Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Cover: THE COLD. Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf-her wolf-watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why. THE HEAT. Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now. THE SHIVER. For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human-and Grace must fight to keep him-even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the imposssibility of the future.

Summary: Sam has watched Grace since he saved her from getting attacked by the wolves when she was younger. When he is human he never dares to talk to her, until he is shot in his last summer. Grace runs home to find him bleeding on her back porch. The two waste no time and begin their relationship immediatly. However, the two are fighting for the same goal-to keep Sam from changing. When the new wolf Jack starts to cause trouble and his nosy sister starts to ask to many questions things begin to heat up. In a rage Jack takes Sam, so could this be the end? Or will the curse Sam's been dealt be cured?

Review: I loved this book so much! There are no vampires which is a nice change and the characters start the novel with an already strong bond! I finished this whole book in like less than a weekend! Sam proved to be an emotional caring character instead of the doped up testosterone filled male leads we have been getting lately. And Grace proved to be a character that most girls can sympathize with and have an understanding of. I would give this book a nine out of ten! :)

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries VOL. 1 Origins By L.J Smith, Kevin Willimason& Julie Plec

Cover: The year is 1864 and the Civil War rages on. But seventeen-year old Stefan Salvatore is fighting a battle all his own. Engaged to marry someone he does not love, Stefan falls for a mysterious girl named Katherine. With her gleaming curls and mischievous brown eyes, Katherine is beautifull and seductive... but she also harbors a dark secret: She's a vampire.                                                                                        Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan's Diaries reveals what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine--and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.
Summary: The cover summary explains it all. Set in the backdrop of a grand estate during the Civil War, three teenagers begin a love triangle in Mysic Falls Virginia, that will span all eternity. Stefan and his older brother Damon were very close, until they meet an extemely mysterious and beautifull 16 year old orphan, Katherine Pierce. Can Stefan keep his love for her while he is engaged to marry another girl? What does Damon, the more dominant but rebelious brother think of Katherine, and how far will he go to be with her? This story is filled with the answers you are looking for. Read to discover the fates of Damon and Stefan Salvatore and the deadly secrets introduced to them to carry for the rest of their lives.

Review: Again, love this book, no negative thoughts. One might hear the title of this book and assume the Vampire Diaries series is being dragged out too long, and the theme of vampires getting old. In my opinion, it is a very acceptable book and I enjoyed reading it in Stefan's perspective, and reading of his bond with his brother. I also believe the story line of this novel is still worth reading, and you're missing out if you don't give it a try. I rate this a 9/10.


Dear Canada: If I Die Before I Wake: The Flu Epidemic Diary of Fiona Macgregor by Jean Little

Cover: Thursday, October 24, 1918
              I can hardly bear to look at Fanny. She is grey and her breath rasps and gurgles and wheezes. She has lost pounds. Her face is all hollow and a dark colour. A bluish grey. That is one of the symptoms of this Flu, Aunt told us. Nobody is saying the word, but we all know. So many have died, but not my Fan. I will not leave her no matter what anyone says.
        LATER
             I cannot sit still unless I have something to do. Mostly hold onto Fanny's hand, but then she grows so restless and pushes me away. Whenever anyone comes near, though, she reaches for me again and clings for dear life. I feel as though I am made of glass and may fly apart into little sharp slivers. 

SummaryFiona and her family are holding onto hope in the Fall of 1918. The Flu has pegged down members of Fiona's family causing the family to band together. As time progresses, Fiona finds out about a love triangle between her mother, father and aunt. She makes a plan to match her father and aunt together again. They marry shortly afterward making grandmother move out of the house.

Review: This novel is definatly a tear-jerker. I cried at so many different times in this novel that I ended up being a mess by the end of it !! But thats not saying that you shouldn't read it. I reccomend this book 100% !! The characters-especially Fiona and her sister Fanny-all share an interestingly tight bond that people will find enjoyable to read about !! I give this novel a seven point five out of ten !! :)

That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E Hinton

Cover: DOES GROWING UP HAVE TO MEAN GROWING APART?
          Since childhood, Bryon and Mark have been as close as brothers. Now things are changing. Bryon's growing up, spending a lot of time with girls, and thinking seriously about who he wants to be. Mark still just lives for the thrill of the moment. The two are growing apart-but holding on-until Bryon makes a shockig discovery about Mark. Then Bryon faces a terrible decision-one that will change both of their lives forever.

Summary: Mark and Bryon do everything together. But when Cathy makes a sudden reappearence and snags Bryon for herself the two begin to drift. Not to mention both had to get a job to bring money into the house. When Cathy's little brother M&M runs away from home for being made fun of Bryon is dragged into Cathy's world of sorrow and shame. When M&M is found doing acid in a hippy house and Mark is discovered selling drugs for cash, what will Bryon do? Will he crash or stand strong? Will he end up hurting the ones he loves the most in the world?

Review: I give this book a ten out of ten! A strong message was yet again portrayed in this coming of age novel. S.E Hinton surely proves herself a fabulous writer! The characters were easy to love and the book itself surely did make you want to cry and throw it against a wall! Definatly one of my favourites! :)

The Outsiders by S.E Hinton

Cover: A HEROIC STORY OF FRIENDSHIP AND BELONGING.
          Ponyboy can count on his brothers. And on his friends. But not much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up "greasers" like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect-until the night someone takes things too far.

Summary: Ponyboy is a greaser who lost both of his parents and is left living with his two brothers Darry and Sodapop. The boys are in a tight-knit group of friends that maybe considered a gang. When Johnny and Pony leave Two-bit after catching a double flick with Dally they fall asleep thinking in the lot. When Pony wakes up and gets himself home a fight insues between him nd Darry. Darry ends up hitting Pony causing him to run back to the lot to wake Johnny and run away. The two walk through the park to think and calm down when a gang of Socs appear to cause trouble. They try to drown Ponyboy and Johnny ends up stabbing a Soc to his death too make him stop. The two run away and must decide if they should stay in hiding or return and deal with the consequences.

Review: I give this book an outstanding thirteen out of ten! I enjoyed it very much and read it over and over and over again! S.E Hinton quickly became one of my favourite authors! The characters are amazing and interesting to boot. This novel is a perfect coming of age story and holds many meanings. :)

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Cover: About three things I was absolutely positive.
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him-and I didn't how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

Summery: Bella Swan decides to go stay with her father after her mother and step-father go on the road for his baseball carrer. When Bella arrives in Forks she meets the incrediable Edward Cullen who holds a deadly secret-he's a vampire. Soon enough Bella finds out about the Cullen's secret and her and Edward start a relationship. When playing baseball with the Cullens a set of Nomads come in and James-the tracker-begins his own personal game to kill Bella. Can the Cullen's end this fight before Bella's only hope is immortality?

Review: Both of us used to be Twi-hards and found ourselves moving on after a little while. That is not saying that the book was bad. We actually both enjoyed it, but the plot was easy to remember making this novel a little hard to read over and over again. I would put this book on the addictive bookshelf with a seven out of ten.

Thirst NO. 1 by Christopher Pike

Cover: As to blood -- ah, blood, the whole subject fascinates me. I do like that as well, warm and dripping, when I am thirsty. And I am often thirsty....

Alisa has been in control of her urges for the five thousand years she has been a vampire. She feeds but does not kill, and she lives her life on the fringe to maintain her secret. But when her creator returns to hunt her, she must break her own rules in order to survive.

Her quest leads her to Ray. He is the only person who can help her; he also has every reason to fear her. Alisa must get closer to him to ensure her immortality. But as she begins to fall in love with Ray, suddenly there is more at stake than her own life....

Summary:
The Last Vampire: In this novel Alisa is being hunted by a man named Slim. Her life is being found out and a fear of discovery of her nature is being hung over head. She starts highschool trying to get on good terms with a boy named Ray who is the last hope to help her discover who this Slim is. Throw in that it isn't Slim who really is hunting her, but her creator, Alisa must fight to stay alive.
Black Bloods: Yaksha has been destroyed, but that is the least of Alisa's problems. Ray is not adapting well to his new life while a sadistic vampire much like Yaksha is roaming the streets creating an army. Now the FBI is stalking her and she is the only one who has the power or stregnth to defeat Eddie.
Red Dice: After making Joel a vampire and destroying Eddie, Alisa believes that she can just start a nice normal life. Only problem? She is being hunted yet again. This time they capture someone she loves-Joel. Alisa has to find a way to break into the compound without dying herself. Her creator is not dead and instead of destroying her he offers her aid for one of the first and last times. It's a struggle that brings up a haunting past and person, but in the end Alisa might get exactly what she wanted to keep five-thousand years before.

Reviews: I give these novels a wonderful review !! A new outlook on vampires and how they were created was very good and I loved Mr. Pike's writing style. I definatly ate this book up !! I give this book a standing nine out of ten for it's fabulous outlook on the world of vamires !! :)

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and the Struggle by L.J Smith

Cover:
Elena: the golden girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants.
Stefan: brooding and mysterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from the horrors that haunt his past.
Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her.
Collected here in one volume for the first time, volumes one and two of The Vampire Diaries, the tale of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them.


Summary: Elena Gilbert is a 17 year old girl, living in the small town of Fell's Church with her Aunt, and younger sister.Elena has always been the golden girl, and the most popular in her highschool. But now, since the tragic death of her parents, Elena must struggle to keep up her old life with the unexpected Rivalry from one of her old friends.
                        
  Elena is a attracted to a handsome and mysterious boy,Stefan Salvatore, who resists her for all he is worth. Not used to being rejected, Elena has to have him, whatever the cost. Even if it is her life. And so, aided by her loyal friends Meredith and Bonnie, the girls delve into secrets that might better be left unknown, and their whole world is changed.


Review: I loved this book, and my review is absolutely positive. I liked the fresh twist that portrayed Vampires as more dangerous and intense, and not sparkly and overbearing. Twilight was the first supernatural book I read, but it was completely overshadowed when I was introduced to both The Vampire Diaries books, and the show. I give this book an 11 out of 10!!!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Cover: Riding a bike is only one of the many things Auden's missed out on. Even before her parents' divorce, she was cast in the role of little adult, never making waves, focusing on academics to please her demanding mother. 
                    Now she's spending the summer before college in the tiny beach town of Colby with her father and his new wife and baby. A job in a trendy boutique introduces her to the world of girls, their friendships, conversations, romances. And then there's Eli, an intriguing loner. A former star on the bike circuit and a fellow insomniac, Eli introduces Auden to the nocturnal world of Colby. Together they embark on a quest: for Auden, to experiance the carefree teenage life she's been denied; for Eli to put a tragic episode behind him. Combine two lonely people with a charming beach town and an endless supply of long summer nights, and just about anything can happen.
              
Summary: Auden, after a lot of thinking, decides to go spend the summer at her fathers house in Colby. There she meets a whole bunch of summer loving teenagers ready to have fun in the sun. She also meets Eli who suffers from insomnia like her and is ready to show her the fun in the moonlight. Each night they knock off something from Auden's quest list. By the end of the summer they hope for Auden to have the teenage years she was denied of. But as things between the two heat up, Auden pulls away and has to decide if she really is along for the ride.

Reviews: This was the first Sarah Dessen book I ever read and I couldn't put it down. Ms. Dessen provided me with something that wasn't the sterotypical vampire love story (although I am an addicted supernatural reader). I loved all the different characters, but mostly the message that the book portrayed. I definatly reccomend this book !! I give it a twelve out of ten for it's excellence !!
                                                              

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Cover: Annabel Greene is the girl who has everything. At least, that's what she portrays in her modeling shoots. But Annabel's life is far from perfect. Her friendship with Sophie ended bitterly, and her older sister's eating disorder is weighing down the entire family. Isolated and ostracized at school and at home, Annabel retreats into silent acceptance. Then she meets Owen-intense, music obsessed, and determined to tell the truth. And with his guidance, Annabel learns to just listen to herself and gains the courage to speak honestly. But will she be able to tell everyone what really happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends?

Summary: Annabel has been to hell and back. Her sister Whitney has an eating disorder while her ex-bestfriend is now shunning her from her life from someone and something Annabel cannot control. That's when Annabel meets Owen who is completely music obsessed. A relationship forms between them almost instantly causing Annabel's past to haunt her again. She begins to pull away from Owen until she removes him along with everyone else from her life. After listen to a broken tape that Owen made her she realizes that silence may not be the key. That infact she needs someone to just listen. 

Review: My feelings towards Just Listen are only positive. I loved Annabel and Owen's characters not to mention the constant question in the air "what happened that night?" I had read a Sarah Dessen novel prior to this one and Just Listen made me want to read her novels even more. I give this book a nine out of ten :) !!

Buffy The Vampire slayer Volume#1 by Arthur Bryon Cover, John Vornholt, and Alice Henderson.


Cover: In every generation, there is a Chosen One. A slayer destined to protect the human race. She alone must fight the demons of hell. She alone must risk her life to stop the spread of evil.
Buffy is the Chosen One.


Summary: Three stories are contained in this one volume. In each story, Buffy must conquer an abnormality that has plagued her town of Sunnydale. Buffy is the Vampire Slayer. Her watcher Giles, and best friends Willow and Xander help her through the many challenges the group self titled the Scoobies must face.
      In Coyote Moon, Buffy battles dangerous coyote shapeshifters.
  In Night of the Living Rerun, Buffy has strange visions following the stories of puritan- era Salem.
 In Portal Through Time, Buffy travels back in time to save the targetted slayers of various eras before they can be killed and disrupt the slayer line.


Review: Just like the epic, award winning t.v series, this book delivers a satisfying perception of the famous heroine, Buffy. My review is definitely positive. It was a surprise to discover one of my favourite TV shows in the form of a novel, and to read it was a rewarding experience!! :) I rate this 10 out of 10 stars.

Marked by P.C and Kristen Cast

Cover: Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change – and not all those who are Marked do. 
It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint her human ex-boyfriend.To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny – with a little help from her new vampyre friends.
Summary: Zoey is thrown into hell when she is marked to be a vampyre at the House of Night. With her step-loser rejecting what's happening to her and her mother following his footsteps as always Zoey is left running to her Grandma Redbirds. When she hits her head and has an out of body experiance Zoey becomes the most gifted student at the House of Night. Her probems continue when her ex Heath shows up and Aphrodite the bossy mean girl makes her life an even worse nightmare. When Samhain comes Zoey ends up making the most grown up decision of her life, one that can alter everything that had happened to her in the past month. 

Review: I enjoyed reading this book very much and it still remains one of my favourites. I enjoyed the new out look on vampyres and the way they live. I would rate this book a eight out of ten because it does use some vulgar language.  

Flowers in the Attic by V.C Andrews

Cover :Way upstairs there are four secrets hidden.
Blond, beautiful, innocent little secrets, struggling to stay alive


Summary: First of all, this is one of those 'yesterday' books, but it's very classic, and extremly good. Chris, Cathy, Cory and Carry live a normal, loving life with their parents. One day, it all comes crashing down when their beloved father dies in a car crash. They must rely on their mother to guide them to the next step in life.
   The kids find themselves visiting their grandparent's mansion. They stay in one small room, with a staircase leading to a hot, stuffy attic. Every day the Grandmother visits, bringing them  a picnic basket of food and cruelly dictating the rules, and enforcing God's wrath. To keep their sanity, Cathy and Chris must believe that their Momma loves them, that she will take them out of the dreaded room once she gains back her inheritance. As the years pass by, so does the hope.  Read this shocking tale of the cruety of family and a story of survival.Can the children survive? Will they make it out of the Foxworth Hall alive?


Review:  Don't judge my dramatic summary, this book is amazing!! :pAgain, my review for this book is positive. Flowers in the Attic was a mature, detailed, creative novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I could not put this book down, it was very interesting. Overall, it was amazing but with a few overly sad and shocking parts. I give this an 8 out of 10.

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Cover: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life. 


Summary: Nora meets Patch and her whole world begins to spin. Her thoughts tell her that he's dangerous, but perhaps her heart is telling her a complete different story. Then Nora and her bestfriend Vee meet Elliot and Jules who each carry a scary past of there own. As things begin to spiral and Elliot's story pans out, Nora realizes that Patch may be safer than she expected. Nora soon realizes that Patch is fallen angel who planned to kill her. Patch's rival and ex-lover appear giving Nora a hard run for her money. Will it all work out? 

Reviews: My review on Hush Hush was that it is the most fabulous book !! Ms. Fitzpatrick delievered exactly what I wanted. Not to mention the story hot hot hot !! Patch and Nora are great characters and Vee is great comical relief !! I give this book and eleven out of ten !! :) <3

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Cover: There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Summary: Luce is forced to attend Sword and Cross, a reform school, after the mysterious fire out at the lake. There Luce meets Daniel Grigori, a hot mysterious boy who seems to want nothing to do with her, and Cam Briel, a boy who has a dark personality and only wants Luce in his life. Throw in a couple of wacky friends, another fire and a mysterious purple glow that surrounds Daniel, you have a pretty big mystery on your hands. The only problem, Luce might not want to discover this deadly secret that Sword and Cross is hiding! 


Reviews: Our reviews were only positive for this book !! We both liked how the bad guy in the story was more likable than the good guy and not to mention a little bit hotter. Also, a nice change in scenery by having the novel take place at a reform school instead of a small town !! All in all we give this book a nine out of ten !! :)  

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Heyy all !! We are avid readers who are willing to make a blog of all our fav books and review them. We promise to keep up and blog about today's and yesterday's books !! Hope you learn to enjoy The Addictive Bookshelf !! :)