Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

  Yes, I finally have a copy of Stephenie Meyer’s Breaking Dawn in hand.  I began reading it on Sunday night and had to put it down.  I stopped because I couldn’t continue.  I have to emphasize that I do not nor ever liked the character of Bella (read my review of Eclipse).  So far, Bella has not shown any growth whatsoever…she  is looked upon as a princess who can do no wrong.  Although, it will be a struggle, I’m going to continue with it. Look for my review shortly.

50+ years of DNA

Double Helix by Nancy WerlinThe story begins with Eli, a senior in high school who decides to take a job instead of going to college.   He decides to take a job at Wyatt Transgenics, a famous biogenetic research company.  The company is run by noble prize winner, Dr. Quincy Wyatt.  After taking the job, he soon realizes that his father hates Dr. Wyatt.  His father wants him to quit his job but  he refuses to tell him why.  Eli and his father’s relationship is strain because his mother is dying of Huntington disease.    As he continues to work for Dr. Wyatt,  Eli discovers some secrets about his family.  People who are interested in science will absorb this book.  Other recommended books:  Double Identity by Margaret Petersen Haddix, Eva by Peter Dickinson, and Being by Kevin Brooks (although, I didn’t really like Road of the Dead).

Fantasy at its best

I almost forgot to mention but Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely is superb!  Read it, I’m sure you will like it.  I’ll explain more soon.   It is definitely not about vampires or werewolves, thank goodness.  Other good reads are:  Holly Black’s Ironside, Alex Flinn’s Beastly and A.M. Jenkins’ Repossessed.

The Forecast is bleak….

Life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Imagine yourself as a teenage girl.  Your biggest worries: friends, boys, grades, siblings, future plans, and parents.  Although, you complain, life isn’t too bad.  Now, imagine a meteor hitting the moon.  It might seem implausible but it can happen, right?  The media is saying that it is very likely to happen.    What would happen to life on earth?  Well, this is the premise of “Life as we knew it” by Susan Beth Pfeffer.  This story talks about the effects on the environment and how people react during a time of crisis.

This is a survival story about a high school student and her family after a meteor collides into the moon.  This unexpected event causes massive damage and death throughout the world.  There are earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and volcanic eruptions.  Food, electricity and gas are commodities.  As you read, you begin to see how some characters react as they realize that their options are dwindling.  People have to make tough choices if they are going to survive.  I’m sure that this book will become a classic.  This story doesn’t offer a hallmark ending; it isn’t optimistic.   When you are finished reading, you will want to know more about what happens to the family so I hope that there will be a sequel published in the near future.

Tantalize, I think not…

Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Tantalize

It took me forever to finish reading Tantalize.  I do enjoy the stories about werewolves and vampires but not when they are redundant and uninspiring. Tantalize is a perfect example.   As my co-worker said, “It has all been done before.”  So frankly, it was rather boring and dry because it didn’t offer anything new.  In retrospect,  I expected too much because of the book cover and summary description.  Oh well.

Definitely, check out: Annette Klause’s Blood and Chocolate, Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, Melissa De La Cruz’s Blue Blood series, Ellen Schreiber’s Vampire Kisses, and Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely (which I haven’t read yet but I am very excited about it because of what I’ve heard).

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber – Raise your hands if you want to be a vampire!

I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this humorous vampire tale.  The story is about a sixteen year old goth girl, Raven who is in love with Anne Rice’s vampire stories.  When her grade school teacher asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up, she replied, ‘a vampire’ which surprised her teacher.  Raven’s fascination with vampires grows stronger through the years.  Then, one day, she “bumps” into Mr. Right who she thinks is a vampire.  Is he? Well, you’ll have to read this funny, yet romantic vampire story to find out.

Klause’s Blood and Chocolate…Tasty or Not?

I received a mixture of comments about this book.  Some people really liked it while others didn’t.  I liked it, well at least, parts of it.   Sixteen year old Vivian is a werewolf. She loves being a werewolf. She craves her transformations –and isn’t embarrassed by it.  The young males in her pack are all attracted to her but she doesn’t want any of them.  Still, grieving from the death of her father; she feels lost. She wants a normal life.  At school, she meets Aidan, a “meat  boy” who is attracted to her.  They begin dating even against the wishing of her pack.  She falls in love with him and wants to reveal that she is werewolf to him.  Does she?  He’s seems to be sweet but will he accept her true identity? Will her pack accept her relationship with a “meat boy”?  This book offers a different twist on what we know about werewolves.

Blue Blood: Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz

Masquerade is the second book in the Blue Blood series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book – it was a quick and engaging read.  The story begins with young Schulyer Van Alen, a half-blood vampire in Italy searching for her grandfather.  She is still trying to solve the mysteries of the Silver Bloods. There are some twist and turns in the story – we learn more about the story of twins Jack and Mimi Force, which is a little weird.  Schuyler’s relationship with best friend, Oliver takes an interesting turn. Also, we still get the brief synopsis of incidences from the past –very intriguing. I am looking forward to the next book.  I want to see how the characters interact with each new development.  Oh yes, I love the settings: NYC (my hometown), private school and the fashion industry (very cool). This story is just pure fun —nothing too substantial.  Definitely read Blue Blood.  Recommended.

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb

A ghostly story about a woman who is caught up in time –she died over 100 years but she cannot pass over to the other side because of a moral baggage that burdens her. She meets a young teen boy who can see her and they fall in love.  Not longer after, things become quite complicated and very unpleasant for the two lovers. This is the type of story that when you are finished with it, you will continue to think about it.  It will not be soon forgotten. A very interesting read.

Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt

When Lord Death comes…. what would you do?

I love Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt.  I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect but was happily surprised.  It took me about 2 days to finish.  This story is about a sixteen year old girl named Keturah.  She is the village storyteller.  One day, she follows a hart in the forest and becomes lost. After 3 days in the forest, she is starving and near death when Lord Death comes to her.   When she meets him, she sees a young, lonely man.  She knows that death has come so she makes a bargain with him to let her live another day.  I love the characters in this book, especially, the protagonist.   She is willing to put her life on the line for her loved ones.  It is a very subtle romantic read.  I am looking forward to reading her books.