by Libba Bray
The 3rd installment of Libba Bray's Great and Terrible Beauty saga is well worth the wait. I have put off reading this one because it is just so long and I have had little time, but I am so glad I finally did.
Gemma and her friends at the Spence Academy try picking up the pieces after Gemma binds the magic to herself and seals the Realms, but the right path is unclear and treacherous. Gemma finds herself very alone in her tasks to make it all right and finds herself dealing with her upcoming debut into society as well.
The story wraps up the loose ends well, but still leaves the story open for more. I for one hope she has plans to write a fourth, but I haven't heard anything about that. I will warn you, this book has some unexpected turns and left me just a bit sad. I cannot say more or I may spoil it.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Book Review: The Sweet Far Thing
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Meg Cabot Interview from The Page Flipper
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson; Audrey Wait by Robin Benway; Wish You Were Here by Catherine ClarkBad Kitty by Michele Jaffe; Miss Smithers by Susan Juby; If We Kiss by Rachel Vail.
Hmm. I actually do believe in reincarnation, but I wouldn't say I was Jane Austen or anyone like that in a past life, because I haven't exactly written books this time around that I expect to be loved for centuries--just to be enjoyed right now. If I were anyone famous, I would like to think I was the author Anita Loos, who wrote Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, or maybe Sally Benson, who wrote two of my all time favorite books, Meet Me In St Louis and Junior Miss (also the screenplay for Shadow of a Doubt). They're fun authors whose books were popular during their lifetime but aren't so much NOW, who died around the time I was born, so it's POSSIBLE. But I think it's more likely I was a prairie housewife who had a million kids because the one thing I have NEVER EVER wanted was kids and I feel like it's because I already had about 20 of them (obviously in a past life).
Monday, May 12, 2008
Book Revie from The Story Siren: Nobody's Princess
by Esther Friesner
She is beautiful, she is a princess, and Aphrodite is her favorite goddess, but something in Helen of Sparta just itches for more out of life. Unlike her prissy sister Clytemnestra, she takes no pleasure in waving and embroidery. And despite what her mother says, she’s not even close to being interested in getting married. Instead, she wants to do combat training with her older brothers, go on heroic adventures, and be free to do what she wishes and find out who she is.
Not one to count on the gods—or her looks—to take care of her, Helen sets out to get what she wants with steely determination and a sassy attitude. That same attitude makes Helen a few enemies—such as the self-proclaimed "son of Poseidon" Theseus— it’s also what intrigues, charms, and amuses those who become her friends, from the famed huntress Atalanta to the young priestess who is the Oracle of Delphi. (summary from book)
I enjoyed Friesner’s rendition on the story of Helen’s youth. I really liked getting to know more about the ancient Greeks and their customs. The plot flows well and is interesting throughout the entire story. I can’t wait to read more about Helen’s character and her adventures in Nobody’s Prize. If you enjoy historical fiction or mythology, I think you would enjoy this book!
Friday, May 9, 2008
The Page Flipper Book Review: Sweethearts
by Sara Zarr
Sara Zarr, author of Story of a Girl, is back with her new book Sweethearts, a heartfelt, lovable story in the backdrop of a struggle between the past and present.
Jennifer and Cameron had been best friends when they were children. Both growing up with a hard life, they bonded with a strength that surpasses most childhood friendships. But then suddenly, Cameron's gone, without a note or any sign left behind as to why. And then Jennifer hears the news; Cameron's dead.
Jennifer pictured Cameron's funeral in her head, burying her old self along next to him. Within the eight years since Cameron died, she stopped sneaking and stealing food, started exercising, and became a new person. She's now Jenna Vaughn; pretty and popular, living in the present.
But then Jenna gets a note in the mail. A note from the supposedly dead Cameron. And her life changes drastically.
Sweethearts is one of those books that you start reading, and just can't stop. Page after page, Jenna's and Cameron's story grew and kept me interested. Flipping through their past and present, you can see how much someone's past affects who they are today. Sweethearts comes out in February 2008, so make sure to look out for it.






