the drawings in this adaptation with the exception of Lisbeth. I found her to be incredibly striking looking. In my head I pictured her more like Noomi Rapace does in the movie. I liked how her physical features allowed her to display her wide emotions raging within her. Just from looking at her eyes you can only imagine all the horrors she has experienced. I wasn't a big of Blomkvist at all in the books and more so in this graphic novel. Unlike Lisbeth, his personality doesn't really come through besides his opinion on an open marriage and his attempt to clear his name from corruption. His depictions are inconsistent from panel to panel and sometimes I had a hard time identifying him with other characters around. There is lots of shading and shadowing in panels that give the book its dark and ominous feel to it.
 Overall, I thought the adaptation was pretty good. It gives readers who are unfamiliar with the story a taste of the series and characters. I'm not sure if I will continue reading the graphic novel series though as I'm a bit over the series all together.
Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There are extremely graphic rape scene that lasts for several panels. There is strong violence and sex scenes. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: The Girl Who Played with Fire by Steig Larsson or  Into the Woods by Tana French

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Black Heart (Curseworkers #3)

  I was eagerly anticipating reading Black Heart, the third book, in the Curse Worker trilogy. My only qualm with the book is the cover. I really wish they stuck to the original cover as it matches the mood and tone of the book. This new cover does absolutely nothing and doesn't showcase the awesomeness of this series. Readers looking for a good, solid YA urban fantasy series to read should definitely pick this one up.

Description: Cassel Sharpe has been a con man for all of his life. He's been used as an assassin in a dastardly plot, but he's move beyond that glitch in his life. He's trying to be good and to do the right thing, even though the love of his life is inextricably connected with crime. How can you distinguish between truth and lies when things become blurry? With his life, future, and love on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet. This time he is playing with his heart.

Review: Black Heart is a solid conclusion to the Curseworker series. I loved this unusual world where magic, reality are intricately interwoven. To fully enjoy the solid world building and a terrific cast of complex characters, be sure to start with the beginning of the series with White Cat and Red Glove.
After going through the ringer, in more ways than one, it's surprising to believe that Cassel is up for one more adventure. He's figured out the truth about himself and his abilities as well as made the decision to no longer con people, but of course things don't go as planned. It's hard to let go of the game especially if that's all that you really know. Throughout the book there are lots of interwoven cons Cassel has either set in motion or disrupted but their ripples are still being felt. At times the government and the criminals are hard to distinguish with each driven by their own goals and manipulate the system to get exactly what they want.
  What makes the Curseworker series work for me is Cassel's voice. It never falters yet there is a certain type of vulnerability mixed with charm and sarcasm that makes him likable. He's actually the normal one in his twisted and disturbing family. When he says he wants to be good and get away from the con, you want to believe him especially witnessing his past, however, you know you're going to miss the rush of getting a way with a con or solving one.
  The pace of Black Heart is done quite well. I've gotten pretty good at figuring out a YA book's plot within the first 50 or 100 pages, but with Black Heart I like not knowing how things will end as the plot twists and turns. Along with a twisty plot, there is also a great balance between mystery and romance. There is romance where Lila, Cassel's best friend and the love of his life, is concerned. They are not on the best of terms with one another yet you can feel the romantic tension between them. The romance doesn't overtake the story, which is great because it can appeal to both female and male readers. The book's conclusion, while somewhat surprisingly happy but certainly not a pretty bow wrapped up altogether too nicely. I'm just sad to see Cassel and company go and I do hope that Black plans on doing a spin off series. If you haven't read anything by Ms. Black, do give this series a try. If you hated her faerie series, this series is really different. It's fun, smart, and very entertaining.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language, underage drinking, and a small non-explicit sex scene in the book. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: Heist Society series by Ally Carter, Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich, Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale

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Fall From Grace

   Fall From Grace is the latest book by Charles Benoit. I haven't read anything by the author before, but I've heard much about this book, You, which is based on Shakespeare's Othello. Benoit detours from the seriousness of his previous release and takes a chance on a romantic comedy caper.


Description (from Goodreads): Grace always has a plan. There’s her plan to get famous, her plan to get rich, and—above all—her plan to have fun. Sawyer has plenty of plans too. Plans made for him by his mother, his father, his girlfriend. Maybe they aren’t his plans, but they are plans.
  When Sawyer meets Grace, he wonders if he should come up with a few plans himself. Plans about what he actually wants to be, plans to speak his own mind for a change, plans to maybe help Grace with a little art theft.
Wait a minute—plans to what?

Review: It is hard to categorize Fall From Grace. It verges on the cusp of romantic comedy and film-noir that doesn't exactly reach a serious point. It did, however, really remind me of a YA version of the movie Yes Man featuring Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel, where a guy challenges himself to say "yes" to everything for a year.
   On the outside, Sawyer seems to have everything made for him. He's got good grades, a hot girlfriend and plans for college, courtesy of the decisions that his parents and girlfriend made for him. On the inside, however, he feels trapped by his parents' expectations and the tight leash his girlfriend keeps around his neck. Sawyer says he wants to assert himself, but is stuck in his passive ways until Grace Sherman enters his life and things get out of hand.
  Grace Sherman is the complete opposite of Sawyer. She is a smooth-talking, resourceful, quick-witted, quirky girl from another high school whose breathes life, excitement, and danger into Sawyer's mundane life. Unlike Sawyer who is still unsure of what he really wants to do with his life,  Grace knows what she wants: she wants to be famous. To achieve her goal, Grace is fixated on stealing a painting from the local library, and she needs Sawyer's help.
 Fall From Grace was a mixed bag for me. While I thought the characterizations were nicely done, I didn't really care much about them. Grace's heist seems like a prank and I couldn't really muster up any seriousness around it.  The librarian in me was irritated about stealing from a library. While the book had the right ingredients of a worthwhile read, there was something missing in the book, a hook, a sense of urgency or a thrill. The tension and the plot builds slowly; more than half of the novel is dedicated to building up Sawyer's relationship with Grace, which was nice to see but I didn't think their relationship progressed at all. The ending, which caught others by surprise, was a bit too gimmicky and tacked on for me. Despite these issues, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy quirky characters and looking for an offbeat book.

Rating: 3 stars

Word of Caution: There is some language at times strong, underage drinking, and a few allusions to sex. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.


If you like this book try: I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak, You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaduoin,

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I Hunt Killers

 I have been curious about Barry Lyga's I Hunt Killers since it was an idea that the author was working on. My curiosity grew as his Facebook statuses began to reflect on the chapters and characters he was writing about. So when I had the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of the book, I pounced. Thank you to Little Brown for the advanced reader's copy. As a side note, I am doing an ARC giveaway of this title along with several other books, if you're interested be sure to click on the book cover found on the right panel of the blog to enter!

Description (from Goodreads): What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad? Jasper (Jazz) Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say. But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminal's point of view.
    And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod. In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret--could he be more like his father than anyone knows?

Review: As much as I anticipated for I Hunt Killers, I wasn't sure if I'd be brave enough to read it. I'm not interested in serial killers. I switch the channel and make an effort to not watch Silence of the Lambs. I've only caught the last half of Copycat when Holly Hunter is about to catch the bad guy. Sure I was glued to the screen when I saw David Fincher's Se7en and Zodiac, but that's because the emphasis was based on psychology and the aftermath of the murders rather than watching the serial killer at work. I told myself I'd give I Hunt Killers a shot, just to see what it is about and if it got too much, I'd put it down. Right. For my lunch break, I burned through the first 100 pages of the book. Every time I thought of putting it down, I was on the verge of discovering something new and had to pick it right up again. I was hooked, riveted, and completely disturbed.
  Are violent offenders the product of nature or nurture? Do you have the ability to change your destiny when all odds are set against you?  If you are Jasper “Jazz” Dent, I'm not so sure the answer is a resounding yes for both questions. He has two huge factors working against him: Not only is he the son of the country’s most notorious serial killer, but daddy dearest has forced him to watch those grisly crimes and sometimes…more. Jazz is barely surviving. He thrives on the belief that he will not follow his father's footsteps. He believes people are real and have feelings. At least that’s what Jazz keeps telling himself as he watches the police inspect the crime scene of a brutal murder through his binoculars at home. Jazz suspects a new serial killer is at work in his small town and can't help but flash back to the memories that make him extremely uneasy. Is it possible that he help kill someone he loved without knowing it? Can he stop the ticking bomb within himself as he hears his father's soft voice instructing him on 'to enjoy and capture' a new prey? 
  I'm sure many of you think this book is "Dexter for YA", which is exactly how it is marketed, but what sets this apart is Jazz. He is incredibly complex, and believable character. Jazz is consumed by the idea that he is incapable of loving anyone without hurting them. He carries the guilt of not helping his father's victims or 'toys' and hangs their pictures as a reminder. Though he is charismatic and charming, you wonder about his intentions. He easily manipulates his friends to help him in the investigation without a second thought, putting his mission and needs first. Even though we admire and hope along with him that he can capture the serial killer on the loose and be better than his father, we realize that his mission is tainted in more ways than one. For Jazz, justice is a second priority. Clearing his name is his first.
 The story itself is engaging. Though I don't know anything about criminology, it does look detailed, well-researched in an accessible way. I was delighted to discover a few chapters written from the serial killer's point of view interspersed with Jazz's chapter which ramped up the suspense. These chapters were brief and allowed us to see whether or not Jazz was on the right track on finding the serial killer. I did not expect the book to be funny, more of the black, dry comedy flare, which is a nice surprise to lighten the book's somber tone.
  Despite its catchy plot and great characters, I'm not sure this book is for everyone. I admire Lyga's tenacity of refusing to look away from the often horrific nature of brutal crimes. The twisted mind games made my head spin and I was shocked multiple times.  Early in the book we’re eased into some crimes because they’re mostly told in past tense, but the later scenes definitely escalate in tension and violence, some of which are graphic but nothing that wouldn't be shown on CSI or other detective shows found on TV.
  There were a few times when the writing faltered by using overused phrases or the use of paragraphs when a few, sharp sentences would suffice. I also think that Jazz’s give and take relationship with the police is something readers will have to grapple with, although their doubtful reliance upon him is portrayed in a fairly believable tone. The ending made me scream is frustration as it ends with a semi-cliffhanger and leaves open for a much anticipated sequel. 
 I Hunt Killers definitely pushes the YA envelope, making us rethink once again what young adult literature means. While I would hesitate giving this book to younger teens due to the psychological content of the book instead of the violence, I do think it's more suitable for older teens and adults. Readers who are looking for a psychological thriller have been served. Dark, disturbing, and unsuspectingly funny, I Hunt Killers will grab your interest and not let go. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong violence (mostly, which takes off screen but it is described graphically) and some strong language. Recommended for Grades 10 and up.

If you like this book try: Zodiac by Robert Graysmith, Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, Darkly Dreaming Dexer by Jeff Lindsey, and I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

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YA Mini-Reviews: Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2), What Happened to Goodbye, and The Predicteds

  I'm writing another slew of mini reviews for YA books I read over a couple of months ago. I apologize if you've been waiting for a long time for my reviews of any of these books. The books listed below are Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2) by Ally Carter, What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen, The Predicteds by Christine Seifert.

Description: Kat Bishop and her fellow talented teenagers work together to find and steal the "Cleopatra Emerald" from an unscrupulous dealer and return it to its rightful owner, while a former love of her Uncle Eddie tries to get the gem for herself.

Review: While I enjoyed reading another adventure about Kat and the gang, I didn't like this one as much as Heist Society, the first novel. The main reason why I loved the first book is because the teens are able to pull off an incredibly difficult job with intelligence, skill, and determination despite their young age. The heist in the second book was just too easy, especially when it was mentioned time and again how anyone who attempted to steal the Cleopatra Emerald always failed. Needless to say the book was still fun, the characters are likable, and the romantic tension between Kat and Hale sizzles. It's definitely a book you would want to read to escape for a few hours especially on a cold, dreary day.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is mild language and a scene of underage drinking. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: The Gallagher series by Ally Carter, White Cat by Holly Black, The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker

Description: Following her parents' bitter divorce as she and her father move from town to town, Mclean reinvents herself at each school she attends until she is no longer sure she knows who she is or where she belongs.

Review: I read mixed reviews of Dessen's latest book and I think I can understand why readers are so divided. What Happened to Goodbye is a bit different from Dessen's usual teen romances. Instead of girl who has issues meets and falls for a boy who also has issues and they both work together to solve their problems, Dessen opts out to explore one girl's self-exploration and examines the aftermath of an ugly divorce. I thought the characters were realistic, flawed, but allowed the opportunity to grow and redeem themselves. The book's pacing is a direct reflection of Mclean's growth: it's slow in the beginning as Mclean internalizes everything and comes off as cold and secretive. The story picks up once she's allowed herself to open up to others. While the ending may be wrapped up too neatly for some, I thought it provided a hopeful outlook. Readers looking for a good character driven, contemporary read should definitely pick this one up if they haven't already done so.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and a small scene of underage drinking. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta, Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Description: "Who will it be? Will the head cheerleader get pregnant? Is the student council president a secret drug addict? The whole school is freaking out about PROFILE, an experimental program that can predict students' future behavior. The only question Daphne wants answered is whether Jesse will ask her out, but he's a Predicted, and there's something about his future he's not telling her.

Review: I read The Predicteds for a book tour a while ago and opted out to do a review at the time because I could not honestly recommend this book. Neither a dystopian nor science fiction thriller, The Predicteds did absolutely nothing for me. The concept of the Profile sounds really cool, but it wasn't discussed at all in the book. The characters, including the creator of Profile, talked around the subject, which made the plot snooze worthy and as a result, the big 'twist' was anticlimactic for me. I found the characters to be flat and dull. The Predicteds could have really used an editor because it was very wordy. Long passages could have been shortened by using strong, short sentences. Readers looking for a good thriller with a science fiction or dystopian bent to it should definitely look elsewhere.

Rating: 1 star

Words of Caution: There is some strong language, scenes of underage drinking, and some disturbing images. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: The Cassandra Virus by K.V. Johansen, Clarity by Kim Harrington

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Strings Attached

  I really enjoyed Judy Blundell's debut and National Book Award winning novel, What I Saw and How I Lied, and was excited when her book was released this year. Strings Attached returns to themes of lies and secrets. Unlike many historical fiction novels, String Attached takes place in the less written era, at least in the YA realm, of the 1950s.

Description: When she drops out of school and struggles to start a career on Broadway in the fall of 1950, seventeen-year-old Kit Corrigan accepts help from an old family friend, Nate Benedict, a lawyer said to have ties with the mob. Kit isn't all that surprised that Nate asks her to do some favors for him, but she never thought he would ask her to keep tabs on Billy, Nate's son and Kit's former sweetheart.

Review: Everything changes for Kit Corrigan on November 1950 in New York City. Kit drops out of out of high school in Providence to pursue dancing and acting on Broadway and ends her relationship with Billy Benedict, a college boy and the son of a powerful mob lawyer. A fraternal triplet whose mother died in childbirth, Kit has been raised by a working-class father with the sometime help of his sister, Delia. Her brother, Jamie, and Billy have enlisted in the Korean War. In New York, Kit's talent and gorgeous red hair help land her in the chorus of a quick-to-close Broadway show. Her money begins to dwindle and an offer from Mr. Nate Benedict conveniently shows up to offer a deal that she can't ignore: a cozy apartment and an audition to be a Lido Doll, a member of a exclusive night club, as long as she does little favors for him. Nearly homeless and barely living from one small paycheck to the next, Kit doesn't see what harm those favors could be and accepts. Soon she finds out that the on-goings at the club get increasingly sinister and Kit almost immediately regrets her decision but is unable to prevent a future tainted by heartache, deception, and murder. The web of lies that Kit finds herself entangled in go beyond the nightclub and is somehow correlated to the disappearance of Aunt Delia. The past and present collide as Kit tries to find out the truth.
  Blundell vividly describes the life and times of the 1950s era. I immediately found myself immersed in Kit's world. The dialogue, attention to clothes, fashion, and music are perfectly and expertly detailed. There is no denying that Blundell loves history. Fans of history and theater will find a lot of things to appreciate here, but other readers may become a bit bored with the overly descriptive narrative as the story circles back and forth through the years of Kit's life including her Great Depression childhood and her family's bootlegging past. Sometimes the narrative became a bit too wordy for me, paragraphs  are written where a few sentences could suffice. In fact a lot of the twists and turns in the story were actually anti-climatic as I predicted them before they were revealed.
  Besides Kit, the feisty, ambitious teen who wants to rush into adulthood head on, I had a hard time connecting with the other characters. I like to picture myself as a character in the book and to actively participate in the story, with Strings Attached however, I always felt like a stage director watching the scenes unfold from a large distance. The romance between Kit and Billy was there, but I didn't feel it. I liked that Blundell addressed the prejudices of the time especially with the Irish American community and the beginning of the Red Scare, but this angle wasn't explored as much as I would have liked. I found myself putting down the book quite a lot and completely forgetting about it.
  I actually think Strings Attached would work more as a movie than as a book. Perhaps it would be easier to see the characters and background scenes play out on the screen instead of reading them thus making it a bit more personal and approachable. Nonetheless I would recommend this book for fans of historical fiction and those who love an old fashioned family drama out of the 1950s. I liked this book, but I enjoyed What I Saw and How I Lied much more.
  

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some mild language, a few allusions to sex, and a few scenes of underage drinking. Recommended for Grades 9-12.

If you like this book try: Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen, What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell, Two Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher

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Other (Other #1)

 Last week I had the pleasure in interviewing Karen Kincy, the author of the Other series on her birthday. If you missed my interview, you can read it here. As part of the Bloodborn tour, I am reviewing the first book in the Other series. Other is an interesting blend of paranormal romance along with a "who done it" murder mystery. 

Description (from author's website): Seventeen-year-old Gwen hides a dangerous secret: she’s Other. Half-pooka, to be exact, thanks to the father she never met. Most Americans don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for Others, especially not the small-town folks of Klikamuks, Washington. As if this isn’t bad enough, Gwen’s on the brink of revealing her true identity to her long-time boyfriend, Zack, but she’s scared he’ll lump her with the likes of bloodthirsty vampires and feral werewolves.
  When a pack of werewolves chooses the national forest behind Gwen’s home as their new territory, the tensions in Klikamuks escalate–into murder. It soon becomes clear a serial killer is methodically slaying Others. The police turn a blind eye, leaving Gwen to find the killer before the killer finds her. As she hunts for clues, she uncovers more Others living nearby than she ever expected. Like Tavian, a sexy Japanese fox-spirit who rivals Zack and challenges her to embrace her Otherness. Gwen must struggle with her own conflicted identity, learn who she can trust, and–most importantly–stay alive.

Review: In Other, Karen Kincy has created an interesting world. Shape-shifters, vampires, werewolves, and various other creatures are called "Others," and humans are well aware of their existence. Gwen is an Other with a human mother and a Pooka father (a Welsh shape-shifter spirit). Gwen and her mother prefer she keep her otherness a secret in fears of receiving backlash from their small town where Others are not quite so welcome as in large urban areas.
  When Gwen and her boyfriend Zack are on a date, they stumble upon dead Others. Given the way they have been killed and their bodies displayed, Gwen has a strong feeling that Others are being targeted and murdered. As more Others are found dead, it wouldn't surprise her if a serial killer may be on the prowl. One death in particular is too close for comfort for Gwen and she can't shake the eerie feeling that someone is constantly watching her and knows who she really is. Knowing that the police isn't doing their best to search for the killer, Gwen searches for answers with an unexpected friend, all the while unsure of whom to trust and what exactly it means to be Other.
  Other was an enjoyable read, but I did have a few qualms about the book. While Gwen does seem to be an ordinary teen girl who faces common insecurities about her identity and has her share of boyfriend drama, she is very reckless and presumptuous.  She spends most of the book complaining how unfair Others are being mistreated and misidentified as criminals on her anonymous blog yet she applies the same generalizations and stereotypes to Bloodborns (those who are Others via being bitten by an Other creature such as a werewolf or a vampire). She clearly makes a distinction between these two types of Others and fails to realize that the plight of both groups are the same. Thankfully, her view of Bloodborns changes as she becomes more involved with the ongoing murder investigation and actually socializing with Bloodborn. I found her epiphany in a few pages a bit hard to believe and rushed.
  Unlike Gwen, I really liked Tavian, the sexy Johnny Deep lookalike Japanese foxfire. He was spunky, quirky, and just a pleasure to meet. I wish we got to learn more about him early on. He appears about halfway in the book as a marginal character but becomes a strong character towards the latter half of the book.
  As a paranormal romance, Other falls rather short. Half of the book is dedicated to Gwen and Zack's relationship. She is constantly debating on whether or not she should reveal her identity to her human boyfriend whose family is very religious and opinionated about Others. Gwen's fears are realized when she does in fact tell Zack the truth, but you can't blame his reaction. Zack didn't really do much for me. He definitely was a catalyst to the story, but he was just there. I was a bit surprised how quickly Gwen jumped into another relationship as her first one ends, especially when it seems she is so deeply hurt by Zack. Unlike the realistic relationship Gwen shared with Zack, her relationship with Tavian is just too perfect. Gwen and Tavian are connected by their secret otherness and instant attraction; however, I never really felt a spark in their relationship. I was a bit surprised how fast they both declared their love for one another.
  Other does, however, excel at a suspenseful mystery. The mystery of who is behind killing the Others and the specific victims are well played out. It's actually the mystery that kept my attention. While avid mystery readers can probably figure out the killer early on, I thought the clues were spread out and come together quite nicely. The short chapters and quick pacing should work well for reluctant readers. Other by Karen Kincy would be a good introduction to the urban fantasy genre. Kincy is a promising writer and I look forward to reading her other books. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong language, underage drinking, as well as a semi explicit sex scene in the book. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.


If you like this book try: Blood and Chocolate by Annette Klause Curtis, Bloodborn (Other #2) by Karen Kincy, or the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs

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Red Glove

  I really enjoyed White Cat, the first installment of Holly Black's latest urban fantasy series called the Curse Workers. You can read my review of White Cat here. Many people have been describing this series as "X-men meets the Sopranos", while I find the combination odd, I think it really does suit this series. Magic, mobsters, family loyalty, and ethics collide in the anticipated sequel, Red Glove. 

Description: All Cassel Sharpe has ever known are curses, cons, magic, and the mob. He always thought was normal, the odd one in his family who didn't have the 'touch' until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth and is constant sought out by family to do what is deemed natural and a mobster who is trying to seduce him with the easy and luxurious lifestyle. The stakes are even higher as Cassel's oldest brother is murdered. The Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue: crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. Which side will have Cassel's allegiance? Who can and can't he trust?

Review: Black effectively blends urban fantasy with a touch of classic crime noir novels. White Cat had a slow start, as numerous characters and important details to Cassel's world are introduced. New readers to this series are highly encouraged to read the first book in order to understand the major plot twist and turns in Red Glove. Red Glove picks up right a few weeks after the major cliffhanger ending of White Cat. Cassel's mother who did her son a great 'favor' has returned from prison and ready to prepare for her next con.
 While White Cat focused more how a con works and solving the mystery behind Cassel's lost memories, we are presented with complex philosophical questions about identity and responsibility as Cassel tries to find his way between magical conmen and gangsters. What I love most about this series are the multi-layered characters, particularly the charming, charismatic, and unreliable Cassel who is haunted by his past. His family has always existed within the powerful and shady Zacharov crime family. While their networks have been eliminated, they still share strong links with one another.
  Now Cassel's oldest brother has been killed, and his emotionally unstable mother is out of prison and up to her old tricks. Possibly worst of all, Lila Zacharov-best friend, love interest, victim, and conspirator is a constant reminder of the dark realities of Cassel's life. While there are several cons and fast paced adventures in the story, I was more taken by the underlying themes of this book: family and destiny. Cassel was born into a crime family. He is a lawbreaker regardless if he uses his gift and the Feds are constantly hounding him to confront the murders he committed although he doesn't remember them. Interestingly enough, Cassel also wants to do the right thing, even if it might put his family in danger and at odds with him. Like White Cat, there are a lot of twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat. The secondary characters get even more fleshed out as the series continues and perhaps may serve as a spin off series, which would be kind of cool. The ending of Red Glove caught me off guard and now I can't wait to see it unfolds in the third book.

Rating: 4.5 stars


Words of Caution: There is some language and underage drinking. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: Heist Society by Ally Carter or Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale

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Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty

  In September 1994, a story of gang violence on the South Side of Chicago rocked the U.S. and forced the nation to look closely at the rising gang violence across the country. Robert "Yummy" Sandifer at age 11 became the poster child of gang violence and was featured on several issues of Time Magazine.

Description: Robert Sandifer is known by his neighborhood as “Yummy” because he had a sweet tooth. He was born in 1984 and lived on the South Side of Chicago. He was only 11 years old when he became a gang member, a criminal, a corpse, and a poster child for gang violence. Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty is a fictionalized account that tries to make sense out of true and tragic events.

Review: I don't recall the Yummy headlines, however due to the continuing rise of gang violence in Chicago, his story is not unique nor forgotten. Like many gang stories we have heard before, Robert "Yummy" Sandifer came from a broken home and whose parents neglected and abused him to due to their own involvement with drugs and possible gang involvement. Yummy sought refuge with his grandmother, a woman overworked by taking care of other children just like Yummy. In 1994, Yummy became involved with Chicago's Black Disciples gang. Attempting to protect his gang's turf by shooting a rival gang member, Yummy instead killed an innocent teenaged girl. Yummy went on the run, only to meet his demise by those who he sought comfort, security, and support.
  Before the graphic novel opens, Neri informs us that he has blended fact and fiction in order to tell Yummy's story. Neri's well researched story gathers information from a variety of resources. His use of a fictional acquaintance and observer, Yummy's classmate Roger, whose older brother is also a member of the Disciples allows readers to get a personal yet distant account of their neighborhood and Yummy's personality. Like Roger, the reader can't help but ask his/herself whether or not Yummy is a victim of his own society or a cold blooded killer. There are no black and white answers given, however, the reader is forced to look at the clear evidence laid before them in order to come up with their own answers.
  Yummy is a gritty and unflinchingly realistic from its simple sentence structure to the rough black and white illustrations by Randy DuBurke. Yummy's famous mugshot, the daily activities of gang life and gang-ruled neighborhood are powerfully depicted. While some reviewers thought the graphic novel was too preachy, I thought it was all too real. It is meant to cause us discomfort and open our eyes at the horrible sociopolitical situations that are plaguing the streets of America. There would definitely be something wrong with us if this critically acclaimed graphic novel didn't touch us.

Rating: 4 stars


Words of Caution: There is gang violence, but nothing beyond what we see and hear on the news. Recommended to Grades 6 and up.


If you like this book try: Monster by Walter Dean Myers, There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz, Always Running by J. Luis Rodriguez

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Dark Song

  Gail Giles is my "go to" author for reluctant readers. Her books tend to have interesting characters and a chilling, fast paced plot that captures their attention. I read her latest and I would argue her best book to date, titled Dark Song.

Description: Amy Ford is use to living a luxurious life. She lives in a rich neighborhood, goes to private school, and is familiar with spending money without a second thought. All of that comes to a sudden end when her father loses a job after his company "downsizes" and now her family must struggle to stay above the poverty line. As her world comes crumbling down, she realizes that her parents have betrayed her in the worst possible way. She seeks refuge in a boy named Marc, who will stop at nothing to keep her safe. 

Review: If I had to describe Dark Song in one word, that word would be disturbing. Reading this book is like witnessing a car crash. You know things and people will shatter, but you can't help but be fascinated on how things collide and rip apart. The plot of Dark Song is unfortunately realistic given today's economy and how a family struggles to not fall apart.
   I pretty much did not like any of the characters in this book yet I was riveted and needed to see how the story ends. Amy is a spoiled brat, who I wanted to shake and yell: "Get over yourself and get a job like everyone else in the real world." As for her parents, her manipulative father is a character that you love to hate. While there were instances that I actually did feel sorry for him, but then like Amy, I also felt betrayed to discover his lies upon lies that he tells his family. Her mother is no better. She comes off as cold and controlling. The only person in the Ford family that I could stand was the innocent adn adorable Chrissy who is only six years old. it really is no wonder how Amy blindly falls and is trained to seek comfort and "love" for Marc. Speaking of Marc, *shudders*, he reminded me of Mark Wahlberg's character in the movie Fear. The moment he appears in the story, I could imagine a red neon sign above his head that says "Danger! Stay away from this guy at all costs", which of course our main character doesn't.
  Dark Song is a very rare book where I actually like the book as a whole without liking the characters. There is so much to discuss in this short book (it's approximately a few pages short from 300), everything from Amy's family dynamics and financial status to her troubling, abusive relationship with Marc. Readers will be thinking about Dark Song long after they finish its last page.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language in the book as well as one scene where Ames smokes pot with her best friend. There is also several sexual situations that aren't descriptive and mentioned in passing. Recommended to high school only.

If you like this book try: What Happened to Cassie McBride? by Gail Giles

Kick off Teen Read Week by entering in my...

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Good Old Fashion Mystery

  I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm a very a picky mystery reader. I will even go further in my reading quirks, by saying that I flip to the end of the book and read to see who the criminal is. I won't read the whole section, but scan it and if the mystery is too easily solvable then I won't waste my time in reading it. I don't know if anyone else who does this, but it does save me some time. Recently, I read an old fashion mystery that reminded me of the days where I would devour a Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mystery, a Sherlock Holmes novel, or even Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. The book is called The Sweetness at the Bottom of a Pie by Alan Bradley, which thankfully is a beginning of a series and has recently won the Crime Dagger Award Debut.

Description: Flavia de Luce is a precocious 11 year old who aspires to be chemist and has a passion for poison. She is more delighted than scared when a dead bird is found on the doorstep of her family's decaying mansion with a postage stamp pinned to its beak. She eavesdrop on a private conversation of a man black mailing her father and shortly after comes across a man in the cucumber patch just as he is taking his dying breath. Her father is convicted of the crime, but Flavia believes he is innocent and will stop at nothing to clear her father's name.

Review: I really enjoyed reading this book, partially because I truly adored Flavia and the great cast of characters surrounding a simple mystery. Flavia is very smart and mature for her age. She can easily spout quotes from 18th century literature, read a chemistry book from cover to cover, and yet retain an innocence about her. She is constantly fighting against the traditional roles of being a young girl who knows nothing, which makes her an excellent and unsuspected sleuth.  The mystery is carefully plotted and is filled with background information of the characters as well as the 1950s British time period. I could not help but cheer for Flavia all throughout the novel. I'm sure Flavia's favorite chemist and Sherlock Holmes will be proud of her. I'm definitely going to continue this series and I hope that you'll pick this great book up.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Although Flavia is 11 years old, many children and quite possibly teens may get lost in all the literary and historical allusions in the book. There is a scene where a child is in physical danger. There is also some language in the book.

If you like this book, try: The Weed that Strings the Handman's Bag by Alan Bradley

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