The Frenzy by Francesca Lia Block --Review

Title: The Frenzy
Author: Francesca Lia Block
Hardcover, 272 pages
Publisher: Harper Teen

Plot:

Love is a werewolf, influenced by the moon and terror, and always about to change. Liv has a secret. Something happened to her when she was thirteen. Something that changed everything. Liv knows she doesn't belong anymore-not in her own skin, not in her family . . . not anywhere. The only time she truly feels like herself is when she's with her boyfriend, Corey, and in the woods that surround her town. But in the woods, a mysterious woman watches Liv. In the woods, a pack of wild boys lurks. In the woods, Liv learns about the curse that will haunt her forever. The curse that caused the frenzy four years ago. And that may cause it again, all too soon.While Corey and Liv's love binds them together, Liv's dark secret threatens to tear them apart as she struggles to understand who-or what-she really is. And by the light of the full moon, the most dangerous secrets bare their claws. . . .

My Thoughts:

This book was a toughie for me. While I loved the concept of this book, I found I couldn't relate enough to the characters to really invest in them. The idea that Liv is a werewolf and doesn't know it, is exactly the kind of concept I usually go crazy for, but not with this one so much. I did, however, love the idea that her mother is a wolf hunter and there was crazy tension between Liv and her parents.

There were some other interesting things about this book that added a nice spin on the traditional YA friend/relationship dynamics. Liv has a gay best friend, whom she pretends is her boyfriend sometimes so his parents won't find out he's gay and hers won't discover she's dating a black guy. You rarely see interracial relationships in YA books for whatever reason, so it was a nice change of pace.

All in all, I have to say this one just wasn't for me. It could just be me. If you like werewolf stories give it a try and let me know what you think.

Pony Whisperer by Janet Rising --Review

Title: Word on the Yard: v. 1 (Pony Whisperer).

Author: Janet Rising
Paperback, 192 pages

Published June 1st 2010 by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (first published June 4th 2009)


The Word on the Yard by Janet Rising


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pia has always told her pony everything...only now he’s talking back!!


When Pia’s parents divorce, both Pia and her pony Drummer have to start life in new homes. In this smash hit series from the UK, Pia Edwards finds herself in a new town, new school and new stable. Thanks to a mystical statuette that allows her to talk to horses, she discovers that she isn’t the only one having trouble fitting in and making new friends – ponies have problems, too!

Pia immediately gets off on the wrong foot with Cat, ‘queen’ of the stables, but starts to make friends when her newly-discovered talent helps save a pony from colic. Word spreads about Pia’s pony-whispering powers – then it all goes wrong when she gets her own TV show.

Pia suddenly receives more attention than she ever dreamed – from humans and horses alike. But can her dream last forever? When Pia’s invited on national television to help problem horses by talking to them, she’s mortified to discover she forgot her statue.

Pia is convinced the jig is up when James, a fellow horse lover and total hottie, gallops up with the statue and saves the day. She’s afraid he’ll reveal her secret, but James assures Pia the Pony Whisperer that her secret is safe with him. Maybe this new town isn’t so bad after all.

My Thoughts:

The voice of this Middle Grade(MG) book really grabbed me. Most times I find MG books a little stiff in the beginning, but this one hooked me right in. I really liked Pia, she really opens up and you can almost hear her voice. Her pony on the other hand was very sarcastic, which added a lot of humor to the book. Drum was totally opposite of what I thought a talking horses attitude would be like.




The good thing about Middle Grade novels is you don't have to wait long for the action to get started. The horse starts talking pretty close to the beginning of the book.




I think anyone who likes MG books will love this story about Pia and Drum.




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Losing Faith by Denise Jaden --Review

Title: Losing Faith
Author: Denise Jaden
Paperback, 377 pages
Published September 7th 2010 by Simon Pulse
Special Note: ARC Review
http://www.denisejaden.com/ 

Plot:

A terrible secret. A terrible fate.




When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don't know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but.



As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith's final night...a secret that puts her own life in danger.

My Thoughts:
 
I loved a book that starts off with a good party scene, especially when the main character is debating on doing 'the deed' with her sex crazed boyfriend for the first time. LOL Hooked me in right away. The mystery in this story is what kept me hooked. There just wasn't something quite right with those youth group people. This book took a turn I wasn't prepared for when I found out there was a cult involved and Faith's death might not be a suicide after all.
 
Alis was my favorite character in the book. He was so darn cute and awkward in a normal teen setting because he'd been home schooled. He was a well written character.
 
I really liked this novel. Although there was some religious overtones in it, I didn't feel like it got too preachy, so I think the general population of YA readers will enjoy this one.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins-- Review

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins



5 out of 5 stars

This book was just as good as everyone says. Can't believe I waited this long to read it. Katniss is such a humble bad ass and has quickly pushed her way into my list of favorite female protagnist. Plus I've jumped on the TEAM PEETA boat.




READ IT ASAP!!!




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What's the Best Books You've Read In 2010??

Just curious what's some of the best books you've read in 2010, because I'm wondering if there are few I've missed?

Love to hear your thoughts!