Fairy Bad Day

Fairy Bad Day
by Amanda Ashby

While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy - and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day? (description from Amazon.com)

This was a cute read. I really enjoyed the world building. Slayers that devote their lives to ridding the world of certain types of paranormal creatures...cool. I love that they go to school for it. The training sequences were fun...I actually wished there had been a little more description there. The fairies were hilarious. I loved them and then the giant killer fairy?? Bad-@ss. Very cool.

There were a lot of things I really liked about this book. There were a few moments, though, where I would find myself tempted to skim a few pages. I'm not sure if it was slightly too long or what...BUT, I would definitely read a sequel set in this world.

Kiss of Death

Kiss of Death
by Lauren Henderson
Scarlett Wakefield, book four

Scarlett thought Dan McAndrew's murder was long behind her, but when she and her classmates arrive in Edinburgh for a weeklong field trip, she's startled to be joined by her old St. Tabby's cohorts--and enemies--who are visiting the area on a field trip as well. Even more startling, Callum, Dan's surviving twin, is in the area--and his cold treatment leaves Scarlett wondering what's changed, especially when a series of attacks makes her believe that someone's out to get her for her past mistakes. Would Callum ever hurt her, though? And what's Scarlett to make of her conflicting feelings for Callum, now that Jase isn't around? Even more upsetting, why is her most trusted confidante, Taylor, acting distant and dismissive? (description from Amazon.com)

Though I love the premise of this series and this book wrapped things up nicely, there were moments that it dragged for me. It was a little longer than it could have been in the middle sections, when really the ending could have been fleshed out just a little more. All that aside, though it wasn't my favorite book in the series, it was still very good.

I love the way that Scarlett comes to really appreciate her friendship with Taylor as she compares it to all the other friendships in her life and surrounding her. I loved that her romantic life really and truly works out and that she finds out that her Grandmother really cares for her. I love the excitement in this series - really, you just can't beat a great attempted murder scene! I love the settings in this series and Edinborough was particularly "beautiful" in this book.

Though I am in a way glad to see Scarlett's story come to an end, I will definitely be checking out Lauren Henderson's future books to see if I can capture that feeling of excitement that she so effortlessly achieves again!

Bite Club

Bite Club
by Rachel Caine
Morganville Vampires, book ten

After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.

There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare- knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other-or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire- accompanied by her friends and frenemies-to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville... (description from Amazon.com)

I love this series. They are fun, funny, and Claire is one of my all time favorite heroines. She is smart and brave, more brave than a LOT of other characters could ever conceive to be...

Since this is book ten, I don't want to get into a lot of plot stuff. It would be too spoilery. What I will say is that sections of this book are from Shane's point of view. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of books that jump from one character to another...I tend to like one narrator throughout, however, I really liked getting to see inside Shane's head.

Seeing what Shane thought brought a whole new dimension to his relationship with Claire. One of the things I like best about this series is Claire and Shane's relationship. It is romantic and feels meant to be, but it's not unrealistically all sunshine and rainbows. This book truly tested their relationship and what comes out on the other end is truer by far than many other fictional relationships.

If you aren't reading this series, I would recommend you give the first book, Glass Houses a try.

Eona - Blog Tour

Eona: The Last Dragoneye
by Alison Goodman

Publication Date: April 19, 2011

Eon has been revealed as Eona, the first female Dragoneye in hundreds of years. Along with fellow rebels Ryko and Lady Dela, she is on the run from High Lord Sethon's army. The renegades are on a quest for the black folio, stolen by the drug-riddled Dillon; they must also find Kygo, the young Pearl Emperor, who needs Eona's power and the black folio if he is to wrest back his throne from the selfstyled "Emperor" Sethon. Through it all, Eona must come to terms with her new Dragoneye identity and power-and learn to bear the anguish of the ten dragons whose Dragoneyes were murdered. As they focus their power through her, she becomes a dangerous conduit for their plans. . . . (description taken from Amazon.com)

At almost 650 pages, this conclusion to Eona's story is epic. I received this ARC as part of a tour where you only have seven days to read the book before you pass it on and honestly, I felt really rushed trying to squeeze this book into such a short time frame. I absolutely want to go back and read this one again as soon as it comes out. There are portions I'd like to linger over, to sink into, to really immerse myself in again.

I love, absolutely love the Eastern flavor of Eona's story. One reason that I felt Eon: Dragoneye Reborn was so amazing when I first read it was because it really introduced a whole different cultural feel to epic fantasy...at least for me. I love the connections to the Chinese Zodiac, the clothing styles, the swords, the political structure...in this second book, I loved the descriptions of the fishing villages, then the contrast with the pleasure gardens...I have never really been interested in traveling all the way to Asia and yet, Alison Goodman makes me want to find a way to travel back in time to an earlier Asian era, though I'd be sorely disappointed without the accompanying dragons.

I really enjoyed how Goodman can steep Eona's story with the horrors and terrifying uncertainty of a country on the brink of war and yet counterbalance all of those negative images with small moments of positive personal interactions. Moments of passion, friendship, even just decency and kindness. Eona learns to come into herself as a woman, not just a warrior in this book. She also learns what truly constitutes family - both the blood kind and the chosen.

I must read this book again. The ending is very well done. The spiritual completion of Eona's journey was great and I really want to read it over again slowly to really fully catch all of the nuances. This is not a book to skim. Though I am happy with this book as the sequel to the first, I am sad that there is not a planned third. It's not that I feel anything was left out of Eona's story...I just really love her world and would love to go back!

Well worth the read.

Full disclosure: ARC received from Book It Forward ARC Tours

Beauty Queens - Blog Tour

Beauty Queens
by Libba Bray

Publication date: May 24, 2011

Survival of the Fittest!

The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream Pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea, crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner.

What's a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program - or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan - or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up? (ARC jacket copy)

It is hard to believe, but it is only the middle of March and I think I just read my favorite book of this year. I think I may have just read my new favorite book...period. This book is...pure genius. Libba Bray is amazing. I am absolutely giving this book a gold star...plus some sparkles...plus, well it deserves a tiara for goodness sakes!!

This book is not just great. It is astounding. Thoughtful, tongue-in-cheek, laugh out loud funny...I mean, there is a girl who spends the entirety of the book with a plastic airplane tray sticking out of her forehead! Who else but Libba Bray could pull that off!?!

No, really. I think that EVERY woman, most men, heck everyone should read this book! Go out and get it as soon as it comes out. It will blow your mind. IT.WILL.BLOW.YOUR.MIND. There are beauty queens who learn to become not just real women, but real kick-ass women. There are sexy, sometimes stupid, reality tv pirates, an angry dictator with a taxidermied advisor, a secret laboratory/lair underneath a volcano, and subtextual references to current culture galore.

Besides the obvious, yet subtly disguised references to actual people (David Levithan, for one!) and products (Bratz dolls, Barbie, tons of makeup, etc.), Libba Bray also gave a shout-out to librarians!
p. 379 - Some in the crowd tossed copies of Ladybird's book into the fire while a librarian pleaded with them not to do that and grabbed a fire extinguisher.*
*(footnote) Really, being a librarian is a much more dangerous job than you realize.

OMG. Yes! This caused me to bounce up and down on the couch, laughing until I cried, and finally spluttered out what I was reading to my husband, who then said, "Oh, has she been following you around at work lately?" and I died again.

I cannot sincerely recommend this book enough. Yes, it is full of subcontext. It brings up a lot of morality issues, political issues, questions about feminism, sexuality...it covers a lot. What makes it a great book is that while everything is right out there in the open, it's not preachy. It's laugh out loud funny! Then when you're done, you sit back and think. Really think. Again...read this book. Read it as soon as you can. You won't regret it.

Full disclosure: ARC received as part of Book It Forward ARC Tour

Scarlett Fever

Scarlett Fever
by Maureen Johnson
Scarlett Martin series, book two

Ever since Mrs. Amberson, the former-aspiring-actress-turned-agent, entered Scarlett Martin's life, nothing has been the same.

She's still in charge of the Empire Suite in her family's hotel, but she's now also Mrs. Amberson's assistant, running around town for her star client, Chelsea - a Broadway star Scarlett's age with a knack for making her feel insignificant.

Scarlett's also trying to juggle sophomore year classes, her lab partner who is being just a little TOO nice, and getting over the boy who broke her heart.

In the midst of all this, her parents drop a bombshell that threatens to change her New York life forever . (description taken from Amazon.com)

This family makes me want to pull up roots and check into a shabby-chic Manhattan hotel immediately! The Martins are warm, loving, funny, and I kinda wish they were mine! Johnson absolutely has a winner in this series. I think in terms of funny contemporary realistic fiction the only series out there that beats this one for me is The Georgia Nicholson series by Louise Rennison. They both leave me smiling like a loon!

Scarlett is an amazing character. She is smart, savvy, and sometimes unsure of herself. Just the perfect blend of getting herself into messy situations that she can perfectly maneuver her way out of... lovely. I am already anxiously awaiting the next great (and hopefully romantic) Martin saga!

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for SLJ

Shadowspell

Shadowspell
by Jenna Black

On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind? (description taken from Amazon.com)

I have to admit I really liked this sequel to Glimmerglass much better. Though the world set-up in the first book was great, I didn't really connect to the characters (other than the irresistable Kimber) that well. In the second book, without the setup, there was a lot more focus on character relationships.

I still don't really love Dana, or myabe it's that I don't really understand her emotional compulsion for Ethan, but she is fiercely loyal and brave, which I admire. I think I just feel so much more for some of the other characters, like Keane and Kimber, Finn, and I am absolutely fascinated with Arwan, the Erlking.

After some of the amazing developments in this book, Dana learning what she can really do, Dana figuring out what the Erlking really bargained with her for, and how these revelations will change the rest of her life...I cannot wait to read book three, Sirensong, when it comes out!!!

It's Not Summer Without You

It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Summer Novels, book two

Can summer be truly summer without Cousins Beach?

It used to be that Belly counted the days until summer, until she was back at Cousins Beach with Conrad and Jeremiah. But not this year. Not after Susannah got sick again and Conrad stopped caring. Everything that was right and good has fallen apart, leaving Belly wishing summer would never come.

But when Jeremiah calls saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly knows what she must do to make things right again. And it can only happen back at the beach house, the three of them together, the way things used to be. If this summer really and truly is the last summer, it should end the way it started--at Cousins Beach. (description taken from Amazon.com)

The first book in this series, The Summer I Turned Pretty, was achingly beautiful and left me hoping beyond hope for a sequel. I was soooooo excited when I knew It's Not Summer Without You was coming out...and now that I've read it, I CANNOT wait for this coming summer and the final book, We'll Always Have Summer.

These are the best realistic fiction books! Belly is a great protagonist. Unsure of herself, yet true to her instincts. Her life is enriched by her two longest friends...brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad. Her life is also...well, complicated...by her relationship with each brother.

What I loved about this second book was getting to see portions from Jeremiah's perspective. I have to be honest and say that I LOVE Jeremiah...have from the start. That being said, I totally understood what happened at the end of the first book, but I also understood why things went the way they did in this book...cryptic, no? :P

This book made me laugh, it made me cry...it broke my heart and sewed it up again. Well worth reading...again and again and again...

The Fledgling Handbook 101

The Fledgling Handbook
by P.C. Cast
House of Night series, companion book

Merry meet, fledgling. Welcome to a new life, a new world, and a new you. Welcome to the House of Night!

This might seem like a scary time, Fledgling, but never fear! As you start your journey through the ancient halls of the House of Night, this indispensable handbook will aid you in your transition from human to fledgling. Within these pages you will find invaluable information about the history of vampyres. You will also come to a better understanding of your body’s transformation, as well as read words of hope from great vampyres of the past and learn essential foundations of rituals and lore. Now, Fledgling, read on. A new life awaits you; your path to that magickal future begins here!
(description taken from Amazon.com)

As an avid House of Night reader, I was excited to know that a companion book was coming out to tide readers over until the next regular novel (Awakened, Jan 2011) in the series comes out. When it came into the Library, I snatched it right up and took it immediately home.

It was interesting. P.C. Cast obviously delved really deep into her worldbuilding to create the series. The "Handbook" gives a brief history of the vampyres, including stories about Cleopatra, Circe, a set of twins in Pompeii, and even William Shakespeare. Then there were also sections explaining the process of being "Marked," what happens during the change, imprinting and breaking imprints, fledglings with elemental influences, and different rituals.

It was interesting to flip through, but I'm really glad that I did not buy this book. It was not quite thrilling enough to make the cost worth it to me. I don't think I'd ever reread it. Very good for a Library to have, though, to satisfy all those rabid House of Night fans.

Midnight Crystal

Midnight Crystal
by Jayne Castle
Dreamlight Trilogy, book three

For many earthly centuries, a legendary curse has plagued the Winters family, stemming from the tumultuous founding of the Arcane Society. But now, on the futuristic world of Harmony, the curse's final mystery will be unraveled...

Head of the ghost hunters guild Adam Winters and dreamlight reader extraordinaire Marlowe Jones must break the curse, save Harmony's entire underworld-and fight a passion that could destroy them both. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Okay, I seriously love that these books crossover between Jayne Ann Krentz' three writing personas. Book one - contemporary - Jayne Ann Krentz, book two - historical - Amanda Quick, book three - future paranormal -Jayne Castle...so cool! I don't know of any other author that's done something like this.

Anyway, enough fangirl for now. Beyond the coolness of the trilogy itself, I think that the trilogy was ended in a very clever way. All loose ends were tied up...and by one sexy, bad-ass couple, no less. Marlowe Jones is a tough cookie, motorcycle chick, super intelligent private investigator. Adam Winters is the tough guy with morals that's going to clean up the corrupt Guild. Together, their passion ignites the pages.

My favorite character, though...the dust bunny! In Harmony, dust bunnies do not live under your bed...they are fierce little predators that hunt in the night, and sometimes deign to adopt a human. Loyal, lovable, and gluttonous. So much fun!

Beyond the romance, the mystery of the Lamp and who is willing to kill for it will keep readers turning pages. Castle a.k.a. Krentz, does a wonderful job dropping clues and keeping readers guessing until the revelations in the final pages. Well done.

Spy Glass

Spy Glass
by Maria V. Snyder
Glass Magic trilogy, book three

After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world.

Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood—and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or learn if they're lost forever…

This book is an emotional thrill ride that will suck you in and spit you back out. Opal goes through A LOT in this conclusion to her story, but very similarly to Alanna from Tamora Pierce's The Lionness Quartet, everything that Opal goes through, everything the reader experiences along with her, brings the story to a very satisfying conclusion emotionally.

When Opal finds her true love, it really feels like it's the real deal. Not just happy, superficially perfect, but really, truly, fully-fleshed "I see all your faults and love you anyway" real. *le sigh.

Though none of Snyder's books quite match the ultimate perfection of Poison Study, I love Opal, her brand of magic, and the men in her life. Again, I wish a few of the side characters...hello, Janco!...could get their own stories, but Opal was a strong, realistic heroine that I'll be sorry to leave behind.

The Karma Club

The Karma Club
by Jessica Brody

Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. Do good things and you'll be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what you deserve. But when Maddy’s boyfriend cheats on her, nothing bad comes his way. That’s why Maddy starts the Karma Club, to clean up the messes that the universe has left behind. Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. It turns out Karma often has plans of its own.
(description taken from Amazon.com)

This was a really refreshing, fun teen read. I loved how Maddy reacts just like anyone else would when she is first humiliated and dumped. She starts out totally devastated...then plots revenge! What's great, though, is that she learns that through finding balance in her own self...in creating a better life for herself, she then can pass that on to others, and reap the karmic, but NOT selfish benefits.

I love how, yes, she finds the perfect guy, but it's really only after she's learned to be a better person on her own. He does not come along and fix her...in fact, she inspires him in some ways. All in all, a fun, and morally stimulating book. :)

For some more fun, check out this book trailer for The Karma Club:

Monster High

Monster High
by Lisi Harrison

The monster community has kept a low profile at the local high school, but when two new girls enroll, the town will never be the same. Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and prom.

But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters stalking the halls, Frankie learns that high school can be rough for a chic freak like her. She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver-but can a "normie" be trusted with her big secret?
(description taken from Amazon.com)

This was an interesting start to a new series. I love the concept of the original movie "monsters" having been real people that reproduced and now their descendants are attending high school and trying to conceal their secret identities! Frankie is a hilarious newly created teen that exemplifies all the worst behaviors a spoiled fifteen year old girl can have...yet, couples it with a courage and sense of self-worth that is undeniable and makes her a character well worth emulating.

Melody, the "normi," is another fantastic character. Not perfect, by any means, yet very honest about relationships and more open to others than a lot of people out there. The other "monsters" that are introduced are all different and all tons of fun. I can't wait to see what they get up to later in the series.

My only major complaint - the book ends on such a cliffhanger! It was honestly all just a set-up for the series...could almost be considered a prequel to whatever the next book is...that should be book one really.

It was fun to read, though. I actually listened to it on audio and got to hear snippets of the "Monster High" theme song and there were additional sound effects that gave a cinematic feel. More fun. I highly recommend the audio version of this one!

Full disclosure: Received audio version to review for SLJ.

Anxiously Awaiting...

Fins Are Forever
by Tera Lynn Childs

Coming June 28, 2011!!
I loved Forgive My Fins and can't wait to read the sequel.

Carter's Big Break

Carter's Big Break
by Brent Crawford
sequel to: Carter Finally Gets It

School is finally over, and he has (barely) survived his freshman year. Unfortunately, he quickly learns that the summer break he’s been craving just might break him. When he and his girlfriend, Abby, part ways (over his less-than-appropriate requests and her shameless flirting with another guy), Carter can’t help but think his summer is ruined.

Things start to look up after he’s unexpectedly cast in an independent film opposite the world’s biggest tween sensation, Hilary Idaho, who’s looking to give her image a makeover. With Hollywood knocking on his door, Carter gets a taste of the good life. Suddenly, his small town, lame friends, and embarrassing family don’t seem as great as they used to. As is prone to happen when Carter is around, the film spirals out of control, and he begins to fear that he’s not the “somebody” he thinks he is and more of the “nobody” he’s pretty sure he always has been. But maybe, with the help of a few friends, he’ll learn to see things in a whole new light.

Find out if Carter goes Hollywood…or Hollywood goes Carter.
(description taken from Amazon.com)

I really loved Carter Finally Gets It when I read it. It is hilarious...and slightly raunchy. Definitely a book I would recommend to a high school boy looking for a funny read! Carter absolutely sounds like a fourteen year old boy...full of horomones and toilet humor.

At the end of their freshman year, Carter and his boys are looking forward to an awesome summer. Unfortunately, Carter's life never seems to work out that easily, and suddenly due to a misunderstanding (potentially totally Carter's fault), he and Abby are no longer dating. She's got her eye on an older guy, and Carter's probably gonna end up alone. *sad face*

On the upside, Carter is suddenly cast into a movie! A real movie. And his co-star is no other than Hilary Idaho, the hottest tween sensation...ever...and the fulfillment of some of Carter's wishful dreams. Things are definitely looking up...or are they?

Full of horomone driven situations and hilarious mishaps just like the first book, Carter's Big Break is another great story. Not quite as purely magical as the first, Carter still persistenly charms (and makes me snort) all the way through. The raunchiness is perfectly balanced with real life lessons, making for a book that I am just dying to pawn off on other readers!

Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots

Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots
by Abby McDonald

Jenna may hail from the ’burbs of New Jersey, but Green Teen activism is her life. So when her mom suggests they spend the summer at Grandma’s Florida condo, Jenna pleads instead to visit her hippie godmother, Susie, up in rural Canada. Jenna is psyched at the chance to commune with this nature she’s heard about — and the cute, plaidwearing boys she’s certain must roam there. But after a few run-ins with local wildlife (from a larger-than-life moose to Susie’s sullen Goth stepdaughter to a hot but hostile boy named Reeve), Jenna gets the idea that her long-held ideals, like vegetarianism and conservation, don’t play so well with this population of real outdoorsmen. A dusty survival guide offers Jenna amusing tips on navigating the wilderness — but can she learn to navigate the turns of her heart?

This book was only so-so for me. I had really high expectations, I suppose, because I loved McDonald's Sophomore Switch so much when I read it earlier this year. This just didn't strike me the same way.

Although I didn't really connect wholeheartedly to Jenna's environmental dilemma, I did love the message about learning to become a well rounded person...to not just focus on a single aspect of one's personality. I also loved the subplot about one of the character's coming out.

This wasn't a bad book by any means, but I don't feel like it's a must read.

Before I Fall

Before I Fall
by Lauren Oliver

What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High - from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

It turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death - and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.
(description from Amazon.com)


Okay, I don't usually give an extra rating on my reviews here, but this is a MUST READ book. Now saying that, I know that I'm actually behind and most of you have already read this, but if not...OMG. Go read it now...right now!

This is earning a gold star from me. It is an amazing debut and I cannot wait to read Oliver's next book, Delirium when it comes out.

Oliver has a true way with words. Her descriptions were lush and evocative. I caught myself getting caught up just in the scenery, the "feeling" of each moment, let alone dealing with the action and emotions of the story. As Sam relived her day over and over and over, it was like watching someone go through the stages of grief. Each day had a different feeling to it, anger, frustration, hopelessness, joy, acceptance. It was beautiful and thought-provoking to experience with Sam.

I actually listened to this as an audiobook and it was expertly done. The narrator was fantastic. All the emotions came across clearly and truthfully. I cried at times. I laughed. I cringed. My only complaint...the only one...was that the epilogue had music layered over it that swelled just a little too much and I had some trouble hearing the end of the narration. Other than that I consider both this book and its audio counterpart to be MUST HAVES for libraries.

Full disclosure: Audiobook received to review for School Library Journal

Ascendant
by Diana Peterfreund

Publication date: September 28, 2010
Received ARC signed by Diana Peterfreund at BEA 2010

Astrid Llewelyn is now a fully trained unicorn hunter, but she's learning that she can't solve all her problems with a bow and arrow. So when she's given the opportunity to leave the Cloisters and go to France to put her skills to use discovering the Remedy, Astrid leaps at the chance. Finally, she can have exactly what she wants - or can she? Soon Astrid begins to question everything she thought she believed: her love for Giovanni, her loyalty to the Cloisters, and - most of all - her duty as a hunter. Should Astrid be saving the world from killer unicorns, or saving the unicorns from the world?

After being blown away last year by Rampant, this was the one and only book that I was desperate, repeat desperate, to get an ARC of at BEA this year. I waited all day in long lines, with tired arms and pained feet, to stand in line with a huge grin on my face to get this book and to meet Diana Peterfreund. It was awesome!

When I sat down to read this, I had a moment's hestitation, afraid that it would not measure up to its predecessor. Rampant not only featured a great new heroine, but a fascinating new world...I mean, come on, killer unicorns? How could you not astound the YA lit world with rampaging killer unicorns??

Thankfully, my hesitation was short-lived. Ascendant not only lived up to Rampant, but I think surpassed its awesomeness. Astrid, now an acknowledged unicorn hunter, has to decide if she will continue to do her duty as a hunter, protecting humans around the globe, or if she'll go into private security to work in a quieter community and get the chance to go to school, work in a lab, and yes, be a little...well, safer.

Astrid faces challenges in both love and life in this book. She finds her moral code challenged, her ideas on family challenged, her heart divided, and well, pretty much everything in her life just falls apart. New, shockingly horrific revelations are made and Astrid must make some really tough decisions.

Astrid is achingly real in this book. She's torn between wanting to be safe and feeling as if she must do her duty as a hunter. She never gives up trying to do the right thing, ever. Astrid is what I consider a true heroine and has officially sealed her position as one of my top favorite characters of all time.

An astounding continuation in the series.

Den of Thieves

Den of Thieves
by Julia Golding
Cat Royal Adventures, book three

Traitors, Captives, and a People's Revolution.
The third volume of the Cat Royal Adventure series takes readers to Paris on a covert mission.

The Theater Royal is closed for renovations, so Mr. Sheridan commissions Cat to act as his spy in revolutionary Paris. Disguised as a ballerina, Cat joins the revolution, only to find that it is up to her to save her friends when they are captured as traitors. Like the previous two books in the series, The Diamond of Drury Lane and Cat Among Pigeons, Den of Thieves is filled with disguises, danger, drama, and most of all, the impressive Cat Royal.
(description taken from Amazon.com)

This is a great tween-aged adventure series with a strong female character. I love Cat Royal and am impressed with how Julia Golding continues to invent great adventures for her heroine. Cat has passion for life, a great blend of sensitivity and street smarts, great friends, and a habit of falling into trouble.

This book really gave Cat the opportunity to see who she really is as a person, outside of the theater. Cat learned more about why her friends really love her and would do anything to protect her. Pedro, Frank, Lizzie, Johnny, Syd and even the Duke, the Duchess, and Mr. Sheridan all proved again what Cat means to them.

The revolutionary France setting was very interesting, too. Often stories set in this time period focus on the aristocrats, but to see what life would have been like as a regular citizen, even a thief, was very interesting. I'm curious to see what Golding does when she sends Cat to America...