The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Genre: Supernatural

Chloe Saunders could hardly believe it when she starts seeing ghosts. How could it be possible? Pushing the thought from her mind, she went on with her life – at least until a brief scuffle with a terrifying ghost lands her in Lyle's house, an asylum for special teens. There, she meets kids that seem normal at firsthand but are more extraordinary than she could ever have imagined. Chloe soon realizes that to be able to leave, she must try to be normal as possible despite the abnormal things that soon starts taking place…

Despite the supernatural element of the story, Chloe's skepticism towards the fact that she could see ghosts makes it realistic. At one point in the story, she even believed she was schizophrenic.

Another defining quality of Chloe is that she narrates the story in a movie director sort of perspective. What I mean by this is that she compares her life to film. It made her views so much more interesting. After all, she was a theater arts student before she was admitted into the asylum.

Chloe is an amazing protagonist. She never stops questioning herself and others; she's determined to find the truth. However, she has insecurities that inhibit her, and that makes her all the more enchanting.

The Summoning is dead-on in terms of character development and interactions, suspense, and plot. The teens at Lyle House are all well sketched-out, and that helped advance the plot as well. The dialogue, which I believed to be the novel's greatest strength, is so real you can easily believe that the characters are actual teenagers. Using a moderate pace helped with character growth; however, it gains much energy and suspense as mysterious events and connections start unraveling. This novel never stops surprising you.

There's absolutely no negative thing I can comment on about this book. I wouldn't be surprised to see The Summoning on a bestsellers list. I absolutely adore this book, and I'm looking forward to the next book of the series.

Freezing Point by Karen Dionne

Genre: Eco-Science Thriller

What started off as a brilliant, lucrative idea in theory quickly became an expensive, lunatic catastrophe in practice. When he decided to go with the Antarctica plan to melt the polar ice, Ben Maki only wanted to help provide pure clean water for those that did not have access to it. After all, global warming would still naturally play its part in melting the polar ice without human interference. What use is wasted water anyway? What he didn't realize was that a dream this huge and ambitious can't always go according to plan. When he's not enduring environmentalists' aggravating protests, he's dealing with his boss's censure. Therefore, he's not exactly well-equipped when faced with a crisis that may overthrow his dream altogether as well as vanquish the human race.

Karen Dionne's Freezing Point produces quite an adrenaline rush. Not only does it pertain to today's relevant issues, it's also a credible – as well as incredible – story. I've read many thrillers, but not one of them comes close to the wholesome believability that this novel offers. It's almost – though not quite – like speculative fiction; you can indeed see something like this happening in the future.

If you want something imaginative, informative, and intriguing, this is the novel for you. The science behind this novel is detailed and presented in a logical manner. It's actually the science aspect that appealed to me initially. I also believe this was the strength of the novel as it increased the probability of it actually occurring. Within finishing the second chapter, you already learn about a microwave concept that can be used to heat the Antarctica ice. If it's not the science that grabs you, it'll be the amazing storyline, the fascinating characters, or the wonderful style. Action-packed and dangerous from start to finish, it has all the crucial ingredients needed for an excellent eco-thriller.

There are a great variety of engaging characters, ranging from greedy businessmen to eco-terrorists, each with their own ulterior motives. It was fun to read about how they all connect with each other and their parts in the main storyline. Great descriptions enhance the story without falling into purple prose. I love the changes in perspective after something exciting happens; it keeps you anticipating for the next chapters to find out what happens to the characters. This played a big role in the story's suspense.

Mind-boggling, mind-blowing, and mind-numbing enough to give you a brain freeze, Freezing Point is a real eye opener.

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A special thanks to the wonderful Karen Dionne for giving away this novel as part of her Book Tour.

If you haven't gotten a copy, go participate in her contest! See details in the post below or click HERE to go to the official site.

Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

Genre: Realistic/Young Adult Fiction

When it comes to love, everyone is a potential victim. It doesn't matter how short, tall, smart, dumb, strong, or pretty you are. You can be hit with Cupid's arrow any time without realizing it before it's too late. Dominique Baylor of Anatomy of a Boyfriend had to learn this the hard way, but is there ever an easy way?

Seventeen-year-old Dominique Baylor has always cared more about grades and schoolwork than she did about boys. This is perfectly understandable since she wants to pursue a career as a doctor. Until she met Wesley, a track star from her best friend's high school, Dominique had never had any real experience with boys. Despite her bad first impression with him (involving her falling into mud), they both inevitably fall in love. Together, they learn the complexity of maintaining relationships, especially when it involves sex.

First off, I love the cover as well as the title; the cover is almost as fun as the book itself! It plays with Dominique's aspiration to become a doctor and illustrates the humor of this novel. Another cool thing about the cover is that the arrows connecting the parts of the boyfriend to its corresponding labels remind me of Cupid's arrows. Not to mention, the arrows are red, a color that represents both heart and love. It's amazing how symbolic the cover is by itself.

I also love how modern and fun this novel is. In fact, the characters get to know each other over instant messaging and email. In a world where practically every teenager uses the computer frequently, I thought this was relevant.

This wonderful coming-of-age novel center on Dominique's love life – her physical experience with her first love as well as the emotions associated with it. An honest and open novel, Anatomy of a Boyfriend puts love and sex under a sensitive and perceptive light without being critical. Snadowsky captured its positive and negative aspects perfectly; the novel genuinely portrays the confusion, awkwardness, and turmoil of sex. It even covers safe sex. In one of the scenes of the book, Dominique's best friend, Amy, had a pregnancy scare. I found this significant because it illustrates the importance of responsibility. For such a light novel, there were some heavy messages within it.

Though I've read many books written in the first-person perspective, I rarely ever feel as if I'm really in the character's head. Dominique's thoughts and feelings can be very vivid as well as graphic, and I felt like I was intruding on her thoughts sometimes. This realization was rather shocking, but it helped me connect with her. Dominique does come off as angst-y, clingy, and pathetic under a critical eye at times, but she realizes this herself. The characters are so believable, meaningful, and three-dimensional that I began making comparisons with them to some people I know in real life. Dominique is overall a strong character, but she does succumb to the power of love as many would, although you probably would expect better from an intellectual premed student. That's what makes her so complex. She even considers abandoning a scholarship to be able to go to NYU with Wes, but fortunately, she doesn't go through with it.

I honestly can't find any major faults with this novel, though I suppose the graphic scenes could be toned down a notch. Still, this is a top-notch debut novel, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Snadowsky's works.

Keep in mind that this novel is aimed at the older teens. As mentioned throughout the review, the mature content - some explicit sex scenes and language - may be inappropriate for kids and younger teens.


A special thanks to Daria Snadowsky for sending me Anatomy of a Boyfriend.

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Want to learn more about Anatomy of a Boyfriend? Click HERE.

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Other bloggers who reviewed this book:
The Compulsive Reader
Reading Keeps You Sane

The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley

Genre: Fantasy

As we all know perfectly well, real life simply isn't a fairy tale. Not everyone gets a happy ending. But what if we abandon this mindset and believe they are as true as they come? What if everything we ever learned about The Three Little Pigs, Snow White, Cinderella, etc. were true? Crazy, huh? That's what Sabrina Grimm initially thought when her so-called grandmother told her that fairy tales are true-to-life historical accounts and that their family is related to the famous Grimm brothers. After all, Sabrina doesn't have a reason to believe her grandmother. She and her sister Daphne were deemed orphans after their parents mysteriously disappeared, and her father had told her before that her grandmother was dead. So when a woman claiming to be their grandmother adopts the siblings, it's no wonder that Sabrina is an extreme skeptic. It's not until Sabrina encountered a real giant that she began to believe her seemingly lunatic grandmother. Upon this realization, Sabrina and Daphne must oblige with their fate as the Grimm sisters and rescue the town.

Like most normal kids, I grew up reading fairy tales; however, I never outgrew them. I always love books with a new remix on classic fairy tales, and this novel did not disappoint. The blend of mystery within fairy tale makes the story so much more intriguing. Characters I know and love each have a different side to them, making them all the more complicated and realistic. Buckley cleverly and creatively introduces new characters (like the Grimm sisters) while adding to the already known fairy tale characters and creatures. Sabrina makes an exceptional protagonist. She's only twelve years old, but she's already taking care of her sister so well. She's smart and cunning; she always knows how to perfectly run away from the crazy foster homes she's placed in. One of her most distinctive qualities – as well as my favorite quality about her – is that she's extremely skeptical in the beginning. This made a lot of room for humor as she's never afraid to speak her mind. There aren't many books that can have me laughing out loud, but The Fairy-Tale Detectives is definitely one of them.

Note: This was also reviewed for Book Divas.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Genre: Fantasy

In Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, ghosts, werewolves, ghouls, witches, night gaunts and other supernatural creatures do not daunt Bod (short for Nobody) Owens at all. In fact, he has ghosts as foster parents, a werewolf as a teacher, and a witch as a friend; to him, the graveyard dwellers are the closest thing he has to a family. As Bod grows older, he starts to abandon the safety of the graveyard to venture into the living world. Ironically, it is there that he realizes the value of his learned ghostly skills as he tries to blend in with humans and discover the truth about his biological parents' deaths.

Ultimately, this book consists of Bod's many ghostly mini-adventures, a timeline of his life. Bod is a well fleshed-out dynamic character; his thoughts and feelings are always relatable whether he was a toddler or a preteen. I felt that I really got to know him, and that's what made the story so hauntingly beautiful. In fact, all the other characters are lifelike and convincing as well. What I love about Gaiman's writing style is that it's always so authentic and natural; nothing ever sounds forced or out of place. Gaiman also never slows down the pace of the book. Each chapter is filled with suspense, creativity, and most important of all, clever wit. This is what I call a page turner. Another thing I loved about this book is the subject matter itself, the idea of a boy being raised by ghosts. It's fresh, quirky, and attention-grabbing all at once. Who would've thought?

However, the main conflict's resolution wasn't quite what I had expected; I wish the explanation for the death of Bod's family was more elaborated upon though it was satisfactory enough. I also wish Bod had a stronger connection with the Lady on the Grey, a ghost who initially convinced the graveyard citizens to raise Bod…but I'm just nitpicking.

I definitely recommend this novel to everyone. Even though this book was inspired by The Jungle Book, I felt that The Graveyard Book was definitely in a class by itself.


(Note: This was also reviewed for HarperCollins Children's.)

More Notes From the Universe by Mike Dooley

More Notes from the Universe is just what its title suggests – a compilation of uplifting messages to help you jumpstart your day, week, or even life written from the perspective of the Universe. Everybody needs an ego booster every now and then, and this is what this book does – it tells you how much you rock (even if you don't know it). Positive thinking is its central theme, and it was written to offer hope, peace of mind, and motivation. At its surface the notes are all fun, cute, witty, and simple, yet it still allows you to self-reflect on your own life. It makes you contemplate about how much power and control you really do have.

This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read; the cover, the page designs, and most importantly, the words and wisdom are all beautiful, as well as inspirational. In fact, it's not just a book, but a guide, a friend, and a wise one at that. The book literally speaks to you as a good friend would to provide helpful and practical advice about life, dreams, and happiness. The great thing about this is that it doesn't have to be read in one sitting or in order. Any page you randomly flip to will offer a new stimulating positive message. I really enjoyed reading it, as it gave me insight on my own life. Even though everybody may be at different stages in their lives, this book will hopefully touch them if they care to listen to it.


(Note: This was also reviewed for Book Divas - CollectiveX.)

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull

Genre: Fantasy

Fablehaven has always been somewhat of a safe resort for all sorts of magical creatures – nipsies, golems, fairies, nymphs, centaurs, you name it. However, when a shadow plague hits and all the dark creatures start to infect others with darkness, the Sorensons must find out the source behind this sudden outbreak before all the creatures become evil. As if worrying about the fate of Fablehaven wasn't enough, Kendra Sorenson has also been recruited by the Knights of Dawn to embark on a dangerous mission that involves a mysterious artifact.

Wonder, magic, suspense, adventure, action – elements of a promising book -are all present in pretty much every page. Brandon Mull gives magic to his characters with his sparkling descriptions and diction. Whether dark or light, the creatures were delightful all the same, adding fun here and there. The characters' interactions with each other were strong yet believable; the chemistry between some of the characters were touching (I don't want to spoil the story, so I'll leave it at that).This definitely isn't just another good versus evil fantasy.

Rogue's Home by Hilari Bell

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure

Although I haven't read the first book of the series, I love this book. As an avid reader of mysteries and fantasies, I was pleased to see how Hilari Bell had combined fantasy, humor, mystery, action, and adventure all into one wonderfully-crafted novel.

In this Knight and Rogue novel, Sir Michael and his squire Fisk set off for Fisk's home in order to investigate murders, fires, and blackmail that have upset Fisk's family. Complications arise as Michael is found out to be unredeemed (an unredeemed man has no legal rights and is generally looked down upon), and he is framed by the unknown arsonist. Through a series of interrogations of suspects and the families of the deceased, Michael and Fisk unknowingly move closer to solving this mystery despite their troubles with the law. But will they succeed before Fisk's family is forced to move?

Michael and Fisk prove to be worthy detectives, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Watson. They create the perfect balance with their contrasting yet complementary personalities. Even more so, the novel alternates between the two, so readers get to know both of them pretty well. The alternation between perspectives also doesn't slow down the novel despite the differences between the two. Sensible, clever, and comical Fisk is the foil to the idealistic, honorable, and naïve Michael. Their witty banters (most of which were started by Fisk) create comic relief. So whether you're more like Michael or more like Fisk, they both have many likeable qualities that are relatable. What I liked was how consistent the book was that I never once mixed up the characters' viewpoints, yet I can definitely see how Michael and Fisk mature throughout the story (while still retaining their core characteristics).

The plot was cleverly-devised and original, especially since it was a detective story set in a medieval setting. Even though the plot's main focal point is on the mystery, Bell also incorporates Fisk's background with his family. Fisk does his best to solve the mystery, risking his and Michael's life in the process, due to his loyalty to his family.

Bell creates great descriptions without sounding too gaudy. The chase scenes, fires, questionings, and their limited time made the story all the more thrilling. A lot is at stake for solving the mystery would supposedly restore Fisk's family's name, bring light to the deaths of the victims, clear Michael of the suspected arson charges, and reveal the true mastermind behind all the crimes.

My only complaint is that I wish the novel had gotten more in depth with Michael's slight magical ability, though it is explained that he didn't trust it. Otherwise, it was a great novel, and I look forward to reading more of Hilari Bell's works.

Note: Also reviewed for HarperTeen.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Genre: Fantasy

Love fairy tales as a child but believe you're too old for them? No worries. Neil Gaiman delivers a spectacular adult fairy tale in Stardust. This isn't the typical fairy tale with simple and predictable plot twists. Gaiman manages to conjure a spellbinding story though admittedly, it isn't exactly suitable for children. Once you get past the mature stuff, it really is a fantastic read.

When Dunstan Thorn crossed the Wall and visited the Faerie Market in order to purchase a gift for his lover, Daisy, he never would have predicted that he would fall in love with a beautiful, gypsy slave. Still, he did, and she ended up giving birth to his son, Tristan Thorn.

Years later, good-natured Tristan grew up and fell in love with beautiful Victoria Forester. In order to win her heart, he sets out to find a star that had fallen in Faerie. Upon meeting the star, he realizes that stars take on the form of humans in Faerie. Unfortunately, he also realizes that he is not the only one who's searching for the star.

What I loved about this beautiful fantasy was that it was thrilling (despite the fact that it was a fairy tale) and humorous at the same time. The characters are so complex, well-defined, and charming that I became absorbed in them. Every part of the novel was necessary for the ending, though you don't know it until you reach the end. Gaiman's style is so natural yet deep and effective. I have to say that this is one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure to read.