Every now and again, there's an issue that comes up in the blogosphere either to me or some of my blog friends that gets me thinking, and I wanted to create an open forum of discussion for these issues. So, while this isn't a regular feature here, I wanted to open up this topic/debate for discussion to see what you all think about it.

Question: Do you think that reviewing so many books makes us too critical, or too biased to be fully objective when reviewing?

I've noticed lately that it's harder and harder for me to give five star reviews, and actually a few readers of my blog commented on my lack of five star reviews, asking why I give so few. It's not that I'm not reading good books. Trust me, I am. Here's the thing though...when I first started reviewing, I didn't really review based on the same principles that I do now. I reviewed purely on enjoyment and pacing, pretty much. Did I know what I was doing? Heck no! Do I know what I'm doing now? I like to think I'm being objective, though, as always, my reviews remain my personal opinions. I am a lot more critical now though because having read and reviewed so much, I need to separate my reads into the good, the bad and the ugly.

So, yes, I'm probably more critical these days when I review because I've seen a much broader range of writing - both good and bad. Do I think I'm too critical though? I really don't, though some might disagree. I think there is a fine line between critical and hypercritical though. I want the fundamentals of the story to shine. The extras (the excellent prose, the imagery, etc.) are the bits that make a book stand apart for me. For example - look at Raw Blue. Contemporary fiction was never my thing until this book. That gives me a five-star gauge for a book. Take the start of a great series like Siren for another example, then look at the sequel, Undercurrent, and that's why a sequel needs to exceed the first book. I don't like resting on laurels, so when I see a book exceed others and raise the bar, I long for the next book that's going to take my breath away (much like Legacy by Cayla Kluver recently did).

Yes, there are some series and books that stand in a league of their own in which none will ever really measure up for me, Harry Potter being a prime example, but for the most part, there is always something that can make want to read and re-read a book time and again. I just want to find that, which is why, yes, I think I've become a bit more critical. What do you think? Do you think book blogging has made you more critical, or do you think you've become to critical?

Title: Undercurrent
Author: Tricia Rayburn
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Published: July 12, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

After losing her sister and finding out who- or what- she really is, Vanessa returns home for her senior year. Everyone at Hawthorne Prep has questions about her tragic summer, but knowing who to open up to is impossible. As she walks the halls without Justine for the very first time, Vanessa has more to worry about than just making a new life for herself.

Because the sirens are out for revenge. To protect herself and the ones she loves, Vanessa must call on powers she believes she has but does not know how to use. To learn, she'll have to seek help from the only person who truly knows her. But first, she must admit the truth about her real identity.

The summer's over, and it's back to real life in Boston for Vanessa Sands, but her real life has drastically changed since her sister's death. Joined by her best friend, Paige, Vanessa has returned how to a life of hidden truths, dangerous secrets and a new sense of self that is scarier than she could ever have imagined. She's beginning to question who she really is, who she can really trust and where her place is in the world. But when mysterious deaths begin turning up again, Vanessa and Paige have an idea that it might just be the past summer coming back to haunt them, yet again. Can Vanessa find peace with who she has become, or will it destroy the life she has been clinging so desperately to?

Undercurrent is the second book in the Siren series, after the appropriately-titled first book, Siren. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Undercurrent follows the haunting premise and story of Vanessa, your average teenager in every aspect except that she's plagued by Sirens, and yes, we're talking those Sirens from Greek mythology. Tricia Rayburn has spun a sequel filled with angst, terror and self-discovery that's sure to appeal to the fans of book one. With a steady, conversational tone, Tricia writes a steady-paced book without serious plot faults, lags or hiccups, making for an engaging read.

Now, while I enjoyed the writing style of Undercurrent, much like I enjoyed book one, I have to say that I had some issues with book two. Part of what made Siren so great was that it was riddled with mysteries and this dark, underlying issue that kept you guessing until the very last page when it just left you hanging. Undercurrent got off to a bit of a slow start with a very tell-don't-show bit about Vanessa's relationship with Simon. Simon was a great, steady guy, too, but his character building revolved entirely around Vanessa, so I never felt like I got to know him better aside from the few moments when he was with her. Her relationship with him was strained because of her newfound condition, but her endless comments and internal dialogue about having to "wear her hood up to hide her face" or "wearing beige so boys wouldn't swoon" really got to me. I think that the main issue I had with Undercurrent was the continuous hint of tension that never really built until the last 40 pages or so, when the action kicked in. Were there highlights? Of course! I loved the introduction of Parker's character, and I wanted to get to know him more. Willa, too, was a great addition. I guess the problem was that the hints of greatness took too long to swell into a great climax.

Overall, Undercurrent was a good book, and it was definitely a smooth, quick read despite my issues with it. I still really enjoy the author's writing, and I definitely want to read book three based on the ending of the book. I just wanted more from a sequel to a great series start. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories and mythology.

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.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Settings In Books (All those real or imagined locations/worlds you loved reading about):

1. The World of Harry Potter (Harry Potter) - No, I'm not talking about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios (though I want to go there, too, if someone wants to pay for me). Honestly, if I could live at Hogwarts, or Diagon Alley, or even The Three Broomsticks for a day, my life would be complete.

2. Camp Halfblood (Percy Jackson & The Olympians) - Well, it's a camp of quirky people with amazing powers, centaurs who teach and pretty much unlimited access to Greek mythology. Sold? So am I.

3. Pemberly (Pride & Prejudice) - If you've seen the newer movie, they've pretty much plucked the image of Darcy's estate straight from my brain. It's gorgeous and decadent while still a tad simple, plus, it would totally be a bonus if Darcy was there. I'm jussayin'.

4. The Spaceship, Godspeed (Across the Universe) - I'm solidifying my status as a geek forever by saying this, but I was a bit of a trekkie growing up. Oh wait, I still am. Honestly though, who wouldn't want to be on a ship millions of miles above the Earth amidst the stars?

5. The Capitol (The Hunger Games) - Before you say anything, no I'm not a sadistic fool wanting to live in a greedy city where they thrive on games that kill children. I want to see the crazy hair, and the colours, and the clothes, and heck, if I could run into Cinna while I'm there, I'd be golden.

6. Hecate Hall (Hex Hall) - I've always been fascinated by the idea of witches and their witchy cool powers. I think it would amazing to spend a day in a creepy little house that has rooms to suit a person's taste and emotions.

7. Redwall Abbey (Redwall) - If you haven't read the books, you're seriously missing out. That castle sounds amazing, and they have so many feasts and celebrations that I don't think I'd ever go hungry. Another bonus? Warrior mice.

8. Blackwood Academy (Wildefire) - Who hasn't wanted to stay at a boarding school at least once in their life? The remoteness of the location, the crazy students and the fun activities remind of college...only more tame.

9. Selkie Island (Sea Change) - Obviously, I have a thing for the water, and the island sounds so beautiful and quaint. Plus, the descriptions of the coves, the beaches (uhhhh the mermaids?!) and the old-fashioned houses make me long for a little Southern charm.

10. Winter Harbor, Maine (Siren) - I moved to New England this past fall because I love the little coastal towns THAT much. The sound of the cliffs, the dense forests and the peace that Vanessa feels by the ocean just sing to me.