Review: Zombies vs. Unicorns
Hardcover, 432 pages Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Released: September 21st 2010 It’s a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths–for good and evil–of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad-ass) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling teen authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan. This anthology will have everyone asking: Team Zombie or Team Unicorn? My Rating: 4 /5 My Thoughts: This short story collection is bursting with amazing authors (Carrie Ryan, Diana Peterfreund, Scott Westerfld, Meg Cabot, Cassie Clare and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Zombies vs. Unicorns. book review
Interview with Alexandra Adornetto, author of Halo
I had the very great pleasure of interviewing Alexandra Adornetto on Monday morning. I was a bit nervous as this was the first telephone/in person interview that I’ve done. I was quickly reassured by her down to earth, friendly manner and the oh-so-adorable Australian accent. Talking to an “eighteen-year-old phenom”, as touted by her publicist, I wasn’t sure what to expect really. Alexandra is a well, but soft-spoken, young lady. I started by asking where the name of Venus Cove, the fictional town that’s the setting of her latest novel, Halo, came from. I thought that she would say it was based on somewhere local to her in Australia, but Alexandra says that Venus Cove is an unidentifiable American town; this was done to reach a wider market which makes sense being her North American debut. Halo … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alexandra Adornetto, Halo, interview
Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Hardcover, 479 pages Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Released: August 31st 2010 Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still. When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim … Read entire article »
Filed under: book review, Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Angel
Review: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Hardcover, 288 pages Publisher: Little Brown/Poppy Released: September 7th 2010 Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “Duffy,” she throws her Coke in his face. But things aren’t so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley. Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s … Read entire article »
Filed under: book review, Kody Keplinger, The DUFF
Review: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
ISBN: 9780061852053 ISBN10: 0061852058Imprint: Avon On Sale: 15/03/2010 Format: Paperback Pages: 432 Price $10.99 Ages: 18 and Up A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen’s club. Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she’s vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she’s been missing. But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss—to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston—charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his … Read entire article »
Filed under: book review, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, Romance, Sarah MacLean
Winners of the First Annual Teen Read Awards!
This past Saturday night, Jackie & I had the honor of attending the 1st Annual Teen Read Awards presented by the amazing people at Indigo. Teen fans were able to vote daily over the summer with opportunities to win daily prizes & a grand prize of transportation to the awards, hotel & a copy of each book that made it to the final round (Wowzers 10 categories & 5 nominees = 50 books!!) Prior to the award ceremony, many authors were in town for book signings. Just across the street from where the awards were to take place, a bunch of authors in town for the awards stopped into Chapters to sign. It was also the final tour stop for the Smart Chicks Kick It Tour in Brampton. Sadly I … Read entire article »
Review: Songs for a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson
Product ISBN: 9781402243011 Price: $9.99 Publication Date: September 2010 Format: Paperback After living in twelve places in eight years, Calle Smith finds herself in Andreas Bay, California, at the start of ninth grade. Another new home, another new school…Calle knows better than to put down roots. Her song journal keeps her moving to her own soundtrack, bouncing through a world best kept at a distance. Yet before she knows it, friends creep in-as does an unlikely boy with a secret. Calle is torn over what may be her first chance at love. With all that she’s hiding and all that she wants, can she find something lasting beyond music? And will she ever discover why she and her mother have been running in the first place? I’m a big music fan with fairly … Read entire article »
Filed under: book review, Kim Culbertson, Songs for a Teenage Nomad, YA
Upcoming Toronto Event & Interview with HALO author Alexandra Adornetto
There was tons of buzz back in May/BEA time about 18 yr old Alexandra Adornetto, author of Halo. Did you know this is not her first book… she published her first book at the age of 14? Oh to be so talented at such a young age. I have some great news to pass along for all my Toronto area readers. Alexandra will be making a tour stop here next week! Come on out to Indigo Yorkdale Monday September 27th for a chance to meet Alexandra. What an inspiration & amazing opportunity for aspiring teen writers to chat about writing! I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to ask Alexandra a few questions, I hope you enjoy! Besides possiblly being jealous, I’m sure many readers want to know how … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alexandra Adornetto, Halo, interview, Toronto
Review: Death’s Excellent Vacation
Hardback 235 x 159mm352 pagesISBN 978044101868003 Aug 2010Ace trade paper18 – AND UP The editors of Wolfsbane and Mistletoe and Many Bloody Returns deliver a new collection-including a never-before-published Sookie Stackhouse story. New York Times bestselling authors Charlaine Harris, Katie MacAlister, Jeaniene Frost-plus Lilith Saintcrow, Jeff Abbott, and more-send postcards from the edge of the paranormal world to fans who devoured Wolfsbane and Mistletoe and Many Bloody Returns. With an all-new Sookie Stackhouse story and twelve other original tales, editors Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner bring together a stellar collection of tour guides who offer vacations that are frightening, funny, and touching for the fanged, the furry, the demonic, and the grotesque. Learn why it really can be an endless summer-for immortals. To date, I’ve had a bit of a … Read entire article »
Filed under: 2010, book reviews, Deaths Excellent Vacation
Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
Punlisher: Little Brown for Young ReadersFormat: HardcoverSubformat: Young AdultEdition: Book II in The Prophecy of the Sisters TrilogyPublish Date:8/1/2010US/Can Price:$17.99/$21.99ISBN:9780316034470 The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she’ll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister’s role in the prophecy, and that’s not the only thing she wants: There’s also Lia’s boyfriend James. Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn’t know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing. This is the second book in a series of three, the first … Read entire article »
Filed under: 2010, book reviews, Guardian of the Gate, Michelle Zink, YA
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