Sunday, July 26, 2009

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .


Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable muggle aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's a wizard, just as his parents were.But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright.From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.

-Amanda

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Waiting On Wednesday

The book that I'm waiting on this week is....
Title: Meridian
Author: Amber Kizer
Release Date: August 11, 2009

Half-human, half-angel, Meridian Sozu has a dark responsibility. Sixteen-year-old Meridian has been surrounded by death ever since she can remember. As a child, insects, mice, and salamanders would burrow into her bedclothes and die. At her elementary school, she was blamed for a classmate's tragic accident. And on her sixteenth birthday, a car crashes in front of her family home--and Meridian's body explodes in pain. Before she can fully recover, Meridian is told that she's a danger to her family and hustled off to her great-aunt's house in Revelation, Colorado. It's there that she learns that she is a Fenestra--the half-angel, half-human link between the living and the dead. But Meridian and her sworn protector and love, Tens, face great danger from the Aternocti, a band of dark forces who capture vulnerable souls on the brink of death and cause chaos.
-Amanda

Monday, July 20, 2009

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow is my 16th birthday. I'm not planning on posting anything, but things will be back to normal on Wednesday.

Just thought I'd give everyone a heads up. I love my summer birthday...

-Amanda

Sunday, July 19, 2009

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

The Sky Inside by Clare B. Dunkle

Every year a new generation of genetically-engineered children is shipped out to meet their parents. Every spring the residents of his town take down the snow they've stuck to their windows and put up flowers. Every morning his family gathers around their television and votes, like everyone else, for whatever matter of national importance the president has on the table. Today, it is the color of his drapes. It's business as usual under the protective dome of suburb HM1. And it's all about to come crashing down. Because a stranger has come to take away all the little children, including Martin's sister, Cassie, and no one wants to talk about where she has gone. The way Martin sees it, he has a choice. He can remain in the dubious safety of HM1, with danger that no one wants to talk about lurking just beneath the surface, or he can actually break out of the suburb, into the mysterious land outside, rumored to be nothing but blowing sand for miles upon miles.

Killer (Pretty Little Liars Series #6) by Sara Shepard

In picture-perfect Rosewood, Pennsylvania, ash-blond highlights gleam in the winter sun and frozen lakes sparkle like Swarovski crystals. But pictures often lie—and so do Rosewood's four prettiest girls. Hanna, Aria, Spencer, and Emily have been lying ever since they became friends with beautiful Alison DiLaurentis. Ali made them do terrible things—things they had to keep secret for years. And even though Ali was killed at the end of seventh grade, their bad-girl ways didn't die with her. Hanna's on a mission to corrupt Rosewood's youth, starting with a very attractive sophomore. Aria's snooping into her boyfriend's past. Spencer's stealing—from her family. And pure little Emily's abstaining from abstinence. The girls should be careful, though. They thought they were safe when Ali's killer was arrested and A's true identity was finally revealed. But now there's a new A in town turning up the heat. And this time Rosewood is going to burn.

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them. But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school. Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies. Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning. . . .


Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

Eager to learn everything she can about her new abilities as an Immortal, Ever turns to her beloved Damen to show her the way. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen’s are waning. In an attempt to save him, Ever travels to the magical dimension of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen’s tortured past; a past which he has always kept hidden from her. But in her quest to cure Damen, Ever discovers an ancient text that details the workings of time. Now Ever must choose between turning back the past and saving her family from the accident that claimed their lives—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows sicker every day...

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live. A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

Gorgeous by Rachel Vail

She's looking good...but Allison Avery can't believe it. Growing up with beautiful, blond sisters, Allison has always been the dark-haired, "interesting-looking" Avery. So when the devil shows up and offers to make her gorgeous, Allison jumps at the chance to finally get noticed. But there's one tiny catch, and it's not her soul: The devil wants her cell phone.Though her deal with the devil seems like a good idea at the time, Allison soon realizes that being gorgeous isn't as easy as it looks. Are her new friends and boyfriend for real, or do they just like her pretty face? Allison can't trust anyone anymore, and her possessed phone and her family's financial crisis aren't making things any easier. Plus when she finds out that she might be America's next teen model, all hell breaks loose. Allison may be losing control, but how far is she willing to go to stay gorgeous forever?

Hunger by Michael Grant

Food ran out weeks ago. Everyone is starving, but no one wants to figure out a solution. And each day, more and more kids are evolving, developing supernatural abilities that set them apart from the kids without powers. Tension rises and chaos is descending upon the town. It's the normal kids against the mutants. Each kid is out for himself, and even the good ones turn murderous. But a larger problem looms. The Darkness, a sinister creature that has lived buried deep in the hills, begins calling to some of the teens in the FAYZ. Calling to them, guiding them, manipulating them. The Darkness has awakened. And it is hungry.

-Amanda

Saturday, July 18, 2009

A Look Inside: Perfect Chemistry

"A Look Inside" Is a post where I'll have a featured author, and I'll choose a book that they wrote. I always come out after finishing a book with a favorite character, so I'll also have a featured character, and one of my favorite quotes from them.

Author: Simone Elkeles
Book: Perfect Chemistry
Character: Alex
Quote: "Do you think they're doing it?" she asks.
"Either that. or Doug's a very religious guy," I say, referring to the guy screaming Oh, God! every two seconds.

If you have a favorite YA author, book or quote e-mail me it at txmandaxt@yahoo.com I'll make sure to give you credit!
-Amanda

Friday, July 17, 2009

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

****Tricks by Ellen Hopkins****

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 18/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 7/10
Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 9/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 86/100
Grade- B
Release Date- August 25, 2009

Five teenagers from different parts of the country. Three girls. Two guys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching...for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don't expect, though, is all that can happen when those powerful little words "I love you" are said for all the wrong reasons. Five moving stories remain separate at first, then interweave to tell a larger, powerful story -- a story about making choices, taking leaps of faith, falling down, and growing up. A story about kids figuring out what sex and love are all about, at all costs, while asking themselves, "Can I ever feel okay about myself?"

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Tricks by Ellen Hopkins has become one of my favorite of her books so far. I love her style of writing. Hopkins has a way of writing so little but saying so much. All of her books hold a special meaning to me and Tricks is no different. I was able to connect and sympathize with every character. Each one was so different, but had to deal with their problems in the same way. I teared up several times while reading because I could feel the pain and betrayal that some of the characters felt. Tricks also made me realize why a teen would even get into prostitution. I am the same age as a couple of the characters so I could relate to some of their frustrations. Hopkins has an amazing skill of writing for teens. My heart went out to each and every character.

The writing was amazing, and so were the characters and the plot. As usual I have no complaints of this Hopkins book. Overall I would say that Tricks was a book that showed a new side of prostitution and can be read by any teen who has read Hopkins or just wants to read something REAL.

-Amanda

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Gone by Michael Grant

****Gone by Michael Grant****

Originality- 20/20
Characters- 18/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 19/20
Ending- 9/10
Recommend to read- 9/10
TOTAL- 92/100
Grade- A

In the blink of an eye.
Everyone disappears.
Gone.
Everyone except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not a single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Gone, too, are the phones, internet, and television. There is no way to get help.
Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day.
It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen and war is imminent.
The first in a breathtaking saga about teens battling each other and their darkest selves, gone is a page-turning thriller that will make you look at the world in a whole new way.

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This book had everything that I look for in an original read. This is the kind of story that makes me think and wonder about all kinds of things. The characters were very well crafted and mysterious. I would have loved to get more of a background story on some but I could understand why I didn't. You're reading in the moment. If you aren't trying to figure out what's going on then you're at the edge of your seat quickly reading through action packed pages.

The action wasn't very gory or cringe worthy. We got enough details to worry about the characters but not so much to feel disgusted. I very much enjoyed the entire novel. At the end you are left on a happy note but still wondering what will happen next. I am so thankful that the second book in the saga titled Hunger is already released and I will buy it tomorrow.

Overall I would say that Gone was a fast paced read that keeps you guessing. Your reading about a place that is so much like your own but with so many unexpected twists. Gone is great for boys and girls alike. I encourage you to read this book if you're into out of the norm experiences.

-Amanda

Sunday, July 12, 2009

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Five teenagers from different parts of the country. Three girls. Two guys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching...for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don't expect, though, is all that can happen when those powerful little words "I love you" are said for all the wrong reasons. Five moving stories remain separate at first, then interweave to tell a larger, powerful story -- a story about making choices, taking leaps of faith, falling down, and growing up. A story about kids figuring out what sex and love are all about, at all costs, while asking themselves, "Can I ever feel okay about myself?"


Moon Rise by Marilee Brothers

Her mom's still dating losers. Her boyfriend's gone back to Mexico. Dad still hasn't told his wife and kids that she exists. At school, the drama queens and bullies still rule. But worst of all for Allie Emerson--aka the Star Seeker of an old Gypsy prophecy--is that her powers have taken a hike. She can't read minds anymore. She can't move stuff just by looking at it. The other Star Seekers are counting on her psychic gifts more than ever, and the evil Tri-marks are closing in, eager to snatch her magic moonstone necklace while she's helpless. The hot new guy at school is ready and willing to fight her battles, but he comes with some wicked baggage.

The Treasure Map of Boys : Noel, Jackson, Finn, Hutch--and me, Ruby Oliver by E. Lockhart

Ruby is back at Tate Prep, and it’s her thirty-seventh week in the state of Noboyfriend. Her panic attacks are bad, her love life is even worse, and what’s more: Noel is writing her notes, Jackson is giving her frogs, Gideon is helping her cook, and Finn is making her brownies. Rumors are flying, and Ruby’s already-sucky reputation is heading downhill. Not only that, she’s also: running a bake sale, learning the secrets of heavymetal therapy, encountering some seriously smelly feet, defending the rights of pygmy goats, and bodyguarding Noel from unwanted advances.

-Amanda

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner

****Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner****

Originality- 17/20
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 9/10
Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 87/100
Grade- B

Unfortunately Olivia walked in on her dad having...adult fun with one of his students. Now all she wants to do is go to a summer program devoted to the arts and write a play. All of her pent up energy will be let loose as she writes her play titled Castration Celebration. Olivia is influenced by her new friends, especially Max. Max is a lady's man. The type of guy Olivia doesn't really want. She's sworn off guys all together. But Max won't give up. Olivia and Max might just have something, but will Olivia let her emotions through? Will the play and real life end the same way?

Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner was fantastic. I read the whole book in one afternoon. It wasn't as if I was kept on my toes wondering what would happen next, or that the book was just really short. What kept me reading it was the fact that it was so funny. Almost every page had me cracking up. This is the kind of book you should read alone or else people will stare and laugh at you while you're grabbing at your sides trying to stay in control.

Not only was the book funny but I also like how it alternated from real life to the play. I was able to keep up easily with both stories. Castration Celebration was truly a refreshing read. YA books usually tip toe around the topic of sex, but this read just put it out there. It wasn't vulgar or out of the age group.

I related to a lot of the characters in different ways. Olivia was an amazing character that we got to see grow throughout the entire novel, her voice was witty and true. I agreed with most everything she said. Overall I would say that Castration Celebration was a fantastic novel that will open your eyes to the way teens really feel.

-Amanda

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Waiting On Wednesday

The book that I'm waiting on this week is...

Title: Almost Perfect
Author: Brian Katcher
Release Date: October 13th

Logan Witherspoon recently discovered that his girlfriend of three years cheated on him. But things start to look up when a new student breezes through the halls of his small-town high school. Sage Hendricks befriends Logan at a time when he no longer trusts or believes in people. Sage has been homeschooled for a number of years and her parents have forbidden her to date anyone, but she won’t tell Logan why. One day, Logan acts on his growing feelings for Sage. Moments later, he wishes he never had. Sage finally discloses her big secret: she’s actually a boy. Enraged, frightened, and feeling betrayed, Logan lashes out at Sage and disowns her. But once Logan comes to terms with what happened, he reaches out to Sage in an attempt to understand her situation. But Logan has no idea how rocky the road back to friendship will be.

-Amanda

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

****The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong****

Originality- 19/20
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 19/20
Ending- 9/10
Recommend to read- 10/10
TOTAL- 93/100
Grade- A

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

Amazing. Hands down. I think that The Awakening was even better then the Summoning. The characters continued to amaze me. Chloe is still trying to figure everything out and Simon is still adorably sweet. I'm very curious about Derek, he's probably my favorite character though.

The story moved very fast and was full of action. Details continued to come at me but thankfully these things were presented in a way that made me understand. I was able to easily keep up with the story. The Awakening was not only a fun read it also kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't tell you how many times my heart started to pound or when I felt fearful or worry for the characters. Armstrong sucks you into the story and makes you feel it. Overall I would say that The Awakening was an amazing sequel that will keep you interested. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the 3rd book in the Darkest Powers trilogy.

-Amanda

Sunday, July 5, 2009

In My Mailbox

Nothing...
I'm gonna blame this on the holiday....
No mail =[

Good news is that this week I'm going to actually post some reviews! Finally, right?

-Amanda

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Dork Diaries Winner!

The winner of the Dork Diaries book and purse giveaway is...

Bianca

Congratulations! Please e-mail your mailing address to txmandaxt@yahoo.com with the subject as Dork Diaries Winner.
-Amanda

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Twenty Boy Summer Winners!

The two winners of Twenty Boy Summer are....

Bianca

MissAttitude

Congratulations!! Please send me an e-mail at txmandaxt@yahoo.com containing your mailing address with the subject of Twenty Boy Summer Winner.

Remember, today is the last day to enter the Dork Diaries and purse giveaway! The contest is linked in the right sidebar!
-Amanda