Fallen

by Lauren Kate
452 pages

As fantasy novels go Fallen falls short

After a mysterious accident Luce is sent from her prestigious northeastern boarding school. She ends up at a rough and tumble school for troubled teens back in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. Here she is immediately an outsider and for more reasons than she knows. After her first day she is known as "Meatloaf", not the best of starts for poor Luce, but don't worry things will get better.

Even though Luce has been sent to a reform school there might be a glimmer of light, there are two super cute guys. The first one, Cam, buys her pretty things and can't get enough of her, the second, Daniel, flipped her off the first time he saw her, guess which one Luce goes for. Yep, it is Daniel she can't get enough of. For some reason Luce is drawn to him like moth to a flame. And he is just so darn familiar almost like she knew him in another life?

As Luce tries to get closer to Daniel she also has to deal with some issues of her own. Ever since Luce was a child she has seen these strange dark shadows, but now the shadows seem to be getting stronger. Luce will have to juggle new friends, two potential boyfriends and a whole bunch of mysteries.

This one was really really hard for me to get through. I am a pretty quick reader, but it took me almost 3 weeks to read Fallen. I kept picking up other books and then trying to come back to it. I can't say what exactly what it was that made this one so difficult for me, but I just felt that it was, for lack of a better word, stupid.

It wasn't the fallen angels that I disliked, although that also didn't live up to what I had expected, it was more that there was too much going on at once. Way too many supernatural aspect going on in one story. And Luce, oh gosh, no personality and frankly annoying. She was so needy and pathetic. I kept asking myself why do these guys like her and by the end I was finding myself siding with the bad guys. This one just didn't come together for me. I know I am being a little harsh, but I just can't stand when the lead female is the stereotypical weak helpless woman.

I thought the cover was cool and I always love books set in Savannah. The second book in the series is always in the works, so maybe Lauren Kate can redeem herself, but make your own opinion, for you fantasy/supernatural lovers I'm sure you will read this one regardless.

The verdict is: I wouldn't waste my time unless you just read everything.

Academy 7

by Anne Osterlund
259 pages

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...", well not really, but if you are a fan of Star Wars Academy 7 is right up your ally.

Summary:
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. . . .

This was an interesting YA sci-fi. I enjoyed it. While it wasn't one of my favorites it held my attention. I am a huge Star Wars fan, so this one had an in from the beginning. I actually would have liked this one to be a little longer. I felt there was a lot that still needed answered. The story was exciting and I think it would appeal to boys as well as girls. I could see this one becoming a series because the plot is interesting and the setting is very cool, but I don't know if the two main characters could carry another book. They were OK, but not fabulous.

Some of the things I disliked: As I just mentioned the characters could have been a lot more interesting. I didn't think they had much depth. They were likable, but I felt they were both missing that something that makes them realistic. The cover really bothered me, I don't think it fit with the book at all. Romance was not the focus of this book, but from the cover that is what one would assume. I actually thought I would like it better if Aerin and Dane stayed just friends. My favorite part about YA romance is the build up, and while this did have it, it just didn't feel right. It was like one minute they are friends and then the next they are more. I don't know, it just didn't sit right with me.

That is really it for the complaints, on a whole I liked it. It was a fun adventure story that I believe will appeal to a variety of readers. What stuck with me was the imaginative world that Osterlund created. I look forward to reading more of her work.

The verdict is: A pretty good book, but not earth shattering.

Books To Movies

A look at some of the books that will be hitting the big screen in January and February. The one I am looking forward to the most, Percy Jackson.

Youth In Revolt

Youth In Revolt
Based on the book Youth in Revolt: The Journals of Nick Twisp by C.D. Payne.
Movie Released: January 8th, 2010
As a teenage fan of Albert Camus and Jean-Luc Godard, Nick Twisp is most definitely out of his element when his mother and her boyfriend move the family to a trailer park. When a pretty neighbor named Sheeni plays records by French crooners, it's love at first sight for frustrated virgin Nick. Upon learning that Sheeni is already dating someone, Nick launches a hilarious quest to find his way into Sheeni's heart, and bed.



The Last Station

Based on the book THE LAST STATION: A Novel of Tolstoy's Final Year by Jay Parini
Release date: January 15
A fictionalized account of the last year of the Russian author Leo Tolstoy's life and the people around him.




Creation

Based on the book DARWIN, HIS DAUGHTER & HUMAN EVOLUTION by Randal Keynes
Release date: January 22 (limited)
Draws on previously unseen material to trace the personal life of Charles Darwin, focusing on his relationship with his daughter Annie, who died when she was only ten years old.




Dear John

Based on the book Dear John by Nicholas Sparks.
Release Date:February 5th
A soldier home on leave falls for a conservative college girl. Instead of returning home to her, he reenlists after the attacks on September 11th, 2001. Time and distance begin to take a toll on the young lovers.



Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Based on the book of the same title by Rick Riordan.
Release date: February 12th
After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

Fat Kid Rules the World

By K.L. Going
Narrated by Matthew Lillard

Seventeen-year-old Troy weighs almost three hundred pounds. He is depressed and suicidal, but with the help of a new friend, Troy soon discovers that a fat kid can rule the world.

When we first me Troy he is about to throw himself in front of an oncoming subway. While working up the nerve he is saved by the skinniest kid he has ever seen. Curt is a a semi-homeless guitar legend and dropout from Troy's high school. For saving Troy's life Curt requests lunch and soon an unlikely friendship is formed and Curt decides Troy would make the perfect drummer of his two man band Rage Tectonic.

Before Troy can explain to Curt that he can't actually play the drums he is swept into the crazy world that is Curt. These two opposites make a strange pair, but turn out to be just the thing each of them needed.

Troys voice is hysterical and real. He is so honest about what it is like to be over-weight and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will relate to him. All of the characters in the story are well developed from Troys ex-marine father to Curt's punk rock band friends. Each makes the story more believable and more sentimental.

Going does a wonderful job of describing Troy as he first experiences something new, like the rush of going to a concert for the first time. There are also lots of real issues dealt with in Fat Kid Rules the World, such as drug abuse, parental neglect and death, but they are underlying to the friendship and growth we see in both the main characters.

This was another audio selection for me and I think the perfect choice. Matthew Lillard was the perfect narrator for this one. His voice animated and did the different characters perfectly.

The verdict is: Read or listen to it, a great story!

Alphas

by Lisi Harrison
272 pages

Why would anyone want to be an Alpha?

I am really trying to think of a better way to put this, but I just can't. Alphas is the type of book that gives all YA books a bad name. I know there are a huge following for Lisi Harrison books and others like them, and I have tried to find some redeeming factors, but there are none.

Alpha is this super prestigious private school for girls. It was created by the Oprah type Aussie who is the most powerful woman on the planet. Only 100 girls are selected and if they don't live up to Alpha standards they are given the boot.

The book focuses on three bunk mates during their first few days at Alpha Academy. Each has their own back story and their own secrets. The girls each try to find their place at the new school while discovering all the amazing things it has to offer as well as all the things Alpha can take from you.

The book does move quickly and I was disappointed that it ended on such a cliffhanger but only because I don't want to read the next one. I hated the way it ended and I do hope that the only decent character comes out on top in the next installment.

I somewhat liked one character, but hated all the others. They are catty and mean. I know that is supposed to be the point of the school, but how can you read a book when you hate everyone? I think it sends the wrong message to young women. The focus is on boys, cloths, beauty and being the best even if it means hurting others. Sorry, I just don't get the appeal.

The verdict is: Leave this one on the shelf.

Fade

by Lisa McMann
248 pages

Fade is the exciting sequel to Wake. Just as fast-paced as the first and still leaves you wanting more.

From the authors site:

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open--but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability. And it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a Dream Catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd even feared...

YA books seem to just be growing in length. If you can find one under 400 pages I feel lucky, but these books are short and sweet. As a librarian I think this is great. There are so many kinds out there that are intimidated by these huge books and won't even give them a chance. I am happy to find a good series, with a different voice that is readable.

This one is more for the older young adults, but it is not to graphic or racy. McMann's style of writing is different, but in my opinion in a good way. I think it really works for the story. At times a little far-fetched, but really, what fantasy series isn't?

The verdict is: If you liked the first one you won't be disappointed.

Update

I didn't intend to take off for the holiday's, but I guess it seems that way. Right before Christmas was very hectic, but I did get a lot of reading in. I am going to try and first catch up with reviews of the books I read in December and then try to start on some of the new ones.

I am even more behind because I just got my tonsils out on the 30th. I went to the library and got about 20 books, but haven't got through any! The meds that have me own make me a little dizzy so that basically means reading is out. I tried listening to one on CD, but I passes out within five minutes.

To make matters worse my laptop is not cooperating. So instead of laying in my cozy bed and typing this I am in the cold office. As soon as I am aloud to drive I am going to have it looked at.

I think I will be back on track within a few days, and in the mean time I will attempt to put up a post or two in my lucid state. For those of you just dying to read my blog (if there are any of you out there) just sit tight for another week.

Thanks,

Manda