Book Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Pendrell
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: December 6, 2011

Author Web Page:

Evie Starling has lived a relatively uneventful life hanging out with friends, gossiping about boys, and driving her 1966 Mustang. All of that changes when she moves to Gunnison, Colorado, to start college and meets two mysterious men.   For centuries, Alex Night and Emil Stone have yearned for Evie but they each have their own reasons for wanting to be with her. When both men claim to be her soul mate and tell her about an unbelievable past, Evie learns that she’s not the person she thought she was. Soon, Evie finds herself in the middle of an age-old battle between the Amaranthine Society the soul protectors, and the Daevos Resistance the soul destroyers. With a past she doesn’t understand, and a future rife with danger, Evie has to decide who she can trust. But Alex and Emil aren’t the only ones who want Evie, and her soul is about to become the rope in an eternal tug of war.

Team Alex!!! Sorry I need to say it.  I will give an E-Book of Eternal Starling and Swag Material for one winner that will be choose between the people who comment in the review.

Book Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Pendrell
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: September 27, 2011

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Sixteen-year-old Yara Silva has always known that ghosts walk alongside the living. Her grandma, like the other females in her family, is a Waker, someone who can see and communicate with ghosts. Yara grew up watching her grandmother taunted and scorned for this unusual ability and doesn t want that to be her future. She has been dreading the day when she too would see ghosts, and is relieved that the usually dominant Waker gene seems to have skipped her, letting her live a normal teenage life. However, all that changes for Yara on her first day at her elite boarding school when she discovers the gene was only lying dormant. She witnesses a dark mist attack Brent, a handsome fellow student, and rushes to his rescue. Her act of heroism draws the mist s attention, and the dark spirit begins stalking her. Yara finds herself entrenched in a sixty-year-old curse that haunts the school, threatening not only her life, but the lives of her closest friends as well. Yara soon realizes that the past she was trying to put behind her isn’t going to go quietly.

I will give a copy of Intrinsical with a book mark for one winner that will be chosen between the people who comment in the review.

Book Type: Hardcover
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: December 27, 2011

Author Web Page:

When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.   By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this “vacation” has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you’ve watched your parents’ affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? can you even know it until you’ve lost it?   Love and Leftovers is a beautifully written story of one girl’s journey navigating family, friends, and love, and a compelling and sexy read that teens will gobble up whole.

There is something really beautiful about how verse novels are written; how with a few words a story is unfolded. Love and Leftovers is part of the beauty of this literature division. Love and Leftovers narrates the story of Mercie and how her word crumbles when she moves with her mom to New Hampshire. She left behind her friends, called The Leftovers, including her sweet boyfriend, and her lovely father.  I was really impressed on how Tregay captures the voice of Mercie’s characters; as a reader she feels like a real teenager finding the way of how to deal with multiple personal situations.  Through the story my heart goes with her because it was too much too soon; moving, dealing with your mom’s health and her dad’s personal life. Then add that your system’s support, your friends and the person you love, are not close to give you the love and time needed to breathe. I totally understand where she came from, even if I didn’t liked some of her decisions .  Love and Leftovers, a story of a girl not only coming on age and finding who she is, but also finding the way she wants to love and be loved.  

This story could be used as an extracurricular material to introduce youngsters to a new type of form on contemporary literature.  Some of her phrases could be used as an example if the educator wants to use Poem as assessment. Also there are some topics that could be used for open essays.

Book Type: Softcover
Publisher: Octane Press
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: November 1, 2011

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Seventeen-year-old Addison Russell is in for a shock when she discovers that she can see the invisible world of the Annorasi. Suddenly, nothing is as it appears to be the house she lives in, the woman who raised her, even the most beautiful boy in town all turn out to be more than what they seem. And when this strange new world forces Addy to answer for a crime that was committed long ago, by parents she has never known, she has no choice but to trust Luc, the mysterious Annorasi who has been sent to protect her. Or so he says.

On The Veil the reader will have the opportunity to meet the Anarrosi World, a beautiful and enigmatic parallel universe full o power and secrets.  On her seventeenth birthday, the veil for Addison Russell was lifted, and then she starts seeing things than are not part of the human world. This is when she gets a first glimpse to The Anarrosi World.  A world that has little parts of everything she is, but will not accept her because of the secrets that surrounded her family and a battle that started long before she was born.   The Veil was definitely a page turner for me. I loved the elements of fantasy that Putman incorporated in the story and how she crafted her world.  I felt lost and captivated through Addison’s journeys. One of the things I really enjoyed from the story was that secondary characters have a story to tell also.  Nate, for example, had a very touching story. It’s nice to see other characters finding their way.  In this aspect the major credit I can give to Putman Oakes is that the fantasy is rich, but the real situations are mirrored beautiful. The romance between Addison and Lucas, her OWN Anarrosi Knight in shining armor, is so sweet; just how I like love stories.  I feel it’s more a love story than a romance aspect of the book  because it’s very elegantly crafted and Addison and Lucas have the opportunity to really know each other; no third parties (love triangles), no immortality or anything trending in YA, just two teenagers who are falling in love in the middle of extraordinary circumstances. The Veil the story of a girl finding her way into the word she didn’t know she was part of and the boy who will do everything to protect her.

The Veil could be used as extracurricular material in topics like:  Finding Yourself and Defining Moments in Life.  Readers could find a Book Club Discussion Guide in Cory Putman Oakes Official Webpage.

Book Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Simon&Shuster
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: September 27, 2011

Author Web Page:

 

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong.

With a cover that will trigger the WOW factor on the reader, The Unbecoming of Mara Dayer will make the reader get lost between its pages until reading the very last sentence.The story begins with Mara waking up in the hospital after a terrible accident that took her boyfriend and best friend’s life. Without having a clue on how the events ocurred that fatal night, Mara tries to move on with her life, but she’s not aware on how she will be tormented and that only she has the key opening the doors to knowing what really happened that night. The Unbecoming of Mara Dayer has a complex but iviting and intriguing plot line. While the idea centers on the events ocurred, their repercussions will let us know who she really is and IT is what makes her different. The biggest credit I can give Hodkins is that without a doubt, she has a gift to tell a story and transport you towards it. Another aspect that called for my attention was the romance because it’s sexy, dark and it’s not until the end that the reader will get the idea on how it develops. The end will leave you with the expectation for more, wanting to solve the mystery of who is Mara Dyer. With a distinguished plot, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is the book you cannot miss this fall.

Book Type: Softcover
Publisher: Lands Atlantics
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: May 12, 2011

Author Web Page:

After an unexpected transfer to the States for her senior year, Suranne’s new friends give her just one instruction: stay away from Kane Richards. According to everyone, he’s a heartless playboy concerned only for himself. With one glance, it’s easy to see why he gets away with it. But things aren’t always what they seem- especially when he sets his sights on her and whispers that she’s “different.”Despite all the red flags, Suranne considers whether or not his intentions are genuine or if she’s simply another name on his list. In the process, she may just uncover the real Kane Richards. But, when it comes down to it, the real Kane Richards may not want to be found.

Sexy, Intese and Hot are the three words that best fit to describe Kane Richards Must Die. The story begins when Suranne suddenly moves from London to USA and meets Kane Richards; the rebel guy every girl in school want and who is constantly giving upon temptation without any risk of involving or playing his heart away. That’s the way it was for Kane, at least until he met Surrane. This was a very good book to read, the narrative between main characters Surrane and Kane allows you to know them and understand the complexity of their emotions. One of the things I enjoyed the most was knowing Kayne’s background and why he behaves in certain ways and even though Suranne alters his life, the change is not sudden and this makes it more real as a character from my point of view. Even though Surrane’s move to the USA and stepping into a relationship with Kayne complicates her life, her voice as a decided girl does not get lost; a nice touch in any YA book nowadays. The biggest credit I can give to Williams is the realistic way the characters are portrayed, their lives, family conflicts and the general base of being a teenager. Another aspect I enjoyed was that Williams does not restrain the reader from one or another steamy scene. I really liked that because she keeps it real as an author based on the age the characters represent and their experiences. Keyne Richards Must Die the story of a bad boy who will fall under the spell of a beautiful British accent and a girl who will set free the good boy trapped in the heart of a heartbreaker.

Book contains coarse language and some sex scenes.

A kingdom, a princess, maybe two or three, magic, adventure and romance are some of the elements represented in: The False Princess. The story begins the day Nalia AKA Sinda discovers her life has been a lie; the kingdom she thinks to belong to is a mirage and she has only been a puppet to protect the real princess from a terrible prophecy. Without that much emotion from whom she believes are her parents, she’s sent out of the castle to live with the only relative she was not aware of and live the life she was NEVER prepared for even if it means leaving Kiernan behind. I was trapped inside this story and captivating would be a word to describe it. I liked the world where the story is narrated, making me want more. It’s so rich and impressive that prequels and spinoffs would not be bad idea at all. I’m impressed that in O’Neal’s world, it speaks for itself. There’s no need for the characters to tell Thorvaldor’s stories. In character developing terms, O’Neal enjoys of certain “magic”; the characters, even those whom you’ll only get glimpses from will make you fall in love and want to know more from them. Our narrator Sinda is simply exquisite; she’s funny, strong and has a free spirit. This girl’s on top of my favorite characters. When she receives the news of not being who she thought during her entire life and that the circumstances she’s about to live are not the ones she’s used to; she won’t lay down and cry, on the contrary, her courage and determination pushes her forward. It’s refreshing to see this type of heroine in YA Literature. The story’s even more interesting with every chapter and Sinda’s journey as an ex princess, common girl to wizard is interesting. The romance is adorable and I loved it. The False Princess, the story of a “princess’ who doesn’t own a crown but possesses the courage and determination to save a kingdom.

Book Type: Sofcover
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: February 8, 2011

Author Web Page:

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems … In this sparkling debut that flawlessly balances romance and humor, readers will grow to love sharp and sassy Corrinne as she goes on her totally reluctant but completely irresistible journey of self-discovery

Where I Belong is a sweet story narrated in the heart of Texas.   The story begins with our narrator Corrine, a high society girl who’s got everything a girl her age might want until the economical crisis brings her family a radical change of lifestyle.  When this happens, Corrine moves away with her grandparents.  It’s there where she’ll discover the real sense of family and what really matters in life. Where she belongs is a fast story loaded with a good message. What I liked the most was how Heasley works our narrator; this character grows throughout the story into some beautiful changes. The aspect of seeing the self-centered girl turns into a lovely lady and getting to know her family and mother’s real roots is the aspect that makes the story beautiful.  There are two possible love interests in the story, but Buddy is my favorite. He’s that tender boy with character that makes any Texan girl put on her boots and run after him.  Where I Belong; funny, sweet, with a beautiful message where a girl will discover what is really important in life and what home truly means.

At the end of the book there are some author notes where he explains some of the narrative decisions in the story and some reference frames from the heroes who inspired So Shelly’s characters. Let it be mentioned that TY Roth is a fellow educator.

Book Type: Hardcover
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: February 1, 2011

Author Web Page:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love – the deliria – blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.  But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: she falls in love.

“All You NEED is LOVE “cites the famous quote written by two big music icons and, in this literary presentation, Lauren Oliver shows us how could be a world where the only thing you don’t need is love.  This is the second literary proposal by Oliver and while Before I Fall positioned her as one of the favorite 2010 debutants; Delirium shows why Lauren Oliver is one of the most unique and brilliant voices from her generation.  Delirium is narrated in a dystopian world  where love has been classified as a disease which makes human beings commit rebellion acts like: war, crimes and hate; it’s because of this the government tried to find a way to “cure” human beings from feeling such complexes “emotions”.  The story is narrated by Lena, a model citizen that has been raised under an aunt’s tutoring who taught her the rules perfectly.  Lena counts the days in which she could finally be cured once and for all and will not be at risk from such disease. Lena wasn’t counting on two events; the first one being the love seed her mother seeded on her and the second one: Alex.  Words come up short when expressing how much I enjoyed the story,  We as human beings have grown in a world where the most beautiful art expressions have been created as cause and effect from love or trying to explain it.  Living the Lena and Alex’s journey as a reader in a world where everything is backwards filled my heart with vulnerability towards them and, on the other hand, invited me to think over. Oliver creates a world molded gracefully not only by her words, but the narrator captivates the reader into looking to this world and question if it’s really the right direction while inviting you in her journey.  Regarding romance, it’s everything I like from a romance and I’m rooting for this two.  Alex is a great love interest and his way of looking towards the world makes him tender, and it’s heartbreaking but beautiful seeing the way Lena and him explore what they are feeling in a world where such feeling is prohibited.  Delirium, the story of a girl who will be saved without love … but love will set her free, really happy, and will show her what really matters in life and cannot live without it.