Title: Falls the Shadow
Author: Stefanie Gaither (Twitter)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BYR
Publish Date: September 16, 2014
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Mystery
Pages: 352

When Cate Benson was twelve, her sister died. Two hours after the funeral, they picked up Violet’s replacement, and it was like nothing had ever happened. Because Cate’s parents are among those who decided to grant their children a sort of immortality—by cloning them at birth. So this new Violet has the same smile. The same laugh. That same perfect face. Thanks to advancements in mind-uploading technology, she even has all the same memories as the girl she replaced. She also might have murdered the most popular girl in school.

Or at least, that’s what the paparazzi and crazy anti-cloning protesters want everyone to think: that clones are violent, unpredictable monsters. Cate is used to hearing all that, though. She’s used to standing up for her sister too, and she’s determined to prove her innocence now—at whatever the cost. But the deeper she digs for the truth, the further Cate's carefully-constructed life begins to unravel, unveiling a world filled with copies and lies, where nothing and no one—not even her sister— is completely what they seem.

I'm all about sci-fi this year, or so it seems. The stories just seem to be getting more quirky, more edgy and far more dangerous, which excites me because I obviously like the twisted tales. There's something about cloning that seems inherently wrong - and terrifying - to me, and a novel that explores the potential negative ramifications of it seems like a gold mine of possibilities. Plus, that cover is going to haunt my dreams. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature from Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: Shallow Pond
Author: Alissa Grosso (Twitter)
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: July 8, 2013
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 336
Source: Author

Barbara “Babie” Bunting is constantly mistaken for her sisters, but she’s determined not to end up like her family. She doesn’t plan to stick around Shallow Pond after graduation, and she certainly won’t be ruined by a broken heart. That is, until fellow orphan Zach Faraday walks into the picture, and Babie can’t deny their chemistry.

When her oldest sister, Annie, comes down with a mysterious illness—initially dismissed as “love sickness”—Babie and Zach start investigating what exactly killed the girls’ mother and why their late father became so consumed by grief. What they find changes everything.

Barbara is the baby of the family. An orphan with two older sisters raising her, she's certain of only one thing: her life is messy...and weird. Shallow Pond is a tiny town - too tiny for Barbara's dreams - and she's counting the days until she can go to college and escape her past and the town's nothingness altogether. But there's something that's holding Barbara and her family in Shallow Pond. There is something darker and more unknown about her very own destiny, and she'll have to uncover that before she can ever truly find herself and escape Shallow Pond forever.

There's something to be said for reading books with little, to no hype at all. I love being able to go into a book entirely blind, formulating my own opinions from the get-go and never having those other reviews fighting for their views to come to the forefront of my mind. Shallow Pond offers readers an intriguing, mysterious and engaging premise. From veteran author, Alissa Grosso, we're given a story of sisters who, outwardly look similar, but they couldn't be more different underneath it all. Fast-paced and well-plotted, Shallow Pond is a guessing-game from start to finish, never revealing the truth until readers are absolutely ready for the big reveal.

I read Shallow Pond in one day. Actually, I read it in about six hours total. It's an engrossing tale that winds you into the mystery from page one. There was a lot that I loved about this book, but I definitely had a few issues with it, as well, though some of them might by petty preferences. Barbara was a tricky character for me. She was so carefully guarded that it made it difficult to get a firm grasp on who she was as person. Plus, her identity was so wrapped up in those of her sisters, Annie and Gracie, that we're never exactly sure who she is and, instead, define her by her desire to escape Shallow Pond for good. When Zach Faraday enters the picture, we watch as Barbara's shell slowly cracks around her, but she keeps replacing it again, and again, and again, though I'm sure she didn't even really know what she wanted. There were times when we got to see this vulnerable girl succumb to the desire to be around Zach, though we're not sure where the desire stems from. Other times, however, she pushes him away almost violently, and we can't help but get annoyed by the constant flip-flopping. It was almost like whiplash over and over. Her sisters are clearly defined with Gracie being the boy-crazy middle child and Annie being the soft-spoken eldest daughter - though the latter remained somewhat of an enigma throughout. We're also offered a handful of secondary characters including her best friends but, at times, they felt more like filler characters, simply adding elements to the pages. Plus, there was a constant sort of derision between Barbara and her friends, which eventually just felt too much like the age-old teenage drama that I wanted to so badly to escape. In terms of highlights, however, the author does a fantastic job with the mystery element and subsequent reveal. I'll be honest and say that of all the scenarios in my mind, that was never even an afterthought. Plus, the foreshadowing is carefully balanced, so we never know too much too soon. Now, if I might be petty, I did have an issue with some of the action verbs of the novel. In normal conversations, despite the frantic and frenzied nature, I would not use "screamed," "shrieked" or "shouted" throughout. I think they pulled me out of the moment and displaced me a bit, which was unfortunate. Furthermore, I think that the final chapters of the novel could have been drawn out further, giving us more backstory and more of an understanding as to why, exactly, their lives had been molded as such.

All in all though, Shallow Pond is a quick, fast and engaging read. The writing style is easy to follow, and the mystery element is extremely well done. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I definitely recommend this story to fans of YA looking for a fast-paced, mystery and sci-fi story. 

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Circle of Silence
Author: Carol M. Tanzman
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: July 24, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Mystery
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

It's my turn to run a "Campus News" crew, and I've put together a team that can break stories wide open. And Washington Irving High has a truly great one to cover, if only we can find a lead.

A secret society has formed in our school. It announced its presence with pranks: underwear on the flagpole, a toilet in the hallway, cryptic notes. A circle of silence keeps the society a mystery. No one knows its members, agenda or initiation secrets-until a student lands in the hospital under "strange" circumstances.

I "will" blow this story wide open and stop others from being hurt...or worse. And while my ex, Jagger, might want to help, I don't trust him yet. (And, no, not because of our past together. That is "not" important to this story.)

Valerie Gaines wants nothing more than to be a reporter, and when she’s given the job of producer in her school’s television class, she’s fairly certain that she’s made it. This is her shot to break the news, chase the story and get to the heart of the issue, and Val knows how important it is to get the story at all costs. But then the pranks start. They’re innocent to start – underwear flying, toilets in the hall and a mysterious signature letting people know there is a real person behind it all. Things start to unravel though, when a cryptic warning tells her to stay away. Should Val keep investigating, or should she simply cut her losses and play it safe?

I remember when I first heard about Circle of Silence, and I was excited by the rich blend it seemed to put forth. First of all, you have the investigative reporting angle, and then you have the angle of behind the scenes drama that seems to unravel into something more than a childish prank. It sounded a bit like a Lifetime movie, but with all the right things happening, rather than one of those too-much-to-bear stories that becomes cloying and obnoxious. Carol M. Tanzman has crafted a cloak and dagger mystery story with an engaging heroine, an ever-shifting plot and lighthearted touches of romance to heighten the story.

Guys, stories with journalism are an instant attraction to me…as are mysteries. The two combined is, in a nutshell, a recipe for excellence in my books. Circle of Silence cleverly cultivated both, giving me the best of both worlds, while teasing me at the same time. The story offers up just enough details throughout to keep me entranced, but it was like keeping you on the edge of a cliff and holding you back just enough not to let you jump. I thought Val was a fantastic MC. She has a level head throughout the story that is believable at her age, and her investigative reporting is more of a personal drive than a cutthroat desire to succeed. Val’s emotions were honest, and her intentions were admirable, and I could definitely empathize with her situation and her want to figure out who was behind the mysterious “MP.” The subtle twists and turns that wove throughout the characters and plot points were intricate and well thought out, though I’ll admit some of the characters, namely Jagger, through me for a loop in the middle. The best part hands-down, however, was the fact that I had absolutely no clue who “MP” was until the end of the story. The hints of foreshadowing never gave too much away – just enough to keep me guessing.

Overall, Circle of Silence was surprisingly good. I thought it was well executed, and though I wish I had a bit more backstory on the characters, I thought it definitely came full circle. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I definitely recommend this one to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and mysteries.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Frost
Author: Marianna Baer
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: September 13, 2011
Genre: YA, Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Leena Thomas’s senior year at boarding school starts with a cruel shock: Frost House, the cozy Victorian dorm where she and her best friends live, has been assigned an unexpected roommate—eccentric Celeste Lazar.

As classes get under way, strange happenings begin to bedevil Frost House: frames falling off walls, doors locking themselves, furniture toppling over. Celeste blames the housemates, convinced they want to scare her into leaving. And although Leena strives to be the peacekeeper, soon the eerie happenings in the dorm, an intense romance between Leena and Celeste’s brother, David, and the reawakening of childhood fears all push Leena to take increasingly desperate measures to feel safe. But does the threat lie with her new roommate, within Leena’s own mind…or in Frost House itself?

Senior Year at Barcroft Academy was meant to be a dream for Leena. She and her best friend Viv have scored residence in a cozy corner of the campus - Frost House. But circumstances change when an eccentric roommate, Celeste, is thrust into their living space and thing start to take a turn for the worst. Frost House seems to have a mind of its own as chairs fall, picture frames tilt and crash and the locked doors become ominous and foreboding. But as Leena's personal life becomes more chaotic and confusing, she finds herself withdrawing further into Frost House until she very might well lose her mind because she's no longer sure anymore - is there something wrong with the house, or is something wrong with her?

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of twisted stories. There's something about being sent on a spellbinding tale that resonates those things that go bump in the night. Frost does that and more. Walking a fine line between a pyschological thriller and a paranormal tale, Frost delicately balances between genres and promises a fulfilling tale for all. Author Marianna Baer has crafted a haunting debut that's mesmerizing, confusing and haunting, allowing the reader to escape into a world where darkness is undefined and every twist and turn has you guessing what's really going on at Frost House. With a fluid style and sinister tone, Frost is sure to delight readers who have a thing for the dark and mysterious.

The true beauty of Frost lies within the bones of the novel - the writing. Mysteries aren't easy to write. If you tell too much, the reader gets bored, but if you tell too little, the reader grows impatient. Frost walked a tightrope of ambiguity, giving the reader enough information to keep them turning pages and continuing guessing, but never giving anything away too soon. Moody and atmospheric, tumultuous and nerve-wracking, Frost messes with your perceptions, captivating you with a realistic MC and then sending your mind spinning on a psycholgoical tale. Leena, like I said, was a great protagonist. There was something believable and accessible about her. While she was a strong girl, there was a sense of vulnerability about her, and as her confusing grew, her mindset lent a creepy vibe to Frost. The more chaotic her thoughts were, the more suspenseful the story grew. Likewise, the relationship between David and Leena only fostered the humanity of the story, which could have easily been lost in the plot. Celeste, though a vivid and prominent secondary character, never stole the spotlight from Leena and added a tenuous sense of peace to the story, but remained precariously close to sending Frost spiraling into a veritable pandemonium. The ending was satisfying, but it was the only sort of flat element for me. I don't like ribbons and bows, but I don't like to feel like I'm still guessing. Frost balanced between the two, only offering a semblance of an answer to the mysteries within its pages.

Overall though, Frost was a dynamic, creepy debut from an author that's sure to deliver many more powerful novels to the genre in the future. I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to those who enjoy YA, especially mysteries and psychological thrillers.

I received this ARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Deadly Cool
Author: Gemma Halliday
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: October 11, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Mystery
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool.

But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

Hartley loves Josh. Very much so, actually, until the day she heard the rumours and decided to find out if they were true. Unfortunately, the evidence didn't lie, and she goes on a path to confront him, but that decision changes things from bad to worse. Suddenly, her cheating ex is the center of a murder investigation of the very person with whom he may very well have cheated with. Sound tricky? It is for Hartley, especially because she's not sure she wants him to suffer quite that much because he can't possibly be the killer. But if it's not Josh, and Hartley's fast becoming a target, where else can she look?

Deadly Cool isn't your average mystery, however, in the same breath I will wholeheartedly admit that it's not your average contemporary either. Weaving a tenuous balance of wit, off-beat humour, a whodunit mystery and a great host of characters with oversized personalities, author Gemma Halliday has created a fun, entertaining and engrossing novel that keeps the reader guessing. If summer reading is not your thing because it's a bit too light, odds are the the quirky tone and fun, refreshing take on murder mysteries of Deadly Cool might be the perfect alternative for you.

I'll be honest, when I first read the premise for Deadly Cool, trust me, I wasn't expecting a profound novel full of depth, resounding themes and an overriding sense of accomplishment for having read the book. I was, however, fully expecting a fast-paced, action-riddled read, and Deadly Cool delivered. From page one, our protagonist, Hartley, is entertaining. She's got snark, for one, and hell if she's about to roll over and play dead while her boyfriend's off cheating with the president of the chastity club. The interesting thing to note about Deadly Cool is that, in theory, it should be everything I hate about contemporary fiction. It has cliques and cliches, and it most certainly has those teenage hormones that rule just about every inch of bad YA fiction. Yet, somehow, Deadly Cool manages to teeter on the verge of satire while still stringing the reader along on an action-packed ride that keeps you guessing. Best of all though, Deadly Cool never once tries to rest on the laurels of a serious novel, and packs a punch of witty lines that are certain to make more readers than this easily amused blonde laugh out loud.

Honestly, I can genuinely say that Deadly Cool surprised me in a good way. It was a great break from darker novels, and it was nice to read about characters that didn't take themselves too seriously. I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I'd highly recommend it to those who enjoy YA fiction, especially mysteries and contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Shelter
Author: Harlan Coben
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Published: September 6, 2011
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

Mickey Bolitar's year can't get much worse. After witnessing his father's death and sending his mom to rehab, he's forced to live with his estranged uncle Myron and switch high schools.

A new school comes with new friends and new enemies, and lucky for Mickey, it also comes with a great new girlfriend, Ashley. For a while, it seems like Mickey's train-wreck of a life is finally improving - until Ashley vanishes without a trace. Unwilling to let another person walk out of his life, Mickey follows Ashley's trail into a seedy underworld that reveals that this seemingly sweet, shy girl isn't who she claimed to be. And neither was Mickey's father. Soon, Mickey learns about a conspiracy so shocking that it makes high school drama seem like a luxury - and leaves him questioning everything about the life he thought he knew.

Mickey should have known nothing was as it seemed. He thought his year couldn't get worse than his father dying and his mother's breakdown, but switching schools is the icing on the cake. Mickey is surprised, however, to find that he makes unusual friends and he even has his eye on a pretty girl in school. But when Ashley vanishes, Mickey finds that his uncle's deep-seeded determination to help those he cares about him is rooted within him, as well. Mickey's quest to save Ashley unfolds a bizarre and mysterious conspiracy though, and he's about to learn that nothing is as it seems, and those he trusts most might not be the best to trust in after all.

I'll be honest. I've never read anything by Harlan Coben, but I will say that I've heard amazing things about his Myron Bolitar series for adults. Yes, I know I'm an adult. That's neither here nor there. Harlan Coben is a masterful plotter, merging an intricate story into a pulse-pounding adventure that's sure to delight younger readers. Shelter's prose is simple without feeling dumbed-down, the characters are relatable without feeling false and the story is cohesive from start to finish. It's the perfect way to set up an intriguing mystery series.

Shelter is a prime example of when a good book features secondary characters that truly take the cake. I liked Mickey, don't get me wrong. He was sincere, genuine and felt real, but his friends, Ema and Spoon surpass him in intrigue. Ema was a tough girl, though perhaps a bit stereotyped as a goth, but she had this strength that just resounded throughout the story and made her the ultimate bad-ass sidekick. Spoon provided picture-perfect comic relief with his nerdiness that added an element of humour to a pretty intense story. They fed well into the overall plot of Shelter, fueling it along. I will admit that I had a few issues with Shelter - the most prominent being that some scenes seemed a bit too convenient. If a character or object was needed to further the story, it would seemingly appear out of thin air without any backstory. Don't get me wrong - I know that not everything needs backstory, but if it's crucial to the plot, I want to know it was there all along. My only other real issue with Shelter was the use of certain terms and references that I simply don't think apply to the teenage populace today. Perhaps that's an issue of an author transitioning from adult to YA, though, and it's a personal preference, as it didn't really hinder the story.

Overall, Shelter was an action-packed and intriguing story that's sure to set up another great series. Plus, it's one of the few YA thrillers without a paranormal element, so that's a bonus. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. Fans of Harlan Coben will likely enjoy this new series.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Uncommon Criminals
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: June 21, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Kat's got a reputation to uphold since the Henley job. Now that her crew is renown as one of the best in the world, it's no wonder that she's being courted for more jobs. Kat isn't sold on any of them until one rings a bell for her. A family wants Cleopatra's emerald back, as it was once rightfully theirs. It's the heist of a lifetime, and if Kat can pull it off, she'll be a legend. But before she can steal the emerald, she must unravel the clever web of deceit surrounding the emerald that's made it such a commodity in the first place, and that might be more than she and her friends can do. Kat's not going to give up though, and she's certainly not going to be outplayed.

I don't know why I waited so long to read book one in this series, Heist Society, but when I was approached to read Uncommon Criminals, you better believe I brushed up on book one. Ally Carter has created a fun and entertaining premise of a girl living in a family of thieves that wants nothing more than to be out of the business until she finds a way to make some good of who she is. Uncommon Criminals raises the stakes with a bigger and riskier job with a reward far better than book one. Written with a distinct, energetic tone, Uncommon Criminals is pure entertainment at its best that strings you along on a whirlwind adventure from start to finish.

Uncommon Criminals was a refreshing balance between romance and action, which I find lacking in a lot of contemporary fiction, so that was the best part for me. The meticulous details, the planning and the set-up of every bit of the heist made the story that much more believable. Without it, this could very well have been an amateur sleuth book. I also loved how developed Kat, Hale, Simon and Gabrielle became in Uncommon Criminals. By fleshing out the characters, the book added a layer of depth that was missing in book one. Plus, it allows the reader to see deeper into Kat's mindset as she set up her elaborate scheme. The pacing flows well between action, planning, backstory and romance, which intermingles for a fun, flirty tone. The only real qualm I ended up having with Uncommon Criminals was the fact that it followed pretty much the same formula as book one, and I would have loved a bit more of a wrench thrown into the mix. Think Oceans Eleven with teenagers, throw in a splash of Robin Hood's "righting the wrongs" philosophy and add a snarky, likeable protag, and you have Uncommon Criminals.

All in all, Uncommon Criminals was a fun, fast-paced read that kept me guessing and reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction, mysteries and crime stories.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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

Thanks to the lovely folks at Hyperion, I have a finished copy of Uncommon Criminals to give away to one of my lovely readers. The rules are simple. You do NOT have to be a follower, but it's always appreciated! This international giveaway ends promptly at midnight EST on June 22, 2011. Winners will be informed by email. Ready to enter?

Click HERE to enter!

Title: The Nightmarys
Author: Dan Poblocki
Publisher: Random House
Published: August 24, 2010
Genre: YA, Horror
Source: Random Buzzers

Timothy July has been having nightmares. About his brother, who is in a coma after being wounded in Iraq; about his best friend, Stuart, who is behaving like a jerk; about the old biology specimens in jars lining the walls of his classroom; and about Abigail, the new girl who seems to be a magnet for trouble. Or perhaps she is the cause.

Suddenly Timothy’s nightmares are coming true. His brother, his face decaying, approaches Timothy on the street. Stuart ends up in the hospital, terrified that monsters are stalking him. And the specimen jars are tormenting not only Timothy but his teacher as well.

What is the secret in Abigail’s past that is the key to these horrors? And can Timothy figure it out before his nightmares become a deadly reality?

Timothy July has a problem. Actually, he has more than just one problem. Ever since his brother, Ben, went to Iraq, he’s been having nightmares. He doesn’t know what’s happened to his brother because his parents won’t tell him, and it’s affecting their family, his friends and life in general. Enter Abigail Tremens. Abigail is no stranger to problems either. There’s a curse that’s been plaguing her family for a long time, stemming from her grandmother. But their problems and the curse are on a collision course when Timothy and Abigail are forced to work together for a school project. Can they figure out the curse in time to stop it, or will the dangerous web keep growing?

I like horror stories. I’ll just put that out there right now. I like creepy, psychological thrillers that make me terrified of the things that go bump in the night. So, when I found The Nightmarys, I was so excited. First, take that cover. It just screams Bloody Mary (which, because I’m a freak, I love), and the curse element of the book is eerie enough to make up for the younger YA characters. Dan Poblocki knows how to spin a web of intrigue and deceit through the book. Chock full of unsettling images, vaguely horrific descriptions and a whirlwind adventure on a path to destruction, The Nightmarys isn’t your average bedtime story.

Now, here’s where I have a problem though. Creepy and intense premise aside, I felt like The Nightmarys spent more time telling me that Timothy and Abigail had a problem than describing what the actual problem was. Furthermore, both Timothy and Abigail were facing different demons, so to speak, so I found it hard to put the two together because The Nightmarys took about three quarters of the book to describe what the connection between them actually was. Now, that’s not to say that the parts that were described weren’t eerie and dark. I really loved those moments when Timothy’s nightmares were brought to life on the page, but it didn’t happen enough for me. I also felt it was hard to connect with either Timothy or Abigail because they were a bit too young, and they acted every bit as young as they were.

The Nightmarys wasn’t a bad book, per se, but it wasn’t my favourite, and I felt it could have been a lot stronger. I give it a decent 3 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to those who enjoy YA fiction, especially those who enjoy a cross between horror, paranormal and fantasy.

A while back I was asked by the amazing Yara of Once Upon a Twilight if I'd like to be a part of a blog tour for a book called 12.21.12. Two words: Yes. Please. To see the rest of the amazing blog tour, click HERE to learn more.

I reviewed 12.21.12 today, and I loved how the author, Killian McRae, perfectly balanced a blend of genres, and I'm super lucky to say she sat down to answer a few of my questions, so check it out!

1. Please describe 12.21.12 in five words or less.

Acient murder informs modern apacolypse.

2. If you weren't an author, what would you be?

Unemployed. :)

A librarian. The love of books, it's hard to shake.

3. What traits separate Shep from other male main characters within the genre of 12.21.12?

Shep takes all the new revelations with little fanfare. He's already learned fact usually outscales fiction  (the fact in this fiction is, in fact, fictional).

4. Your book is an interesting mix of reality and fiction - how did you balance the two?

I try to keep the fantasy within two steps of realty. It takes to the edge. That third step takes you over the edge.

5. Why ancient Egypt and why the Mayan prophecy of 12.21.12?

There's just enough in common between these two great, ancient cultures to suggest there's a connection that it was just too irresistable not to explore.

6. Are there any authors or works that inspired you to write 12.21.12?

Not the topic, but as far as treatment of exploiting fact for fiction's sake, Dan Brown is the king.

7. Is there anything specific you'd like to tell your readers?

Even if conspiracy isn't your thing, or gods, or aliens, give 12.21.12 a try. It really doesn't stay in the bounds of one particular genre. You might be drawn in by the love story, or the history, or the intrigue, or any number of elements.

Thank you so much for stopping by, Killian! To all of you...12.21.12 is out now, and to see what I thought of it, click HERE!
-----------------------------

Today is day 10 of The Long Weekend Blog Tour! Be sure to check out today's tour stop at Kate's blog, Literary Explorations, for another amazing review of this one-of-a-kind book!

Title: The Liar Society
Author: Lisa & Laura Roecker
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Published: March 1, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemps, Mystery
Pages: 361
Source: Publisher

Kate Lowry didn't think dead best friends could send e-mails. But when she gets an e-mail from Grace, she’s not so sure.

To: KateLowry@pemberlybrown.edu

Sent: Sun 9/14 11:59 PM

From: GraceLee@pemberlybrown.edu

Subject: (no subject)

Kate,

I'm here…

sort of.

Find Cameron.

He knows.

I shouldn't be writing.

Don't tell.

They'll hurt you.

Now Kate has no choice but to prove once and for all that Grace’s death was more than just a tragic accident. But secrets haunt the halls of her elite private school. Secrets people will do anything to protect. Even if it means getting rid of the girl trying to solve a murder...

The Liar Society follow Kate Lowry, living in a prestigious boarding school in the aftermath of her best friend Grace’s death. Kate is confused and lost, wondering what could possibly have turned life so horribly upside down when she receives an email from Grace, saying that she needs Kate to figure out what happened to her – and to be careful. Up until now, Kate was certain that dead girls didn’t send emails, but now Kate has the chance to prove that Grace’s death was more than the accident it seemed. Teaming up with the cute and nerdy neighbor, Seth, and the ultimate bad boy at school, Liam, Kate is determined to find the truth once and for all.

I’ve been stalking reading Lisa and Laura Roecker’s blog forever, and when I say forever, I mean since the day I started my blog. Literally. Debut authors, Lisa and Laura are a sister duo, self-described as “The Hilton sisters – spray tans + brains – 4 inches + 20 (ok, 30) pounds / Cleveland, OH.” Seriously witty and original, the sisters have created a mystery story in The Liar Society that’s equal parts adventure, mystery and intrigue. Throw a little pinch of oh-so-cute romance into the mix, and The Liar Society is, essentially the epitome of a slam-dunk debut.

The Liar Society presents one of the most likeable heroines I’ve ever read. Kate has these hilarious one-liners that are so fresh and fantastic that I want to slap myself for ever having read books with whiny little female MCs. Kate, Liam and Seth perfectly complement one another and add a dynamic of intrigue and fun to their already-developed personalities. Furthermore, I am pleased to say that, though set in a boarding school, The Liar Society is NOT rife with your stereotypical mean girls/rich students with all their baggage. Rather, the mystery fuels the plot, and the flashbacks that let us experience the friendship between Kate and Grace give us even more depth. You know what? Kate is like Veronica Mars – full of snark and sass, but with a mushy marshmallow interior hiding beneath her resilient personality.

I am going to sing the praises of The Liar Society from here until the sequel, so help me God. A twist between Nancy Drew and Veronica Mars, The Liar Society is fresh and fabulous, leaving us hanging just a little with an ending I truly did not expect. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I want the sequel. Now. I would recommend this books to all YA fans, especially those who like mysteries and contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.