This book is probably one of the saddest books I have ever read...but somehow, because it is so honest, and so beautifully written, it manages NOT to be depressing.
You know that Tessa is going to die. Right at the beginning of the book, you learn that her leukemia has returned, and she has very little time left to live. So, she creates a list of the things she still wants to do before she dies. The book talks frankly of sex and drugs…but it all makes sense in the context of a young woman who is frantically trying to take control of what time she has left. To edit that out would have seemed dishonest.
Tessa tells her own story so honestly that it's impossible to put down. This book is NOT for the faint of heart. It is gritty, and raw, and gut-wrenchingly sad. I started crying (sobbing) about 40 pages from the end of the book and didn't stop. (Probably good to avoid reading this one on a bus or other public place!!)
Of all of the books on the Books with Bite list, this is the first one that I've given a 5 out of 5 on my Rez Recommends book review form.
The Luxe ~ Anna Godbersen
This novel felt like Pride and Prejudice meets Gossip Girls. It had all of the detail, description, and mannerisms of a classic historical novel, transporting you to end-0f-the-nineteenth-century New York City. But, layered on top of this was the added intrigue of gossip, hidden romances, back-stabbing, and deception.
I was slightly disappointed with The Luxe, however. It seemed like the entire 430+ page novel was merely setting up the sequel. And for the first 200 pages, I wasn't sure I'd even want to read it! There was something about the characters that didn't sit well with me…I was supposed to feel sympathetic to the heroine, but I didn't really like her (until near the end of the novel). And the characters I did like, were in love with people that I found annoying.
However, the more I read, the more I enjoyed it. And I'm hoping the sequel, Rumors, will develop the story, and characters, further.
I was slightly disappointed with The Luxe, however. It seemed like the entire 430+ page novel was merely setting up the sequel. And for the first 200 pages, I wasn't sure I'd even want to read it! There was something about the characters that didn't sit well with me…I was supposed to feel sympathetic to the heroine, but I didn't really like her (until near the end of the novel). And the characters I did like, were in love with people that I found annoying.
However, the more I read, the more I enjoyed it. And I'm hoping the sequel, Rumors, will develop the story, and characters, further.
Marked ~ P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Although Marked is not on the Rez Reads "Books with Bite" list, it is the first book in the "House of Night" series...book 2, Betrayed, is on the list and I can't wait to read it.
I have to say, of the three fantasy/faery/vampire series that I've just started (City of Bones, Wicked Lovely) this one is my favourite so far.
Unlike the other 2 series, there is no separation between the supernatural/magical world and the real world. In Marked, everyone knows that vampires (vampyres) exist...although no one knows why some humans are marked and go through "the change". Also, vampyres are not inherently evil...they are merely different, supernatural. Once a person is marked, they go off to the House of Night...a school for vampyres (sort of a Hogwarts for vampyres)...for guidance through the change, instruction on the history and their developing powers. Unfortunately, not all students who are marked will graduate...there's also a distinct possibility that their bodies will reject the change, and they will die.
At the beginning of the book, Zoey Redbird is marked...although she seems to be going through the change differently than most of the other students - her mark is a special one, and she seems to be more more powerful than the other students. The kids in the "popular crowd" - the Dark Daughters - are less than impressed.
I think what I liked most about this book was that the story wasn't about the vampires and the magic...that was just part of the story. It was much more about the characters...kind of like a realistic teen novel (a la Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants) where everyone just happens to be a vampire. I am looking forward to seeing where Zoey's story is leading in Betrayed because although Marked is not a cliff hanger, it certainly didn't feel finished.
And now I feel like I need to read something outside of the fantasy/magic/supernatural realm...so look for something completely different in my next post.
I have to say, of the three fantasy/faery/vampire series that I've just started (City of Bones, Wicked Lovely) this one is my favourite so far.
Unlike the other 2 series, there is no separation between the supernatural/magical world and the real world. In Marked, everyone knows that vampires (vampyres) exist...although no one knows why some humans are marked and go through "the change". Also, vampyres are not inherently evil...they are merely different, supernatural. Once a person is marked, they go off to the House of Night...a school for vampyres (sort of a Hogwarts for vampyres)...for guidance through the change, instruction on the history and their developing powers. Unfortunately, not all students who are marked will graduate...there's also a distinct possibility that their bodies will reject the change, and they will die.
At the beginning of the book, Zoey Redbird is marked...although she seems to be going through the change differently than most of the other students - her mark is a special one, and she seems to be more more powerful than the other students. The kids in the "popular crowd" - the Dark Daughters - are less than impressed.
I think what I liked most about this book was that the story wasn't about the vampires and the magic...that was just part of the story. It was much more about the characters...kind of like a realistic teen novel (a la Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants) where everyone just happens to be a vampire. I am looking forward to seeing where Zoey's story is leading in Betrayed because although Marked is not a cliff hanger, it certainly didn't feel finished.
And now I feel like I need to read something outside of the fantasy/magic/supernatural realm...so look for something completely different in my next post.
Wicked Lovely ~ Melissa Marr
I'm in a fantasy/magic phase for my summer reading. Like City of Bones, Wicked Lovely takes place in a current-day urban setting...but this book felt much more "magical" to me - less gritty (although it had suspense and thrills galore!) and more faerie tale.
Aislinn can see faeries, who live among us but are usually only seen when they put on glamours, to appear as humans. Aislinn, however, can see them all the time. But these faeries are dangerous, mischevious, and generally like to create havock for humans.
The Summer King, Keenan, is searching for his Summer Queen to try and defeat the Winter Queen, Beira...but unless the girl he chooses is destined to be this queen, she is consumed by the chill of the Winter Queen's staff...no matter how much he loves the girl. Keenan meets Aislinn and her life forever alters...her mortality begins to fade as she must decide what her future holds.
I loved the slightly unexpected ending that sets it apart from a typical faery tale...and I've put the next book in the series "Ink Exchange" on hold at the library. This series would also fit perfectly on the "Magic in the Real World" list.
I also think this would make an amazing movie! Here's a question for you...after you've read Wicked Lovely, who do you think would be great to star in the movie version? Send me your dream cast (for the characters of Aislinn, Keeran, Seth, Dania and Beira) in the comments or by email.
Aislinn can see faeries, who live among us but are usually only seen when they put on glamours, to appear as humans. Aislinn, however, can see them all the time. But these faeries are dangerous, mischevious, and generally like to create havock for humans.
The Summer King, Keenan, is searching for his Summer Queen to try and defeat the Winter Queen, Beira...but unless the girl he chooses is destined to be this queen, she is consumed by the chill of the Winter Queen's staff...no matter how much he loves the girl. Keenan meets Aislinn and her life forever alters...her mortality begins to fade as she must decide what her future holds.
I loved the slightly unexpected ending that sets it apart from a typical faery tale...and I've put the next book in the series "Ink Exchange" on hold at the library. This series would also fit perfectly on the "Magic in the Real World" list.
I also think this would make an amazing movie! Here's a question for you...after you've read Wicked Lovely, who do you think would be great to star in the movie version? Send me your dream cast (for the characters of Aislinn, Keeran, Seth, Dania and Beira) in the comments or by email.
City of Bones ~ Cassandra Clare
I just finished reading my first summer reading book, from our "Books with Bite" list. "City of Bones" is the first installment in the series "The Mortal Instruments" by Cassandra Clare...and let me tell you, I can't wait to read the next one!
Here's part of the description from the inside cover of the book:
"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly epxects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon..."
It had the perfect mix of action, magic/fantasy - but set in the real world of current-day New York City - and just a dash of romance. It is a whopping 485 pages, but worth every page.
If I were to list other "readalikes" - books that if you liked one, you'll probably like the other - I would put it alongside:
Here's part of the description from the inside cover of the book:
"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly epxects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon..."
It had the perfect mix of action, magic/fantasy - but set in the real world of current-day New York City - and just a dash of romance. It is a whopping 485 pages, but worth every page.
If I were to list other "readalikes" - books that if you liked one, you'll probably like the other - I would put it alongside:
- Twilight series - Stephanie Meyer
- Blue Girl - Charles de Lint
- Tithe, Valiant, Ironside - Holly Black
- Harry Potter series - J.K. Rowling
It fits perfectly on the "Magic in the Real World" list, that I posted earlier. And don't worry, we'll definitely be adding this series to the Library @ Rez!
I've already filled out my Rez Recommends book review (and will add it to the Rez Recommends binder that you can check out when you come back to school) and have put "City of Ashes" (book #2 in the series) on hold at the public library. Now onto another from YALSA's Top 10 nominations (Books with Bite) list...stay tuned for a post to see what I read next...
Summer Reading
School's out for the summer, and what a perfect time to read for fun!
Next year at Rez, we'll be launching a new & improved Rez Reads - including a virtual book club, Rez Recommends, and your chance to win prizes by filling out book reviews.
To get a head start on Rez Reads 2008, check out the Rez Reads web site and our first list of books: "Books with Bite" (from YALSA's 2008 teens’ top 10 nominations). Grab a copy of these books from your local public library or bookstore and start reading Rez!
Next year at Rez, we'll be launching a new & improved Rez Reads - including a virtual book club, Rez Recommends, and your chance to win prizes by filling out book reviews.
To get a head start on Rez Reads 2008, check out the Rez Reads web site and our first list of books: "Books with Bite" (from YALSA's 2008 teens’ top 10 nominations). Grab a copy of these books from your local public library or bookstore and start reading Rez!
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