Book Review: Double Crossed by Ally Carter

Title: Double Crossed

Author: Ally Carter

Pages: 60

Publisher: Hyperion

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 3.5/5

When characters Macey McHenry and W.W.Hale – people from 2 series written by Ally Carter – meet at a party, things are definitely strange. But when burglars take everybody at the party hostage, the truth about both characters is revealed. Now faced with danger where it was never expected, both characters must act quickly to outwit the burglars.

With chances of survival steadily decreasing, Kat Bishop (another character from the Heist Society), Macey and Hale start making a plan to save everybody at the party. But that’s easier said than done. With twists and turns that nobody can see coming, this Heist Society short story is one that readers will enjoy.

My favorite character in this book was Macey. She’s always being underestimated, yet she continues to stand strong and prove that she is a unique girl. Never expecting to use the knowledge she learned at Gallagher Academy, Macey learns what it is like being a true spy.

Double Crossed has some of the qualities that make it as enjoyable as the other books in the Heist Society and Gallagher Girl series: twists, turns, an enjoyable plot, funny and interesting characters. And the conclusion was excellent, making me wonder if there was going to be another book that combines the Gallagher Girl characters and the Heist Society characters.

But, the reason I gave this story the rating I did, is because it was very brief. That might be the point of a short story, but even short stories should include more details. I felt that this story had great problems and solutions, but there weren’t enough details to describe what was going on. This lowered the books ranking in my eyes. Adding more details to what was occurring would have made this book better.

Read the book “Double Crossed” by Ally Carter and join Macey, Hale and Kat on an incredible adventure to stop the burglars. I recommend this book to fans of Ally Carter or people who have read any of her other books, which includes the Gallagher Girl Series and the Heist Society.

Book Review: Ghost Time by Courtney Eldridge

Title: Ghost Time
Author: Courtney Eldridge

Publisher: Amazon Children’s Publishing

Publishing Date: 6/11/2013

Source: Netgalley

Genre: Mystery, romance

Rating: 4.5/5

In this, the first book of her new series, Courtney Eldridge writes about a girl facing the troubles of finding her missing boyfriend.

Thea has never been popular. So when Cam, a senior asks her out, she’s shocked. But that feeling is nothing compared to how she feels when Cam goes missing. Now trying to track down her missing boyfriend, Thea struggles through her everyday life. But that isn’t very easy when somebody starts posting videos of her and mysterious things occur at the school she attends.

Life is different without Cam. Desperately hunting for clues, Thea’s whole world has been destroyed. And when an unexpected turn of events occurs, Thea learns the truth about Cam’s past, a truth that had changed his life. But throughout this all, the main problem is consistent and shines through: Will Thea ever find Cam?

My favorite character in this book is Thea. Thea has always been the shy girl. That is, before Cam came. Now when she is finally fitting in and he goes missing, everything is thrown into disarray. While hunting for her missing boyfriend, and having to deal with the FBI and lawyers over her strange predicament, there is too much occurring in Thea’s life to cope with. But it is only when Thea realizes the truth about Cam, that this chain of events make sense.

When I first picked up this book, I knew this was definitely not my cup of tea. I usually don’t read romance/mystery books. So when I first picked up the book I wasn’t too excited. But after reading the first couple of pages I realized that this book was better than I had originally expected.

To me, the best part of this story is how Thea’s whole journey is mixed with details of Cam’s disappearance and how she is dealing with her life because of said disappearance. This makes the book seem as if it is nothing but romance but in reality, it isn’t. Instead, it shows how Thea’s character is developing because of the sudden change in her life.

In this book, the chapters were alternating present life and flashbacks. I thoroughly enjoyed the flashbacks because it helped me get to know the characters better and helped me understand what was actually happening. Though it took a while to get used to, having the flashbacks mixed in with the present day story was interesting and completely unexpected.

Read the book Ghost Time by Courtney Eldridge, a mystery/romance. I recommend this book to teens because of the language. 

Book Review: Catch Rider by Jennifer H. Lyne

Title: Catch Rider

Author: Jennifer H. Lyne

Pages: 288

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Source: Netgalley

Publication Date: 6/4/2013

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Rating: 3.5/5

Sid has always had one dream: to become a catch rider. One of the best horse riders in the whole world, a catch rider is a person who can ride anything with hooves. But that’s easier said than done. Living in a home filled with memories of her dead father, her abused mother, and her half-drunk uncle, life’s never been that great. But that’s all about to change with one simple turn of events.

Now working with her uncle, Sid’s taking care of some rich folk’s horses. But when an amazing opportunity to show case her riding abilities arises, Sid’s world is turned upside down. It’s a dream come true, a chance that she could never say no to. Little does Sid know that dreams are easily destroyed; all it needs is the right push.

Sid was a great character to read about. Filled to the brim with excitement and troublesome behavior, there is no end to the problems Sid winds up in. From having a fight with the rich girl who owns the stables she works at, to maybe even falling in love with said rich girl’s boyfriend, things are about to get interesting in Sid’s life.

This is a truly engaging story. As the adventure and action increased, time flew by faster and faster, with me barely noticing. As Sid faces her dreams, hopes, and interests, this is a completely new journey to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the world through her perspective, especially what she thought of typical school society (popularity and teachers).

One thing I did not like about this book was its introduction and conclusion. When I first picked up this book, there was no real introduction. No, instead readers were thrust into Sid’s life with little explanation. As the book progresses, there is more explanation to what Sid does and how she lives, but that is something the introduction sorely lacked. I didn’t like the conclusion because of how suddenly it ended. All of a sudden the book draws to a close, leaving the reader hanging. In some books, this type of conclusion works, but in this one I felt that the conclusion was abrupt, lowering the book’s ranking in my eyes.

With a small sprinkle of romance, and a whole lot of action, dreaming and horse riding, this book is one that teens of all ages will enjoy. Read Catch Rider by Jennifer H. Lyne. I recommend this book to horse lovers and other teens. Other books like this one include ‘Silent Harmony’ by Michele Scott.

Book Review: Silent Harmony by Michele Scott

Title: Silent Harmony

Author: Michele Scott

Publisher: Amazon Children’s Publishing

Source: Netgalley

Publication Date: 5/28/2013

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Rating: 4/5

Vivienne Taylor has always been a good horse rider, with her special power that lets her “talk” to horses. But she is still surprised when the Fairmont Academy, an exclusive equestrian academy, accepts her on a scholarship basis. Now, traveling to a new school, a new life and new friends Vivienne has to adjust, because the other rich students weren’t accepted on scholarship. And where there are the rich, there is always drama.

Attending her new boarding school, Vivienne is hard at work. But when her new horse at Fairmont, Harmony, doesn’t respond the way other horses do, things are definitely off. Little does Vivienne know that Harmony belonged to the school vet who has passed away just recently. Yet, there is something strange about this school. Vivienne must figure out the mystery of her horse, before it is too late.

My favorite character in this book is Vivienne. After living in a small town in Oregon and growing up with the same kids for the first 17 years of her life, moving somewhere else is something Vivienne has never thought she would have to do. But moving to a private, rich school is far worse. After being tormented by the popular girls, and teased because of her relatively impoverished life at home, Vivienne is definitely the odd one out. But, throughout the story, Vivienne stays strong and doesn’t let herself become the laughingstock of the school. As Vivienne continues her training and investigates the matter that is troubling Harmony, it is hard to tell right from wrong. But will Vivienne figure it out in time?

There were some very enjoyable aspects to this book. One such aspect is that throughout the whole story there is always something important occurring. Whether it be details on how somebody lied to another, or the proof of someone’s misdoings is revealed, there are lots of twists and turns that keep this book lively and entertaining. The best part of this book to me would be that there are multiple story lines going on at the same time. In the beginning the main character is fitting in. Around the middle, the first problem is observed and solved, and in the end a second problem is created and solved. This keeps the book fresh and helps the reader not feel as if they are reading about one long, continuous problem.

One main point that I did not like at all was how the story kept changing perspective. In lots of books there are different point of views, and everything flows. But in this book, I felt that when the point of view changed from the first person to the third person point of view, there was a very rocky transition. Adding to that, throughout the third person point of view, the wording was awkward, and hard to understand.

Read the book Silent Harmony by Michele Scott, and join Vivienne on an enjoyable adventure. I recommend this book to teens based upon the language being too young for pre-teens and other children. Other books about horses include ‘Catch Rider’ coming out June 4, 2013. 

Book Review: Scrap by Emory Sharplin

Title: Scrap
Author: Emory Sharplin
Pages: 350
Publisher: Green Leaf Book Group
Genre: Fantasy Fiction, adventure, action
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: 5/17/2013
Rating: 3.5/5

In this new magical book, Emory Sharplin writes a story of a young girl who finds the truth of her past, and what is to be of her future.

Tucker Scrap never thought she was anything but an orphan breaking the laws of the evil king. But when a mysterious girl comes to take Tucker away, things are far from ordinary. This young heroine must quickly put together the pieces of her unknown past if she has any hope of claiming her birthright and defeating the king.

The ruler of the kingdom – King Ibis - has been terrorizing his people for centuries with his magical powers. Hunting for one girl who can make or break his world, the king stops at no costs to find this special, unknown girl. Tucker is now realizing the key role she plays in the fate of the kingdom. Only she can decide what will be the fate of her beloved kingdom. But will she make the right choice?

My favorite character in this book is Tucker Scrap. Being pushed into a completely different scene is hard, but this character takes it in stride, neatly accepting the new life that is hers. Tucker slowly realizes that her past was not what it seemed, and that it was a key part of a long chain of events. Along with her new friends, Tucker must fight for what she believes is right to save friends, family and herself.

When I first looked at the plot summary of “Scrap” my hopes weren’t very high. But, it was after I was completely immersed in Tucker’s world did I realize that this book is one that teenagers of all ages will love to read. When realizing that Tucker was quite young - 13 years of age - I immediately felt that she was too much of a child to be dealing with all of this action, romance and adventure. But as the story progressed, I realized that it only made this book more unique. Having a young girl’s input was refreshing after reading countless novels in which all of the main characters are boys or girls in their late teens.

While this was a good book, I felt that at times the story went too fast. In some parts, there wasn’t enough time to digest what was happening before the story continued. This was truly a hindrance, making me have to go back and read over the text to interpret it more carefully to get all of the details. Another big flaw this book had was its ending. It was one nobody could have ever seen coming, but it was too abrupt; a real cliffhanger. While I hopefully have a sequel to look forward to, I can’t help but regret that there wasn’t a bigger explanation before the book ended.

In the end, Sharplin has written a book that readers will thoroughly enjoy. Read “Scrap” and join Tucker and her friends on an adventure to find the truth of the past. I recommend this book to pre-teens and teenagers. Other books like this is the Hex Hall Series by Rachel Hawkins and The Heir Chronicles by Cinda Williams Chima.

Book Review: Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Title: The Warrior Heir
Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Pages: 426
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Action, romance, fantasy fiction
Rating: 4/5

In this, the first book of Cinda Williams Chima’s series, ‘The Heir Chronicles’, Jack Swift is forced into a decision that he never thought he would have to make. Enemies are approaching, and Jack is thrust into a life that he knows nothing about.

After spending his whole life in Trinity, Jack never thought he was anything out of the ordinary. Yet, all the truths he has recently been told, point to that being the only option. And if that isn’t enough, it turns out he is a warrior, a magical fighter. The most shocking part is that he is the only one in the whole world, and is being hunted for it.

The enemies are coming, and it is all Jack can do to hone his powers; they will be the key to his survival. With his wizard teacher Leander Hastings, a mysterious man of many secrets, and the threat of a battle approaching, Jack’s survival is on the line, but he must do everything he can to save the ones he loves – even if it means dying.

My favorite character in this book is Jack Swift. His whole life has been one big lie, and he knows things will never be the same again. As he is pushed into this new situation, he fights literally and figuratively knowing that if he gives up, it’s all over. Jack feels ready for the upcoming events, but things are not as they seem. Together with his friends and family, Jack must find a solution to the problems that threaten to destroy everything he knows before it is too late.

“The Warrior Heir” seemed to be all about fighting and violence, but it wasn’t, much to my surprise. I had been expecting blood and gore splattered on every page, but Chima entertains her readers with a deeper, more interesting story. Her protagonist Jack is sketched in a story where he must strive hard and fight long to attain his goal. Though the story does seem a tad bit fantastical, Chima draws in Jack’s characteristics - good and bad, and graces her readers with a story that’s mixed in with witty banter, hilarious lines, and a furiously exciting plot to entice readers.

Read ‘The Warrior Heir’ by Cinda Williams Chima, a book that no one will ever be able to put down. Join Jack, his friends, family, and enemies on a journey that requires grit, determination and strength to accomplish the impossible. With a stunning conclusion, this book is one that readers will always remember. Other books in this series include ‘The Wizard Heir’, ‘The Dragon Heir’ and ‘The Enchanter Heir’, coming out in October, 2013. Other series written by Cinda Williams Chima include the Seven Realms Series which consists of ‘The Demon King’, ‘The Exiled Queen’, ‘The Gray Wolf Throne’, and ‘The Crimson Crown’.

Book Review: Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Spell Bound
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Page: 327
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Genre: Adventure, action, romance
Rating: 4.5/5

In this amazing final book of Rachel Hawkins’s Hex Hall Series, Sophie Mercer is forced to make decisions that will decide not only her fate, but the world’s as well.

Sophie never thought that she would be the most important person in the magical war. But there she was. Being the only demon fighting for the protection of other magical creatures, was never her intentions. It’s too late to say no, though. And now, the fate of the world depends on what she does.

As the evil Casnoff sisters continue their plan to create an army that will forever change the world, Sophie realizes that everything she had been told about her enemies was false. Now, coming to terms with the cold brutal truth, it seems that all her facts were lies, and Sophie must repair the damage that has been done. Filled with romance, adventure, and a heart-breaking end, Spell Bound will leave readers astounded.

My favorite character in this book is Sophie Mercer, the protagonist of this story. With her stubborn refusal to give up, and her continuously trying to solve her problems, she’s a character that many will enjoy reading about. Together, Sophie, Archer, Jenna and Cal will have to fight their enemies, and give it all they have if there is to be any hope for them to win the war.

Rachel Hawkins writes an amazing ending to the Hex Hall Series in Spell Bound. With the stakes higher than they’ve ever been before, everything is on the line and nothing is certain. But, throughout all of this, Hawkins still manages to show the hope the characters hold close to their hearts, and the readers are still given a taste of the wit and sarcasm that have entertained them throughout this series.

Finding out that this was the last book to the Hex Hall series, I was happy and sad. Happy because the solution to this enjoyable adventure was sure to be a stunning one, and sad because it would be the end to a great series that I had thoroughly enjoyed reading. And I was right. This book has twists and turns that nobody can see coming, and an adventure that nobody can resist. But with the completion of Spell Bound, the Hex Hall Series is finished, and Rachel Hawkins’s series is over. Hawkins has done a truly outstanding job with the finale to this magical series, one that I am sure readers will treasure.

Read the other books in the Hex Hall Series, including the first book Hex Hall, and its sequel Demonglass. The first book of a new series, School Spirits, will be released in May, 2013. I recommend this book – and series – to anybody who loves a good adventure, along with a compelling romance. To get a sneak peak at what life is like after the battle, read A Very Hexy Valentine’s Day, a Hex Hall Extra.

Book Review: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Demonglass
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Pages: 359
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Genre: Adventure, Romance
Rating: 9/10

If you’ve read ‘Hex Hall’ by Rachel Hawkins, you might remember Sophie Mercer. Sophie has had a hectic first year at Hecate Hall, otherwise known as Hex Hall. Being the odd girl out is nothing, seeing as she has had experience being one her whole life. But having a murderer going around who’s sucking people’s blood is a bit strange even for Sophie, one of only 2 demons in the world. She’s not even human – she’s a monster. But the worst part is that she might just destroy everybody and everything with her powers. Maybe even the whole world.

Now, during the summer, Sophie is traveling with her father and friends, Jenna and Cal to a new home, where she will learn the importance of her powers, and the truth about being a demon. Things are strange at her new home. There are two other teenagers living in the same building as Sophie and her friends, and the strange part is that they’re both demons. But that’s surprising, seeing that Sophie and her father are supposed to be the only two in the world. The worst part is that a mysterious group of people are hunting Sophie down, and won’t stop until she’s dead.

My favorite character in this book is Sophie Mercer. Making the right decision isn’t as easy as people say it is. Faced with dilemmas at every stage of her adventure, Sophie knows that staying out of danger might not be a possibility anymore. And that’s why reading Rachel Hawkins’s stories about Sophie’s adventures is so enjoyable. With Sophie’s heroic and hilarious attitude, reading about her is one heck of a ride.

Hawkins has written a fast-paced book in which readers are thrust into adventure and mystery. As I continued the book, putting it down was no longer an option. With her character in a difficult situation, the author entertains readers with witty and serious dialogue, to the point where rereading this book is a choice I’m sure I won’t regret. Throwing in a surprising turn of events, and a difficult decision or two, makes this book a must-read for teens of all ages.

When I read the excerpt for this book, I just knew I had to read it. Being a sequel to a book like Hex Hall (which I absolutely loved), I knew that it could not be a disappointment, and suffice it to say, I was right. This book is full of action, conflict, confusion and romance. The feelings of love Sophie has for Archer shine through, and help her figure out the solution to her problems. Along with her friends and family, will Sophie be able to differentiate between right and wrong in the messed up, magic-drunk world she is living in?

Rachel Hawkins leads the readers and Sophie through a dangerous, magical world, in which the truth is not what it seems, and true love always prevails. Read Demonglass and join Sophie Mercer on an epic ride of twists and turns to find out the truth about her life and the mystery it holds. I recommend the book Demonglass to all people who love adventure, mystery and romance. The third book in this series, Spell Bound, is also out, and a new upcoming book called School Spirits is releasing in May, 2013.

Book Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Pages: 323
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
Rating: 9/10

‘Even over all the noise, Felicia’s words echoed in the cavernous gym. “She’s … she’s a witch!” I sighed. “Not again.”’

This excerpt is from the book Hex Hall, when Sophie Mercer is yet again exposed as a witch. Sophie is an ordinary girl, you know, minus the whole witch thing. And it’s not like this is the first time that she was exposed, but this time her father, the head of the council of Prodigium (witches, faeries, and shape shifters), sentences her to Hex Hall, a reform school for Prodigium that just attracts way too much attention. But that’s not it. There’s a mysterious murderer who is going around attacking students, and sucking out all their blood. The problem is, is that the number one suspect is Sophie’s friend Jenna, the only vampire in the school. Will Sophie be able to stop the mysterious attacks and clear her friend’s name? Or will Jenna be banished from the school and exiled from the Prodigium community?

Sophie’s the new girl again, but this time, she’s with her own kind of people: the Prodigium. Here at Hex Hall there are hundreds of Prodigium, and not all of them are on the good side. From the 3 witches trying to complete their coven and who are up to some suspicious behavior, to Archer, a warlock who has practically all the girls swooning when he walks past them, and then the mysterious Holly, the first person killed in the long line of injuries. Will Sophie get to the bottom of this, or will all the students become victims to the strange monster(s)?

My favorite character in this book is Sophie. Sophie is a girl who is full of adventure, and not afraid to get in trouble. As the days in Hex Hall go by, Sophie finds that she is being drawn into the mystery, and might actually be close to solving it. From having a showdown with the most popular and mean girl in the school, Elodie, to finding about the dangerous and foolish truths to the injuries, Sophie is in for one heck of an adventure.

This book is interesting because of how the author Ms. Rachel Hawkins shows a girl’s life, and all the drama that is in it. It is also interesting because Ms. Hawkins adds an adventurous side of the story, making it go from adventure to mystery to romance, and then back again to adventure, making it even more complicated and makes it even harder to set the book down.

Will Sophie get to the bottom of the mystery? Will she finally catch the victim, or will he or she get away? Will Jenna be charged guilty? And will Sophie learn to control her powers? Read the book ‘Hex Hall’ by Rachel Hawkins to find out. I recommend this book to people who like adventure, mystery, and romance.

Rachel Hawkins is the author of the Hex Hall series, which consists of Hex Hall, Demonglass and Spell Bound. Upcoming books include School Spirits and Rebel Belle.