Teen Book reviews: Evernight & Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Vampires are hot and Evernight is a great and surprising book in that genre. The story centers around Bianca, who's been pulled out of public school to attend Evernight Academy, a boarding school where her parents are going to be teaching. Like any teen would be, Bianca is angry and upset about her parents decision, but has no choice. Things start to look up when she meets Lucas, a brooding, handsome teen. But as it turns out, both have a secret that threatens to destroy their relationship.

This book surprised me, oh, right around page 140 as I suddenly found myself reading a very different book than I initially thought- and this was a good twist. I won't spoil it here, but if you like vampire novels, loved Twilight and the House of Night series, then you'll want to pick up this book and it's sequel.

In Stargazer, Bianca and Lucas have been separated by circumstance and to keep each other safe, but Bianca soon finds out that there are even more secrets at Evernight, and something is after her. Miss Bethany, the school's headmistress, and even her parents, all seem to know more than they are letting on and their secrets could kill Bianca.

I guarantee if you read Evernight, you'll want to follow up with Stargazer, and you won't be disappointed. I can wait for the next book in the series.


Buy this book shop at our Amazon.com "Great Reads" bookstore.


Books Book Teens Reading

Pendragon: The Soldiers of Halla

SPOILERS AHEAD:
After 5 or so years of booktime, and after 8 or so years of real time, Bobby Pendragon's struggle to save Halla and defeat Saint Dane comes to an end. We finally learn the truth about who Bobby and the travellers really are, how (and why) the territories are connected, and the answers to many other questions, though the book does leave a few at the end.

It's hard to discuss this book without discussing the ending. It's a little confusing. I understand what's going on, but I don't understand how. There are also a few unanswered questions throughout the book too- such as Nevva being Elli's daughter, which shouldn't be possible because of who the traveller's really are (trying hard to not to spoil too much here!). Even Bobby talks about how this is really important, but that's as far as it goes. I expected there to be more about this. And the ending...well, eh. I like that Bobby (and the others) get a chance at a normal life, but why and how? They were told that they couldn't go back and the territories needed to move forward and rebuild, so how is this possible? Is it more of a dream world? I found this confusing and kind of unnecessary, though maybe if it had been bettered explained, I would have enjoyed it more.

The book is good and definitely action packed. Fans of the series will enjoy it. The answers to who the travellers are and where they are from are interesting and unexpected, and I don't think will disappoint any fans.

Have you read it? Leave your review below!



Buy this book shop at our Amazon.com "Great Reads" bookstore.


Books Book Teens Reading

Hunted: House of Night Book 5, PC and Kristin Cast

In the fifth installment of the House of Night series, Zoey, her friends and the new red fledlings are holed up underground trying to figure out what to do next. Kalona, a fallen angel who'd been inprisoned for thousands of years by Cherokee women, has risen and taken up residence at the House of Night. Neferet is right beside him, and Zoey and her crew have never been in more danger. Zoey is still unsure how much she can trust Stevie Rae's red fledglings, and they discover that one of them is writing prophetic poetry. A deadly twist in events brings Zoey and her circle back to the House where they uncover more of Kalona and Neferet's plot to change the world of Vampyres and humans. And, throughout it all, Zoey must sort through (or completely muck up in this case) her feelings for Eric, Heath and Stark. While I understand she's young, I'm sort of tired of the "Ah, I can't decide" storyline. Zoey's story is far from over, but still, I'd like to see this aspect of it resolved, even if it's just for a short time, like a book or two. The girl needs some stability.

But the book is great and there are some plot elements that get resolved for now and leaves plenty of room for book six, as of right titled "Tempted." It's fast paced and a really good addition to the series. Of all the boyfriends, I actually like Heath the most, so I hope he sticks around, though I know he will (if you have yet to read, you'll see what I mean).

Some other complaint/observations: The book is in hardcover. I'm not sure why this is in this economy and because the other ones weren't. I really don't feel that young adult books should be published in hardcover, I think it's only going to hurt the industry. But that's just my .02.

And, I believe there's a really strange typo toward the end. Sister Mary Angela refers to Zoey's grandmother as Stevie Rae's.

So, if you've finished this latest installment, be sure to leave your reviews below.

Buy this book shop at our Amazon.com "Great Reads" bookstore.


Books Book Teens Reading

Are You a "Great Reads" Follower?

Then don't be shy! Show us who you are by signing up to "follow" "Great Reads" (scroll down a little on the left)...yes, I'm nosy.

Have a safe and happy holiday season. We'll be back around the new year with more reviews.

Buy this book shop at our Amazon.com "Great Reads" bookstore.


Books Book Teens Reading

Hatter M, The Graphic Novel

I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of the Hatter Madigan graphic novel (signed no less- thanks Frank!). With it's spooky drawings and great tie-in story to the Looking Glass Wars, it's a definite must for fans of the series. It tells the story of Hatter's desperate search for Alyss and they are separated in the Pool of Tears upon escaping from Redd's murderous rampage in the first novel. In his journeys he encounters writer Jules Verne, zombies, a helpful journalist and more as he spends 13 years trying to track down Wonderland's rightful queen. Fans will definitely appreciate this story, and will be eagerly awaiting book 2 of the series. It's not for the very young, despite it's "comic book" form. It's a graphic novel with graphic images.

Image copyrighted by Frank Beddor, illustrated by Ben Templesmith.



Buy this book shop at our Amazon.com "Great Reads" bookstore.


Books Book Teens Reading

Great Christmas Books

Looking for a good holiday read? Check out our previous posts on "The Legend of Holly Claus" and "Twas the Night Before".
Buy this book shop at our Amazon.com "Great Reads" bookstore.


Books Book Teens Reading

Twilight the Movie review

I'm a huge, huge fan of this series (I even liked book four- well most of it anyway). My sister and my sister-in-law are huge fans (thanks to me). Both of them were disappointed ("sucked big time" according to my sister), but I found it to be what I was expecting. I knew that a movie could not possibly capture the angst and emotion that a first-person novel could, but they do a good job. The actors play their parts well (except for Stewart who I think sounds a bit strange when she gets upset and starts yelling) and Robert Pattinson definitely works as Edward. None of the vampires as stunningly beautiful as I imagined them to be, but as vampires don't exist, I certainly wasn't unhappy with the choices the casting director made. I would've like to have seen more of the Cullen family though. I scanned through an online copy of the script (I don't know that it was legit, but it was certainly written convincingly), and there were some very small scenes taken out that I think would have been better off left in. Hey, Catherine Hardwicke- next time will you hire me to do a final viewing/editing of the movie? Or better yet, whatever little scenes you don't think you need- leave them IN. We'll love you more for it.

The only complaint I have about this film is the score. I really really didn't like it and found it distracting. It does evoke the rainy mood of Forks and Bella's new world, but something about it bugged me. And to me, music is a huge part of what makes a movie. It sounded a little Lifetime movie-ish. Please do not use this music in the next film.

I'm sure they'll make more movies, particularly with a $70 opening weekend, but I do hope they skip some of the unnecessary storylines and get to the good stuff. I'd love for them to combine the middle two books and then do the last one. Even though Kristen Stewart is only 18, I can see her being able to pull off the pregnancy and gut-wrenching scenes in "Breaking Dawn."

So, my review is a positive one, but don't expect it to be as awesome as the book. Not possible. But it's a good movie and entertaining nonetheless. There's also a trailer for "Half-Blood Prince"- totally gave me goosebumps. It looks like an incredible film.

Buy this book shop at our Amazon.com "Great Reads" bookstore.


Books Book Teens Reading

Superior Saturday: Garth Nix

In this sixth installment, Arthur must race against time and magic when he enters Saturday's domain to find the next piece of the will and get the sixth key. His home his three magicked minutes away from being nuked (Arthur casts a spell to slow down time), he's still transforming into something other than human, and Saturday is planning to wage a war against Sunday and gain entrance to the Incomparable Gardens.

Arthur's impending transformation to a Denizen (or something else) is becoming increasingly obvious in this next book. He often reacts initially in anger and frustration and physically is transforming as well. Even though he stops checking his ring, I can't imagine he's really got any humanity left by the end of the book.

I didn't find this book quite as good as its five predecessors, as there's no big fight scene and it ends on quite the cliffhanger. But I do look forward to the last installment. This could partly be because I'm still trying to catch up on sleep and this book took me a long time to finish because of the newest "reader" in our family.



Buy this book shop at our Amazon.com "Great Reads" bookstore.


Books Book Teens Reading

Bite Me: Parker Blue

New Author Spotlight:

If you were a fan of "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer", you're sure to enjoy "Bite Me" the story of 18-year-old Val Shapiro, a vampire hunter who is half human and half succubus (a lust demon). Val's demon side gives her super strength, fast healing and the ability to make men lust after her (though an unfortunate side effect is that it also sucks their life force). After Val's little sister Jen sneaks out to help her, Val's parents decide it's time for Val to leave home so that Jen, who's all human, will stay safe. But Jen's got other plans and runs away.

Jen is not Val's only problem. She's got herself a new job working for a covert police squad that hunts down vampires and her new partner is a hottie. Val's lust demon side (who she nicknames Lola) wants nothing more than to hook up with Dan, but Val keeps that side of her in check- though she learns that might not be the best way to deal with "Lola". She also keeps the truth from Dan, afraid that he might not want to be partners any longer if he knew the truth. But the truth isn't so easy to hide as they get closer while trying to find her sister.

"Bite Me" could easily have been derivative of "Buffy", but Parker Blue gives Val a fresh voice, interesting situations thanks to Lola and the book in general is just a fun read. I definitely recommend this book as a "great read" and look forward to the next in the series.

Books Book Teens Reading