Claim to Fame by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Lindsay Scott was a childhood actress who had everything—until the day her horrible new skill showed up. From that day on, Lindsay was able to hear everything that anyone said about her not matter where they were. And with everyone talking about her, it nearly drove her crazy. She escaped from the public eye when her show was cancelled and she moved to a small town in Illinois with her father. Now sixteen, Lindsay’s still hiding out at home, her only refuge from the onslaught of voices she normally hears. Everything changes when Lindsay is “rescued” by a couple of local teens. She is forced to face all she’s been running from, the very nature of her strange talent. Are there other like her? And what does it really mean to hear others the way Lindsay does?

I was primarily interested in reading Claim to Fame because I enjoyed Haddix’s Shadow Children series when I was younger. From what I remember, not much has changed about Haddix’s writing, and if anything, I actually think her earlier writing was better. I did enjoy reading this story, but despite the uniqueness of Lindsay’s interesting skill and her kidnapping in this book’s opening scenes, it just wasn’t very exciting or interesting. In addition, the characters weren’t the most realistic either. Most of them, Lindsay included, felt only partially developed. And sadly, what was one of the original selling points for me, Lindsay’s ability to hear what others said about her, wasn’t nearly as intriguing as I hoped it would be. The whole effect was rather anticlimactic and flat. Overall, this novel could’ve been much better.

Claim to Fame may be enjoyed by fans of Haddix’s earlier writing. Based on my lack of enthusiasm for this story, I don’t think I’d pick up a sequel if there ever is one.

Rating: 3.25

Review copy from Amazon Vine

Skinned by Robin Wasserman

Lia Kahn used to have everything. Her family was rich, she was genetically perfect, and everyone knew her. But popularity, money, and good health couldn’t stop the car from malfunctioning, resulting in an accident that killed Lia—or at least, most of her body. Now Lia has been downloaded into a newer, more perfect body. She will never age or feel pain or die. But her second chance at life comes at a high price. She is rejected by nearly all those around her because she isn’t exactly human anymore. And the more others fear and hate Lia for who—or what—they think she is, the more she starts to question herself. Who is Lia Kahn? She died—yet she’s still here.

Skinned is a gripping of identity, power, and the choices we make that is set in a futuristic world of medical and technological advances we can only dream of today. This novel asks many of the same questions about life and humanity that the similar novel The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson does, but in a slightly different manner that makes this story fresh and interesting. Through Lia’s struggles and questions about herself, the reader experiences the postmodern concepts of the uncertainty in identity, of the validity of free will, and how far is too far. It may seem a little depressing how the little flaws in things like judgment end so tragically for many of the characters, but the real beauty of this story lies in the humanity it reveals, for what is emotion but human? Skinned is a thrilling must read that will challenge the way many readers think, appeal to their emotions, and leave them craving more.

This thought provoking novel will be enjoyed by fans of The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson and the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. I eagerly look forward to the rest of this trilogy.

Rating: 4.5

Review copy from personal collection

Win My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

CONTEST CLOSED

Book 1 of The Soul Screamers series – My Soul to Take – was released this past summer, and readers found out why Kaylee Cavanaugh screams bloody murder when someone’s about to die.

In Book 2 – My Soul to Save – when teen pop star Eden croaks on stage and Kaylee doesn’t wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can’t cry for someone who has no soul.

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls for a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can’t possibly understand.

Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk….

Soul Screamers: The last thing you hear before you die.

You can learn more about Kaylee at the Soul Screamers official website or by downloading the free Soul Screamers prequel My Soul To Lose here! And for more Soul Screamer fun, visit Tattood Books for a whole week dedicated to this series.

(3) lucky winners will receive My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent
courtesy of Big Honcho Media

Other details:

• US mailing addresses only.
• Contest ends 2/10/10, at 9 p.m. PST.

Remember, you must complete the form to be entered. If you have any questions about this contest, see my contest policy, or contact me and ask away.

Win a signed copy of Wish by Alexandra Bullen

CONTEST CLOSED

For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again.

In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, WISH asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for?

(1) lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Wish by Alexandra Bullen
courtesy of Scholastic

Other details:

• US mailing addresses only.
• Contest ends 2/15/10, at 9 p.m. PST.

Remember, you must complete the form to be entered. If you have any questions about this contest, see my contest policy, or contact me and ask away.

Mini-interview with Alexandra Bullen

(This post was originally intended to be part of a RAD, but, well, I guess it isn't.)

What’s the most embarrassing outfit you’ve ever been caught in?
When I was twelve, my parents moved from Boston to a small suburban town. The first day of my new school, I wore this white cotton shirt with puffy, short sleeves and little eyelet flowers. Everybody else was wearing Gap turtlenecks and Limited Too sweaters. I looked like I had just come from a Renaissance Fair. It was a questionable wardrobe choice, and people teased me about it until graduation, but I still maintain that it was a very pretty shirt.

If you could live the life of any fictional character (from a novel, movie, TV show, etc.), who would it be?What an awesome question. I just saw the Tim Burton exhibit at the MOMA in New York, and I kept thinking how fun (and kind of scary) it would be to live in his brain, or any of his movies. Edward Scissorhands or Big Fish would be fun, and, from what I’ve seen, definitely the new Alice in Wonderland movie. The worlds that he creates are so vibrant and quirky. I would love to visit any one of them. (But I’d probably also want the option of coming home!)

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Yikes. Well, I’m a Sagittarius and, according to what I’m sure is a very reliable website with all kinds of pop-up ads for hotlines and things, here’s what I’m supposed to be:

Optimistic, honest and restless.

I guess that’s pretty accurate. I like to pretend that I’m cynical, but I’m definitely a glass-half-full kind of girl at heart.

If you could live during any time period, which would it be?
As totally screwy and confusing as the world is today, I actually think it’s pretty exciting to be alive right now. Things are happening so fast, and while that can be scary, it’s also an incredible privilege. I think, as a woman, I’d be horribly frustrated in any other time. I feel lucky to be here now.

What is the most random thing you find inspiration in?
I’m often inspired to write by riding on trains. It’s very rare that you find yourself sharing such enclosed space with strangers, and for some reason, people tend to be very relaxed on trains (as opposed to airplanes, for example, where it’s a whole lot of quiet and nervous energy…or maybe that’s just me…) so it’s an interesting way to observe people being themselves over an extended period of time. There’s the older woman talking loudly on her cell phone to her dog in Baltimore, the teenagers whispering about their mom in the next car, the guy chewing the end of his pen as he dreams up captions for his graphic novel…it’s basically a writer’s goldmine.

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This mini-interview was brought to you as part of Ms. Alexandra Bullen's blog tour for the release of her novel, Wish.

Don't forget to check out the next stop on the tour tomorrow at http://www.todayiread.com/.

Wish by Alexandra Bullen

Olivia hasn’t quite been herself since the death of her twin sister Violet. When her parents decide to move what’s left of the family across the country to San Francisco, Olivia feels awkward both at home and in her new school. Without her lively sister to forge the way, Olivia doesn’t know how to start her new life. When Olivia stumbles upon a small dressmaker’s shop and learns that the dress she gets there is somehow magical, the sky’s the limit, because with the dress, Olivia also gets a wish, a wish that could bring her beloved sister Violet back. And with two more magical dresses at her disposal, it seems all Olivia has to do to make her life perfect again is wish. But Olivia has to be careful because magic isn’t the solution to everything, and what she thinks she wants may not be what she needs to be whole again.

Wish is a cute story of when fairytale collides with real life. Olivia is a grieving, scared girl who’s nothing without her twin sister. However, through a very unique fairy godmother, Olivia is allowed more time with her dead sister. Olivia’s tale is sad but ultimately sweet coming of age story of loss and learning to stand on one’s own legs. It’s about making the right choices and fixing mistakes, and it’s a story that’s extremely accessible because of how easy Olivia is to relate to. Her character may seem uninteresting at first because of her overwhelming grief, but Olivia quickly proves to be a thoughtful and well intentioned girl. Her insecurity and fear of moving on makes readers genuinely care for her. Wish may not be the most romantic or exciting story, but it is one that will touch readers and bring a smile to their faces.

Wish will be enjoyed by fans of traditional fairytales and fairytale retellings as well as by those who liked Saving Zoë by Alyson Noël and A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell. I look forward to more writing from this promising new author.

Rating: 4.0

Review copy from publisher Scholastic

Numbers by Rachel Ward

Jem doesn’t like getting close to people, and it’s all because of the numbers. Since her mother died of an overdose, Jem’s known the meaning of the eight digits she senses rather than sees every time she looks in someone’s eyes—it’s the date they will die. Bounced from one foster home to the next, she avoids any type of relationship. But then she meets Spider and these two misfits form an awkward and fragile relationship. While in London together, Jem is surprised to see that in nearly everyone’s eyes is today’s date. Suspicious, Jem and Spider run for safety, but when the bombing of the London Eye gets pinned on them, this unlikely duo must continue running. Scared and desperate, Jem hardly knows what to do, and when she starts to fall for Spider, she doesn’t know how to handle knowing he has so little time left. In this race against time, Jem vows to save Spider, but how can she fight what’s meant to be?

Numbers is a powerful novel about society, friendship, love, and fate. From the very first page, Jem’s frank voice captures the reader’s attention and heart. She is such a unique character and not just because of her psychic abilities; she’s a realistic human being struggling against forces she cannot control like the class she was born into, the fact that things generally turn out badly for her, and, of course, the inevitability of the numbers. Both Jem and Spider are such easy characters to believe in and relate to, and that only makes their story even deeper and more meaningful. Aside from being a truly romantic love story, Numbers is also philosophical with a bit of social commentary. I love Ward’s honesty through Jem here; she gets to the heart of class differences and the barriers that often prevent these classes from seeing eye to eye. The most significant part of this story for me was Jem’s knowledge of the future, and what she chooses to do with it. This really begs the question: are people really in control of their lives, or is there something larger like fate at work?

Romantic and thought provoking, I recommend Numbers to all readers, especially those who liked Sight by Adrienne Maria Vrettos, Dark Visions by L.J. Smith, and Diva without a Cause by Grace Dent. I highly look forward to more writing from this talented new author.

Rating: 4.75

Review copies from Amazon Vine and publisher Scholastic

Firespell by Chloe Neill

Lily Parker is so not thrilled at being sent to St. Sophia’s, a snooty boarding school in Chicago so that her parents can go on a sabbatical in Germany. She’s not resentful of her parent’s acceptance into their program, but she feels trading her upstate New York home for a used-to-be convent in the windy city totally unnecessary. Regardless of Lily’s feelings, though, she’s now a St. Sophia’s girl, for better or worse. It seems like it’s for the worse based on Lily’s first experiences at the school. A trio of über-rich brats is intent on ruling the school and terrorizing anyone who gets in their way, Lily’s new friend Scout keeps disappearing late at night, and there are strange people showing up around the school. When Lily finally learns the truth of what’s going on, it threatens all she knows about the world. It turns out, there’s a whole other side—a magical one—to the people around Lily, hew new friends, possibly her parents, and just maybe even herself.

I have to admit that Neill knows how to tell a story, and Firespell is certainly a good one. I must first remark that the pacing of this story is near perfect; the main action doesn’t come too soon or too late. That in mind, I was quite satisfied with the story itself as well. Neill combines traditional interpretations of witchcraft with a version of vampirism in her dangerous world of magic underneath Chicago. In it, there are the Reapers, who refuse to let go of their power but must take energy from others to maintain it, and the Adepts, who vow to give up the power when it’s time. The good versus evil is pretty obvious in black and white, but that’s okay because it’s not the entire concentration of the book. Where the story really starts getting interesting and complicated are the connections between the Adepts and Lily’s only life. On the level of originality, Firespell ranks only moderately, but with its supernatural danger, intrigue, and romance, this novel sure is an enjoyable one.

Firespell will be liked by fans of Revealers by Amanda Marrone and Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez. I eagerly look forward to the rest of the Dark Elite series.

Rating: 3.75

Review copy form publisher Penguin

Win The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

CONTEST CLOSED

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating, so she vows: No more. She’s had one too many bad dates, and has been hurt by one too many bad boys. It’s a personal choice…and soon everybody wants to know about it. It seems that Penny’s not the only girl who’s tired of the way girls change themselves (most of the time for the worse) in order to get their guys…or the way their guys don’t really care about them. Girls are soon thronging to The Lonely Hearts Club (named after Sgt. Pepper’s band), and Penny finds herself near legendary for her non-dating ways – which is too bad, since the leader of The Lonely Hearts Club has found a certain boy she can’t help but like…

(3) lucky winners will receive The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
courtesy of Big Honcho Media

Other details:

• US mailing addresses only.
• Contest ends 1/30/10, at 9 p.m. PST.

Remember, you must complete the form to be entered. If you have any questions about this contest, see my contest policy, or contact me and ask away.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Everything in Luce’s life has been off since the accident in the cabin. She’s always had to deal with the shadows and was on medication for a while because of them, but now she is being forced to attend a reform school, Sword & Cross. There, she is virtually cut off from everything she knows and cares about, her friends, her family, communication with the outside world. There are too many things in Luce’s life that she doesn’t know how to explain and being surrounded by other possibly crazy kids asking questions doesn’t make life any easier. She tries to assimilate, but all her efforts are distracted by a guy she’s never met before but swears she must know. She doesn’t know why she can’t stop thinking about him, why she’s so attracted to his mystery. But Luce has to be careful; though unaware, she is just a pawn in a battle of biblical proportions, fated to fall for the one she can’t have forever.

Perhaps it’s because I read this novel after the very similar Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, but Fallen was less dazzling than I hope it would be. I found the idea of an eternally doomed love story that continually repeats itself unique and fascinating, even if it’s slightly reminiscent of de la Cruz’s Blue Bloods series, but it just took way too long to get to that part of the story. Sure, there are hints at supernatural occurrences throughout the beginning and middle of the book, but Kate dances around the edge of the matter for much longer than necessary. My problem Fallen is one I’ve been finding in many new novels lately; they’re heavily advertised to be about something appealing and generally supernatural, but that part of the story is contained in a disappointingly short section at the end of the book, making the story seem just a prequel instead of the main tale. This structure is frustrating to me to say the least because it makes the story more drawn out and at time, less interesting. This doesn’t go to say that I didn’t enjoy reading Fallen; it was very romantic and mildly original in its take on angels, but I only wish it didn’t take as long to get to the good stuff.

Fallen may be enjoyed by fans of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, The Hollow by Jessica Verday, and the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz. I look forward to the continuation of Luce’s story in Torment, though I hope it will be better executed than this one.

Rating: 3.5

Review copy from Amazon Vine

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Two murders in Sarajevo mark the beginnings of the First World War Entangling alliances promise battles between the Darwinist powers, Russia, France, and Britain, and the Clanker countries, Germany and Austria-Hungary. For the Austro-Hungarian prince Aleksander Ferdinand, the pain of war comes all too soon. It was the death of his parents that caused war to brew in the first place, and now all he has is a worthless title, an old Stormwalker for transport and defense, and a small but loyal crew of men. Alek’s only hope is to find safe haven in a neutral country. For Deryn Sharp, the upcoming war is an opportunity. With the call for more military recruits, Deryn disguises herself as a boy and signs up for the British Air Service. It’s the only way she can do what she loves most—flying. Besides, the fabricated beasts she’ll use are nothing if fascinating. Disaster and coincidence cause Alek’s and Deryn’s paths to cross, and their resulting friendship is an unexpected alliance that will change their lives forever.

Part historical fiction, part sci-fi, and part fantasy, Leviathan reminds me of why I fell in love with Westerfeld’s fabulous storytelling in the first place. In this novel, Westerfeld presents an altered retelling of World War I that remains accurate in the opposing sides and historical causes, yet embellishes the story with imaginative adaptations. Each side’s war machines are marvels of the future, with the Clanker’s walking battle stations and the Darwinists’ biological hybrid creations. If that or the engaging plot doesn’t capture the reader’s attention, then the vivid characters definitely will. Alek and Deryn are complex and realistic people whose determination and inner goodness sets them apart from those around them. They’re both such likable characters that will win the hearts of numerous readers. The more minor characters are interesting and believable as well. Even the illustrations, which I usually shy away from in novels, were good additions that help readers picture and imagine the story. Leviathan is a fascinating story that sweeps readers away to a place that’s neither the past nor the future and will leave them pleading for more.

I personally cannot wait for a sequel to this fantastic novel. Leviathan will be enjoyed by Westerfeld fans and readers who liked Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher and The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott.

Rating: 4.75

Review copies from Amazon Vine and publisher Simon & Schuster

Break by Hannah Moskowitz

Some teens play sports. Other drink and party. But Jonah breaks bones—his own. Sure, it hurts, but broken bones always grow back stronger, and that’s what’s important. Jonah’s on a mission to break every bone in his body, because he wants to be stronger. It’s not because of his younger brother, who’s severely allergic to practically every food and thus frequents the ER too many times. It’s not because of his parents, who can barely handle their own affairs, let along anyone else’s. It’s not because of his baby brother who never stops crying or his best friend’s obsession with filming his destructive behavior or anything else he has to deal with at school or anywhere else. At least that’s what Jonah tells himself. But as Jonah’s life gets even more out of control, he must ask himself if breaking all his bones is the right way to become strong—before everything falls apart along with his body.

Break is a very emotional story about how the stresses of everyday life can push people nearly to their breaking point. For a debut author, Moskowitz displays extraordinary adeptness at communicating the social and psychological friction within relationships, particularly the alienation that can result when that tension becomes too much. Jonah’s story is one raw with emotion and pain, and the reader will form a deep connection with his character because of all he goes through and how realistic he is. Many readers will be able to sympathize and empathize with Jonah’s feelings of powerlessness amidst external events he can’t control but desperately wants to fix and his subsequent attempts to take back control of his life. Jonah’s violent self destruction is somewhat difficult to read about, as are the deteriorating conditions around him, but it only makes Jonah’s pursuit of real strength all the more important. Moskowitz nearly perfectly captures the psychological and emotional struggles that many teens face in this powerful and ultimately hopeful novel. I did notice several scenes that could’ve been better articulated and designed, but overall, Break is a very impressive debut.

This novel will resonate with every teen, especially any who’s ever felt their life is spiraling out of control, and with those who liked Crash Into Me by Albert Borris, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott, and Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers. I greatly look forward to more novels from Moskowitz.

Rating: 4.25

Review copy from ?