Title: Wickedpedia
Author: Chris Van Etten (Twitter)
Publisher: Scholastic
Publish Date: June 24, 2014
Genre: YA, Horror
Pages: 224
Source: Publisher

Cole and Greg love playing practical jokes through Wikipedia. They edit key articles and watch their classmates crash and burn giving oral reports on historical figures like Genghis Khan, the first female astronaut on Jupiter. So after the star soccer player steals Cole's girlfriend, the boys take their revenge by creating a Wikipedia page for him, an entry full of outlandish information including details about his bizarre death on the soccer field.

It's all in good fun, until the soccer player is killed in a freak accident . . . just as Cole and Greg predicted. The uneasy boys vow to leave Wikipedia alone but someone continues to edit articles about classmates dying in gruesome ways . . . and those entries start to come true as well.

To his horror, Cole soon discovers that someone has created a Wikipedia page for him, and included a date of death. He has one week to figure out who's behind the murders, or else he's set to meet a pretty grisly end.

It's not a secret that I have a penchant for horror stories - whether they be of the literary variety or the film variety. While they absolutely scare the heck out of me, there's something about a well-time horror novel or film that leaves your skin crawling, and you feel the need for constant vigilance long after that last page. So, naturally, when Wickedpedia appeared on my radar, I knew I needed to read it. There's an inherent danger to this online culture that we as a society live in, and I was thrilled to read a novel that was going to not only explore, but expand, upon it as well. And, without fail, author Chris Van Etten gives his fans horror in its truest, most gruesome form.

Wickedpedia quickly establishes itself as a front-runner in young adult horror, and I say that in the most complimentary way. Mr. Van Etten is extremely explicit with his carefully-timed details and this sort of no-holds-barred approach to the violent acts committed within the book. And, while I have a pretty strong stomach, my friends, I must admit that several of the crimes committed and described made even my stomach churn. While this won't work for some, I think that the author took a remarkably clever approach to horror by actually sticking hard to his guns and the genre because so much  "horror" is watered down in YA. That said, I do think that, at times, the descriptions of morbidity actually overshadowed some of the more pertinent character details that I craved.

This is the sort of novel that is very heavy on the plot, and I felt as though I sort of lost Cole, Gavin, Winnie and Josh to the actual events of the novel. And, to be entirely honest, I felt as though Cole's character lacked a lot of the depth I hoped from him. Interspersed throughout Wickedpedia is a sort of casual romantic arc between Cole and Lila. However, I felt that it played a serious second fiddle to the past relationship between Cole and Winnie, which left that part feeling a bit redundant and superfluous. Furthermore, while much of the novel is bouncing from graphic details of crimes to murders and mayhem, the ending sort of just appears out of the blue, and I was left hanging and, quite honestly, wondering whether my book was cut off. I'm all for somewhat open endings, but a huge buildup without a true finale left me feeling a bit cheated.

Overall, I have to say that though Wickedpedia had a ton of potential, I felt a bit ambivalent about it in the end. There was so much more development that I wanted, and while I think the author has great potential, I think that the balance between details just wasn't there. I give this one a 2.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to an upper YA audience who likes horror. Please also note that there are very gruesome and graphic crimes within this novel. 

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: Fire & Flood
Author: Victoria Scott (Twitter)
Publisher: Scholastic
Publish Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

A race for survival, a race for family and a race for a cure; these are all winning elements for the perfect setup to a fantastic dystopian novel - even in an extremely tired and overplayed genre. The trickiest thing for such a novel, however, is standing out within this genre, and it must be said that, while some elements of the story seemed vaguely reminiscent of other such novels, Fire & Flood does enough to stand alone and stand alone well. Author, Victoria Scott, promises readers a thrill ride from start to finish, giving us enough action and adventure to satiate our appetites, as well as a main character in whom we're readily eager to place our trust.

Tella was quite an energizing protagonist. I worried that she'd feel a bit too cloying with her mission to save her brother at the forefront of the novel, but I was pleased to discover that she actually felt like a  tangible and accessible teenage girl. Though her quest to save her brother does define her, it also serves to transform her through Fire & Flood and, in doing so, we see a delicate air of vulnerability to her character that makes her both endearing and incredibly fun to travel with on this journey. I found that Cody, on the other hand, pretty much served only to fuel the nature of the plot along, which was slightly disappointing, but not altogether a game-changer for me.

The setup for the Brimstone Bleed within Fire & Flood definitely made me wary at first. I was getting flashbacks of other well-known dystopian novels, and I really didn't want to see it fall into the trap of becoming a replica of another novel. Thankfully, the book offers us an adventure and a race that is different enough to capture our interest and keep us invested in the story. The race transports us to a new scene, which presents challenges both to ourselves and to our characters, and we get to see firsthand just how brutal the Brimstone Bleed can be. I must say that I enjoyed the element of our characters receiving a Pandora, or an egg, which will transform into an animal through their journey to guide them along. This element was surprising, fun and definitely unique to me.

I was, however, disappointed in the love interest of the story, Guy. I felt as though we got to know a plethora of characters, but his character was never completely defined. Rather, I felt as though we got to know snippets of his persona, but we never truly understand or empathize for his motives for being in the race. Furthermore, the plight of the budding relationship between Tella and Guy felt a bit too familiar to another epic romance in another incredibly popular dystopian series. Though they felt for each other, they were scared to succumb to their feelings because of the inevitability of one winner. 

Overall, however, I was really quite impressed with Fire & Flood. The story offers us enough originality to get us invested in yet another dystopian series and, in doing so, we've found a whole new world in which to become invested. I give this book a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of dystopian novels, especially those who enjoy epic adventures.

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.

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: Wickedpedia

Author: Chris Van Etten (Twitter)

Publisher: Scholastic

Publish Date: June 24, 2014

Genre: YA, Horror

Pages: 224

It's the return of Point Horror for the Internet generation! Don't open the door. Don't answer your phone. And whatever you do, DON'T turn on your computer.

Cole and Greg love playing practical jokes through Wikipedia. They edit key articles and watch their classmates crash and burn giving oral reports on historical figures like Genghis Khan, the first female astronaut on Jupiter. So after the star soccer player steals Cole's girlfriend, the boys take their revenge by creating a Wikipedia page for him, an entry full of outlandish information including details about his bizarre death on the soccer field.

It's all in good fun, until the soccer player is killed in a freak accident...just as Cole and Greg predicted. The uneasy boys vow to leave Wikipedia alone but someone continues to edit articles about classmates dying in gruesome ways...and those entries start to come true as well. To his horror, Cole soon discovers that someone has created a Wikipedia page for him, and included a date of death. He has one week to figure out who's behind the murders, or else he's set to meet a pretty grisly end.

Holy horror. I always pretend I'm a hero and I can stomach brutality and horror, but let's be honest. I'm not. There's something about the genre though that keeps me on my toes. Wickedpedia seems like it is going to embody its title…full of wicked, terrible, horrifying delights. I'll probably be too scared to turn on my computer for a week or ten, but you know, I just can't resist. It's like some sort of twisted sadistic pleasure. I can't help it, and I certainly can't wait for this book (and this sick cover). What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer
Author: Katie Alender (Twitter)
Publisher: Scholastic
Publish Date: September 24, 2013
Genre: YA, Thriller, Mystery
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots.

But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.

Colette knows her popular, status-obsessed friends won’t believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they uncover a shocking secret involving a dark, hidden history. When Colette realizes she herself may hold the key to the mystery, her own life is suddenly in danger...

Colette really just wanted to enjoy a holiday with her best friends in the City of Lights, but she got a whole lot more than she bargained for. All she'd expected was a chance to escape her tumultuous family life at home, bask in the beauty of the city and, of course, see all the cute guys. But her trip is overshadowed as Colette continues to see an odd vision of a historical woman parading around in a ball gown and wig. She knows it's not possible, and she knows she'll be risking her own social status, but could it possibly be who she thinks it is?

First and foremost, there is nothing greater than a novel that takes the past and brings it alive through its pages. Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer offers readers a true glimpse into the bright, beautiful and dangerous history of Paris. Author, Katie Alender, offers readers a chance to absorb the magnificent culture of France, merging it beautifully with modern-day nuances, grisly details and a story worth reading. Rich, vivid and alive, Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer is sure to melt the heart of many a historical fiction lover.

I had a really difficult time formulating this review because, for the most part, I really enjoyed this book. However, it kind of left two vastly different tastes in my mouth. I'll begin with what I loved. Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer does an absolutely stellar job of bringing Paris alive through the rich imagery, spot-on descriptions and true feeling for the City of Lights. From Versailles, to the Louvre and more, the book puts you in the actual locales so that we experience the environment as though we're actually there in person. Furthermore, the book doesn't shy away from the eerie and macabre details of the victims' deaths, which makes it a hearty thriller in its own right. And, funny enough, I love a good thriller that stays true to its title. Now, I did have a few issues with the novel though. Colette was an extremely unlikable character in the beginning, and her clique of girls was cruel, snide and altogether unpleasant, which made it extremely difficult for me to feel any sort of empathy for her situation. Now, trust me, I understand why she blindly followed the mean girls. She feared losing her status, but it makes it difficult to like a character when, at first, we aren't privvied to any redeeming qualities. There was some definitive character growth in the end though, so I'll give it that. I guess my real issue with Marie Anoinette, Serial Killer lies within the title itself. The synopsis teases a mystery, which immediately piques my interest, but it didn't take long to realize that the title of the book actually reveals the meat of the mystery anyway. Perhaps it's just me, but I find that to be an incredibly risky and, unfortunately, poor move. The book did, however, have a strong highlight in the sweet love interest, Jules, and I felt that he added another dimension to the otherwise shallow characters. 

Overall, I was decidedly entertained by Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer despite its flaws. I wanted more, but perhaps that's just the picky blogger in me. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy historial fiction and thrillers.

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.

I’m a big, big fan of dystopian novels guys. Like…an epic fan. Like…if I could only read one genre for the rest of my life, it would probably be dystopian. Does that make me have a bleak outlook on life? Ehhhhhh who knows? I digress. I’ve been fawning over an upcoming dystopian for a long time now though, and the November release is fast-approaching. What book, you ask? It’s called Rootless.

Title: Rootless
Author: Chris Howard
Publisher: Scholastic
Publish Date: November 1, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 336

17-year-old Banyan is a tree builder. Using salvaged scrap metal, he creates forests for rich patrons who seek a reprieve from the desolate landscape. Although Banyan's never seen a real tree--they were destroyed more than a century ago-his missing father used to tell him stories about the Old World.

Everything changes when Banyan meets a mysterious woman with a strange tattoo-a map to the last living trees on earth, and he sets off across a wasteland from which few return. Those who make it past the pirates and poachers can't escape the locusts . . . the locusts that now feed on human flesh.

But Banyan isn't the only one looking for the trees, and he's running out of time. Unsure of whom to trust, he's forced to make an alliance with Alpha, a beautiful, dangerous pirate with an agenda of her own. As they race towards a promised land that might be a myth, Banyan makes shocking discoveries about his family, his past, and how far people will go to bring back the trees.

The amazing mastermind behind this awesome story, which you should all be lusting after now, has just debuted his brand new website! It’s a fantastic blend of all things Rootless so that we, the readers, can get a feel for exactly how fantastic his world-building is. Get to know Chris Howard, himself, and explore his exciting new website…then eagerly anticipate the launch of Rootless with the rest of us!

Visit the brand new Rootless website!

Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Publish Date: October 18, 2011
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

Puck is not your typical racer. In fact, she's the first girl to attempt the deadly Scorpio Races, and she's doing it to bring her family back together in a last ditch attempt after her older brother abandons she and her younger brother, Finn. Puck has a battle ahead of her though. The Scorpio Races aren't about racing pretty ponies. The Capaill Uisce are fierce, mythical water horses that are as ferocious as they are powerful, and they'll turn on their rider as soon as they'll attack anyone else. Fueled by blood, they're harnessed by magic and charms to ride, but there's never a guarantee a rider will survive the Scorpio Races. Puck must battle to the finish line, challenge the four-time reigning champion and attempt to bring peace to her family once and for all...but first she has to survive the ride.

I'm probably one of the few YA book bloggers in the whole wide blogosphere that didn't fall madly in love with the Shiver series. In fact, I rather disliked it as a whole. So sue me. That said, I'm a huge fan of Maggie Stiefvater's Ballad and Lament, so I've always loved her ability to tell a story. When I read the premise of The Scorpio Races, I was captivated, and I can say with one hundred percent conviction and honesty that the book lives up to its potential. Fierce and frightening, The Scorpio Races is set in a vivid backdrop of a deadly battle but is fueled by equally colourful and magnetic characters. With rich prose, gorgeous details and an ever-spinning and flowing plot makes The Scorpio Races a truly incredible journey for readers of all ages.

I'm a huge fan of character-driven novels, and The Scorpio Races truly delivers. Puck (Kate) is a fantastic and relatable character. She's willing to lay it all on the line for her family, and she's more than willing to face the challenge of her fellow competitors. The beauty of Puck is that she's not some silly girl desperate to make a stand. She's a bit rough around the edges, she doesn't care what others think of her and she'd lay down her life to save her little brother without a second thought. Sean, the four-time champion is a worthy adversary. In a world of YA characters where men are artistic and wishy-washy, his very presence is strong and commands attention. He doesn't waver, he doesn't falter and his relationship to the races is a mystery that fuels the core of The Scorpio Races. The brilliance of the novel is that, yes, the characters drive the story, but the plot matches and surpasses the characters, as well. It's original, riveting and entirely engaging. It's dark and blood-tinged world I'd love to be lost in again and again.

I love when I read books that set themselves apart in every sense of the word, and I'm so happy to say that I found The Scorpio Races did just that. I give it a 5 out of 5, hands down, and I would highly, highly recommend it to fans of both YA and adult books, especially those who enjoy fantasy, touches of dystopian and dark stories.

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: Ashes, Ashes
Author: Jo Treggiari
Publisher: Scholastic
Published: June 1, 2011
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

Lucy has seen in all in her sixteen years. After the climate changes and the natural disasters, the plagues wiped out nearly the rest of the population, and she's part of a small portion of the world that managed to survive. That, however, is what her life has become - survival. The last living member of her family, she happens upon a boy named Aidan who offers her the chance to be a part of a group again, and she has to make the choice to find new ways to survive. But in a world as chaotic as hers, Lucy finds that nature isn't the only thing she has to fear...the Sweepers want to get her, and they're as merciless as the weather.

I've read quite a broad spectrum of dystopian fiction in the last year, and I have to say that they've ranged from incredible to downright awful. That, unfortunately, means that I hold dystopian to a very high standard and it's often a straight yes or no for me. Ashes, Ashes, I'm pleased to say, didn't disappoint at all. Jo Treggiari has created a world in Ashes, Ashes that is terrifying and foreign, but somehow tangible and familiar, making one think that this might just be what's in store for us. Weaving a great plot, strong characters and a perfectly balanced writing voice, Ashes, Ashes spins a story that is the perfect blend of terror, romance, and reality for the reader.

Lucy, thought just sixteen, is a survivor. She's lived through enough and seen enough to know what has to be done to make it through. Aiden is the same way, and though he's her masculine counterpart in every sense of the word, the author managed to show his weaknesses and vulnerabilities, too, without hitting us over the head with them. The Sweepers were a character in and of themselves, sort of creeping along in the sidelines and waiting for the right time to pounce and set the action in Ashes, Ashes off on a fever pitch. And, while I royally detest cliffhangers, Ashes, Ashes features a simple ending that leaves room for more and certainly left me wanting more, though I still felt the story was well-rounded and complete, if that makes sense.

All in all, Ashes, Ashes was a fabulous read, and I'm so glad to see another great dystopian ready to take on the market. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I'm hoping against hope for a sequel (pretty please?!) I'd highly recommend this book to all fans of YA, both boys and girls, especially those who enjoy dystopian 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.

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: Ashes, Ashes
Author: Jo Treggiari
Publisher: Scholastic
Published: June 1, 2011
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 352

A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park.

But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

Two words: Dystopian fiction. Besides this contemporary kick I'm on (which I owe to Raw Blue), I have this fascination with dystopian books. There's something about the fact that a world can be so bleak but still have glimmers of hope and peace that I love. Ashes, Ashes, if it lives up to the premise, sounds dark and extremely promising. Plus, there's a touch of mystery thrown into the mix with the MC's identity, so I'm sold! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

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Soooo I know I'm super slacking on blog comments right now, but please bear with me, guys! I'm currently on my way for a holiday in South Africa to visit family, so things should be settled by tomorrow night. Thanks for staying loyal and lovely! :)

Title: Recovery Road
Author: Blake Nelson
Publisher: Scholastic
Published: March 8, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

From acclaimed author Blake Nelson, the story of girl meets boy...in rehab.

Madeline is sent away to Spring Meadows to help with a drinking and rage problem she has. It's a pretty intense place, but there is the weekly movie night in town--where Madeline meets Stewart, who's at another rehab place nearby. They fall for each other during a really crazy time in their lives.

Madeline gets out and tries to get back on her feet, waiting for Stewart to join her. When he does, though, it's not the ideal recovery world Madeline dreamed of. Both of them still have serious problems. And Stewart's are only getting worse....

Recovery Road is the story of two teens, Madeline and Stewart, both with blemished pasts and a brand new opportunity for a fresh start from rehab. At the lowest point in their lives, Madeline and Stewart fall for one another, giving them a sense of togetherness in a void of confusion, but when they’re released, reality strikes back. When Madeline is released, she’s determined to get her life back together, and she’s excited for Stewart to join her in healing after rehab, but when he’s released, it’s clear the darkness is still there, and they’re spiraling downwards together. Again.

I’ve been dying to read Recovery Road for a long time now, in large part because of the captivating premise and simplistic cover. Blake Nelson has created a story where the characters are every bit as addicting as the addiction itself, spinning you along on a path of destruction, self-discovery and, ultimately, the desire for redemption. The beauty if Recovery Road lies in the realistic portrayal of the devastating nature of addiction, whether it be to drugs, attention, or companionship. Addiction, in itself, becomes a character, making it a raw and real adventure.

Madeline is one of those characters that I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to relate to but somehow could. She has rage issues, drug dependency and a desperate desire to find fulfillment somewhere and, frankly, anywhere. Stewart is presented as your typical bad boy, but there’s an endearing edge to him, as well, making him someone you love to hate and hate to love. Throw in a few secondary characters with their own issues, and Recovery Road is a rollercoaster ride of emotion. I have to say that the plot was strong for Recovery Road, but the characters were stronger, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s almost as though one fuels and tempers the other, making the pacing strong and steady. The only real issue I had with the book was the chapter length. They were only a few pages apiece, and I prefer medium-length chapters. Luckily, however, it didn’t affect the pacing, so that’s just personal preference.

All in all, Recovery Road was a fabulous, fast-paced ride in which you feel for the characters every step of the way. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who like edgy stories and contemporary fiction, specifically.

I received this book free of charge 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:

FOR REVIEW

Recovery Road by Blake Nelson (ARC) - (Thank you, Scholastic)

Madeline is sent away to Spring Meadows to help with a drinking and rage problem she has. It's a pretty intense place, but there is the weekly movie night in town--where Madeline meets Stewart, who's at another rehab place nearby. They fall for each other during a really crazy time in their lives. Madeline gets out and tries to get back on her feet, waiting for Stewart to join her. When he does, though, it's not the ideal recovery world Madeline dreamed of. Both of them still have serious problems. And Stewart's are only getting worse....

FOR REVIEW

12.21.12 by Killian McRae - (Thank you, Killian)

Archaeologist Sheppard Smyth has staked his career and the honorable memory of his deceased wife and partner on proving his widely-panned theory: Cleopatra VII, last ruler of Ancient Egypt, was murdered. When a statue of the doomed Queen is discovered in an Olmec excavation site in Mexico, Shep rushes to investigate and, hopefully, find the proof that has evaded him for so long. Soon, he finds himself in the middle of the rivalry between the sexy, enigmatic international thief, Victoria Kent, and infamous rumored Russian mobster, Dmitri Kronastia.

GIFT FOR REVIEW

Amaryllis in Blueberry by Christina Meldrum (ARC) - (Thank you, Savy from Books with Bite)

In the stirring tradition of The Secret Life of Bees and The Poisonwood Bible, Amaryllis in Blueberry explores the complexity of human relationships set against an unforgettable backdrop. Told through the haunting voices of Dick and Seena Slepy and their four daughters, Christina Meldrum's soulful novel weaves together the past and the present of a family harmed--and healed--by buried secrets.

"Maybe, unlike hope, truth couldn't be contained in a jar..."

GIFT FOR REVIEW

Maybe this Time by Jennifer Crusie (ARC) - (Thank you, Savy from Books with Bite)

Andie Miller is ready to move on in life. She wants to marry her fiancé and leave behind everything in her past, especially her ex-husband, North Archer. But when Andie tries to gain closure with him, he asks one final favor of her before they go their separate ways forever. A very distant cousin of his has died and left North as the guardian of two orphans who have driven out three nannies already, and things are getting worse. He needs a very special person to take care of the situation and he knows Andie can handle anything.

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No vlog again this week, guys, sorry! My schedule has changed up a bit, and with all the chaos in my life, I just haven't had proper time to record a vlog. I'm hoping to get back to it soon! Remember, today is the LAST DAY to enter my international giveaway for The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card. You do NOT have to be a follower, but your support is much appreciated if you are! Click HERE to enter!

Title: Trapped
Author: Michael Northrop
Publisher: Scholastic
Published: January 1, 2011
Genre: Young Adult/Middle Grade
Pages: 224
Source: Publisher

The day the blizzard started, no one knew that it was going to keep snowing for a week. That for those in its path, it would become not just a matter of keeping warm, but of staying alive....

Scotty and his friends Pete and Jason are among the last seven kids at their high school waiting to get picked up that day, and they soon realize that no one is coming for them. Still, it doesn't seem so bad to spend the night at school, especially when distractingly hot Krista and Julie are sleeping just down the hall.

But then the power goes out, then the heat. The pipes freeze, and the roof shudders. As the days add up, the snow piles higher, and the empty halls grow colder and darker, the mounting pressure forces a devastating decision....

It’s an ordinary day of school at Tattawa Regional High School, but then the snow starts. At first, it’s just a light storm, but the nor’easter rolls in quickly, giving Scotty Weems and his friends hope that they’ll get out of school after all. Then the snow picks up even more though, and they’ve stayed behind to work on a go-kart project…but they stayed behind too long. The roads are packed, the plows can’t move, and their little town is starting to shut down. With seven kids in the high school, their teacher gone to get help, and snow piling even higher. The kids are braced to face the night at school, but what happens when one night turns to two, and two turns to three? Can they survive in the biggest storm their town has ever seen?

Let's be honest...I was sold based on the cover and premise, alone, of Trapped. I’m a sucker for survival stories, too, and when they involve snow, kids braving the elements, and a battle to stay alive, I’m fairly certain you can’t go wrong with that. Michael Northrop is the acclaimed author of the novel, Gentlemen, which I’ve yet to read, but I’ve heard rave reviews of it, so I was excited to try his YA novel, Trapped. His tone is exceptionally conversational – almost as though the MC is actually speaking with the reader. It’s easily accessible, and extremely easy to follow.

I have to be honest though…Trapped rather disappointed me. I was expecting more of a thriller with gripping scenes and an epic struggle for survival. What I got instead, was a very young teen narrator that, yes, has an easy-to-read voice, but it was almost too easy, if you know what I mean. It felt dumbed down, to be brutally honest. Yes, I know kids say “like” every other word, but I don’t want to read it every word on every single page. I’m also aware that everyone says crass things every now and again, but describing someone crossing themselves as “spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch” and using terms like “turtling” is not really my cup of tea. The tension did begin to build about halfway through the story, and it finished better than it started, which was a redeeming factor for Trapped.

All in all, I can’t say that Trapped was my new favourite read, though I wish I could say it was. Perhaps it will mesh better with a younger audience than it did for me. I give it a 2.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to a younger YA and MG audience, especially those who enjoy contemporary and realistic fiction. It’s also great for a male audience with a male MC.

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:

Class Collision - (For Review - Thank you, Annette Mackey) - Born into wealth and privilege, David spends his days rattling the servants and torturing the maid until he is kidnapped for ransom and left for dead. Grueling years follow until he meets Linda. She’s sassy, pigheaded, beautiful and way more than he can possibly handle. Hate, love and passion combine as he tries to win her heart. She sees him as a drifter. Little does she know he’s a prince in disguise. Set during the Great Depression, Class Collision will transport you to a simpler time filled with heartache and unexpected love.

Wonderland - (ARC For Review - Thank you, Candlewick Press) - Sixteen-year-old Jude has to get out of tiny Churchtown. She has to escape her outcast status and her pathetic dad, who hasn’t gotten past her mother’s death. The one bright light is drama, her way out, if only she can get into the Lab, a prestigious program in London. Then Stella, Jude’s childhood best friend, swaggers in after years away. With bold and magnetic Stella by her side, Jude knows she’s capable of anything. But Stella’s influence extends well beyond the theater. Soon Stella’s wild and dangerous streak begins to cause trouble for Jude -- yet Jude can’t bring herself to abandon Stella and the attention she’s always craved.

Trapped - (ARC For Review - Thank you, Scholastic) - The day the blizzard started, no one knew that it was going to keep snowing for a week. That for those in its path, it would become not just a matter of keeping warm, but of staying alive....Scotty and his friends Pete and Jason are among the last seven kids at their high school waiting to get picked up that day, and they soon realize that no one is coming for them. Still, it doesn't seem so bad to spend the night at school, especially when distractingly hot Krista and Julie are sleeping just down the hall. But then the power goes out, then the heat. The pipes freeze, and the roof shudders. As the days add up, the snow piles higher, and the empty halls grow colder and darker, the mounting pressure forces a devastating decision....

What did you get in your mailbox this week? Leave me a link, and I'll be sure to check it out! Also, sorry for the hideous screencap at the start of my vid...I swear youtube is out to get me!

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