Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (October 13, 2009)
Pages: 400
Reading Level: Young Adult

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Hush, Hush is a completely mind-numbing, superbly amazing new addition to the YA market! There was so much hype about it, and it completely encompassed my expectations. I think that the hype was definitely worth it...especially the cover. The cover just fits the whole theme of the book. It's perfect.

The characters in the novel were the same and different at the same time. Take Patch, for example; he's just another bad boy but Becca was able to mold him into his own character as the book went on. Nora was the same. At first, I thought she was just going to be another 'Bella' but her thinking and seeing through her eyes made me more appreciative of her character.

The relationship between Nora and Patch was dangerous and exciting. Both characters were opposites and completely contrasted each other; Nora was always so open and easy to read while Patch was dark, mysterious, and brooding.

Overall, Becca's writing and characterization engrossed me to no end. This is truly one book that completely fell for! I have officially have fallen for the fallen.

Cover: (One of the best covers ever!)

Ending: .5

Writing:

Overall:

Fat Cat by Robin Brande

Title: Fat Cat
Author: Robin Brande
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 13, 2009)
Pages: 336
Reading Level: Young Adult

You are what you eat. . . .

Cat smart, sassy, and funny—but thin, she’s not. Until her class science project. That’s when she winds up doing an experiment—on herself. Before she knows it, Cat is living—and eating—like the hominids, our earliest human ancestors. True, no chips or TV is a bummer and no car is a pain, but healthful eating and walking everywhere do have their benefits.

As the pounds drop off, the guys pile on. All this newfound male attention is enough to drive a girl crazy! If only she weren’t too busy hating Matt McKinney to notice. . . .

This funny and thoughtful novel explores how girls feel about their bodies, and the ways they can best take care of their most precious resource: themselves.

Fat Cat definitely was one amazing book. Of course there were some parts that got a bit dull. This book was kind of like a roller-coaster. At first, I was not so into the book and then after I was so engrossed, and then after it sort of slowed down again. Do you guys get what I mean? It was basically fluctuating. That's my only concern for the book as well as the cover.

However, the plot, the characters, and the writing was still great. Even though Brande's writing got a bit dull at times, I still do think she is still a very talented writer. Her writing builds up as the book progresses, and the parts that I loved in the book made up for those parts that I didn't like as much. Now, the plot was amazing. It was well-developed and everything just went together. The whole idea of Cat with her small weight problem and trying to change it by eating healthy, is a very smart, and great choice.

My favorite character in this book was Amanda, the best friend of Cat, the main character. I felt that she always was there for her. She's such a great friend to her, I also can be Amanda's friend any time of the day! Jordan, Amanda's boy friend, as well as Matt was as a good addition. I loved how Cat would hate Matt so much but at the same time... start loving him. I guess I also like Cat but more of Amanda. It's surprising that Cat and her brother were actually close to each other, and also one of the most important, they cared about each other. Cat would stand up to anyone if someone did something to her brother. They would even go to the coffee shop together! I wish I had a sister or brother like that!

Overall, this is a must read to all YA readers! I know the cover looks eh, but the inside is way better! There are just a bit dull parts in the book but everything else was amazing! I definitely look forward more to Brande's writing!

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Author Interview: Megan Crewe & Mini Giveaway!

Today my next author interview is with Megan Crewe, author of Give Up The Ghost. Go check out Megan's website here!


How are you and Cass alike? How are you different?
We both have a sarcastic sense of humor, and we both hesitate to trust people. But Cass is a whole lot more distrusting than I am, and more judgmental--though, to be fair, I might have been just like her if I'd had the same awful past!

If you could ever pick a theme song for GUTG, what would it be? Why?
"Trouble" by Lisa Germano. To me it almost perfectly sums up Cass's mental conflict.

The colors in the cover of GUTG are vibrant and eye-catching, did you have anything to do with it? What do you think of it?
I had nothing to do with the colors! My only contribution to the cover was that I suggested they might use a ghost whispering in someone's ear, and I was very excited when I saw that they'd done so. I loved the image and the colors as soon as I saw it.

GUTG focuses on friendship more than romance. Do you think that this was a good choice? Why?
I feel it was the right choice for the book. GHOST is really about how two people can connect and help each other, and I wanted it to be clear that a bond like that doesn't *have* to be (and often isn't) romantic. I also don't think Cass or Tim were ready for a romance yet. Maybe further down the road!

What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as an author?
I've had a lot of people tell me they love my descriptions and imagery, so I guess that's a strength! I also think I'm good at coming up with unique ideas and twists on ideas, and at creating multi-faceted characters. I'm always trying to work on plot and structure--I don't feel that comes as naturally to me.

What kind of ghost are you?
I'm not a ghost! LOL. If I was one I'd probably be most like Paige--hanging out with those I felt closest to, but wandering to check in on others out of curiosity from time to time.

What has been the best thing that someone has ever said about your writing?
A few people have told me they cried at certain points in my books. It's amazing to know that something I wrote was able to touch readers to that extent.

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to thank everyone who's helped support GHOST so far! The response from bloggers and readers has been wonderful.

Thanks for the great interview!

TB: Your welcome Megan, that was a great interview!

Now onto the mini contest:
Megan was nice enough to let me host a mini contest for her. One person will receive a SWAG pack for GUTG. It includes:

• a ghost scent sample
• a mini paper lantern
• a friendship bracelet
• a sticker set
• a button
• a bookmark

(Sorry for such an ugly photo)

Info:

• comment on this post to be entered.
• open worldwide.
  
• Nov. 5 is the deadline.
• link back to this giveaway for an extra entry.
• Good luck!

~CONTEST CLOSED~

Cindy Ella by Robin Palmer

Title: Cindy Ella
Author: Robin Palmer
Publisher: Speak (February 7, 2008)
Pages: 272

Prom.
The Best Dress.
The Best Shoes.
The Best Date.
Cindy Ella Gold is sick of it all.

Prom fever has infected LA - especially Cindy's two annoying stepsisters, and her overly-Botoxed stepmother. Cindy seems to be the only one immune to it all.

But her anti-prom letter in the school newspaper does more to turn Cindy into Queen of the Freaks than close the gap between the popular kids and the rest of the students. Everyone thinks she's committed social suicide, except for her two best friends, yoga goddess India and John Hughes-worshipping Malcolm, and shockingly, the most popular senior at Castle Heights High and Cindy's crush, Adam Silver. Suddenly Cindy starts to think that maybe her social life could have a happily ever after. But there's still the rest of the school to deal with.

With a little bit of help from an unexpected source and a fabulous pair of flip-flops, Cindy realizes that she still has a chance at a happily ever after.

Just looking from the cover and the title you already know that this story is about Cinderella. It is but with a lot of twists and turns! Cindy Ella was a great read, full of wit and hilarity!

Cindy was a funny and understanding protagonist that I could relate to. Her family and her friends were hilarious to get to know! I also liked her relationship with her best friends Malcolm and India. They are two people that I would love to hang with! They're always comfortable and honest with each other; just how a friendship should be like.

The plot, of course, stayed true to the original Cinderella plot with a lot more twists. Her step-sisters didn't seem as mean and she had a little brother...of course, there's the whole similarity to The Cinderella Story (with Hilary Duff). It wasn't as original as it could have been.

I loved the ending! It was so cute and it tied up the whole novel nicely. Overall, Cindy Ella is a cute, quick read with quirky characters that you are sure to enjoy! =)

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Ending:

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Overall: .5

Contest: Win Hate List by Jennifer Brown!

Before this, I interviewed Jennifer Brown, author of Hate List. Well now, I have a signed copy to giveaway! Here's a little something about it:

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman’s boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saves the life of a classmate, but is implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things they hated. The list her boyfriend used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

~CONTEST CLOSED~

How To Enter:
Comment with a love list that has at least 3 items. No love list, no entry.

Extra Entries:
+3 follow
+2 go to Jennifer's bio and tell me one thing you learned about her.
+1 link (sidebar,twitter, etc...) Up to 3 places.

Other Info:

• Open to U.S. residents only.
• Nov. 12 is the deadline.
• Good luck!

For other info, check my contest policy, further questions, email me.

~CONTEST CLOSED~

*Thanks to Jennifer!

Author Interview: Jennifer Brown

Today, I have Jennifer Brown author the extremely touching Hate List. I'm really excited to be interviewing her on my blog. One thing you must know about her, is that she is a fun person :)


Your book is named Hate List, may I ask your Hate List or maybe even your Love List?
I've never had a hate list, but I guess if I did there would be only one thing on it: Hate.

My love list is another story -- very long! But here's a little taste of it:
*Hub
*Kids, especially my own
*The Office
*Musicals, especially Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Fiddler on the Roof
*Blueberry Cobbler coffee
*The Beatles
*Kansas City
*Walt Disney World and Mickey Mouse in general
*Food Network
*The 1980s
*Snow

How are you and Valerie alike? How are you different?
Some of the bullying that Valerie and Nick went through are actual re-tellings of bullying that I endured in junior high and high school. In that way, Valerie and I are very much alike. Where we differ is that I was shy and easily-embarrassed and I turned inward and tried to just continue to put on a happy face everyday, Valerie went to a place of hate. That's not to say I never said, "Oh, I just HATE so-and-so!" because I'm sure I did. I may have even meant it. But I was more scared than hateful.

Also, Valerie had a way of looking at a boy like Nick and seeing all the good in him and never being able to predict how he might be bad, especially how he might be bad for her. I was always guilty of falling for the "bad" boys, if not just generally bad, then definitely bad for me. Of course, I never fell for anyone who did anything nearly as bad as what Nick did.

If you could pick a theme song for Hate List, what would it be and why?
In the beginning of the book, there are lyrics quoted from Nickelback's "If Everyone Cared." I love the lyrics to that song, and actually that song was in a way what inspired me to write the book.

What has been the best thing someone ever said about your book?
That they wanted to pursue their dream of writing because they wanted to touch readers the way my characters touched them.

Do you have any must-have's while writing?
Something to drink -- coffee or Diet Dr. Pepper or water. And music, but it has to be music sung in a foreign language, so I don't understand it and sing along and get distracted. Other than that, I could write, upside-down on my head in a snowstorm on a leaf using a piece of petrified bubblegum.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
I love classic literature, so tops on my list are John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, and Dickens. But current authors... I'd go with Gail Giles, John Green, Jay Asher... boy, I could go on all day.

If you were brought to a deserted island, which 3 books would you bring with you?
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Plainsong by Kent Haruf

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you for having me! This has been fun!

TB: Your welcome Jennifer!

Thanks to Jennifer for letting me interview her!

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

Title: Cleopatra's Daughter
Author: Michelle Moran
Publisher: Crown (September 15, 2009)
Pages: 448

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s vengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome, but only two—the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander—survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

Historical Fiction was never my favorite type of Genre, but Cleopatra's Daughter has made me more open minded towards HF. It's a wonderful book! Seeing Ancient Rome and Egypt through Selene's eyes was unique and unforgettable! She is a very relatable character with her strong mind and empathy.

I loved Selene's character. She's a dynamic and interesting young protagonist. She acted more mature than a 12 year old would have because of what she and her family have gone through. Alexander, Selene's twin was a fun and energetic addition to the plethora of characters that Moran introduced.

Another part of the book I liked was the never ending twists and turns that Moran flawlessly provided. It enhanced the plot with mystery and suspense. The plot, along with the characters, made me love Ancient Egypt and Rome a little bit more.

Moran did a great job with the research for Egypt's and Rome's past. Even though I wasn't familiar with the histories, I understood everything because of Moran's strategically placed tid-bits of information and the character glossary at the beginning of the novel. I enjoyed reading the afterword as well. I liked knowing what happened to the characters long after this story!

Overall, Cleopatra's daughter is a fantastic read! The only thing that I didn't really like was the cover, but otherwise, it's one of the best HF books I've read! At first look, and judging by the cover, you might think that there's no point in reading this. You're wrong. Cleopatra's Daughter is a book that everyone, especially historical fans is sure to enjoy!

Cover:

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*Thanks to Michelle, her publicist, and the publisher for this book!

Contest: Win Just One Wish by Janette Rallison!

Janette was nice enough to let me host a contest for an ARC of Just One Wish. Here's a little something about it:

Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it’s all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika’s plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly fi nds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?

~CONTEST CLOSED~

How To Enter:
Comment with your email.

Extra Entries:
+3 follow
+2 go to Janette's bio and tell me one thing you learned about her.
+1 link (sidebar, twitter, etc...) Up to 3 places.

Other Info:

• Open to U.S. residents only.
• Nov. 6 is the deadline.
• Good luck!
  

For any other info, check my contest policy, further questions, email me.

~CONTEST CLOSED~

*Thanks to Janette!

Author Interview: Janette Rallison

Today, my next author interview is with Janette Rallison. She is the author of Just One Wish, and How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend and many more. Did you know she that has 5 kids?

What made you write Young Adult Fiction?
My favorite books have always been young adult books. I've loved The Phantom Tollbooth, The Princess Bride, A Wrinkle in Time, and well, really too many to mention. I guess it was natural that I'd want to write in the same genre. Also, I have daughters who are voracious readers and I want them, and all the kids out there like them, to have good books to read.

How are you and Annika alike? How are you different?
I'm more cautious than Annika. I've done many crazy things, but I would never drive to California and try to sneak onto a Movie set. (Although according to my Hollywood source, there are plenty of girls who do try to do this.) I also wouldn't have ever faked a book report--I enjoyed reading too much. I do drive like Annika does though, I love chocolate, and I'm much more likely to get mad during a situation than to cry--an attribution I gave to her.

My mother died of cancer when I was young, so I also relate to her in that regard.

If you were granted 3 wishes, what would they be?
If you had asked me this when I was a teenager, I would have wished to be rich, eternally young and beautiful, and to marry my teen crush: Battlestar Galactica actor, Richard Hatch.

Now that I'm a mom, I'd wish for world peace, for my children to live happy lives, and for a self-cleaning house. This is how your perspective changes as you grow older. (Although I still have a thing for Richard.)

Do you have any must-have's while writing?
Quiet. That's pretty much what I need to write, and it can be harder than you'd think to get it since I'm the mother of five kids.

If you were brought to a deserted island, which 3 books would you bring with you?
I'd bring three empty notebooks and write my own.

What is the best piece of advice for those young aspiring writers out there?
Go to college and get a degree in something else, because it often takes a long time before you can support yourself as an author. And luckily, writing is the type of job that can be done a little at a time while you do other things with your life.

If you weren't an author, what would your dream job be?
You mean besides a mom?
I don't mean to be hokey, but really, being a mom is the best job in the world. But if I wasn't an author, I'd love being an editor.

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to add?
A big thank you to all my readers. You make writing worthwhile!

Thanks Janette for the wonderful interview! Be sure to check out her website!

In My Mailbox (9)

IMM is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

I got awesome books this week :)

For review:

Anastasia's Secret ARC by Susanne Dunlap
Hold Still ARC by Nina LaCour
Little Black Lies ARC by Tish Cohen
The Sky Is Everywhere ARC by Jandy Nelson

Bought:

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
DupliKate by Cherry Cheva- I already reviewed this, it's awesome! *too lazy to put link*

That's my IMM for this week. I got awesome books that I can't wait to read. I hope you guys had a great week as well! :)

What did you get in your mailbox? Leave me a link below!

Snap by Carol Snow

Title: SNAP
Author: Carol Snow
Publisher: HarperTeen (August 25, 2009)
Pages: 224
Reading Level: Young Adult

Madison Sabatini thought she knew who she was: an almost-sophomore with a bright future. The newest photographer on her school paper. A shopaholic with great hair and a fabulous wardrobe. Then, in a flash, everything changed.

Now she's stuck in Sandyland, a gloomy beach town in the middle of nowhere, living with her parents in a crappy hotel "suite." Instead of spending the summer with her friends at home, she's hanging out with pink-haired Delilah, an artist who works in a shop called Psychic Photo, and a skater boy named Duncan who's totally not her type. Except, maybe he is . . .

Determined to make the best of things, Madison throws herself into her one passion: photography. But when strange figures start appearing in her pictures—people who weren't there when she snapped the shots, people who are later reported dead—she begins to question everything about who she is . . . and who she wishes she could be.

I have to say that my most favorite part of this story was because Madison loves photography, I love it too! Snap was great. At the start, the story started slow, it was a bit dull. It took me a while to keep reading it for the first few chapters of the book, but then when after, it suddenly got better and better. I enjoyed it more than I did with the start of the book.

The idea of this book is something very unique. It's something different and new.

Obviously, Madison was my favorite character. I liked her personality and how she loved photography. I have to admit I got a bit confused at some point with the characters. I guess I was too slow, but after a while I did get who they were. Duncan, Celia, Lexie, and the rest of the characters are developed well in the story. They were a great addition to the story and they made it more exciting. Lexie, the best friend of Madison was a great friend to her. It was fun to read the parts she was involved in.

Overall, SNAP is very unique, different. I recommend you read this. I look forward more to Carol's writing. If you like photography, go read it now!

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Author Interview: Carol Snow

Today, I'm happy to feature Carol Snow, author of her teen books, Switch, and Snap. I actually focused more on her book Switch with the interview, so I hope that's okay with you guys :)

What inspired you to write SWITCH?

An editor from HarperTeen who was familiar with my novels (I also write books for adults) asked my literary agent if I’d be interested in writing for teens. Since my daughter was approaching the teen years at that point, I jumped at the opportunity.

How did you come up of the idea for SWITCH?

I was walking along the beach in Carpinteria, California, when I thought about writing a story about a body switcher. Behind me there were kids in red bathing suits, part of a junior life guard program. So I thought, What if one of them was a body switcher?A row of big, beautiful houses loomed above me. I thought, And what if the body switcher wound up in one of those houses? It all just kind of came together from there.

Do you have any similarities with Claire? If not, differences?

We both like cats. Otherwise, Claire is superior to me in just about every way: more athletic, more even-tempered, more industrious. Plus, she’s a whole lot taller.

What are some of your favorite books?

My favorite YA books are probably the Uglies/Pretties series by Scott Westerfeld and The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak.

What's your favorite drink?

It’s hard to pick one. I do have a certain weakness for Diet Dr. Pepper, even though I know I’d be better off with water.

List 5-10 of your favorite things (does not have to be in order)

Cats

Dragonflies

Sand dollars

Fancy parties

The ocean

Flea markets

Lazy mornings

City strolls

Do you have any advice for those young writers out there?

For now, focus on your craft. Publication can wait. Read Strunk & White. Then read it again. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure – they all matter. Also, read widely and keep a journal.

Thanks Carol for the great interview, up next is my review for Snap. Go check out Carol's website here.

DupliKate by Cherry Cheva

Title: DupliKate
Author: Cherry Cheva
Publisher: HarperTeen (September 29, 2009)
Pages: 256
Reading Level: Young Adult

To Do List:

• Ace SATs
  
• Ace finals
  
• Ace AP physics project
  
• Avoid murdering lab partner
  
• Submit Yale application
  
• Resolve possibly evil twin situation

Due date: December 15th
Countdown: 11 days

By the time Kate Larson accidentally fell asleep at three a.m., she'd already done more work in one night than the average high school senior does in a week. Getting into Yale has been her dream for years—and being generally overworked and totally under-rested is the price of admission. But when she opens her eyes the next day, she comes face-to-face with, well, her face—which is attached to her body, which is standing across the room. Wait, what?

Meet Kate's computer-generated twin. Kate doesn't know why she's here or how to put her back where she belongs, but she's real. And she's the last thing Kate has time to deal with right now. Unless . . .

Could having a double be the answer to Kate's prayers? After all, two Kates can do more work than one. Or will keeping her twin a secret turn her dream future into a living nightmare?

Wow, what can I say about this book, this book was absolutely amazing. I read this book in one sitting, from start to end I just loved each and every single part of this book. Cheva's writing is very unique. I really like how she writes about teenagers, that way we can relate to the characters very easily, I mean this book, I could relate to Kate very well, as well as the other characters.

The whole idea of the book is very unique and it's something different. It's not one of those common plots. It's something fresh and new. She has a computer-generated twin!

I ADORE Kate's personality and character. She is like me who wants to get into great schools. Her biggest dream is to get into Yale. She's a fun character and I just love her personality. Rina, Kate's generated twin did so many things to Kate, which I loved. It was the last thing that could happen to her. Plus, I wish I was Kate, she has a 4.1 GPA, and she's the cocaptain of the volleyball team. Wow.

Also, I'm not sure if I'm right, but don't you think the title is very creative? DupliKATE, Kate, is the main character and she's the one who has a twin, awesome!

Overall, I strongly recommend you read this book, it's a super, light, fun read and I guarantee you'll love this book! And by the time your done, you have noticed you have read it in one sitting.

Cover: 4 stars

Ending: 5 stars

Writing:5 stars

Overall: 5 stars

In My Mailbox (8)

IMM is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren, and was inspired by Alea @ Pop Culture Junkie.

This week went super slow, I only got one book.

For review:

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

That's my IMM this week, only one, but at least I got something! My mooches are taking ages to get here, hopefully they'll come this week. And I HOPEFULLY will go to the bookstore this week because I have dying to check out the bookstore because I heard that there are tons of new books!

I would also like to apologize to everyone for my lack of posts. I have been so busy since I moved houses so I have been packing and arranging everything and cleaning the new house, plus I have no internet yet but hopefully I'll get a way to go on the internet, so please keep that in mind. Thanks guys! Have an awesome week!

What did you get in your mailbox?

Defenders of The Scroll by Shiraz

Title: Defenders Of The Scroll
Author: Shiraz
Publisher: iUniverse (June 29, 2009)
Pages: 264 pages

A teenage boy. A dark wizard. A mystic scroll. And the fate of a world hangs in the balance...

When Alex "the Axeman" Logan is pulled from his world to help a young princess, named Dara, save her kingdom from the Shadow Lord, he thinks there has been a mistake. He's a teen guitar player close to failing 11th grade, not some defender of the realm. All he has are some school books, his wits, and his love of fantasy movies.

Overnight his life is history. Alex must confront the Shadow Lord and his minions when he is thrust into a land that has changed from a magical paradise to a barren, hopeless, helpless realm invaded by a dark army. But Alex is not alone. He has the help of Dara, a magic scroll, and a band of unlikely companions drawn from his own history books: a hardened Roman Legionnaire, a swift Japanese Samurai, a fearless African Warrior, a fiery Amazon Archer, and a spirited Shaolin Monk.

Can Alex become more than he believes and lead his small band of Defenders to the Hall of Shadows, the birthplace of the Shadow Lord? The fate of the realm and everyone in it rests on him.

At first, I was a little unsure about the cover, it's kind of corny. I don't really like the cover because it seems a bit like those cheesy movies. I didn't like it that much and I felt it was too strong. But boy was I ever wrong! DOTS provided me with a roller-coaster ride full of twists and turns and adventure!

My favorite character was Alex. Alex made the book better, I think Alex was the best developed character in the story. I guess I just liked his personality.

DoTs is a unique and different from other books I've read. I'm not really into the whole fantasy genre, but this is an exception. I loved it from start to finish and devoured it in less than 2 hours! Shiraz's flowing and effortless writing pulled me into a world of magic and fantasy. In other words, it's amazing. I didn't expect to like it, but I did. I'm glad I chose this book for it's content, not for it's cover =)

Overall, I recommend you guys go get this book, I know, the cover looks super cheesy but from the content, it's great. Especially fantasy fans, I think you guys might like this one!

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