Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Author: Scott Westerfeld
Artist: Keith Thompson
Series: Leviathan
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: October 6, 2009
How Received: Borrowed
Rate: 5
 Summary: (as quoted from Amazon) It is the cusp of World War I. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ genetically fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet. 
Aleksandar Ferdinand, a Clanker, and Deryn Sharp, a Darwinist, are on opposite sides of the war. But their paths cross in the most unexpected way, taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure….One that will change both their lives forever.

My thoughts:
Leviathan is one of the best books I’ve read this year. We are taken on a journey that exceeds the imagination and yet is grounded in historical fact. The story is told through the eyes of two main characters : Deryn Sharp, a young woman who is on a journey to becoming a part of the Air Force, and Aleksandar Ferdinand, son of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Princess Sophie, who, after his parents are assassinated, is on the run from those who wish to kill him. While Aleksandar’s task of staying alive seems far more perilous than Deryn’s dream of joining the Air Force, it actually isn’t. Because Deryn is a girl, and in 1914, girls aren’t allowed into the Air Force. So when she poses as a boy and gets accepted onto the crew of the Leviathan, she is living her dream - but she is also in constant danger of her secret being discovered. And when Aleksandar and Deryn’s paths cross, their lives become even more complicated. I loved how the “Clankers” (Aleksandar’s people) use metal machines for travel and combat and how the “Darwinists” (Deryn’s people) use fabricated animals as their airships and fighting supply. The differences between the two made for some really interesting, funny scenes, not to mention some insane battle sequences. Westerfeld’s writing is truly exceptional, and Thompson’s artwork really complemented the story. An amazing blend of reality and fantasy, Leviathan is an astoundingly magical read ; I highly recommend picking it up today.
5/5
~Moujnir

Dragon's Oath by P. C+ Kristin Cast

Author: P. C+ Kristin Cast
Artist: Kim Doner
Series: House of Night
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication Date: July 12, 2011
How Received : Borrowed
Rate: 5
 
Summary: (as quoted from Amazon)In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.
 
My thoughts:
Dragon’s Oath is a great addition to the House of Night books. The first book in a new spin off series, the story focuses on the past of Dragon Lankford, fencing teacher at the Tulsa House of Night, and an oath he made to his recently deceased beloved, Anastasia. It was great seeing young, arrogant Dragon fall in love with young, timid Anastasia, and vice-versa. With Anastasia being a professor and Dragon being a student, there was a keen sense of forbidden love between them that added a lot of excitement to their romance. But it wasn’t the forbidden aspect of their love that made my heart melt - it’s how much Dragon truly cares for Anastasia, and how much Anastasia cares for Dragon. Its how she refuses to see him become a monster - and how he’s willing to become a monster to save her life. This point is proven when Dragon goes too far in hunting a person - or, should I say, creature - that attempts to kill Anastasia. Upon seeing Dragon pounding the creature into nothingness, she begs him to stop, and to make an oath that will ultimately teach him to “temper his blade with mercy“. With its well-crafted plot and interesting characters, Dragon’s Oath makes for an exciting, entertaining read, and I definitely recommend picking it up today.
5/5
~Moujnir

After by Amy Efaw

Title: After

Author: Amy Efaw

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Release Date: August 11, 2009

Received: For Review

Rate: 5

Summary: An infant left in the trash to die. A teenage mother who never knew she was pregnant . . . Before That Morning, these were the words most often used to describe straight-A student and star soccer player Devon Davenport: responsible, hardworking, mature. But all that changes when the police find Devon home sick from school as they investigate the case of an abandoned baby. Soon the connection is made - Devon has just given birth; the baby in the trash is hers. After That Morning, there's only one way to define Devon: attempted murderer. And yet gifted author Amy Efaw does the impossible - she turns Devon into an empathetic character, a girl who was in such deep denial that she refused to believe she was pregnant. Through airtight writing and fast-paced, gripping storytelling, Ms. Efaw takes the reader on Devon's unforgettable journey toward clarity, acceptance, and redemption.

Review: There's a dark poem in here I kind of like. But I guess this book it's self is a bit dark. Don't think I could ever do that to a child.. The ending was.... I'm still a bit speechless totally didn't see it coming. I still think she's a bit nuts.

After The Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn

Title: After The Golden Age

Author: Carrie Vaughn

Publisher: Tor Books

Release Date: April 12, 2011

Received: For Review

Rate: 5

Summary: Can an accountant defeat a supervillain? Celia West, only daughter of the heroic leaders of the superpowered Olympiad, has spent the past few years estranged from her parents and their high-powered lifestyle. She’s had enough of masks and heroics, and wants only to live her own quiet life out from under the shadow of West Plaza and her rich and famous parents.

Then she is called into her boss’ office and told that as the city’s top forensic accountant, Celia is the best chance the prosecution has to catch notorious supervillain the Destructor for tax fraud. In the course of the trial, Celia’s troubled past comes to light and family secrets are revealed as the rift between Celia and her parents grows deeper. Cut off from friends and family, Celia must come to terms with the fact that she might just be Commerce City’s only hope.

Review: I kind of want to see what happens next. I want to see what Anna grows up to be. I loved this story from start to end. Although for a time I did stop reading it (not by choice) I remembered everything. This was an absolutely amazing book.

Thoughtful Thursday

*Note: Thoughtful Thursday is for those books that we have yet to review and have been published more then a year ago.... No worries we will still review it but were just spotlighting it.*

Sweet Treats & Secret Crushes by Lisa Greenwald

Pub date: November 1, 2010
Publisher: Amulet
Summary: When a blizzard threatens to ruin Valentine’s Day, three seventh-grade friends make and distribute fortune cookies to their lonely neighbors—and confront the secrets they’ve been keeping from one another.

Confident Kate doesn’t notice much but the latest gossip, and shy Georgia can’t say out loud what’s always on her mind. They’re joined by observant, careful Olivia, whose epic, single-minded crush on PBJ (real name: Phillip Becker-Jacobs) is starting to frustrate the other two. Using fortune cookies that mysteriously always seem to speak directly to the person who opens them, the three girls try to work together to bring some love to their building, while reminding each other why they’re such good friends to begin with.

With all the right ingredients to appeal to tween girls, this is an irresistible confection from an emerging talent.

The Ninja Librarian Has said: This is one of those books that feels easy, fun, and breezy. A perfect summer read - even though it's set on Valentine's Day. But it's such a cute story, I'd read it anytime.

The story is about three seventh grade girls who live in the same apartment building in Brooklyn. During a huge snow storm, they decide to pass out fortune cookies to everyone in the building. In doing this, they meet lots of interesting characters and make some fun connections. There's also a huge emphasis on their individual crushes and how that tears them apart - or how they seem to be growing apart a little bit.

There is something about this book that really reminds me of my seventh grade years. No, I didn't live in an apartment. No, we never had snowstorms. But there's always something universal about your first huge crush and how much it really pulls you in. And how much it annoys your friends. :) There's just a real truth about the story... even if it is cute-ified.

I really think this book will appeal to middle school girls. It's perfect for their age group and it's a cool story for those who wish they were Brooklynites. I, personally, loved all of the people they met in the building. And wished for a Chinese food restaurant in the bottom floor of our building. Ahem. But what a really cool idea - and it's a huge part of the story. I just loved it.

It's a fast, easy read. Great for girls. Boys will probably think it's ridiculous. Or wish they were as awesome as girls. Either way, it's a fun book. It will take you back, if you're older... and make you thankful for great friendships no matter how old you are. For those looking for semi-romance, but more focus on friendship, this is a perfect story.

Flyaway by Helen Landalf

Title: Flyaway

Author: Helen Landalf

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Release Date: December 20, 2011

Received: For Review

Rate: 5 

Summary: Stevie Calhoun knows how to take care of herself. It’s not like her mom hasn’t disappeared before. So why is Aunt Mindy making such a big deal of it now? It’s not like Mom’s really doing meth. Stevie makes sure of that. Whatever. She’ll go home with Aunt Mindy if it will keep her from calling Child Protective Services—but it doesn’t mean she’ll stay. Mom will come back. Mom always comes back. And Stevie will be there when she does.

But when Stevie meets Alan—frustrating and fascinating and so-different-from-everyone-she-knows Alan—and she starts helping out at the bird rehab center, things begin to look different. Even the tutoring and the ridiculous outfits Aunt Mindy’s forcing her into might not be so bad. Not that Stevie would say it out loud. She can’t. Because how can anything be good if it doesn't include Mom?

Review: Flyaway is absolutely beautiful. I immediatly was drawn to Stivie. The book was crafted amazingly. It kept me drawn in. I loved it beginning to end. Stevie really grows as a person in this book. 

Waiting On Wednesday (5)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted here, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Title & Author: THE FAME GAME by Lauren Conrad

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date:  April 3, 2012

Summary: Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door-turned-reality-celeb Jane Roberts in the L.A. Candy books. Now she’s ready for her turn in the spotlight and she’ll stop at nothing to get it. But with backstabbing friends and family, relentless paparazzi, and tabloid scandals she can’t control, Madison is going to have her work cut out for her. Plus, there’s a new nice girl in town—Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—who’s a lot more experienced than Jane was at playing the fame game. . . . Filled with characters both familiar and new, Lauren Conrad’s new series about life in front of the camera dishes Hollywood gossip and drama at every turn.

What books are you waiting for?