Vesper

7.8/10 stars

Vesper is quite the interesting novel. At first I was not grabbed by the story, but as it progressed, I became intrigued. The story centers around a girl named Emily Webb, a girl who has never done anything bad in her entire life; yet, the first night she acts out of character, another girl is killed, a girl who is also named Emily. The Emily who is still alive begins to wonder what is happening, as do the readers. Why is she suddenly different? Why are more people ending up dead? Most of all: is she even human anymore?

Though I did enjoy this novel, it was not my absolute favorite. The mystery is kept going quite well though, with a few unexpected turns. Amidst all of the predictable teen mysteries nowadays, this was a nice relief.

So, though this book was not my favorite, it is worth picking up if you want semi-sci-fi mystery love story. 

The Mockingbirds

8.5/10 stars!

The Mockingbirds is an amazing story of finding life after a horrible act. Alex, a junior at Themis Academy is date-raped, and the story is about what happens after. A secret group at the school, called the Mockingbirds helps her: a group that fights for justice, something that the “perfect” school refuses to do. With references to To Kill a Mockingbird, and good writing, The Mockingbirds is not your typical High School Story. It’s so much more: so much deeper, so much more realistic. If you like Speak, or other books like that, you will love The Mockingbirds.

To go into more depth, one could say that The Mockingbirds is pure inspiration to anyone who has gone through a troubled time in his or her life. Even if one was not raped, he or she could have experienced all sorts of things that he or she felt unsure and confused about. They might have felt as though whatever happened was their fault, even if it was not at all.

I did receive this book as an ARC, but it is now out in stores! (I ought to get on my plan to review more often...)

You should go and purchase it! It is a wonderful story, with a beautiful and hopeful message.

The Last Summer of Louisa May Alcott

Okay, once again I have failed, and not updated the reviews in MONTHS.

I REALLY promise to update more regularly, from now on.
I won't review every book I read, since I read so many, but I do have quite a few ideas of what to review for the next few weeks.

So,  onto the review!

9/10 stars.

The Last Summer of Louisa May Alcott, or as it will be called in the future TLSOLMA, was really, honestly, just plain lovely. I actually went to a reading of this, and when Kelly read a few pages, I turned to my dad, and asked if I could get it.
He said yes. And so I joyfully picked up my copy, and went to get it signed. Kelly herself is so sweet, and she loves LMA, who I love as well. (I've been to LMA's house three times at the least).
The book made LMA out to be exactly as I really feel she would've been, not to mention including other authors from that time period whom were friends with Miss Alcott.
LMA was a truly amazing women, and the book just accentuates that, which I think is utterly wonderful.

I need to get back into reading more historical fiction, this book reminded me how much I love it.
Anyone who has read Little Women will adore this work, it should be in every household, sitting right next to a copy of Little Women. I, for one hope Kelly writes more, because she has talent!

Want to do an Emily Dickinson novel next Kelly? (kidding, though it would be quite awesome!)

Hold Still

SORRY, this was from February!

9/10 stars!

First of all, sorry I have been gone for so long!! A new years resolution of mine is to have at least on review per week! Now on to the review...

Another book I looked at in various stores for sometime, and just before New Year's Eve, my mom and I were at a local bookstore, and she said I could pick a book. I chose "Hold Still." I do not have any regrets with my choice. :) The book is so well written, so nice and fresh. Nina does a brilliant job of a high schoolers voice, Caitlin's  voice is one I can completely relate to.
Though this is a book for teens, it does have illustrations. They are so wonderfully done! Simple, yet so very meaningful!
Hold Still- the title itself has so much possibility for wonder. And the book does not disappoint at all! There was not one point at which I thought of plot changes that would enhance the story. Caitlin loves photography, and I do as well, so that was another way with which I could identify to her.
Just pure wow. I am glad I decided to buy this story. I have, once again fallen in love with the characters. As I said before, they are so very real, I can imagine being friends with some of them!

Thanks Nina, and I hope you write thousands more books.

Beautiful Malice

8.5/10 stars.

This book is one I got as a galley, (pre-published). It has already been released in Australia, and comes to America July 13th, 2010.
I was astonished by this book. The cover (American one) creeped me out a bit, but, as I enjoy creepy novels, I had to read it!
The novel is told during three times. Before, During and After, as I categorized them. It starts with After, saying "I did not attend Alice's funeral..."
This book gripped me.  A book has not done that to me in a long while. When I was reading, I was oblivious to other goings-on around me. Just, wow.
This novel is Rebecca James' first, and I, for one hope it will not be her last. The characters were so real, Alice made me cringe, and Katie/Katherine drew in my sympathies. Usually I do not love books that jump around in their timelines, but for Beautiful Malice it worked perfectly with the story.
Whilst I was reading the novel, my dad asked me what it was about, and I found myself at a complete loss for words. Not because the book was bad, no, it is far from that, but because it is unique, and there were surprises that I did not predict, which is ALWAYS a nice thing. I like surprises in literature. Far too often I come across a novel that I can predict the entire plot. (**Note: This is NOT applicable to any book I've reviewed on here as of now.**) If I could summarize the book in a few words:
Lies. Love. Friendship.
Now, from those words it may sound like a soap opera. It is not, it is deep.

I loved Beautiful Malice, and would recommend it to friends, and anyone who is looking for an interesting read.

Trailer!

I made this, it is for The Murderer's Daughters, which is now out!!!


LINK!!!
Because it would not embed properly, please check it out!