The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jul 162012
 

The Eleventh Plague

Author: Jeff Hirsch

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Published Date: September 2011

Hardcover; 278 pages

Genre: YA Dystopian

ISBN# 978-0-545-29014-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

In the aftermath of a war, America’s landscape has been ravaged and two-thirds of the population left dead from a vicious strain of influenza. Fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn and his family were among the few that survived and became salvagers, roaming the country in search of material to trade. But when Stephen’s grandfather dies and his father falls into a coma after an accident, Stephen finds his way to Settler’s Landing, a community that seems too good to be true. Then Stephen meets strong, defiant, mischievous Jenny, who refuses to accept things as they are. And when they play a prank that goes horribly wrong, chaos erupts, and they find themselves in the midst of a battle that will change Settler’s Landing–and their lives–forever.

First Line

“I was sitting at the edge of the clearing, trying not to stare at the body on the ground in front of me.”

My Review

The Eleventh Plague intrigued me from page one. Stephen and his father bury his grandfather, the man who didn’t hesitate to punish the slightest mistake with his fists yet kept them alive after the Collapse following an attack from China and the release of P11, also know as the Eleventh Plague. Stephen is conflicted, not sure how to feel about being free of the man who knew how to survive but made his life so miserable.

Stephen’s world is one full of danger and uncertainty, of struggling and salvaging to survive. Before he has the chance to adjust to life without his grandfather’s beatings, his father falls and Stephen is suddenly shouldered with the responsibility of caring for his injured father and finding a way to keep them alive. When they are discovered by a group of men, Stephen agrees to let them bring his father with them to their “city” to be cared for by their doctor.

I was fascinated reading about Stephen’s reactions to being inside a house for the first time, his struggle to adjust to life in a community, and his curiosity about Jenny, a Chinese girl who insists on rebelling against everyone and everything. I liked Stephen, but Jenny takes getting used to. She is blunt, bitter, and a fighter. When Jenny and Stephen play a prank on the leader of the town, there is a misunderstanding and the citizens find themselves at war.

The Eleventh Plague is a well-written, page-turning story that is disturbingly believable. I haven’t read much YA Dystopian, so I don’t know how it compares to others in the genre. I liked that the book didn’t end the way I thought it would. I find myself wanting to know more about this city and other areas in the United States after the Collapse. I don’t know if it is part of a series, but I would definitely read a sequel. I think that 14-16 year-old boys would probably really like this book.

Content

A few swear words; no sex (just kissing & not much at that); some violence (a battle); one scene in which the teens drink home brew around a lake and the main character takes a sip then declines offers of more.

Visit Jeff Hirsch: WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Find The Eleventh Plague: GOODREADS | AMAZON

 

Invaluable by Holly J. Wood

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 232012
 

Invaluable

Author: Holly J. Wood

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: December 2011

Paperback: 352 pages

ISBN13: 9781609088354

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Back cover: “Help Wanted

Sixteen year old girl seeks advice on how to reach out to a sister who has become distant, how to make up with my best friend, who spends every, moment with her new boyfriend; how to avoid losing my job over working on Sundays; and how to figure out who has been putting love notes in my locker.  Applicants are also required to provide advice on how to handle being head-over-heels for my prom date’s best friend–who happens to be the hottest guy in school.  Math tutoring a plus.  Interested persons may contact Eliza Moore.

Sounds like a tall order?  Well, that is what Eliza Moore is up against during her sophomore year of high school.  But when her great-grandmother begins visiting Eliza in her dreams, everything starts to change.  These dreams take Eliza back in time to see extraordinary women who help teach her about eight important values.  As Eliza learns more about these women and the values they lived by, she discovers the courage and confidence she needs to face her challenges–and her secret admirer.”

My Review

I really enjoyed this book.  Eliza was a great character and I was really impressed with her.  There was one thing that she did that surprised me during the book, especially after she was receiving the visits from the great-grandmother, but as I thought about it, we are all still learning in this life.  Mistakes will happen.  I looked forward to the visits from her grandmother, the people they visited, and the lessons Eliza learned.  I thought the “treasure hunt” after each visit was fun.  My one tiny complaint, was that I felt at times the story dragged a bit before her great-grandmother Eliza visited.  That being said, I enjoyed the characters and thought the author did a great job of incorporating the Young Woman values into a book.  I also really liked Luke and Jason.  I love it when boys are good examples too.

4 out of 5 stars.  I would recommend this book to any one with a daughter in YW’s or is interested in learning more about those amazing values.  My 13 year old daughter couldn’t wait until I was done so she could read it.  I love books that I can pass onto my girls, and this one is at the top of the list.  As a mom, it is also a great reminder for me to get my daughter excited about personal progress.  This book will do just that.

Learn more about Holly J. Wood here.  Follow her on FACEBOOK.

DESERET BOOK / AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

 

BOUND by C. K. Bryant – Dark C.A.R.M.A Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Nov 172011
 

Bound (The Crystor #1)

Author: C.K. Bryant

Publisher: Dragonfly Press

Published Date: October 2011

Paperback/Kindle/E-book; 398 pages

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: I received a free e-book copy in exchange for an honest review

Back cover:

When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

BOUND is a heroic tale of true friendship, infinite sacrifice and untamed love.

Find out how you can enter to win prizes galore during the Dark C.A.R.M.A. Blog Tour below.

BOUND begins with Kira and Lydia in gym class on a seemingly ordinary day. By the weekend, though, everything has changed and the reader is swept quickly into a fast-moving tale that involves characters who aren’t what they seem and a history that belongs to another world.

I was pulled quickly into the story and it held my attention easily. I was interested in the history of Lydia and Octavion and I’m looking forward to learning more about their world. It looks like book two will take place on Ophira so readers will have the opportunity to learn more about Lydia and Octavion’s home world.

I liked seeing the growth of Kira throughout the book from an unwanted, unloved and abandoned child to a strong young woman who won’t give up without a fight. Lydia was fascinating with her own internal struggle balancing two spirits. Octavion was a little frustrating for me, at least at first. As the dangerous, even ferocious, young prince of another world at times he felt a little cliche, but by the end of the story he was really growing on me.

I know I’m invested in a story if I get to the end and keep flipping pages as if more story will magically appear. BROKEN, book two in The Crystor series, is scheduled to be released in Spring of 2012.

BOUND is an interesting story that left me wanting more. Readers who like to read YA Fantasy and YA Paranormal will enjoy BOUND.

Content: A few incidents of swearing limited to “he–” and one occurrence of “a–“; kissing but nothing too graphic; a bad guy attacks a main character and touches her breast but is stopped.

 

To purchase an autographed copy of BOUND by C.K. Bryant visit the author’s website here.

The Kindle version of BOUND can be purchased here.

To enter to win one of several prizes, including a grand prize, visit the Dark C.A.R.M.A. website.

Have you read BOUND? Tell me what you think of the hunky hero Octavion!

Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett–Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Nov 122011
 

Geek Girl

Author: Cindy C. Bennett

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Expected Publish Date: December 2011

ISBN13: 9781453663318

FTC FYI: I got my copy from NetGalley

Reviewed by Mindy

“”Think I could turn that boy bad?”

My two best friends–my only two friends, really–Ella and Beth follow my gaze and laugh.  We’re sitting on the outskirts of the cafeteria, outcasts physcially and socially.  We’re proud of this.  We strive for this.

“Trevor Hoffman?” Beth scoffs.  “No way, Jen.”

“I bet I can,” I say, chewing a painted black nail as I gaze at my intended target.

“No way,” they both agree.

I look at Trevor Hoffman and my grin widens.  He is such a nerdy, goody two-shoes.  Kinda cute actually, but with his shirt always buttoned to the top, a straight-A student who all of the teachers adore.  He’s the junior class something or other, not the president but one of the other officers.  He’s a little different than the other geeks in that he’s sort of . . . cool geek, I guess.  No glasses, asthmatic wheezing, or too-short pants for him.  But he’s firmly entrenched with the geek squad, a nerd to the core himself.

“I bet I could,” I say shrugging.  “Might be fun.”” (page 1)

Jen takes on the challenge of turning Trevor bad, if she is successful, Ella and Beth will pay for her lip to be pierced.  Currently Jen is in a foster home that doesn’t allow piercings.  She’s not worried because she expects to be gone from there soon.  The girls go to the school stomp that night and Jen immediately finds Trevor and asks him to dance.  In his geeky ways, he thanks her for the dance and she turns away. Dork.

At school, Jen continues to flirt, always watching and smiling at him.  After a couple weeks of this,  Jen asks Trevor to a party.  He has plans already, but asks Jen if she wants to come over and watch movies with him and some friends.  She agrees.  After, they continue doing things together.  Trevor takes her with him to the senior center where he volunteers, their families meet up at the bowling alley, and even go camping together.

Jen is a great character.  She’s very snarky and snide at times, but after hanging out with Trevor a lot, they start to like each other and she start to slowly change.  I enjoyed the way the author showed their growing relationship, and the subtle changes that Jen takes in her appearance and attitude towards her foster family soften her up.  Jen had a rough start in life, and needs to come to terms with scary things.  My favorite was Trevor, he may have been a geek in her eyes, but I thought he was just a great kid.  I thought the book was well written and I really felt sorry for what awful stuff Jen had to endure growing up.  I loved the many science fiction references.  Lots of my favs were mentioned: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, X Files…

4 out of 5 stars.  Cindy Bennett wrote Heart on a Chain that was released last year.  Read more about the author here. Friend her on Facebook, and Like Geek Girl’s Facebook page.  Follow on Twitter.

Thanks to Cedar Fort for allowing me to part of this Blog Tour.


Variant by Robison Wells – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Nov 032011
 

Variant

Author: Robison Wells

Publisher: HarperTeen

Published Date: October 2011

Hardcover; 356 pages

Genre: YA Dystopian

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila, and Mindy

FTC FYI: purchased with own money

Shanda’s Review

Variant begins with Benson, a 17-year-old foster kid who has moved from home to home since he was five, as he is dropped off at Maxfield Academy. Benson is excited, hoping that this is his opportunity for a quality education. It doesn’t take long for Benson to realize this school is not what he thought it was and he wants out.

I have heard people mention both Lord of the Flies and Ender’s Game in reference to Variant. I haven’t read either of them, so this review will be free from any comparisons to those books. My experience with what is considered YA Dystopian is limited to The Hunger Games (which I loved) and The Maze Runner (not as much), as well as Matched and Possession, so I will also not be comparing Variant to other YA Dystopian-type novels as a genre.

What I will tell you in this review is how I felt about this long-awaited novel by Robison Wells as a 30-something mother who is looking for entertaining and clean books for both herself and her teenager to read.

I would hand Variant to my (nearly) 14 year-old daughter without hesitation. If my nephew was a little older, he would get a copy for Christmas this year. Maybe I’ll buy one for him now anyway and give it to him in a couple of years.

I started to read Variant and didn’t put it down, even for dinner. I found the writing smooth and engaging. Both the characters and the story were intriguing to me. I appreciated the lack of swearing, both traditional and “made-up.” (There was one instance of “b—-rd” after a character is killed, but that is all that I can remember.) There is violence but it never felt excessive or pointless to me. There is no sex or gratuitous content.

There is desire. Desire for freedom, something Benson never really appreciated before. For friends and acceptance, things he didn’t know he would like having so much. For normalcy, which takes on an entirely different meaning halfway through the book.

Thinking back, there is nothing that I “tripped” over or that pulled me from the story. I had no problem suspending a little belief about foster kids disappearing from the system with no one noticing. Stories like that have been in the news several times in the past few years. I hear about a number of run-aways each year as well.

I really liked Benson and the other Vs, especially Jane, Mason, Curtis and Lily. The other key characters were easy to like or despise depending on your position.

There is a scene with Benson, Jane, Dylan and Laura that is seriously intense. I’m pretty sure I read it with my mouth open in shock. What followed was a twist I did not see coming.

I found the ending to be an effective cliff-hanger that definitely made me want more but did not leave me overly-frustrated at having to wait for the sequel.

I give Variant 5 stars out of 5 for going above and beyond what I expected, which honestly was a lot.

Young adult fiction is the genre I am the most picky about after being disappointed in content and quality several times. I don’t read much YA so I am thrilled to have enjoyed Variant as much as I did. I recommend Variant to teenagers (boys AND girls) as well as adults.

Sheila’s Review

Benson Fisher is looking for a brand new start at a brand new school. He is not prepared for what awaits him when he gets there. Strange happenings are occurring at Maxfield Academy where the students are running the school, with no adults in sight.

From the very beginning you realize that Variant is not going to be like other books out there. I found I was drawn in from the minute he pulls up to the front doors of the school. Students standing at the windows are screaming at him, making this a very strange welcome to a new school. Oh yes, later Benson finds out it had been a warning for him to run while he had the chance.

From this point on it is such a wild ride. Every day, Benson finds more and more weird things about the school. He also plans every day how he is going to escape. The people that he thinks he can trust, he finds their friendship is all a facade.

Variant leaves you guessing through the whole book. I can guarantee that you will not guess about nor believe some of the things that are revealed. The end IS as shocking as everyone has been saying.

This book is such a great mix of a dystopian theme and a surprising dash of sci-fi. The writing is clean and the characters are distinct. I can’t wait to find out where the story will go from here. It all reminds me of mice in a cage running through tubes, they never realize that they are not getting anywhere. Is this what Benson is going to find out? If you are curious as to what I mean…well, you are just going to have to read the book.

It is a five star, totally fantastic YA book that I will read again and again.

Mindy’s Review

I need to say this first—Variant blew me away. I loved every page. I started on a Saturday afternoon and finished that night.

Variant starts off very strong and doesn’t let go until the last sentence. Even then I was left with my mouth open. This book is so well-written. The characters, whether good or bad, were amazing. The surprise twist had me screaming and saying, “No way this is happening!” My husband was teasing me while I read because I had my hand to my mouth and gasped many times.

Benson Fisher is headed to Maxfield Academy. He wanted this school to be the ticket out of his disappointing life. He couldn’t have been more wrong. As soon as he arrives at school, he knows something is wrong. Immediately when the gates open, two kids try to run to freedom.

Benson doesn’t know what to think when he meets Becky who explains how things works at the school. No teachers. Students attend classes on weird subjects and earn points. Benson finds out from Isaiah that he is “expected” to join a gang—The Society, Havocs, or the V’s. Each gang is in charge of certain jobs at the school. Benson chooses the Variants. He tries to escape, making quick enemies of Dylan and Laura from the Society. He eventually makes friends in his gang, but escape is always in his mind.

I don’t want to give anything away so I’m going to stop there. So many amazingly cool things happen, your jaw will be dropping, too. It is violent in spots, so younger readers beware.

5 out of 5 stars. Absolutely superb. Smooth writing and non-stop action.

 

 Have you added Variant to your to-read list yet?

 

Seers by Heather Frost — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 212011
 

Seers

Heather Frost

Publisher: Cedar Fort

To Be Published: October 2011

Hardcover: 330 pages

ISBN13: 9781599557922

FTC FYI: I received a free copy from publisher/Netgallery

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary: “For Kate Bennet, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes and even bigger problems. As she begins to see auras and invisible people, Kate must learn to trust Patrick O’Donnell, a handsome Guardian, or risk her life being overrun with Demons. She soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble.”

I was really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Seers.  For those of you that read my reviews, I really enjoy a great YA fantasy, this book definitely fits that category.

Kate is just getting back to school after a devastating car wreck.  She is having a hard time getting back to normal.  Her boyfriend, Aaron, tries to do all he can.  But she just doesn’t feel normal.  The only person she can really talk to is her best friend Lee.  Kate has told her that since the accident she has become psychic, and can see people’s auras.  Every day Kate picks up Lee to go to school, after they drop off Kate’s twin sisters.  Every day is the same until Kate suddenly slams on the brakes, and almost hits a young hispanic kid.  There is something off about him, he has a slight silver aura, and most importantly, Lee doesn’t see him.  Great, now she is seeing ghosts.   At school, a new student arrives.  Patrick O’Donnell, but he has a silver aura too.  What does this mean for Kate and her new ability?  She can’t help wondering if she is in danger…

I thought this book was great, and well written.  This is the author’s first book, and I was very impressed.  Find out more about Heather here.  The characters were well written, and enjoyable.  My favorites were Toni and Kate’s Grandpa Henry.  Toni had some really funny things to say, and at times I even laughed out loud.  Grandpa even has some surprises of his own.  Kate too is a great character.  As she gets to know Patrick, she is torn between her feelings for him and Aaron.  It was hard for me as well, because Aaron is a great guy too.  Sometimes in books, the current boyfriend is a jerk.  This time he wasn’t, resulting in a tough choice for Kate.  I was happy with the end result though.

4 stars out of 5.  I am excited for book 2!

I would like to thank the author of Seers, Heather Frost, for doing a quick interview with me:

How long did it take to write ‘Seers’?

The first draft was completed in the space of two weeks: seven days spent researching, another seven to crank out 300 pages. It was an awesome writing experience.

I really enjoyed your book, how many are in the series?

There will be three in the Seers series. I’m planning for the second book, “Demons”, to come out sometime next year.

What was your inspiration with seers and guardian angels?

I love creating puzzles to solve in my writing, and before I’d even thought about writing Seers I wondered about immortal people, and how I could write a unique take on YA immortality. (i.e. no vampires, werewolves, etc.) I mulled the dilemma over, and eventually got the inspiration for Guardians and Demons. But then, I needed a way to introduce them in the story, and I developed the idea of Seers. That way I could pull in the reader while I was pulling my protagonist (Kate) into the fray as well. And it’s really as anticlimactic as that.

I loved Toni, will he be around a lot in the next book?

Toni is one of my favorites as well. :) I’m always trying to stick him in more places, just because I never quite know what outrageous thing he’ll say or do next! I’m happy to report that he’ll get a bit more attention in the next book, and he’s going to have some killer lines for us.

Do u have any Irish relatives?

Not that I’m aware of. My family is more English and Dutch. But I love Ireland all the same, and Irish accents . . . Don’t even get me started!

Did you ever think because of your age, it would of been harder to be published?

Certainly. The publishing world is very competitive, and intimidating enough without adding the fact that I’m younger than most authors. I was worried that my youth would be a red flag that screamed: inexperienced! Luckily, I’ve been extremely blessed, and my hard work has paid off.

Click on these links for more blog tour information.

Seers Book Cedar Fort Books Follow Cedar Fort on Facebook


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