REVIEW: Paper Towns by John Green

“If you don't imagine, nothing ever happens at all.” 

Paper Towns marks the third novel by John Green I've read.  For me, it is probably my least favorite thus far.  Not by much, but enough.

The story goes...

Quentin and Margo are next door neighbors in Orlando, Florida.  As children, they have an eerie bonding experience when they discover a dead body.  Over time, they grow apart. Skip to the end of senior year, Q is still infatuated with Margo from afar. One night she shows up at his bedroom window and convinces him to help her enact revenge against her enemies.  It is a magical adventure, at least for Q; however, his dreams of how things will change don't quite pan out when Margo goes missing.  Q discovers clues about her location and ends up embarking on an epic adventure to find her and himself in the process.

“The town was paper, but the memories were not.” 

What I liked...

The writing style has the same vibe I love to associate with Green's work. It's gritty and heartfelt and realistic.  He manages to capture an authentic teen voice. There are so many great themes and discussion points.  In fact, that's my I picked this title for the inaugural session of my new Young @Heart book club for teens and adults who read YA fiction.

 I also liked the majority of the characters.  I adored Q.  There's great character development for him as he makes it through this mystery of sorts.  I also really liked the group of supporting characters.  Q's overly psychoanalytic parents were hilarious. Ben is a hoot as well as Radar and his eccentric parents.  

What I didn't like...

Margo.  I just found her irritating.  Unlike other characters, I had no emotional connection to her whatsoever.  I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt during her night of revenge.  I saw her disappearance coming a mile away. However, her reaction toward being "found" made me angry.  So angry in fact that I wanted to pull an Allie Brosh- Hyperbole and a Half style- and hit her with a brick.  Margo just comes across and selfish and insincere and so emotionally disconnected that she's a potential danger not only to herself but those who try to care for her. I was glad that Q realized it wouldn't work. 

“What a treacherous thing to believe that a person is more than a person.” 

The other thing I didn't love was how much Paper Towns reminded me of Looking for Alaska.  It just felt too similar. That's just me. Overall, it is a sound novel that stands up against others in the genre which are not as well composed.

Final rating 3.75 out of 5 stars

#papertowns #johngreen #review #YAlit #realistic #fiction 

REVIEW: Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Something strange is happening in New York City.  A deadly sleeping sickness is spreading, raising racial and ethnic tensions among the citizens of the city that never sleeps.  Henry has been dream walking nearly every night in search of his long lost love, Louis. On these treks he encounters Ling Chang, another dream walker.  Together they discover the root of the sickness but must band together with the other Diviners both in and out of the dreamworld to catch a killer.

Lair of Dreams follows the supernatural showdown with a ghostly serial killer from The Diviners. There is an interesting division of characters following the first book. Evie O'Neil, "America's Sweetheart Seer", has been outed as a Diviner, 'reading' objects which connect her directly with the past.  While she's a media darling, not everyone thinks so.  Evie embarks on her own adventure of sorts with Sam (still desperate to find his mother and learn the truth about Project Buffalo)--questioning her burgeoning feelings for him and her lingering ones for Jericho. 

The historical setting of this series is so well done and utterly unique based on a lot of titles published in YA fiction.  The roaring '20s was such an intriguing time, especially in NYC.  Bray incorporates the language, fashion, and culture of this era with pizzazz. I definitely recommend it for the reader who wants a supernatural story that is different and takes him/her to another time and place.

Does this novel have the same magic as book one? No.  I did not care for the pacing.  As consistent with Bray as a writer, her plots and character development are stellar. However, I felt like the whole story lagged until I got about 75 percent in.  I did not care for the character disconnect; however, I do understand that such an authorial choice is a plot point to bring our band of characters back together. Much of the twists and turns became all too predictable, but I did enjoy the last quarter of the book. Perhaps what I missed most was the  creepy vibe present in The Diviners.  When I think about that story, I still get chills.  The same feeling wasn't apparent for this book.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

#review #YAlit #netgalley #lairofdreams #libbabray #ghosts #dreams #supernatural #roaring20s

REVIEW: The Gospel of Loki by Joanne Harris

“Loki, that's me. Loki, the Light-Bringer, the misunderstood, the elusive, the handsome and modest hero of this particular tissue of lies.” 

This novel chronicles the rise and fall of the Norse gods and does so with the stunning first person narrative of none other than The Trickster himself, Loki. This tells of Loki's recruitment from the underworld of Chaos, his many adventures while serving Odin, the countless betrayals and mischief and the fall of Asgard.

Author Joanne Harris has a passion for writing about Norse mythology.  Those familiar with her work will recognize YA titles such as Runemarks and Runelight, both of which I highly recommend if you enjoyed this book.  The true highlight of this novel is the point of view.  Loki's narration is informative yet playful; just like you'd expect him to be.  Harris has captured what I'd call a certain Poe-esque quality to Loki's character.  Readers become enraptured by him; however, know with great certainty that they shouldn't necessarily believe him. This use of the classic literary device--the unreliable narrator--is brilliant.

The audiobook is just stellar. Allan Cordunar breathes life to the characters and make for a truly entertaining read.  Nonetheless, despite this fantastic reading, I couldn't help but long for narration by Tom Hiddleston. That would have made this a 5 star experience.  All in all, I recommend this if you are looking for your next great listen or if you want a new spin on Norse mythology.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @Joannechocolat



#audiobook #bookreview #gospelofloki #norse #mythology #joanneharris

REVIEW: Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews

Magic Shifts is everything that Kate Daniels fans love and more.  It was so phenomenal that even a week later I'm still doing the book Snoopy dance of amazingness!!!  This is very much a transition book.  Kate and Curran are still dealing with the aftermath of Magic Breaks and the impact these decisions have not only on their relationship, family, friends, and the city.  Roland is still a very real threat; however, readers are in for a hilarious treat with the awkwardly tense new relationship with Kate and her father. None of it will end well but the road to the end will be an entertaining ride.

“I had come here intending to declare a possible war and instead ended up planning a dinner date with my father at Applebee’s.” 

The husband wife writing due making up pen name--Ilona Andrews--never disappoint.  Kate is back with all of her bad-ass snark. Having claimed Atlanta as her own, she does whatever necessary--often to the detriment of her own well-being--to protect the city and its people. This causes a smidgen of tension between Kate and Curran, but ultimately he understands her and supports her no matter what.  Fans will yet again swoon at their relationship, especially with this quote:

“I will always be there. I will walk across the whole planet if I have to.” I closed my eyes and whispered, “I’ll meet you halfway.” 

Strange creatures galore fill out the rest of this action paced adventure. Evil djinn, massive insects and giants keep Kate and crew on their toes while also sneaking in an edge and ponderings for later books. 

“Do we have a flamethrower?” Curran asked. 

“No.” 

“We should get a flamethrower.” 

I laughed, I cried, and now I'm pining for the next books.

If you haven't read the series yet, what are you waiting for?  These are an urban fantasy must!  I cannot recommend them enough and if you are an audiobook fan, the narration by Renee Raudman is amazing and engaging.



Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Follow the author on Twitter: ilona@andrews
Follow the narrator on Twitter; @reneeraudman


#katedaniels #magicshifts #urbanfantasy #romance #review #audiobook

REVIEW: Ink & Bone by Rachel Caine

The first in a new series by bestselling author Rachel Caine, Ink and Bone supposes what the world might be like if the Great Library of Alexandria had survived the test of time.  Readers of any age will be enthralled by Caine's rewrite of history; spinning a dangerous tale of power and corruption.

The Great Library maintains a presence in every major city; providing knowledge to the masses. However, the use of alchemy to deliver content instantly is closely monitored and the personal ownership of any book is forbidden.  As such, a competitive and deadly book black market exists and young Jess Brightwell's family is in the thick of it.  Sent to act as a spy, Jess's loyalties are quickly put to the test as he trains to enter the Library's service.  Jess soon learns that not all is what it seems. The secrets revealed will certainly change not only his life but the world.

I loved this book! This is a departure from the urban fantasy Caine typically writes.  I am a big fan of her adult sci-fi/fantasy Weather Wardens books as well as the YA Morganville Vampires series.  Characteristic of her work, readers will delve into fantastic world-building and superb characterization. The historical re-write is fascinating and generates plenty of discussion points.  I'm considering Ink and  Bone for a future reading selection in my Young @Heart book club (teens and adults who like to read YA fiction).

The cover art is just stunning and will look great on display.  I will add that I listened to the audiobook narrated by Julian Elfer.  I did not love his performance, not because Elfer was lacking in any way but that his rich, manly tone did not fit how I'd imagined sixteen year old Jess to sound.

I highly recommend this book for purchase. Read it sooner rather than later!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Follow the author on Twitter: @rachelcaine


#bookreview #history #YAlit #INKANDBONE #rachelcaine #library

REVIEW: "Heart of Tin" by Danielle Paige

"Heart of Tin" is the latest short story release tying into the Dorothy Must Die series.  This is the Tin Man's story, mostly detailing his growing feelings for Dorothy following her first visit to Oz. Paige's portrayal of the Tin Man here is rather forlorn and delusional.  There is a certain obsessive, creeper vibe.   Upon Dorothy's return, the Tin Man is elated at her return; however, insecurity and jealousy take hold within his devotion to her, which are traits Glinda uses in order to manipulate him. She twists his love for Dorothy into something utterly evil and Paige uses this opportunity to share with readers more details into Oz's dark turn.

Overall, it is a well written story which is key to explaining the Tin Man's demise and his terrorizing actions. This fits in nicely with the two published novels in the series (Dorothy Must Die) as well as the other short stories: No Place Like Home, The Witch Must Burn, and The Wizard Returns. These are all available in eBook format and should be found in Overdrive.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars



#dorothymustdie #daniellepaige #wizardofoz #tinman #YAlit #review 

REVIEW: Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Expected publication: October 13, 2015

Black Widow: Forever Red is a Marvel YA novel featuring readers' favorite former Russian spy turned Avenger, Natasha Romanov.  On one of her first S.H.I.E.L.D. assignments, Natasha is sent to eliminate the man who ruined her life.  However, a turn of events leads to more than she bargained for with a little girl named Ava, with whom she feels a kinship.  Having both been manipulated and separated from their families, Natasha promises to heed Ava's call if she ever needs her.

Eight years later...

Ava, now seventeen, hasn't had the ideal life.  Despite S.H.I.E.L.D.'s promises, her time with them was little more than as a constantly observed prisoner.  Now a runaway, barely scraping by in New York, she harbors a distinct bitterness toward Natasha because she never answered Ava's calls for help.  Combating this rage are Ava's powerfully vivid dreams featuring a handsome young man named Alex.  The lives of Natasha, Ava, and Alex in an unexpected series of events that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

What I liked...

• Margaret Stohl is a seasoned, bestselling YA author.  Having co-written the Beautiful Creatures series with Kami Garcia and authored her own dystopian series, Icons and Idols, Stohl's writing is energetic and captivating. She does justice to this beloved character, perhaps more so than Natasha has been given in recent film adaptations.

• The general story. There are plenty of great twists and turns that will keep readers interested. 

• Agent. Coulson.

What I didn't like...

• The pacing.  Sometimes it felt like the story lagged. I attribute this in part to the formatting. I didn't much care for the POV shifts. These made it harder for me to really get into the story.  I had to really push through the middle section of the novel. However, the last third was pretty dynamic.

I recommend this for multiple audiences.  Readers of any age who are fans of Marvel characters will appreciate this novel. There is great depth of character and a pretty bittersweet ending. Those who are not necessarily Marvel fans will like this too because of the adventure and plot.  There is a tinge of romance, great action, and some truly kick-butt protagonists. Stohl's reverence and enthusiasm at being tapped to helm this creation are evident and add to the reader's overall enjoyment.

If you are buying for a library collection, definitely add this!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars.



#review #netgalley #YAlit #Marvel #blackwidow #margaretstohl

REVIEW: The Demon's Librarian by Lilith Saintcrow

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

The Demon's Librarian is a reissue (cover updated) from an original 2009 publication. Head Librarian, Franchesca (Chess) Barnes discovers an ancient library of demonology manuscripts just as a nasty sewer dwelling creature has moved on from snacking on rats to innocent schoolchildren.  If Chess' new activities weren't daunting enough, things get a whole lot more complicated when she meets Ryan, a Drakul--part demon, part loyal servant of the Order.  As it turns out Chess' inane talent for magic and demon-slaying is not due to her brainy Head Librarian status. Instead, she's a rare and much needed descendant of others with powerful magical mojo.

What I liked...

Chess is fun, assertive and captivating female heroine.  There's good snark and I loved the actual library quips since I'm a librarian too. The premise that Chess discovers the books, reads them and figures out how to make the dagger and other magical items work is pretty cool as is her initiative to go slay some demons.  I had to chuckle at the joke that she learned all this just because budget cuts eliminated the maintenance worker in the building!

The premise is sound and I would have liked this to be setting up more of a series rather than a standalone.  I would be curious to see how Chess develops her powers and such.

What I didn't like...

1)  It felt like readers were thrown half into the action. I thought the world-building and explanation of the Order and other mythology were severely lacking. I'm not a reader who needs every minute detail spelled out, but overall this just didn't cut it for me.

2)  Chess starts out with such potential and then turns into the damsel in distress a bit too many times.  She pulls through in the end; however, the multiple fainting spells and needing to be rescued gets a bit tiresome.

3)  The cover.  The reissue is misleading that the novel is a paranormal romance.  While there is romance to a degree and it is paranormal, there is not so much smexyness as the toned shirtless man on the front would lead readers to believe.

4)  I hated the 'caveman' persona featured by every man in the book.  Paul was just atrocious and the brief glimpse at the other Order members wasn't much better.  Ryan certainly has his redeeming qualities but the overprotective half-demon you shall do as I say or I'll freak out and ravage you and kill everybody else bit was tedious.  Just liked Chess, I cringed every time he called her sweetheart and seethed by the end when she accepts it as cute.

Final rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars


#lilithsaintcrow #demonslibrarian #review #paranormal #netgalley

REVIEW: The Veil by Chloe Neill

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

The Veil is the first of a new series (Devil's Isle) by bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampire novels, Chloe Neill. This unique urban fantasy story is a face paced, thrilling ride for fans of the genre, Neill, and as a comparable read-a-like to Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels or The Edge series.

Seven years ago, the Veil between the human world and Beyond fell, leaving New Orleans as ground zero for a brutal supernatural war.  With the Veil once again in place, all supernaturals and "Sensitives" to magic are contained in the Devil's Isle.  Twenty something Claire Connolly is a hardworking human with a dangerous secret.  Eight months ago, she became a Sensitive when she inadvertently developed telekinetic abilities. Claire lives in fear that Containment will learn her secret and ship her off to the District, separating her from her beloved shop and friends.

After the War Night festivities, Claire uses her magic to save a young girl from a wraith (humans sensitive to magic that go ferally insane) which puts her in the path of sexy bounty hunter Liam Quinn. I won't spoil the fun too much for other readers.  I'll just say that the following story is packed full of delicious sexual tension and adventure.  Liam and Claire form an alliance--doing their best to fight a growing attraction, teach Claire to control her abilities, and to figure out who wants to dissolve the Veil.

As a reader, I'm a huge fan of Neill's Chicagoland books.  I loved The Veil as the first part of a new series.  Great world building and memorable characters.  I can't wait to see what develops for subsequent books, I have a strong feeling that Liam and Claire might rival Ethan and Merit for my literary affections!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter; @chloeneill

#devilsisle #chloeneill #review #netgalley #urbanfantasy #paranormal

Unmask - The Caped Crusader makes a special visit

As part of the superhero themed SR program, we planned two separate movie marathons.  In June was had Marvel day.  Teens snacked on popcorn and pizza while enjoying a marathon run of Marvel flick of their choice.  Top contenders were X2, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

July marked out DC movie marathon.  The day started with Man of Steel and continued with a marathon of Batman favorites.  The highlight was that The Dark Knight himself made a special guest appearance hanging out with teens and other library patrons as well as pitching in to help staff.

Check it out!

Just catching up on his Batgirl reading :)

An epic match-up with Captain America!

Making cupcakes!

Even superheros need a snack.

Even Batman is no match for The Closet of Doom!

Just helping out at the drive-thru!

Reading a bit of Shakespeare at the park!

Conducting important bat-business!

Working the reference desk like a pro!

#unmask #dccomics #batman #librarylife #teenprograming #marvel

REVIEW: Fairest, Vol. 5: The Clamour for Glamour

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Expected Publication: August 25, 2015

As the final volume of Fairest, I have to say that as a reader I was immensely disappointed.  Parts of this volume fit within the last issues of Fables; however, the bulk of the story feels irrelevant.  If the idea behind the Fairest series was to highlight the Fables women, then this is sorely lacking.  Part of what made the other volumes so interesting was the strong female characters.  I love reading about Cinderella and her various spy adventures. 

What readers find here instead are several prolonged and unnecessary stories.   Reynard the Fox is the envy of most Fables at the Farm although they despise his condescending attitude. These other Fables want the glamours promised to them by Prince Charming; however, such magic on a massive scale is not possible.  Therefore, five glamours will be made and a lottery held. Of course, nothing ever goes smoothly and chaos ensues.  

The primary story centers around Reynard. Having been given glamour to blend in with the mundy world, Reynard goes off, woos a young human woman and they have a child, Fair, who appears human with a fox tail. Reynard thinks he's saving her from her abusive family but everyone ends up living happily ever after or so we're led to believe. 

Since the majority of the series has been focused hiding the Fables from the human world, this story creates a bit of a problem with no clear solution. Perhaps the point is that separating the two is fruitless? Of this I remain unsure.

Overall, this volume was a bit lackluster; however, it still featured stellar illustrations and a commitment to detail and the series that I truly appreciate as a fan. It is sad to see it all come to an end but it was a pretty good ride.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

#fairest #fables #billwillingham #graphicnovel #review #twistedfairytales #netgalley

REVIEW: Alice by Christina Henry

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review

Christina Henry's Alice is a decidedly dark retelling of Lewis Carol's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Within dilapidated buildings and amongst desperate peoples, there is an asylum in the Old City where the walls echo with the screams of those tortured inside. Alice has been locked away for some ten years, following her reappearance after a prolonged abduction.  All she remembers is a tea party, long ears and blood. However, her parents dismissed ramblings and had her committed.

The asylum in and of itself is a place filled with horrors. Nonetheless, Alice finds solace when she discovers Hatcher, a fellow patient with an equally troubling past.  Troubles escalate when a lethal fire brings their imprisonment to an end; however, it unleashes the Jabberwocky and sets other events in motion.  Alice, with Hatcher at her side, must embark on a series of dark and twisted adventures in hopes of defeating the Jabberwocky, and discovering the truth regarding her new-found abilities and her missing memories at the evil hand of the Rabbit.

I am a huge fan of twisted fairy tales.  Henry's re-envisioning of this classic is uniquely dark and twisted and as such plays homage to the original tale.  The sinister natures of many of our well beloved characters had me on the edge of my seat.  This is certainly a tale for adults with descriptive physical violence as well as sexual assault.

While at present this appears to be a standalone novel, there is significant potential for a continuation of the story. I enjoyed this and would read additional titles in the series.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @C_Henry_Author

#review #netgalley #alice #aliceinwonderland #fiction #christinahenry #twistedfairytales