Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title:  Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1)
Author:  Marissa Meyer
Pages:  387
Genre:  YA Science Fiction/Fairytale Dystopia
Publisher:  Feiwel and Friends
Obtained:  Bought (at signing)
Summary:  Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl...

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

What I Liked:  1) Cinder was quite the unique heroine that fell into the category of having to rescue herself rather than wait to be rescued. Readers cannot help feeling for her situation at home as well as the warring emotions after meeting and helping Prince Kaito. 2) New Beijing. When the setting seems to have a life of its own, you know you have a great story. 3) Peony and Iko were fascinating supporting characters, and I can understand Cinder's attachment to them by the end of the book. 4) The villains delivered a performance worthy of invoking my wrath. Both Adri and Queen Levana deserved to be backhanded many times over, and I applaud Meyer for creating such villains that make me want to punch something.

What I Didn't Like:  I can't really think of anything off-hand, though I admit it would have been nice to see more of New Beijing. I do look forward to seeing more of Meyer's futuristic Earth in the next titles.

Overall:  Readers who enjoy a retold and updated fairy tale will certainly find similarities in Cinder while also getting to know this new world and spin on the girl who lost her "shoe" following the ball.

Review: The Raven Boys

Title:  The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #1)
Author:  Maggie Stiefvater
Pages:  408
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher:  Scholastic Press
Obtained:  Book Signing
Summary:  "There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve," Neeve said. "Either you're his true love...or you killed him."

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them--not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain. He has it all--family money, good looks, devoted friends--but he's looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.

The Dish:  I cannot always put into words how I feel after reading one of Maggie Stiefvater's books.  They always leave an impression on me once I close the cover and mull over what I thought about the story.  While I loved Shiver and The Scorpio Races, there is something entirely different about the writing in The Raven Boys.  And I think I loved it even more because it shows how much Stiefvater's writing has grown.

As with most books, what I really enjoyed was meeting the characters and watching their development.  Blue is one of those girls that I'm sure most people knew in school as the "odd girl" but rather than let her "oddness" get her down, she lets it define her.  Given her family's peculiar set of skills as psychics, particularly her own mother Maura, her worries when she isn't thought of as odd seem justified.  I would have liked having her as a friend when I was a teen. 

What I found most intriguing was the unique medley of Raven Boys that Blue comes into contact with by what some would call sheer chance though her family would disagree.  Hot-blooded and alcoholic Ronan, studious yet resentful Adam, calm and soft-spoken Noah, and obliviously condescending Gansey.  By all normal rights, these boys would have no reason to be seen with each other, but they are friends because of Gansey and his ambition.  Fortunately, like Blue, the reader is treated to a small unraveling portion of the enigma that is Gansey's group, and that really drove me further in my reading. 

The going felt a little slow at first when I started reading the book, but after about one-third of the book, it began to pick up gradually.  With all of the introductions needing to be made within Blue's household and then with the Raven Boys, the slow reading felt real.  The reader needs time to learn about each character and their background, and I appreciated the time Stiefvater took with each person and even when describing 300 Fox Way (Blue's home), Monmouth Manufacturing (Gansey's apartment), and the Pig (Gansey's 1973 Camaro).

Readers should definitely look at The Raven Boys as a beginning to a greater story, and while a few questions are answered by the last page, there are many that remain a mystery.  And personally, I'm looking forward to the journey Stiefvater will take her readers on in order to solve those mysteries.

Purchase your own copy from:  

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Review: Carnival of Souls

Title:  Carnival of Souls
Author:  Melissa Marr
Pages:  306
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Obtained:  Purchased at Signing
Purchase:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Summary:  In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

The Dish:  This is my first novel by Melissa Marr, and in all honesty, it's one of my absolutely favorite books read this year.  In two different worlds, the lives of Mallory, Kaleb, Aya, and other characters are intertwined into a story that sucks readers in, bringing them to the edge of their seats and wanting to know the outcome of everyone's actions.

The background stories and development of all of the characters from Mallory and Kaleb to Aya, Belias, and even Zevi was by far one of the best parts of reading Carnival of Souls.  There was so much going on with all of these characters, I couldn't help becoming close to each of them, and I can see how much readers would definitely enjoy getting to know them.  With all of the layers possessed by the main characters, even those that readers might question their motives earlier in the story will soon have the same readers cheering for them in later chapters.

While reading I couldn't help breezing through the pages without needing any breaks, and this was probably due to the pacing and various changes between character perspectives.  I was a little surprised that the majority of the story took place in The City with Kaleb and Aya; the summary led me to believe it would be more in the human realm with Mallory.  However, the transitions between the two worlds were flawless, and I found the setting of The City to be darkly exciting in contrast to the "safe world" Mallory's father tried to mold for her in the human/witch world.

I think most readers will enjoy the camaraderie of the characters, the intense life of The City, and seeing the prejudices among both Daimons and Witches begin to break down within just one small group.  It is with much anticipation and a pounding heart that I await the next part of Carnival of Souls.

Review: Anew + Giveaway!

Title:  Anew (Archers of Avalon #1)
Author:  Chelsea Fine
Pages:  378
Genre:  Paranormal Young Adult
Publisher:  Acacia Publishing
Obtained:  From Publisher for Blog Tour
Summary:  Two years ago, Scarlet awoke in the forest alone, afraid, and unable to remember anything. Lost and confused, her life was a mystery... until she met a boy with a familiar voice.

Gabriel Archer has a voice from her past, and Scarlet's determined to remember why. She immerses herself in his life only to discover he has a brother he's kept hidden from her: Tristan Archer.

Upon meeting Tristan, Scarlet's world becomes even more muddled. While she's instinctively drawn to Gabriel, she's impossibly drawn to Tristan--and confused out her her mind. As she tries to piece together her history Scarlet realizes her past... might just be the death of her.

The Dish:  Oh my... I want more!  That's how I felt while reading Chelsea Fine's Anew.  I'll admit I had a completely different story in mind when I first read the summary, and Fine definitely delivered a heart-pounding story.  And when I say "heart-pounding" I mean literally in our heroine's case.

After waking up two years prior with no recollection of any memories, Scarlet has been living as normal a life as she can manage in Avalon, Georgia.  She has a guardian who provides for her every need, a best friend who brings her happiness, and she has just started seeing one of the most gorgeous of guys.  Despite these things, Scarlet wants to know about her past, about who she is and why she would have been left in the forest alone without anyone coming to look for her in the past two years.

Scarlet is an amazing character.  With all that she has been through in first trying to figure out who she is and then in dealing with the fact that she is living with a curse that forces her to die, I would have freaked out a lot sooner than her.  She's a strong person and an admirable girl.  What confused me was after she found out about Gabriel and Tristan and how she couldn't understand why she was so drawn to one brother.  Granted, with the way one treated her versus how the other treated her, her confusion was rather justified.

I was very intrigued and smitten with both Gabriel and Tristan Archer, but at the same time, the mystery behind their curse was a factor that really pushed me through the story.  There was one brother that really caught my attention, and I'm very curious to see what will happen in the next book.

While some of the questions put forth in the story were answered, there were others that had yet to be resolved.  Readers will love the dynamic between Scarlet, Gabriel, and Tristan as well as the mystery behind their curse, though I highly recommend having Awry, the second book, on hand.

Thanks to Acacia Publishing, I have one physical copy of Anew for US residents and one ebook copy for International residents!  Enter below to win a copy of Anew by Chelsea Fine!

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ARC Review: The Dark Unwinding

Title:  The Dark Unwinding
Author:  Sharon Cameron
Pages:  318
Genre:  YA Steampunk Mystery
Publisher:  Scholastic
Obtained:  Publisher at TLA
Summary:  When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

The Dish:  Katharine Tulman has a hard task set for her by her miserly Aunt Alice who is only concerned for the financial well-being of her young son, Robert.  She must go to visit her Uncle Tulman's estate and decide whether or not he is of a sound mind all because he has been using the family's finances in "frivolous ventures."  Now, given Katharine's own financial situation rests on being able to maintain the bookkeeping of her aunt so she won't be tossed out onto the street, her frame of mind when she first arrives at Stranwyne Estate is understandable.  While she first believes she must save herself, after meeting her uncle and the people who are part of his "ventures," Katharine comes to a crossroads where she must decide whether her own fate is worth that of hundreds.

When I first received The Dark Unwinding, I was very curious about Katharine and particularly what her uncle could be doing that would force her aunt to question his state of mind.  It was a little difficult getting to know Katharine simply because she was in this constant state of "me, myself, and I."  However, learning more about her past and family, I could see why she was rather self-focused.  It was fascinating to watch her expand her focus as she ventured around her uncle's estate, meeting more of the people behind the so-called "frivolous ventures."

I enjoyed seeing Katharine's relationship develop between the people on the estate, especially with Lane Moreau, her uncle's apprentice.  Since readers are hearing the story from Katharine's point of view, it was a bit difficult to understand Lane's feelings regarding our heroine, but I think more of his emotion shone through the pages despite her ignorance.  It was surprising to see how quickly the relationship between Katharine and her Uncle Tulman developed, but readers will see why once they hear more about the "guardian" outside Katharine's room.

The story overall was very enjoyable and Cameron did create a mystery that was, at first, confusing to where even I was questioning Katharine's state of mind after she came to Stranwyne.  As the pieces to the puzzle began to fall into place through the developing story, it was a matter of narrowing down the list of suspects.  During Katharine's earlier "episodes" it felt as though the story was... stilted as if it were an entirely separate piece that didn't quite fit with the rest of the story.  However, in hindsight, this was probably to help set the stage for the mystery.  I think readers who enjoy steampunk young adult literature and a good mystery will favor reading The Dark Unwinding.

ARC Review: Call of the Sea by Rebecca Hart + Giveaway

Title:  Call of the Sea
Author:  Rebecca Hart
Pages:  278
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Inkspell Publishing
Obtained:  From Publicist for Blog Tour
Summary:  Elysandra Winters has always yearned for a life of adventure on the rolling seas and is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill her dream. When her Privateer father continually refuses to allow his only daughter to sail, Ellie defies him, disguises herself as a boy, and goes in search of a captain who will give her a chance to prove her worth.

Thanks to the cursed selkie blood coursing through his veins, Daniel O'Rourke needs the sea to survive. After giving up on his humanity and spending three years in seal form, he decides to give his human side another chance. Daniel goes in search of a job and a sense of normalcy, earning himself a position aboard Captain Winters' ship, The Siren's Call. However, his new captain's first assignment has nothing at all to do with sailing, and everything to do with his headstrong young daughter.

Years later, when the leader of a band of bloodthirsty pirates murders Captain Winters, Daniel and Elysandra's lives come crashing back together with the force of a hurricane. Both experts in deception, they must find a way to trust each other if they are to have any hope of hunting down the captain's killer.

The Dish:  All Elysandra Winters desires to do is to sail the seas aboard her father's ship, The Siren's Call. The sea is in her blood and even as a child, Ellie can hear it calling to her. However, her father has other plans for his fiery daughter when he hires young Daniel O'Rourke as the new cabin boy to serve on The Siren's Call. When Ellie doesn't take this news well, Captain Winters gives a new task to Daniel which in turn further entwines the paths of his daughter and his new cabin boy over the next ten years.

Ellie is one of the most headstrong and stubborn heroines I have had the opportunity to find in a debut title. She knows what she wants and she's willing to do what it takes in order to get what she wants, even if it means disobeying her father. I admire Ellie for that trait, yet it's also a bit worrisome that it will make her blunder into danger. This is actually why she has someone like Daniel to help look after her, especially since he is nearly as stubborn as her. I was smitten with Daniel right from his introduction until the very last page from his loyalty to Captain Winters to his growing fondness of Ellie. So what if he has to change into a seal one month out of the year? These two were definitely made for each other even with Ellie's initial reservations while she was so focused on her own goals rather than looking at the overall picture.

I haven't read much in the way of selkie folklore, and I'm happy to say that Rebecca Hart's is the first novel I've read featuring selkies as the supernatural element. Hart's descriptions of Daniel's various transformations either from seal to human or from human to seal were rather detailed, and I found myself almost cringing with the cracking of bones. It added a sense of realism to the selkie's transformation that goes beyond just magically changing into another form. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more novels that feature selkies.

While the first part of the story is a bit slow, the pace picks up as soon as Ellie makes a break for the sea, soon sending her father and Daniel in search of her. Readers who enjoy a high-seas adventure story with supernatural and romantic elements won't be disappointed with Call of the Sea.

***Giveaway***

In celebration of the release date, I'm giving away a signed copy of Call of the Sea courtesy of the publicist. The giveaway will run until the official release date on June 21st, so good luck!

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Review: The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

Title:  The Mephisto Covenant (Mephisto Covenant #1)
Author:  Trinity Faegen
Pages:  434
Genre:  Paranormal Young Adult Literature
Publisher:  Egmont USA
Obtained:  Library
Summary:  Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger--she is an Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx's biggest threat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant--God's promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he's finally found the girl he's been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx always looming, Jax knows he has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

The Dish:  Sasha has a lot being thrown at her all at once.  Within a single day, she's confronted the leader of a supposed cult to find out about her father's murder, stoned by members of said cult, rescued by a young man dressed in black, and had her memories erased of anything about said man.  When she gets home after all of this has happened, she learns her mother is being departed to Russia for being suspected as a spy, and Sasha is going to live with the uncle and aunt she never knew about.  May I take a break from the Tilt-O-Whirl of events, please?

With everything that's being hurled at Sasha, I'm surprised she's still standing and able to take in everything.  I admire that aspect about her as a character, but there were some issues I had with her behavior, too.  Yes, I realize it might have been due to her proximity to Jax, but to see her constantly stating, "No, I have to stay away from him," and then turn right around to run to the one she thought was "not right" was driving me up the wall.  It felt like I was at Wimbledon watching Sasha going from one side of the court to the next. 

Other than being a Son of Hell, Jax didn't seem like that bad of a guy.  What he does is ultimately for the greater good even though it means no redemption for the Lost Souls from humans who pledged themselves to Eryx.  And when it came to Sasha, it appeared as though he did everything in his power to help her, which really speaks of his character and the fact that he does want redemption from God.  It was nice to also be introduced to his five brothers as I believe each of them will be a focus for the next books in The Mephisto Covenant series. 

What was rather disheartening was how quickly certain people seemed to give up and follow Eryx.  Were they that desperate enough to give up their souls?  I won't go into greater detail because I don't want to spoil the story, but it was something that gave more despair to the story sometimes even more than what Sasha had to endure. 

Trinity Faegen has told a story that revolves around the fight between good and evil and given it a new twist.  I was impressed with how Faegen chose to handle the religious aspect of the story, and I'm already curious to see what she has in store for the next book, The Mephisto Kiss. 

Book 6

Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Title:  The Girl of Fire and Thorns
(Fire and Thorns #1)
Author:  Rae Carson
Pages:  424
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher:  Greenwillow Books
Obtained:  Library
Summary:  Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king--a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn't die young.

Most of the chosen do.

The Dish:  Princess Lucero-Elisa does not believe she is the one who should bear the Godstone, the gift bestowed upon God's chosen once every one hundred years.  She's not good with royal politics, she's not graceful or lithe, and she's terrified of horses (her only true flaw in my opinion).  While she believes her elder sister would be a more suitable bearer of the Godstone as well as a more suitable match for King Alejandro of her country's ally, it is Elisa who is led down the aisle in a marriage that any self-doubting sixteen-year-old girl would hesitate to enter.

These reasons are why she is one of the most amazing fantasy heroines.  Elisa knows her flaws, or at least what she thinks of as flaws, and she doubts herself constantly throughout the story, but she keeps moving forward despite having these reservations about herself.  One could say this is due to those around her that offer support and belief in her, but it is also Elisa's own determination to rise to the task of bearing the Godstone that makes her such a remarkable heroine.

Rae Carson created and brought to life amazing and life-like supporting characters, and I say "supporting" both in the casting sense and in what they do to help Elisa find her path to grow.  Starting with Ximena and Aneaxi, Elisa's nurse and lady-in-waiting, they have been there for the princess ever since she was a baby.  Then, there is the stoic Hector, King Alejandro's man-at-arms, who proved to be a great councilor to Elisa sometimes without even speaking.  The desert escorts were by far some of the most earnest characters from the unreadable Cosme to her brother, Humberto, who became devoted to Elisa.  The two that I'm awaiting to learn more about are Ximena and Hector, both of which give me the impression that there is far more to their story than we've heard thus far.

While The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a rather lengthy book, the story didn't feel as such.  Between the transitions for Elisa going from one realm to another, the pace was energetic, and I certainly felt the energy flowing from the pages.  Carson's writing has an amazing use of description without going into a tangent, and this makes the reader aware of Elisa's ability to notice the details that are often missed.

Those who are destined for greatness will not often find it while in the comforts of the familiar.  No one knows that more than Lucero-Elisa, bearer of the Godstone and hope for her people.  I can't wait to read the continuation of Elisa's story, so look for The Crown of Embers on September 18th!

Book 5

ARC Review: Underworld by Meg Cabot

Title:  Underworld (Abandon Trilogy #2)
Author:  Meg Cabot
Pages:  320
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy, Mythology
Publisher:  Point
Obtained:  ARC provided by publisher
Summary:  Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn't dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it's for her own safety.  Because not all the departed are dear.  Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they've come back as Furies, intent on vengeance... on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there... and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there'll be no escape.

The Dish:  Reading Underworld has made me want to go back in time and lower my rating of Abandon to 4 Snowflakes.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Abandon, but I didn't read it with the fervor that I read Underworld.  This is one case where I felt the sequel outdid its predecessor. 

The story picks right back up from where we last left Pierce and John after he swept her away to the Underworld for her own safety.  While Pierce is still hesitant about being in the realm of the dead for eternity, being with John makes it appear more enticing.  Speaking of John, although he is still a bit on the brooding side (though what death deity wouldn't be?), there were changes in his character that made him even more likable.  Readers get to see this more sensitive side of John through how he has made changes in running the Underworld and how he behaves with his former crew who serve and assist him.  I do wish that John had been more honest and upfront about several big factors with Pierce, but if she's willing to overlook that, I suppose I can as well.

Let me just say that I enjoyed getting to meet John's crew members, Frank, Mr. Graves, Mr. Liu, and Henry.  They're the first "denizens" of the Underworld that Pierce meets, and while she doesn't feel as though she made the best of impressions, they do warm up to her throughout the time that all are on Isla Huesos.  It's amazing at how much occurs within the single day or rather night, and Cabot seems to be a master at making a short time feel much longer.  This is due to the major plot seeming rather simple, but when factoring in the obstacles placed in Pierce and John's path, it makes the simplest task much more difficult.  The Furies involved were no less fierce in their onslaught against Pierce, and I'm eager to see what the resolution will be for these angered spirits present on Isla Huesos.

Once again, Cabot has left this reader wanting more, and 2013 cannot get here soon enough when the final installment of the trilogy, Awaken, will be available.

Book 4

Review: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Title:  Dreaming Anastasia
Author:  Joy Preble
Pages:  310
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy, Russian Folklore
Publisher:  SourceBooks
Obtained:  Purchased
Summary:  Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.

In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college--until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams...

The Dish:  What did happen to Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of the Russian tsar?  That is a mystery that has plagued historians for years, but in Dreaming Anastasia, Joy Preble has managed to integrate the mystery into a fairytale that readers will feel is more real than originally thought.  While the focus is not on Anastasia (at least not entirely), she is the key at the heart of the quest that brings together Ethan, a man who has been searching for the one girl who will help him free Anastasia, and Anne, a modern girl just trying to make it through high school.

I adored both Anne and Ethan.  Both of them developed as characters quite well considering the short amount of time they spend with each other.  It was a great big plus in my book to be able to get inside both of their heads as well as Anastasia's in chapters of alternating points of view.  For Anastasia, I feel as though I knew her more through her letters to her family, and how hard it must have been for her to write each of them.  There were a few chapters where I forgot who was talking and became a little confused, having to go back to the beginning of the chapter and remember whose point of view I was reading from.  However, once I dove further into the book, Preble's transitions between our three main characters were seamless.

Seeing the villain of a fairytale like Baba Yaga being used as a force for good puts the entire "good vs. evil" arguement in perspective.  There are always areas of gray matter in which a hero might be forced to do something wicked and a villain might do something beneficial for someone beyond themselves.  Characters that break the molds of their stereotypes draw my interest and curiosity, so I'm eager to see how Preble will utilize Baba Yaga in the next books. 

While Russian folklore isn't studied or read as often as other fairytales, I'm glad to see an author like Joy Preble thinking outside of the box with her Anastasia trilogy.  I'm looking forward to reading the continuation of Anne and Ethan's story in Haunted and Anastasia Forever (which is due to be released in August). 

Book 4

Review: The List by Siobhan Vivian

Title:  The List
Author:  Siobhan Vivian
Pages:  332
Genre:  Young Adult Contemporary
Publisher:  Push
Obtained:  Purchased
Summary:  An intense look at the rules of high school attraction--and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year.  A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest.  Nobody knows who makes the list.  It almost doesn't matter.  The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly."  And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection between the two.

The Dish:  Siobhan Vivian has crafted a remarkable and haunting story that will stay with readers long after they've closed the book.  I know that's what happened to me after I finished it and woke up the next morning still thinking about it.  With Vivian's easily flowing prose, I was carried through The List and then left to ponder on all eight girls.

The characters are phenomenal as readers see them transition over the course of a single week starting with the Monday when the list is posted.  A week seems so short a time to explore an entire book, but Vivian makes use of these 6 days in exploring the lives of all eight girls on the list.  It's amazing at how much one label can change the way people think about a person and what that person thinks about themselves.  For some of the girls, the change is almost instantaneous while for others more gradual, but by the end of the book, each of them is not the same girl at the beginning whether better or worse.

What I really noticed was the behavior of the people surrounding the eight girls whether family, friends, or boyfriends and how that shifted as well.  Those closest to the girls suffered an impact as well, not always from knowing about the list but in seeing how the girls change.  I was moved by several side characters and their actions towards their friends on the list.  It was fascinating to learn how they viewed being on the list and how those views changed throughout the week.

The List is definitely a contemporary story to have in a collection, and I'm eager to see what new stories Siobhan Vivian will share with her readers.

Review: Dating the Undead by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe

Title:  Dating the Undead
Authors:  Gena Showalter & Jill Monroe
Pages:  160
Genre:  Paranormal, Supernatural Romance
Publisher:  Harlequin
Summary:  They're drop-dead handsome-and we're not kidding! Welcome to the first and only guide devoted to loving the immortal man in all of his furry, feathery, fiery glory. Here is a forbidden-fruit salad of features, fiction, fashion, and more, including: "Lipstick on His Collar: Is your immortal just a little bit immoral?"; "Angel in the Kitchen: Heavenly dishes that don't take an eternity to prepare"; "A Kiss is Not Just a Kiss: Immortals we crave divulge their lip-smacking turn-ons"; "Undead & Well-Read: What's hot between the covers this month"; "A View from a Guy: Zombie Jack's turn"; "Immorstrology: Our indispensible guide to heavenly bodies."

The Microwave Dish:  I adore Gena Showalter, and I could see her doing something off-the-wall like Dating the Undead.  It would be really fun to see unique "books" like it a bit more often especially from other authors in order to get their take.  Readers get hilarious advertisements, fantastical dating advice, even cocktail recipes in this gem of a magazine (that I sometimes wish was available in subscription just for the ads).  I thought the concept was unique, whimsical, and quite enjoyable.  Those who adore paranormal creatures or are avid Gena Showalter or Jill Monroe fans should get a real kick out of this title.

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Title:  Everneath
Author:  Brodi Ashton
Pages:  370
Genre:  Supernatural Young Adult Literature
Publisher:  Balzer & Bray
Summary:  Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she's returned--to her old life, her family, her boyfriend--before she's banished back to the underworld... this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance--and the one person she loves more than anything. But there's just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's queen.

The Dish:  There's been a pattern in my recent reads (save one exception), and Brodi Ashton's debut is one of the most fascinating takes on mythology.  Not only does she recreate the Persephone myth, she also relates it (briefly) to the Egyptian myth of Osiris and Isis.  I definitely like the idea of bridging myths of different cultures and societies.

The storyline is written in two parts entwined together, what is happening now in the present after Nikki has Returned from the Everneath and what happened then before she was taken.  This form of storytelling is a unique way of revealing what happened in the past while also relating to Nikki's time on the Surface while "settling her affairs."  It is both this means of storytelling that really drew me into Everneath, making it a smooth read.

Nikki, Jack, and yes even Cole were the most riveting characters who easily moved the story along.  I felt for Nikki's situation even when I thought she had made some definite mistakes before going into the Everneath.  However, given her age, I would chalk that up to establishing her as a believable teenager who makes hasty decisions.  Jack also made some decisions that I questioned but I found him to be a wonderful young man.  The reader can doubtlessly see why it was his memory that Nikki clung to while in the Everneath.  Now we approach Cole.  Cole.  I could describe him in so many words and probably earn the ire of every girl who adored this bad boy.  So I won't mince words when I say, "What a jerk and how I would love to punch him in so many ways."  And that's all I'll say on him until I read the second book.

Overall, this was an excellent debut filled with dynamic characters, mystery plot and background, and an ending that will leave readers wanting more.  I would highly recommend Everneath to those who enjoy mythology-based literature and supernatural mysteries, and I'm waiting on pins and needles for what Brodi Ashton has in store for her readers in Everbound.

Book 3

Review: Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

Title:  Radiant Darkness
Author:  Emily Whitman
Pages:  270
Genre:  YA Mythology
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Summary:  He smiles. "Hello."

It's a deep voice. I can feel it reverberate in my chest and echo all the way down to my toes.

I know I should leave, but I don't want to. I want to keep my senses like this forever. I'm all eye, all ear, all skin.
Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more--something dangerous and exciting--something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself.

In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who--and what--she really is.

The Quick Dish:  Retellings have always fascinated me, especially in the way of myths since so many of them seem to be told within so few pages. The myth of Persephone and Hades is rather popular, especially with the number of YA books that have pulled inspiration from their story. However, this is the first actual retelling I have read, and I have to say, it's good for readers to hear Persephone's voice. Most readers will know their story as Persephone being dragged down against her will into the Underworld by Hades in order to become his queen. Not so in this case.

Emily Whitman offers a different type of story in which the young spring goddess was stifled by her mother's constant sheltering. I really enjoyed this rendition of Persephone and how strong she became by the end of the story. It was troubling how she could not find her voice first with her overbearing mother, Demeter, and then with her (lovingly) possessive husband, Hades. Both of them felt they knew what was best for Persephone, though I have to say Demeter's overprotectiveness was far more trying than Hades' concern about her being taken from him.

Speaking of the god of the Underworld, I really wanted to see more of him in this story since the myth was originally called "Hades and Persephone." While I was a bit disappointed by this, I realize that this is Persephone's story, so her growth and development must be the focal point.

Overall, Radiant Darkness was an enjoyable retelling of a favorite myth that definitely puts the original story into a matter of perspective. Readers who enjoy Greek mythology should definitely add this one to their reading pile.

 

Book 3                                     Book 2

Review: Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs

Title:  Oh. My. Gods.
Author:  Tera Lynn Childs
Pages:  264
Genre:  Young Adult Mythology
Publisher:  Speak (Penguin Group)
Summary:  All Phoebe Castro has to do is keep her grades up and have another stellar cross-country season and her dream of attending USC with her friends on a track scholarship is a reality. So it's a complete shock when her mom announces that she's marrying a near-stranger and moving them to Greece. Before Phoebe knows it, she's stuck on a secret island in the Aegean and attending the superexclusive Academy, where her new stepfather is the headmaster and the kids are anything but your average students--they're descendants of the Greek gods, superpowers included. If regular high school wasn't bad enough, this is mortal misery. Phoebe's only chance of reclaiming her old life lies in securing that scholarship. But managing that may be an ungodly challenge, considering she's got a sabotaging stepsister from Hades and a gorgeous guy--what a god!--in her way...

The Quick Dish:  This was a really cute read, and I enjoyed hearing Phoebe's story.  The idea of having descendants of the Greek gods living among us may not be a new concept, but when it's done right I welcome any and all stories like it.  The characters were just so "high school" and I couldn't help laughing consistently as I read.  Phoebe was a character that I hoped would grow while on Serfopoula, and while she did develop some, it is definitely clear that she has even more growing to do.  As for story, it was the "hero's journey" about finding yourself in a more contemporary setting without necessarily having to slay monsters.

One thing I was thrown off by was the initial action that brought Phoebe to Serfopoula, the fact of her mother falling in love with Damien and marrying him within a matter of a week or so.  I've heard of "love at first sight," but I wondered if maybe Cupid had something to do with that.  Truth be told, Phoebe and Griffin's relationship had more development, and this gave a rather impetuous impression to see her mother making a rash decision.  However, since it wasn't explained in the story, I guess the reader will never know for sure beyond that they just "fell in love and wanted to get married."

Overall, if you enjoy Greek mythology in a contemporary setting along with hilarious characters, Oh. My. Gods. is right up your alley.

Book 2                                  Book 1

Review: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Title:  Shattered Souls
Author:  Mary Lindsey
Pages:  326
Genre:  Paranormal Young Adult
Publisher:  Philomel Books
Summary:  A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger. Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries. Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

The Dish:  There are only two words I can use to describe Mary Lindsey's debut... completely amazing.  It's always exciting when an author hits the mark the first time with story, characters, and pacing, and Mary Lindsey definitely hit it dead-on.

The story was a concept that hasn't been explored as much as others, and it was refreshing to read such a unique story involving reincarnation.  Lenzi is simply an amazing girl, and I adored her right from the beginning of the book to the very last page.  She really became more than what she originally thought she was capable of in the first chapters while still trying to overcome her persistent doubts.  It was both fascinating and frustrating watching how Alden's attempts to help her overcome the doubts sometimes caused even more doubts, but that is the mind of a teenage girl, even one who has apparently lived many different lives through the centuries.

There were times that I wondered what was going through Lenzi's head when she made decisions that placed herself in danger, but that added to the realism of her character.  She is a teenager, and teenagers don't always make the best of decisions (trust me, I remember being a teen and making bad decisions, too). Given the traits of her past self, that Alden and others like them knew as Rose, which were gradually revealed to Lenzi as well as the reader, her decisions did make sense.  When it came to Alden, I thought she did ultimately make the right decisions.  Oh, Alden... a swoon-worthy boy if ever I did see one, though sometimes he did take his orders a bit too seriously.  It's no wonder that Lenzi became so frustrated with him, but in the end he also made the right decisions for her.

With the story really being about Lenzi coming to know who she is by learning who she was, the pacing had the pages turning at a consistent rate.  It always astounds me how authors find the balance that keeps baiting the reader to keep moving on to read even more.  There were some areas of the story that were left open to a possible sequel, however I'm not sure if one will happen.  Even without a second book, I am impressed and delighted to have found such a wonderful author and storyteller in Mary Lindsey.  I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Bottom line: You must read this book.  If you are a Texas YA blogger, then you MUST read this book.

Book 1

Review: A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang

Title:  A Brush of Darkness
Author:  Allison Pang
Pages:  343
Genre:  Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Publisher:  Pocket Books (A Simon & Schuster Division)
Summary:  The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmare. Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling the pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage. But despite her growing knowledge of the OtherWorld, Abby isn't at all prepared for Brystion, the dark, mysterious, and sexy-as-sin incubus searching for his sister, convinced Abby has the key to the succubus's whereabouts. Abby has enough problems without having this seductive shape-shifter literally invade her dreams to get information. But when her Faery boss and some of her friends vanish, as well, Abby and Brystion must form an uneasy alliance. As she is sucked deeper and deeper into this perilous world of faeries, angels, and daemons, Abby realizes her life is in as much danger as her heart--and there's only one she can trust to save her.

The Dish:  When it comes to selecting books (and series) to read, oftentimes it's all in the taglines and what quotes really stand out that will draw readers.  For me, I have to say it was after reading a quote from the author's website that almost made me spit water onto my monitor that I knew I had to read Allison Pang's A Brush of Darkness.

I'm beginning to realize just how picky I can be when it comes to series, particularly urban fantasy or paranormal series.  It's no fault of the authors because they're definitely doing their jobs of delivering great books, but I hadn't really felt the need to invest time into an UF series... until now.  Abby Sinclair is adorable, quirky, unsure, fallible, all traits I really adore in a herione because they show that she is indeed human.  I enjoy reading about confident, kick-butt, lets-get-er-done main characters, too, but finding one at the beginning of her journey and needing to learn more about herself is just as enjoyable.  Granted, sometimes that means being tossed into the water without a paddle, and Abby is definitely swimming with the sharks throughout the story.

After going through a great deal of tragedy within the past six months, I can relate to how Abby feels within this strange world that she's only recently learned about.  And believe me, there is a lot to take in knowing there are forces of the supernatural living alongside our own human realm.  Seeing it through the eyes of someone new helps to move the story along quite nicely because as Abby learns more about these celestial, faerie, and daemonic beings so does the reader.  When her own faerie boss disappears, it's no wonder Abby's not quite sure what to do in the situation, so she just tries to roll (or duck) with the punches.  I will admit, she does take some risks that surprised me and made me shake my head at her inexperience, but fortunately, she does have those willing to help her.

What amazes me most is how Pang has been able to bring together so many different supernatural creatures in such a smooth manner.  With some books that try to take on too many supernaturals, the story might be full of exposition just to clarify the existence of all of these otherworldly beings, not to mention readers might not really get to know the important characters because there are so many.  I loved how Pang picked out certain supernaturals to introduce, expand upon, and show that they are more than powerful non-humans while at the same time introducing others without necessarily going into great detail about backgrounds.

Brystion is definitely a favorite character, and who can blame me since he is a sexy-as-sin incubus?  (And between you and me, readers, I think incubi are slowly becoming the new supernatural, the one to see in future titles.)  Even with learning as much as possible about him, Brystion still has that air of mystery about him as well as the dark, brooding persona.  I wanted to slug him a few times in the story, yet he still somehow managed to have me warming back up to him.

It makes me happy when an author can really end a book on a satisfying note without necessarily closing the book completely.  Namely, I was satisfied with the ending but I definitely want to read more because I know this is only the beginning.  When a first book in a series leaves the reader with that sort of feeling, you know you've found one you want to stick with.  And I aim to stay on track with Abby's story.  Lucky me, A Sliver of Shadow is due to be released come the end of February.

Review: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title:  The Scorpio Races
Author:  Maggie Stiefvater
Pages:  404
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher:  Scholastic Press
Summary:  Some race to win. Others race to survive. It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition--the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

The Dish:  Wow.  I'm not quite sure how to begin my review of The Scorpio Races except to say that it was not what I had expected.  Judging from the summary as well as the amazing book trailer, I had a completely different story in my mind when I first heard about Maggie Stiefvater's "secret novel."  But as with Shiver, Stiefvater did not disappoint with this story, and I am supremely glad I finally read it.

First off, Stiefvater pulls off multiple points of view quite successfully, and with characters like Puck and Sean, it's easy to see how she was able to do it.  Both main characters made great transitions within the story, opening up much more than either of them had before.  Puck was always used to it being just her family without really reaching out to "outsiders."  It was great to see her come out of her shell even if it meant participating in the most dangerous of races.  I was quite taken with Sean Kendrick, the mysterious boy who has a way with the capaill uisce, the powerful and deadly water horses.  To read about his relationship with Corr, the red capall uisce stallion captured first by his father and then again by Sean, was nothing short of remarkable and a little reminiscent of The Black Stallion, at least to me.

Secondly, the pacing of the book was incredible, and while I didn't feel rushed, I did feel the need to keep turning the pages to read what was going to happen next.  It definitely had something to do with the short chapters, and I've seen this means of "pushing the reader to read" in other books.  This is a technique that Stiefvater has mastered in how she was able to completely immerse me in the story without feeling bogged by so much information being thrown at me.  I was able to breathe even when it felt as though my stomach was turning in knots at both Puck and Sean's situations right to the very end.  Stiefvater's storytelling is nothing short of incredible.

Overall, this was an amazing story about a dangerous and thrilling race that lasted all of several chapters.  With magnificent plot build-up, believable and gradual character development, along with beautiful storytelling, this is one story you do not want to miss out on reading.

Review: The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

Title:  The Lover's Dictionary
Author:  David Levithan
Genre:  Contemporary Literature
Pages:  211
Publisher:  Farrer, Straus and Giroux
Summary:  How does one talk about love? Do we even have the right words to describe something that can be both utterly mundane and completely transcendent, pulling us out of our everyday lives and making us feel a part of something greater than outselves? Taking a unique approach to this problem, the nameless narrator of David Levithan's The Lover's Dictionary has constructed the story of his relationship as a dictionary. Through these short entries, he provides an intimate window into the great events and quotidian trifles of being within a couple, giving us an indelible and deeply moving portrait of love in our time.

The Dish: When it comes to writing in a fresh and unique way, I'd have to say David Levithan takes one of the top prizes.  How many would think to write a story in the form of a dictionary?  I definitely commend Levithan for delivering such a story that made for quick and enjoyable reading.

That being said, while it was a fresh manner in composing a story, it did have a few confusing moments.  At times it felt as though the narrator was backtracking in the story, but I didn't always know where this train of thought was backtracking to in the timeline.  I felt this sometimes disrupted the overall flow of the story, but that could have been Levithan's point.  Life and relationships cannot be viewed as completely linear.  There are always bumps and caveats we hit on the road.

The narrator appeared to be a very sensitive soul, and when they connected with their partner, I could feel the open warmth between them.  When some issue arose (usually involving an infidelity), it was clear how hurt both characters were.  In spite of this infidelity (or infidelities?) the two never seemed to break apart from each other despite their bumps in the relationship road.  Who knows where they will be in the end because relationships are always changing.

I thought The Lover's Dictionary was a great means of telling a story about life, love, and the trials people encounter while traversing both.  While I'm not sure that I would read it again, I would say it is worth checking out from the library.

Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Title:  Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Authors:  Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Genre:  Young Adult Contemporary
Pages:  260
Publisher:  Alfred A. Knopf
Summary:  I've left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don't, put the book back on the shelf, please. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook version? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

The Dish:  We're all looking for that "someone" aren't we?  That "special someone" that we can completely open ourselves to without fear, without masks, without regret.  What if you decided to take a chance on someone that you had never met but only knew through the writings found in a notebook placed in a bookstore?  That's just what Dash decides to do and thus "meets" Lily and so begins the exchange of dares placed within the pages of a red notebook.

It was a little hard getting to know Dash in the first couple of chapters simply because of his slightly cynical nature while Lily was an adorable gem of a girl.  However, after more of their backgrounds are revealed, I definitely saw myself falling for Dash, or at least wanting to hear more of his story.  And for him to just take a risk like this on a whim, that really shows how much he wants to believe that life is more than just the cynicism he has felt.  He definitely has a good heart, and it shows in the company he keeps, particularly in one John Boomer known by his friends as just "Boomer."  This friend of Dash's while rather energetic is a definite example of the pure goodness one can find if they only look hard enough.  And it is his association with Dash that really helps Lily to see more of the boy behind the words.

Lily had quite a bit of growing up to do in order to find "herself" especially since she's been sheltered by her parents and grandfather for so long.  I can definitely relate to her situation, though she wasn't sheltered from the things I was.  Having an older brother like Langston was a definite blessing even if he became a bit dramatic at times, but he was there for her when she needed him.  And without his involvement, Lily would not have even taken such a risk with getting to know and meeting Dash.  I was surprised at some of her actions as the story progressed, but this was part of her growth process.  Sometimes, one has to be ankle deep in sludge before they realize their real potential and who they truly are, and I know Lily learned that lesson well.

Meeting Dash's friends and Lily's family through the tasks of giving the notebook to whomever needed it was a sheer delight.  Out of all the side characters, my two favorites were probably Mrs. Basil E (Lily's great-aunt Ida) and Boomer.  Their interactions with both Dash and Lily were intriguing, enlightening, and hilarious, thus helping to move the story, as well as Dash and Lily's relationship, forward.  I was a little concerned when an ex-girlfriend came back into the picture and thought this would create more conflict, but she was surprising with the advice she offered to Dash.  Levithan really created a different story for Dash in that regard, and I was happy with his choice.

Overall, this was a wonderful and light read, and given the season of the story is nearing now, I would recommend it as a holiday book.  This is one book readers will definitely want in their personal library.