Sixteen-year-old Wendy Darling and her insecure freshman brother, John, are hitting the books at the Marlowe School. But one tome consumes their attention: THE BOOK OF GATES, a coveted Egyptian artifact that their professor father believes has magical powers.
Soon Wendy and John discover that the legend is real—when they recite from its pages and descend into a snaking realm beneath the Manhattan school. As the hallways darken, and dead moths cake the floor, a charismatic new Resident Advisor named Peter reveals that their actions have unleashed a terrible consequence: the underworld and all its evil is now seeping into Marlowe.
Taken from GoodReads.

Another Pan follows the story of Wendy Darling, a bright, charismatic teen and her younger brother, a boy genius named John. The two attend the ritzy Marlowe School in New York, but they're the poorest of the students, as their father is simply the professor of ancient civilizations. Wendy dates her way up the social ladder, but both she and John seem to find their lives at the posh school lacking. When they happen upon the mysterious BOOK OF GATES, Wendy and John, along with the attractive new advisor Peter, find themselves spinning into the world of Peter Pan.

Another Pan is the second book in the "Another" series by authors Daniel and Dina Nayeri. Blending the age-old tale of Peter Pan with a mix of Egyptian curses, long-lost secrets, and the mysteries surrounding the mysterious and attractive RA, Peter, Another Pan is alive with detail and intrigue. The all-too-familiar Lost Boys come into play as well, ready and willing to do the childish and youth-seeking Peter's bidding. An interesting twist on the classic tale for you - when Peter would get upset, the Lost Boys would combine their happy thoughts and text them to Peter, giving him extended happiness and comfort.

Another Pan is a very character-driven novel, but it's perfectly balanced with a fast-paced plot and strong descriptiveness that lets you delve into the deep mysteries of Egyptian curses and the world of Pan. I loved that the Wendy Darling of Another Pan wasn't a meek little ninny...she had spine, and backbone, and plenty of personality. Her brother, John, however, annoyed the
shit
heck out of me with his obnoxious remarks and sullen demeanor. Frankly, he was my least favourite character. The real strength of the story, however, lies in the beautiful interpretation of the relationship between Wendy and Peter. She might just be his true happiness.

I give Another Pan a solid 4 out of 5, simply because the beginning was, again, a bit slow for my liking. That said, I would recommend this to YA fans, those who love the classic tale of Peter Pan, and for fans of mystery. This book releases on October 26, 2010, though I'm pretty sure it's already for sale on amazon. If you would like, follow the link to read my review of the first book in the series, Another Faust.

I received this advanced reader's copy free of charge from the publisher, Candlewick Press, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: 10 Miles Past Normal
Author: Frances O'Roark Dowell
Release Date: March 22, 2011

Janie Gorman wants to be normal. The problem with that: she’s not. She’s smart and creative and a little bit funky. She’s also an unwilling player in her parents’ modern-hippy, let’s-live-on-a-goat-farm experiment (regretfully, instigated by a younger, much more enthusiastic Janie). This, to put it simply, is not helping Janie reach that “normal target.” She has to milk goats every day…and endure her mother’s pseudo celebrity in the homemade-life, crunchy mom blogosphere.
So, what’s wrong with normal? Well, kind of everything. She knows that, of course, why else would she learn bass and join Jam Band, how else would she know to idolize infamous wild-child and high school senior Emma (her best friend Sarah’s older sister), why else would she get arrested while doing a school project on a local freedom school (jail was not part of the assignment). And, why else would she kind of be falling in "like" with a boy named Monster—yes, that is his real name. Janie was going for normal, but she missed her mark by about ten miles…and we mean that as a compliment.
Taken from GoodReads.

Something about 10 Miles Past Normal speaks to me. I'm excited to read about (and meet) a no-holds-barred, quirky, and lovable heroine that many people can relate to. I think 10 Miles Past Normal sounds like the perfect coming-of-age tale blended with just enough humour and romance to satisfy my literary appetite. Plus, I just can't resist that cover! What is it with me and blues these days? What do you think...and what are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page, and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

On this particular morning, seven dirty faces huddled together, six or seven teenage runaways, all baring that one missing tooth, the one that showed that regardless of color or height or weight they were friends of Peter.
"Everybody, shut up!" shouted Tina.
Another Pan by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

And now, for my Tuesday Teaser...For those of you who don't know, I do my Tuesday Teasers differently (and yes, I add this disclaimer every time). Each week, I feature two sentences (or more) of something I've written, leave it up all day, then remove it around 11 PM. You're welcome to comment on it, love it, hate it, or simply read it at your leisure...if you'd like, of course. This week's teaser is from my current WIP, RACE.

The Tuesday Teaser is down! Check back next week for more :)

Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she’s a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born. Add to that Wade, the arrogant football star whom Katla regrettably fooled around with, and Jack, a gorgeous farm boy who initially seems to hate her.
Soon Katla is having freaky dreams about a crying infant and learns that, as children, she and Jack shared a near-fatal, possibly mystical experience. Can Katla survive this major life makeover and find a dress for the homecoming dance?
Taken from GoodReads.

Stork follows the story of Katla LeBlanc, a hip California teen forced to relocate to the suburbs of a dreary (or so she thinks) town in Minnesota. She's an outsider because of her love of fashion, her trendy lifestyle, and her desperate desire to escape the frigid winters and hick-town lifestyle. After finding herself on the outs with the local teens, Katla discovers she's a part of an ancient society called the Icelandic Stork Society, and it's her duty, destiny, and ability to place unborn children with the right parents. As if that wasn't enough responsibility, Katla finds herself strangely drawn to Jack, the star quarterback. Can she hold onto her sanity and find her place in the tiny town that's become her home?

All I can say about Stork is wow! I love reading books that surprise me in a good way and satiate my appetite for a new type of paranormal story. Stork is the author, Wendy Delsol's, debut novel, and it's one heck of a debut! Ripe with detail and alive with lore and mythology, Stork throws a curveball at the paranormal stories on the market today. It's a completely original idea that somehow twists into a story I just couldn't put down.

One of the things I loved about Stork was the fact that Katla was such a relatable protagonist. Her witty and sarcastic demeanor made her an approachable MC. I found myself laughing out loud at her responses to situations more than once. Furthermore, I found that while Stork was very character-driven (even the secondary characters played significant roles), the plot was fresh, unique, and though perhaps far-fetched at times, it was definitely one of those "please-don't-make-me-stop-reading" books. The one gripe I have about Stork is that a lot of questions were posed, but I felt not all of them fully tied up those loose ends. I'm hoping the eventual sequel (pretty please?) will sort those unanswered questions out.

This book is a definite 4.5 out of 5, and I am so glad to be out of the rut of not-so-great books. I would recommend Stork to all fans of YA fiction, paranormal, and romance because it has a little bit of something for absolutely everyone. Though this title has not yet released, I highly recommend buying it when it hits the market on October 12, 2010.

I received this advanced reader's copy free of charge from the publisher, Candlewick Press, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

Stork - (ARC: Thank you Heather from Candlewick Press) Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she’s a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born.

Another Pan - (ARC: Thank you Heather from Candlewick Press) Sixteen-year-old Wendy Darling and her insecure freshman brother, John, are hitting the books at the Marlowe School. But one tome consumes their attention: THE BOOK OF GATES, a coveted Egyptian artifact that their professor father believes has magical powers. Soon Wendy and John discover that the legend is real—when they recite from its pages and descend into a snaking realm beneath the Manhattan school.

Girl Parts - (For Review: Thank you Heather from Candlewick Press) David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot to encourage healthy bonds and treat "dissociative disorder," he can’t get enough of luscious red-headed Rose — and he can’t get it soon enough.

The Agency: A Spy in the House - (ARC: Thank you Heather from Candlewick Press) Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test.

The Daughters Break the Rules - (ARC: Thank you Julia from Hachette Book Group) The only daughter of supermodel Katia Summers, witty and thoughtful Lizzie Summers likes to stick to the sidelines. The sole heir to Metronome Media and daughter of billionaire Karl Jurgensen, outspoken Carina Jurgensen would rather climb mountains than social ladders. Daughter of chart-topping pop icon Holla Jones, stylish and sensitive Hudson Jones is on the brink of her own music breakthrough. When New York City fourteen-year-old Carina impulsively reveals incriminating information about her multi-billionaire father, he replaces her unlimited funds with an antiquated cell phone, a Metrocard, and a twenty-dollar weekly allowance.

The Replacement - (Bought) Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants. A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?

---------------------------------------------

Annnnnd finally, the winner of the review copy of She Smells the Dead, the bookmarks, postcards, and the all-too-awesome t-shirt is...drumroll, please...Nina from J'adore Happy Endings!!! Nina, I'm sending you an email now. In the event that I don't hear from Nina in the next 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen via Random.org. To those who didn't win - don't worry! I have another super-sweet international giveaway coming up!

It's been over a month since Miranda Evans has written in her diary, a month of relative calm for her and her family. It's springtime, and with warmer weather comes rain, and the melting of the winter's snow. The shad are running in a nearby river, and Miranda's brothers Matt and Jon leave home for a few days to see if they can catch some to supplement their food supply.

When they return, Matt brings with him a girl named Syl, who he introduces as his bride. But that's not the only shock Miranda and her family have to deal with. A few weeks later, Miranda's father, stepmother, and baby brother show up at her door. Accompanying them are three strangers, a man named Charlie Rutherford, and two teenagers, Alex and Julie Morales. These five people have crossed America together, becoming, in their own way, a family.
Taken from GoodReads.

It's been a year since a meteor hit the moon, knocked it out of orbit, and devastated all life on Earth. In This World We Live In, we see that against all odds, Miranda, her two brothers Matt and Jon, and her mother have survived the first year. Though the world is ashen gray, the climate is ruined, and her friends and the life she once knew are dead and gone, Miranda and her family have survived. When her father, his new wife Lisa, their baby Gabriel and three new strangers arrive, including Alex and his younger sister Julie, a wrench is thrown into the system Miranda's family has developed. Can they survive on even less, and can they all survive together?

It's no secret that I absolutely loved the first book, Life As We Knew It. It's no secret that the second book, The Dead and the Gone let me down a little bit. I had really high hopes for this, the third book. Once again, the book is written in diary form, which I found very effective and poignant in the first book. It's easy to read, it's simple to relate to, and I think it's a clever way to delve into Miranda's emotions the whole time. That said, I have to admit that I was extremely let-down by this book, and I might be the only one. First, I'm going to say that I think that Susan Beth Pfeffer has a rich writing style - easy to follow, entertaining to read, and great to immerse yourself in, and I don't dispute that at all.

However, I did have some problems with This World We Live In. First of all, part of what I loved about Miranda as the MC in the first book was that she grew up and learned to appreciate the small things in the first book. Her angry, childish, and ornery attitude this time really annoyed me. She griped about absolutely everything and everyone. Matt, her brother, also became a character I simply couldn't relate to, perhaps because of the introduction of Syl. While I enjoyed Alex's hope in the second book, he appears as hopeless and spineless as they come in This World We Live In. Then, above all else, Miranda is willing to shove her family aside simply to start a life with someone she hardly knows but "falls in love with" because she "hungers" to be with him. It was sudden, abrupt, and not something I could believe.

I hate giving bad reviews. Truly, I do, especially when I enjoy the author's writing style. I guess what got me the most about This World We Live In was the utter lack of even an inkling of hope. No, I wasn't looking for rainbows, and puppies, and roses, but I wanted to feel that there was something to live for in this book. However, this single line crushed it all for me - "We'll have our life together, not the one with Julie, but one based on family and love and lies." Lies? Really? Ugh. Ok, I'm sure other people will enjoy this book more than me, but I just couldn't help but be depressed and displeased with the outcome. I give it a 2.5 out of 5 because I still enjoy the writing, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA and dystopian novels.

The Friday Fix is a takeover of my Friday blog post by other bloggers who have volunteered their time and energy to "star" in their very own guest post on Friday. Only one mandatory rule (you can't get out of it!) - you must answer five of the most random questions I throw your way. The rest is up to you. Remember, if you'd like to be featured on the Friday Fix, send me an email, and let me know! So, without further ado, here is Amanda from Another Book Junkie!

The Most Random Questions in the World...

1. How does a Real Estate company sell its office?

Hire another Real Estate company? I honestly don't know.

2. Is there a time limit on the predictions of fortune cookies?

Nope. So when you received your very first paycheck, you can contribute it to that fortune cookie you cracked when you were five, saying there was cash in your future.

3. Why does the Easter Bunny carry eggs if rabbits don't lay eggs?

The only answer I can think of here, is the factual one. Easter originated as a Pagan holiday, where both the Bunny and Egg are symbols of fertility.

4. If something is selling like hotcakes...how fast do hotcakes sell?

I'd imagine extremely fast, if you're at an IHOP.

5. Do you wake up or open your eyes first?

I wake up first. I have nights when I wake up (in my head) and can hear what's going on around me, I can smell, feel the fan, but I can't move. I feel like I'm trapped inside my own head. It still freaks me out, though I've been told that it's more than likely just panic attacks while I'm sleeping, or sleep paralysis. From a logical stance, I'd think we wake up first anyways. Our brain would need to wake up in order to send the message to our eyelids, right?



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Thank you so much for answering my insane questions, Amanda! Be sure to check out Another Book Junkie to check out her much-too-awesome blog! I've been a big fan of it for a while now. Remember, if you are interested in being featured - my email is on my contact page (if you couldn't figure that out)...please feel free to send a message my way!

Ten-year-old Jennifer Day lives in a small mining town full of secrets. Trying to make sense of the sudden death of her teenage sister, Beth, she looks to the adult world around her for answers.

As she recounts the final months of Beth’s life, Jennifer sifts through the lies and the truth, but what she finds are mysteries, miracles, and more questions. Was Beth’s death an accident? Why couldn’t Jennifer—or anyone else—save her?

Through Jennifer’s eyes, we see one girl’s failure to cross the threshold into adulthood as her family slowly falls apart.
Taken from GoodReads.

The Anatomy of Wings is the story of ten-year-old Jennifer Day, who has no idea why her perfect sister, Beth is suddenly gone. Though young and still innocent, she wants answers, and she wants to understand how the sister she knew as the epitome of beauty and all things girly, had turned into someone she hardly even knew. Starting with the contents of a small cardboard box, Jenny starts to unravel the mystery surrounding the loss of her sister and learns to accept the reality of it.

I picked up The Anatomy of Wings on a whim while I was stalking perusing the contents at the bookstore. I happened upon the cover, I read the summary, and I was sold. The debut novel of author Karen Foxlee, The Anatomy of Wings is a heartfelt story of learning to cope with loss in the only way a young girl knows how. It's tumultuous, heartfelt, and captures the true devastation and need for answers that Jenny feels as she continues to question the events leading to Beth's death. Jenny learns that her parents did everything they could to control Beth's wayward behavior, but it only added fuel to the fire.

I truly wanted to love The Anatomy of Wings. It has all the makings of the perfect story. The writing is clear, fluid, and easy to read. The prose perfectly balances descriptiveness, while remaining concise and relatable. However, I felt a disconnect with the story line, perhaps because it was so disjointed (chapters describing other families, etc). The elements were all there to make it relevant to teens today, but I had a very hard time feeling that connection with Jenny's family. Though the sadness is central in the truth of The Anatomy of Wings, I just didn't feel it myself.

I definitely think that The Anatomy of Wings is a well-written book, and it's not a bad debut. I just had a hard time connecting with it. I give The Anatomy of Wings a 3 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy realistic YA fiction. There are mentions of alcohol and sexual situations, so I'd recommend it to a more mature YA audience, despite the age of Jenny, the narrator.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Orchards
Author: Holly Thompson
Release Date: February 22, 2011

After a classmate commits suicide, Kana Goldberg—a half-Japanese, half-Jewish American—wonders who is responsible. She and her cliquey friends said some thoughtless things to the girl. Hoping that Kana will reflect on her behavior, her parents pack her off to her mother's ancestral home in Japan for the summer. There Kana spends hours under the hot sun tending to her family's mikan orange groves.
Kana's mixed heritage makes it hard to fit in at first, especially under the critical eye of her traditional grandmother, who has never accepted Kana's father. But as the summer unfolds, Kana gets to know her relatives, Japan, and village culture, and she begins to process the pain and guilt she feels about the tragedy back home. Then news about a friend sends her world spinning out of orbit all over again.
Taken from GoodReads.

I absolutely love the sound of Orchards by Holly Thompson. It sounds like a very emotional and heartfelt story examining the truth of our existence and coming to terms with who we are as people, as well as where we belong in the world. Most of all, it sounds like an honest and deep coming-of-age story. Books like this are appealing to me more and more these days. Plus, the pretty simplicity and colours of the cover are satiating my cover lust love just fine, thank you very much. What do you think...and what are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here are the rules: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page, and BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

It would have seemed impossible if we'd been told that Beth, ballet dancer, prettiest girl in school, would change so much. That rushing toward us, unseen, were all of the angry words and turned-away faces.
The Anatomy of Wings by Karen Foxlee

And now, for my Tuesday Teaser...For those of you who don't know, I do my Tuesday Teasers differently (and yes, I add this disclaimer every time). Each week, I feature two sentences (or more) of something I've written, leave it up all day, then remove it around 11 PM. You're welcome to comment on it, love it, hate it, or simply read it at your leisure...if you'd like, of course. This week's teaser is from my current WIP, RACE.

The Tuesday Teaser is down! Check back next week for more :)

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
Taken from GoodReads.

Beautiful Creatures follows the story of Ethan Wate, a sophomore at a little school in the middle of nowhere in the deep South - a tiny town called Gatlin. Nothing ever changes. In Gatlin, everyone knows everyone, and there are no such things as secrets until the new girl comes along. Lena Duchannes is unlike any person Ethan has ever met, and he's strangely drawn to the enigmatic girl, despite the warnings of everyone in town. As secrets begin to unravel and mysteries come light, Ethan discovers that he and Lena have a connection, and it's a connection with deep roots in the past.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to read Beautiful Creatures. I put it off forever because it's massive, and I was afraid I'd read it and it wouldn't live up to the hype. Let's face it - that happens a lot these days. Beautiful Creatures is a collaboration between authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl who wanted to create a story that combined the rich nature of Southern gothic history and a unique paranormal story. The result, Beautiful Creatures, is the epitome of everything they tried to create.

Beautiful Creatures is alive with detail and intrigue, and once the story gets going, there is action on nearly every page. The highlight of the book for me was the intense imagery that let me delve into the world of Beautiful Creatures. I also loved how the book incorporated numerous parallels and references to one of my all-time favourites, To Kill a Mockingbird. All that taken into account, I have to say I had a really hard time getting to know Lena in this book, and I often felt that Ethan's emotions were rather surface-level only at times. It took me a while to get to know them, but once I did, I really enjoyed the voice of the story.

All in all, Beautiful Creatures is a well-crafted story with an original idea. The heart of the story, once you reach it, is beautiful and well-written, and you won't be able to put it down. I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I would recommend it to fans of YA, paranormal, and historical fiction (weird, eh?), as well as those who love a good, sweet romance. The sequel, Beautiful Darkness, releases October 12, 2010.

As many of you know, I had the awesome fortune of attending a book signing a few weeks ago with Lisa Mangum, author of The Hourglass Door. Well, I was also lucky enough to interview Lisa, and she is just the nicest person ever! Check out the interview below...and after that you can scroll down to see who won the signed copy of The Hourglass Door.

1. How did you come up with the idea for The Hourglass Door?

When I decided to write a YA novel, I knew I wanted to write a love story—and one of the best love stories I knew was the story of Dante and Beatrice from Dante’s Divine Comedy. I had read the epic poem in college and loved it. So I drew a lot of inspiration from that source. And I also knew I wanted a little flavor of fantasy to the story, so I asked myself, “What if Leonardo da Vinci built a time machine—and it worked?” And I was off and running—or rather, writing. Eight months later, I was done.


2. There’s a lot of Italian in the book. Do you speak Italian?

I wish! I love the language, but I don’t speak it at all. But I knew since Dante was Italian that I’d want some of it in the book. I asked a friend of mine who does speak Italian to help me with the translations.

3. Describe The Hourglass Door in three words (just because I’m cruel).

How’s this: engaging time-travel romance.

4. Did you base your characters on real-life people or friends?

Yes and no. I think most authors draw inspiration on the people around them, and I certainly did. There are parts of Abby that have their roots in my own past. And some of Valerie’s lines and personality come from a dear friend of mine. But in the end, Abby and Valerie, Dante and Zo are their own people. And sometimes when I’m writing, they are very vocal with their demands for dialogue and scenes. And if I don’t get it right the first time, they’ll let me know.

5. Did you always want to be an author?

Yes. My mom is an author too, so I grew up loving books and writing. I started with short stories and some very bad poetry and eventually made my way up to writing entire books. Of course, that makes it sound easy, and my road to being an author wasn’t always smooth and even. There were plenty of moments when I doubted my ability to write a good story or finish a book. But about five or six years ago, my friends and I started a writing group and that really inspired me to take a dream I’d only dabbled with and turn it into a reality.

6. Who is your favourite character in The Hourglass Door and why?

I’d say it would be Abby. I think she’s strong and sassy and inquisitive. I like that she’s brave and daring. I really like writing her scenes. (Though to be perfectly honest, I also really like writing Zo’s scenes, too.)

7. What or who inspires you to write?

I draw a lot of inspiration from my family. My husband, Tracy, is a wonderful source of inspiration and encouragement. I love a good sunset, a relaxing afternoon on the beach, and seeing an awesome movie with a big bucket of popcorn. I also love it when a scene I’m working on unfolds effortlessly—times like that make it all worth it.

8. Name five things you need to write the perfect novel.

1. A good idea that I’m passionate about.
2. A deadline.
3. A fast laptop.
4. An iPod full of good music.
5. A fluffy cat willing to sleep on my lap.

9. You have the chance to travel anywhere in time and space...where do you go, and why?

Maybe it sounds like a cliché, but I would love to visit Italy. I’ve never been and I would love to go. I think the food would be amazing and the scenery . . . oh, it’d be breathtaking.

10. Is there anything else you want to tell your fans?

One of my favorite places to visit is Disneyland, and one year when I was there I discovered this great quote from one of the Imagineers: “Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. Don’t stop.” I’ve always loved that. Don’t hurry an idea—let it develop, get to know your characters, learn your craft. Don’t worry if you make a mistake, or if other people don’t like it. Just don’t stop—don’t stop trying to improve, don’t stop reaching for what makes you happy, don’t stop dreaming.

--------------------------------------------

Alright, I tallied up all your entries (nice and simple with just one entry per person, might I add), and we have a winner! Drum-roll please...the trusty Random.org has chosen its winner, so the winner of the signed paperback copy of The Hourglass Door and bookmarks is...

Steph from StephTheBookworm!
Congratulations, Steph! I'm sending you an email now. In the even I don't hear from Steph in 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Thank you all so much for entering! Also, a big thank-you to Lisa Mangum for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions.

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares. His life depends on it.
Taken from GoodReads.

Nevermore is the story of Isobel Lanley - cheerleader, popular, practically-perfect-in-every-way. When a school assignment throws her out of her comfort zone and she's meant to work with the intimidating goth boy, Varen Nethers, Isobel is certain it's the end of the world. Slowly, her friends start slipping away though, Isobel starts realizing there is more to Varen than meets the eye, and the dreams - well, the dreams have made it very clear that she's either losing her mind, or she and Varen have ventured into a realm of possible impossibilities.

As always, I was wary of the hype surrounding Nevermore, but when one of my favourite bloggers (whose opinion I completely trust) extolled its virtues, I couldn't resist. Nevermore is a dark tale, venturing into the world of dreams and the life and works of Edgar Allen Poe. Now, I'll admit I knew next to nothing about Poe before I read Nevermore, but it's certainly like a crash-course in all things Poe. The poetry sprinkled throughout definitely heightens the story and takes your imagination to the next level.

More than just a history lesson though, Nevermore is a story of growing up, branching out, and finding the truth of oneself. I definitely disliked Isobel in the beginning of the story, but I found her growing on me as the story went on and she began to redeem herself, stepping out of her comfort zone and finding comfort in Varen. Varen has to be one of the most intriguing characters I've come across in YA literature in a long time, too. He's rude, and crass, and sometimes downright nasty, and yet you can see that he has so much more under the surface the entire time. In that way, Kelly Creagh is a mastermind in dark storytelling. With a trusty sidekick, Gwen, a fast-placed, brilliantly-written plot, Nevermore spun me right into its created world with Isobel and Varen. Oh, quick side note - it totally took me about 300 pages to realize that Varen is an anagram of Raven. Oops. I'm blonde.

Nevermore is one of those books that's truly a gem in a midst of overpopulated paranormal stories on the YA market today. Perfectly blending intrigue, history, and an amazing coming-of-age story, Nevermore gets a definite 5 out of 5 from me. I recommend it to anyone that's a fan of YA books - specifically the paranormal with a twist of romance.

The Friday Fix is a takeover of my Friday blog post by other bloggers who have volunteered their time and energy to "star" in their very own guest post on Friday. Only one mandatory rule (you can't get out of it!) - you must answer five of the most random questions I throw your way. The rest is up to you. Remember, if you'd like to be featured on the Friday Fix, send me an email, and let me know! So, without further ado, here is Katie from The Crescive Library!

The Most Random Questions in the World

1.Why is the song "rock-a-by-baby" soothing to your children if it's a song about sticking them in a tree and watching them fall out?

That’s a really great question. Why do parents like Noah’s Ark stuff? You know the story is pretty gruesome, not all rainbows and happy animals. People are strange. I wonder if some parents know what the song is about and sing it under their breath in a pissed off tone when their baby is screaming at 4 in the morning?

2. Why is a doctor's work called a practice...if you really don't want them practicing on you?

I sometimes get the feeling they really are “practicing” on me. I’ve been wrongly diagnosed a number of times. If they all looked like McSteamy from Grey's I really wouldn’t mind.

3. If you try to fail and succeed, what have you done?

EPIC fail? Is it a trick question? Did you succeed at failing, or did you succeed instead of failing? I’m so confused!!! Either way, better luck next time.

4. Why doesn't superglue stick in the tube?

I actually think I know this (although I could be wrong). Is it because there is no air in the tube, so it can’t dry?

5. If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes?

There is no way to answer this without getting into trouble with my husband, who is Dutch, or should I say a Hole?


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Thank you so much for answering my insane questions, Katie! Be sure to check out The Crescive Library to read her awesome reviews, and check out her adorable blog! It's one of my new favourites to visit, and I'm so glad to have found it. Remember, if you are interested in being featured - my email is on my contact page (if you couldn't figure that out)...please feel free to send a message my way!

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.
Taken from GoodReads.

Twenty Boy Summer follows the story of 16-year-old best friends Anna Riley and Frankie Perino as they cope with the prospect of visiting the family's vacation spot one year after Frankie's brother's tragic death. A year ago, Anna was floating on air, experiencing her first kiss with Matt Perino, finding her first love, and waiting for the perfect moment to tell Frankie. In an instant though, Matt was taken away, the void left in Anna's heart couldn't be filled, and she had to keep her promise to Matt. She had to protect Frankie in the wake of his death - and she could never tell Frankie, no matter what.

I never read a review for Twenty Boy Summer, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise sounded intriguing, and frankly the only reason I put off reading this book so long was because of the title. It sounded, well...loose, shall we say. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go, and I'm so glad I did. Sarah Ockler has spun a magnetic tale that examines the intricacies of friendship, mourning, loss, and finding the will to live again.

Twenty Boy Summer had the elements of romance that make it sweet and beautiful, while tempering them with the overwhelming sorrow one feels in the wake of a loved one's death. Frankie's emotions, while a bit trying to read, felt real, and Anna's quiet demeanor helped the story ring true. If I could sum Twenty Boy Summer up in one general theme, it would be that true love never dies. It changes, transforms, and helps one overcome the sadness and find out how to live again. Most of all though, this book deals with the depth of Frankie and Anna's friendship, and it proves just how strong they are united.

I give Twenty Boy Summer a very strong 5 out of 5. I would recommend it to those who enjoy realistic YA fiction, romance, and reading about the complexities in a unique coming-of-age tale. I would, however, recommend it to a more mature YA audience due to some discreet sexual situations and drinking etc.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Mad Love
Author: Suzanne Selfors
Release Date: January 4, 2011

Writing her own love story could drive a girl insane!
When you’re the daughter of the bestselling Queen of Romance, life should be pretty good. But 16-year-old Alice Amorous has been living a lie ever since her mother was secretly hospitalized for mental illness. After putting on a brave front for months, time is running out. The next book is overdue, and the Queen can’t write it. Alice needs a story for her mother—and she needs one fast.
That’s when she meets Errol, a strange boy who claims to be Cupid, who insists that Alice write about the greatest love story in history: his tragic relationship with Psyche. As Alice begins to hear Errol’s voice in her head and see things she can’t explain, she must face the truth—that she’s either inherited her mother’s madness, or Errol is for real.
Taken from GoodReads.

This one sounds both sweet and cute, plus I'm loving this twist of the paranormal! I don't think I've read one with Cupid involved before, so this should be a treat for me. I also think there could be a lot of depth in the novel in terms of Alice dealing with her mother's illness. I really think Mad Love has the all the makings of a diamond in the rough. While the cover might not exactly be swoon-worthy for my taste, I quite like the simplicity of it. What do you think...and what are you waiting on this week?

It's day two of the Book Blogger Appreciation Week, and you know what that means...it's time for the interview swap! This is my first Book Blogger Appreciation Week, and I'm so excited to be a part of such a wonderful community of like-minded individuals. It's so much fun to see what each and every one of you thinks about books and literature every day. Enough about me though...the interview swap was designed to connect bloggers who might not otherwise meet one another, and I was lucky enough to be paired with Kathrin from Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic. So, without further ado...the interview:

1. What made you decide to start a book blog?

I first started my book blog to have a place where I can keep track of everything that I read. I usually read over 100 books a year, so I eventually forget what I read and what I thought about the book after a while. I considered a notebook or aomething like that, but after a while my handwriting gets a bit messy and I absolutely hate it when it's not properly written and not all neat and clean, so that clearly was not an option. (Yes, I'm afraid I'm a bit of a neat freak where writing is concerned.

2. You're from a family of avid readers. Do you remember how old you were when you first started reading? What inspired you?

Oh, the first time I read a book on my own? In Germany we don't learn reading until 1st or 2nd grade - at least back when I started school it was like that - so I guess I read my first book at the age of 6. I was simply fed up with having to wait until someone had the time to sit down with me for an hour or longer to read to me ;-) And from then on out, my entire family never complained when asked to go book shopping several times a month to always have a new book around.

3. You began blogging back in 2004 (wow!). What drives you to continue book blogging?

Oh, thank you! But really, I took quite few month-long breaks in the mean time. Sometime life just takes over or I'm just not in the mood to sit down and actually figure out where the book was especially good or where it lacked a bit...
In the end, though, I keep on blogging because my notes help me focus on the book I read and analyze it. And also, I remember a whole lot more about a book when I actually wrote a review than I would otherwise.

4. A fellow Harry Potter nut! Which character are you most like, and why?

I guess I'm most like Ron. He's slightly goofy and accident-prone, but still a loyal friend.

5. You're going to be stranded on an island and are allowed to take just one book with you....what would you choose and why?

I just talked to my cousin about this question and we figured I might as well say I'd bring the Us Magazine with Ali & Roberto... To pick just one book is sooooo difficult. I am at my cousin's for a visit and for the 14.5 hours at two airports and two airplanes I already packed four books. So how could I ever dwindle it down to just one book for being stranded on an island??? If you insist, though, I guess I'd pick the Old Testament, because that is my favorite...

6. What process do you use when deciding what books to read and review?

First I look at genre and the story in particular. Is it something I would be interested in anyway? The last thing I look at before I write back is the date it's supposed to be reviewed by. I will only put in a request when I feel that I can make it by that date. Usually, this is an easier task for me because I live in Germany and not all publishers are willing to ship there.

7. If you could be any supernatural creature, what would you pick, and why?

I would like to be able to travel into the future, if that's an option? I just want to know things work out for the best.

8. What is your favourite series of all-time, and what is your favourite stand-alone book?

My all/time favorite series has to be Lee Harris' Christine Bennett series. I just love the character of Christine Bennett - how often do you get an ex-nun turned PI? And my all-time favorite stand-alone is definitely Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird! I can't get enough of that one. Atticus Finch is my hero and I just love Scout and Boo Radley :D

9. What does the world of literature mean to you, or for you, if you will?

Literature to me is both way to escape from everything and a way to look at life from a different point of view. I can do time travels, experience different lifestyles & even do things that simply are not possible in real life. What else could be better???

10. Describe yourself and your blog in just five words...ready...go!

eclectic, goofy, German, young-ish, spicy(???)

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Thank you so much for the awesome answers, Kathrin! She has the cutest blog, and I love reading her reviews. I invite you all to check out her blog, Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic (my interview is up there now, too!), and to check out the other interview swaps floating around the blogosphere today! A full list is available here.

I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and a perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly beastly.
Taken from GoodReads.

Beastly follows the story of Kyle Kingsbury, the popular, good-looking, conceited, arrogant jerk who has always been taught that those with good lucks and class (in the monetary sense of the word) can, and will, always get what they want. So, with the school dance fast-approaching, Kyle is a shoe-in to win Prince, and his queen is none other than the popular and beautiful Sloane Hagen. In an attempt to be both funny and get payback for being called out by Kendra Hilferty, he invites her to the dance but stands her up, unleashing her wrath, a curse, and the possibility that Kyle might just have to find his beauty beneath the surface.

I'll be honest. I've never been a fan of those classic Disney fairy tales. I read Beastly because I want to see the movie, and I always read the books first (because they're better). I was surprised to find that I actually enjoyed this book, despite the fact that Kyle starts off as a hideously cruel jackass snob. Alex Flinn did a great job transforming the classic Beauty and the Beast tale into one that fits our modern times. She cleverly uses internet chats to interweave fairy tales and bring the characters, mainly Kyle - the Beast, to life.

Beastly started off well, getting into the action and creating strong emotions (in my case - disgust) towards Kyle. Once the curse is set and Beastly is set in motion though, I found the story lagged a bit until Lindy was brought into play. I understood he was trapped and a transformation was taking place, but I felt it was a bit drawn out. Nevertheless, the writing remained fluid, clear, and easy-to-read throughout.

I give Beastly a 4 out of 5 only because it started to creep along halfway through. I would recommend this to fans of the classic tale, those who love YA, and anyone looking for a good, sweet romance. Oh, and as a quick closing note...the Beast in the upcoming film, Beastly, looks nothing like he does in the book. I'm pissed. And now I'm over it.

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

Nevermore - Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look. Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

An Amish Christmas - (ARC for Review) Meg Hobart has everything: a happy marriage to a handsome, successful husband, a beautiful home in Charlotte, North Carolina, and three wonderful children. But it all comes crashing down around her the day she learns that her husband, James, has been living a lie—and has brought the family to financial ruin. Penniless and homeless, the Hobarts pack up what little they still possess and leave behind their golden life for good. A frightening twist of fate forces the Hobarts to take refuge with a kind Amish family in Pennsylvania, where they find themselves in a home with no computers, no cell phones, nothing the children consider fashionable or fun.

She Smells the Dead - (For Review) It's the beginning of senior year and Yuki's psychic awareness of ghostly spirits is threatening to ruin her life. Her ability to sense spirits of the dead isn't glamorous like the ghost hunting on television. She smells the dead. The smell impressions are becoming stronger. Yuki is being visited in her dreams, and she suspects that her friend Calvin is involved in something strange. To make matters worse her crush on Garrett is going unrequited, Yuki's friend Emma is on a rampage against bee oppression, and annoying Calvin Miller mysteriously disappears. (Check out the giveaway here!)

It's the beginning of senior year and Yuki's psychic awareness of ghostly spirits is threatening to ruin her life. Her ability to sense spirits of the dead isn't glamorous like the ghost hunting on television.

SHE SMELLS THE DEAD.

The smell impressions are becoming stronger. Yuki is being visited in her dreams, and she suspects that her friend Calvin is involved in something strange. To make matters worse her crush on Garrett is going unrequited, Yuki's friend Emma is on a rampage against bee oppression, and annoying Calvin Miller mysteriously disappears.

Will Yuki be able to focus her powers in time to save the lost soul who is haunting her? Meanwhile, who will save Yuki from following the spirits into the light?
Taken from GoodReads

She Smells the Dead is the story of Vanessa Stennings, better known as Yuki, as she struggles with and discovers the true weight and meaning of her gift to sense...or smell...the dead. Unlike the glamourous and sensationalized psychics, Yuki's gift can be painful, and the intensity can wear on her. When the sudden, overwhelming smell of vinegar plagues Yuki, she and her friends Calvin, her mystical-loving best friend whose spirit is supposedly a wolf, and Emma, her intensely vegan friend, must unravel the mystery of the spirit before time runs out.

I've been a follower of the author, E.J. Stevens' blog for a long time now, so when she offered a chance to read and review her book, She Smells the Dead, I jumped at the chance. I didn't really know what to expect getting into this book. I thought perhaps it might be a ghost story, or some sort of paranormal story, but it definitely took my assumptions to the next level. Incorporating lore, mystery, wolves, and spirits in an entirely unique way, She Smells the Dead is a refreshing and dark twist on a paranormal story.

I thought the beginning of She Smells the Dead was a little slower than I might have hoped, but it established Yuki's background, which definitely helped later in the story. I also had to get used to reading Yuki's thoughts interjected into the narrative, identified as italics. Once I got a grip on that, it became normal to read them, and it didn't feel jarring at all. I really enjoyed, as well, the introduction of characters halfway through, namely Simon, to throw a wrench and a little eye candy to keep the story fresh and alive.

She Smells the Dead is an exciting new take on wolves, spirits, and more. It's a slim book, fast-paced once you get into it, and very easy to read. E.J. Stevens has a unique voice that really sets She Smells the Dead apart from other such books. I give it a strong 4 out 5, and I'd recommend it to all those who love YA, Paranormal, Mystery, and an entertaining read.

This book was given to me free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of the book.

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Now, I have a treat for all of you! The lovely E.J. Stevens has provided me with goodies for my awesome followers...meaning all of you! Up for grabs in this giveaway is the following:

One (1) signed review copy of She Smells the Dead
Two (2) bookmarks
Two (2) postcards
One (1) awesome t-shirt

To Enter: You MUST be a follower. Leave a comment with your email address...no email = no entry. This giveaway is open internationally (yay!), and entries will be open until midnight (MDT) on September 25, 2010. You will get one (1) additional entry if you follow E.J. Stevens' blog, and you MUST let me know! The winner of this awesome prize pack will be chosen by Random.org and announced the following day.

The Friday Fix is a takeover of my Friday blog post by other bloggers who have volunteered their time and energy to "star" in their very own guest post on Friday. Only one mandatory rule (you can't get out of it!) - you must answer five of the most random questions I throw your way. The rest is up to you. Remember, if you'd like to be featured on the Friday Fix, send me an email, and let me know! So, without further ado, here is Kelli and Natalie from I'd So Rather Be Reading!

The Most Random Questions in the World

1. If an Atheist goes to court, does he/she have to swear on the Bible?

Natalie: I defer to Kelli as she LIVES with legal council.

Kelli: I say yes because it is the law. Hubby who is the attorney says, they take an "affirmation" that is legally binding.

2. Why is it that if you 'skate on thin ice,' you're likely to find yourself 'in hot water?'

Natalie: lol, Well something obviously had to make the ice thin and wouldn't hot water do the trick?

Kelli: Because the people who make these kind of euphemisms up like to mix them.

3. Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?

Natalie: The same reason the chicken crossed the road... to get from one side of the volcano to the other

Kelli: It's to make us land-lubbers more comfortable with the familiar roadways when we come to visit!

4. If a Vampire is Jewish, does he avoid crosses or Stars of David?

Natalie: hmmm, a Jewish vampire... well I guess all holy symbols but at this point I think he/she would be so confused about religion they would just say "the heck with it all."

Kelli: Stars of David, why I can't say, but that's just my gut feeling!

5. If an ambulance runs over someone on the way to save someone, do they stop and save the other person first?

Natalie: Actually yes, if they are in an accident they defer the call the another dispatched unit (my hubby worked for EMS for 9 years).

Kelli: But Natalie, I don't understand. Do they defer the call they are on, or do they just leave the person they hit for the next unit to pick up?



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Thank you so much for dropping by, Kelli and Natalie! I'd So Rather Be Reading is such a fun and informative blog to follow...I highly recommend you check it out...like right now! To anyone else interested in being featured - my email is on my contact page (if you couldn't figure that out)...please feel free to send a message my way!

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.
Taken from GoodReads.

Paranormalcy follows the story of teenage Evie, a pink-loving, ass-kicking, blonde girl that lives and works for the IPCA. One of a kind, Evie can see through any paranormal's glamours, which makes her an asset to the IPCA in the field. She bags and tags the paranormals, brings them in, neuters neutralizes them, and continues to wish for a normal life - whatever that might be. When an unknown paranormal breaks into the IPCA after paranormals start dying off, Evie's IPCA life is thrown into a state of flux, but she's finding this new paranormal, the shape shifter everyone fears, makes her feel more normal than ever before.

If there is one book that had more than its fair share of hype surrounding its release this year, it's Paranormalcy. That usually makes me very wary because it's rare for me to find a book that lives up to the amount of hype surrounding it...but wow! Paranormalcy is a refreshing, fun, and action-filled adventure story with twists of the paranormal that defy the molds so many other books fit in today. Kiersten White has created a book with a lovable heroine that people can relate to because she's human, and her human personality gives us the heart of Paranormalcy

Now, I'm not even a fan of faeries, so why did I enjoy this book so much? Paranormalcy, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...Lend (marry me?), pink, Tasey, conceited vampires, online shopping, intense sarcasm, werewolves, attitude, Reth (bad is oh-so good), "bleeeeeeeeeep!" Ok, but seriously? Paranormalcy is written from Evie's POV, and it's clear, girly, and really fun to read. The characters are well-rounded, the paranormals play on their stereotypes in clever ways, and it's a totally original take on the supernatural elements. Basically, it is some of the most quality writing I've seen in a while.

I give Paranormalcy a very clear 5 out 5. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves YA, especially those who love paranormal...actually, I'd recommend this to just about everyone looking for a fun, fast-paced read.