Book Review: Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Hemlock (Hemlock #1) by Kathleen Peacock

Hardcover, 416 pages

Published May 8th 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered. 

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf. 

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control. 

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.  

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. I placed Hemlock on my TBR list over a year ago and had eagerly anticipated its release. Let me tell you, it was worth every waiting moment. I just devour books like this. You know the type of book that says, "Yes, there are werewolves or vampires or fairies or fallen angels in this book and as a reader you are just going to accept that as normal and love it." And as a reader you say, "yeah, totally, werewolves. Love it." Hemlock is no exception. Devoured it. Loved it. Can't wait to find out what happens next!

This book delivered on all fronts. There is not some super deep underlying message, it does not take much mental power to read, and it is fairly predictable. But sometimes that is exactly what we need in a book. A book that we can fall into the story so easily and allow ourselves to be swept away by the characters. Up until this book, I was having book commitment issues. I had a hard time getting into the stories. That was not the case with Hemlock. By chapter 2, I was so far into the story, there was no escaping.

Mac, the narrator, is great. She is entertaining, likable and relatable. Okay, more importantly, Jason and Kyle are swoon worthy. On the one hand, you have the nice guy and on the other, the moody bad boy. Sometimes in books these distinctions can be so cliche and over the top. Like the writer assumes the two characters need to be blonde and brunette in order for the love triangle to work. And well, yes, these guys are blonde and brunette, but they also have a lot of layers to them. Alright, alright. They are just hot. And Mac is a very lucky girl. All three of them are strengthened by their wit. I love witty characters.

Hemlock is a mixture of paranormal, suspense, romance and a bit of humor. What more can you ask for?

Recommended for fans of The Hush, Hush Saga and The Vampire Academy. 

Waiting on Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, where we highlight our most anticipated future books. 

This week's pick...

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Hardcover, 290 pages

Expected publication: November 13th 2012 by Delacorte

Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question.  

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be"). 

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love. 

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be. (Goodreads summary)

Ooooh. True love! London! A game of cat and mouse! Rule breaking! This sounds like a really fun book with potential to be absolutely adorable. And this cover... gorgeous. I cannot wait!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? 

Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection (The Selection, #1) by Kiera Cass

Hardcover, 327 pages

Published April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. 

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. 

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. (Goodreads summary)

Okay, embarrassing confession.  I am completely addicted to this season of The Bachelorette. Usually, I half-heartedly watch it and pretty much tear it apart the whole time. But this season...I don't know. I actually really like it. Maybe I am foolish to believe that this particular story is going to end in true love!

Alright, with that confession aside, it goes without saying that I am also obsessed with this book! Perhaps the two are playing into each other, but I cannot get enough of dating competition shows and books!

The Selection has a good deal of flaws. The characters aren't fleshed out enough. The tension is weak. And there are very few nail biting moments. Regardless, this book is still incredibly entertaining. Despite the fact the characters could use a bit more background, they are very likable and worth reading about. The plot, despite its lack of drama, is quick paced and entertaining. And...there is a prince! Who doesn't love a book about an adorable prince!? I certainly do. And Prince Maxon is my favorite part of this book. He is great because he isn't perfect. He is incredibly awkward and that just intensifies how adorable he is!

As a book, it has its flaws. But as a story/plot setup, it is awesome! And thankfully, this terrific story might get its chance to shine in a different medium. I am talking CW television show. And that could be just too awesome for words. I am not the biggest fan of books turned to movies, but books turned to TV shows are usually fantastic (The Vampire Diaries, Game of Thrones and Pretty Little Liars just to name my personal favs!). It sounds like the show is still working on making the recipe work, but I'm confident that once they get it right, there will be another hit television show to occupy my time!

The Selection is fun, adorable and worth the read. It will leave you wanting more and dying to know what comes next!

Recommended for fans of The Bachelorette (Monday nights on ABC), Wither by Lauren DeStefano, and Bumped by Megan McCafferty.

Book Review: Chime

Chime by Franny Billingsley

(Goodreads summary)

Hardcover, 361 pages

Published March 17th 2011 by Dial

Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.

I enjoyed this book. A lot. It is intriguing and unique. It fits perfectly into the genre I love to read but brings an originality that I don't often see. Briony, the narrator, believes herself wicked and incapable of feeling. Even though she flat out tells us she is despicable, we like her anyway. In fact, I liked her quite a lot. She is refreshing. 

As for the romantic interest -- Eldric. He is fantastic. Briony describes him as a boy-man with fidgety hands and an electric face, while also comparing him to a tawny lion. And they were just too cute together. 

Franny's writing is beautiful. Her characters' voices are completely believable and perfectly depicted. The book takes place in 1920s England and every bit feels like you are there. She has woven a gripping and fascinating tale.  

For some reason, the best way to convey the feel of this book is to compare it to Disney movies. I don't know why. It is not much like a Disney movie. But it has this magical sense that draws you into the characters and tugs on your heartstrings while also being a little bit creepy. However, the creepy factor doesn't bother you in lieu of the charisma of the characters and the story. And, I absolutely love Disney movies. All of them. (Well, not The Great Mouse Detective, that one was not good.)

If you don't want to believe my positive opinion then maybe this will convince you. Chime has been nominated for the 2011 National Book Award in Young Adult Literature. This is what drew me to this book originally and after reading it, I can see exactly why this book would receive such a great nomination. 

Book Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins: 

(Goodreads summary)

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. 

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

This book was incredible. I think Stephanie Perkins may have been born to write books for me to read. Seriously, it is like she literally connects them to the strings of my heart.

Her first book, Anna and the French Kiss, was one of the most unexpected reads I have had in a while. After attempting to read several really bad books, I didn't expect much from a book with a cover like this (image to the right). I typically like an element of supernatural or fantasy in the books I read. Thus, I was astonished that I not only liked it but loved it. Like ... couldn't stop reading for one moment, read some chapters over again just because I couldn't get enough, and made my sister read it to share in the joy. It reawakened an interest in chick flick novels. Her books don't need vampires or fallen angels for me to fall in love with them. They just need her quirky and infectious stories. And incredible love interests. 

And she has proven herself again with Lola. 

These books aren't complicated. They are simple stories of girls who meet boys and the path to their relationship. What exists in between are complications that are created to prevent the relationship from ever happening. Throw in some fantastic characters, good dialogue and heart wrenching moments, and you have a book worth reading.

Perkins' characters are always so perfect in that they aren't perfect, but you love them anyway. They have their flaws, but that is what makes them realistic. I honestly want to be best friends with all of them. Lola seems so unique and fun. Always dressed in something crazy. And Cricket might be the best person (book character) ever. But not in that obnoxious, I volunteer for animal shelters, give all of my money to the poor, and never use petroleum. Instead, he is just a nice guy. Kind of really nerdy and bumbling. Adorable pretty much sums him up. And even though I usually go for the bad boys, Cricket won my heart.

The story has logical progression and the romance blossoms in a realistic amount of time. It is created and molded, instead of just simply existing. It makes sense. And it doesn't occupy the whole book with excessive schmoopiness.

And if you can't bear to read a Perkins book that isn't about St. Clair (the delicious brit that Anna gets to French kiss), then you are in luck, because he makes an appearance. Love him.

Overall, the book has a wonderful setting (San Francisco), beautiful characters, endearing friendships, and wishes made on the moon.

Though I loved Anna and the French Kiss more, that was like an out of this universe love, which means that my love for Lola and the Boy Next Door is reaching the moon. 

Book Review - Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer

UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER: By Michelle Hodkin

After months and months of hearing constant praise for this book, I finally received my copy in the mail. It was odd to crack open a book and have absolutely no idea what to expect. And for once, I was unable to predict the ending (well, most of the ending). I like to think of myself as somewhat of a young-adult book savant. I can tell you how they are going to end by chapter two. Of course, after a baker's dozen books where they all end the same--Girl meets badass boy, girl hates badass boy, girl falls for badass boy, girl discovers badass boy is not human, girl loves him anyway, badass boy really isn't badass--it doesn't take a particularly talented person to know that the next YA book will probably end the same way. (And the random boy you think you are supposed to trust--he is never good. Never. Don't trust him. He is the bad guy.)

This book has a similar progression, but it isn't badass boy's secret we are seeking to uncover. It is Mara's. Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is the story of, you guessed it, Mara Dyer. After she wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there, she discovers she was involved in an accident that killed three of her friends. The trauma leaves Mara with PSD or so they assume...hmm? Her family moves across country to help her cope and move on. But moving on isn't quite as simple as residing in a new location. As Mara's story proves, it is easy to run, not so easy to hide. Because the past is the dark shadow tied to your feet. As the mystery of the fateful night starts to unravel, so does Mara herself. The only thing keeping her from completely going bonkers is Noah Shaw, the mysterious boy that won't leave her alone.

Oh Noah Shaw. Thank goodness for snarky, British boys. They really can make any book good. Not that this book needed him but he certainly helped. He is of course devastatingly handsome and falls perfectly into the previously mentioned book progression. Only I will give one thing away. Noah is not a vampire or any other predictable supernatural being. But he is Noah, and he is great. And he is constantly dressed well. I don't mean expensive silk shirts. I'm talking plaid, thermal shirts, and chucks.  I don't want a man in a cream colored, v-neck sweater. No thanks. I want perfectly disheveled and scruff on the chin. That's a man. Or an 18 year-old-boy, but still.

I would review this book further, but I think my love for Noah just about says it all. Just kidding. Only not.

This book is well written; the language is well done without being distracting. I thoroughly enjoyed the multiple references to Harry Potter. Mara herself is enjoyable. Given her current situation, she could have the tendency to be overly dramatic and mopey, but she does a good job of trying to work through it. We empathize without needing to roll our eyes every other page and mutter things like, "Okay, get over it. We get it. You're sad. You are making out with a hot boy. Your life cannot be that bad."

For me, the key to an enjoyable young-adult book is the success of the characters. I think Michelle Hodkin achieved likable and believable characters and then furthered them with realistic dialogue. At the end of the day, I like a book if I like what the characters have to say. And every time Noah opened his mouth, I liked what came out. Oh and the rest of the characters weren't bad either.

In conclusion, read it. Whereas many of the books I say I love are on the questionable side for quality, I think this book is actually good. And whereas sometimes I tell you that I really liked it, but don't necessarily recommend you read it, I do recommend this book. Read it and discover what exactly is causing the unbecoming of Mara Dyer. 

True Confessions

Alright. I have a mega confession.

It is incredibly and utterly embarrassing.

Are you ready? Do you think you can handle it?

So, for the past two weeks I haven't written a word in my epic tale The Memory Rune. Not one word. And no, I haven't given up writing in exchange for a hobby of underwater basket weaving. Not that. I have simply been working on something else. Another book. Perhaps more embarrassing than underwater basket weaving.

Are you ready? This is the big confession part....

It is a story about . . . vampires. 

I know. Ick. Gross.
                         

Yet unbelievably addicting. 

I started this project two weeks ago and today I reached the 50,000 word mark. That's fourteen days of writing and 50,000 words.

I am somewhat embarrassed. Well, a lot embarrassed. Mainly because vampires are so cliche and excessively overdone. Yet, I can't stop writing it. Ergo, despite the topic, I love it. And I'm kind of proud of it. Yeah, that's right. Proud.

Not to toot my own horn or pretend like a book about vampire hunters can be all that incredible. But I love it. I find it fantastically entertaining. My characters are catchy. They are easy. And they are completely writing their own story. Sometimes I am writing a scene that I plan to take one way until a character blindsides everyone. They are raw and real. And I am really attached.          

You should know that all of the main characters are human . . . at least for now.

Are you mocking yet? Because you should. Really. You should.

When I set out to write a book two years ago, I made a promise that I would not write a book about vampires. I thought this was a promise I intended to keep, but one day I opened a new word document and the words started spilling on the page. And they have continued to spill.

This is a temporary hiatus from my main novel. In two weeks time, when I have finished this vampire novel, I will return to my real project. Don't worry. I will never make you read this. Though you can. And you might be surprised that you actually like it.

PLOT:

Molly Brown is your typical teenage girl. She never does homework, watches way too much television, and always breaks curfew. Except Molly's life is far from ordinary. While most kids are on the cheerleading squad and applying to colleges, Molly is a vampire hunter. She spends her nights killing the undead. For Molly, it is all in a night's work. Not until her best friend asks her on a date does her life get complicated. As she begins to fall for sweet and predictable Josh, part of her heart that is tied to the world of the undead can't let go of the troubles that haunt her past, including her ex-boyfriend, Badger Moore. It is a story of love, loss and revenge. And vampires. 

Sound familiar? Probably. Next bestseller? Probably not. The first book I will ever finish? 

Yes.