The Waking: Dreams of the Dead

The Waking: Dreams of the Dead
by Thomas Randall

Kara Foster and her father just moved to Japan to follow their dreams after the death of Kara's mother. She is the American girl, an outsider. Then she meets Sakura, another outsider at the private school.

Sakura is haunted by her sister's death that happened during the previous school year. Then, Kara starts having nightmares. Other students turn up dead. But who is killing them?

Grade: B-

I'm a big fan of the supernatural. From the start of the story, I didn't really know what was going on. I kept reading and reading, and was like, where is the supernatural part? That didn't hit until way towards the end of the book, sadly. So, really, the book kind of dragged for me. It kept me interested though, because I really wanted to know what in the world was going on. It was an interesting read, because the author included Japanese words. This book will be a part of a series, but I don't think I will be checking out the next books.

*reviewed for teensreadtoo.com

Forest Born

Forest Born
by Shannon Hale

Something is wrong with her, Rin is just sure of it. She doesn't feel at home in the Forest, where she has lived her whole life. Razo, her favorite brother, has gone off to the city. She is left as Ma's shadow. Rin has no idea who she is. But when Razo comes home for a visit, Rin goes back to the city with him. To be one of the Queen's ladies in waiting.

Soon after her arrival, war has come to Bayern. Rin accompanies Isi, the Queen, and her closet friends, in search of those who want to hurt Bayern. Rin thinks of them as the Fire Sisters. Together, they go into the Forest towards the land of Kel.

Grade: A

I haven't read any of the other Books of Bayern, but reading this made me want to. Having not read the previous Books, I had no idea what to expect of this one. I was impressed. I have only read one other book by Shannon Hale (which is by far one of my favorite books ever). Her writing is irresistible to me. I love it. I just feel for the characters in the story. I am pulled in and need to know what is going to happen. That is exactly what happened to me again in this book. I felt Rin's raw emotions, whether it was pain or happiness. This book, I think, is more of a younger book, but really, anyone will enjoy it.

*reviewed for teensreadtoo.com

Killing Britney

Killing Britney
by Sean Olin

Britney Johnson is the girl you love to hate. She was the "ugly-duckling", then reinvented herself. Now she is blond, popular, and beautiful. She is dating Ricky, the captain of the ice hockey team.

Then, someone starts killing all the people around Britney. Ricky is the first of many deaths. Britney is scared out of her mind, thinking someone is trying to get to her, just by starting out with the people around her.

Grade: C+

Um, I'm not too sure where to go with this story. It was pretty average. It was exciting, and hard to put down. I was really shocked at the ending, it was SO weird, and I'm not sure I fully understand it. When I started reading it, I figured it was going to be a very predictable book, but it actually wasn't, because of that crazy ending. Really, I don't think I recommend this book, but hey, your choice.

Old Magic

Old Magic
by Marianne Curley

Kate Warren just knows that there is something different about Jarrod Thornton as soon as he walks into the classroom. She thinks he is supernatural...like her. And not much later, a thunderstorm occurs, in the classroom.

But, Jarrod doesn't believe in the paranormal. He doesn't believe Kate, but goes along with it, because he finds her fascinating. But he has a problem. Anything bad that happens always will happen to him. Kate thinks it is a curse, conjured up from Jarrod's ancestors, which age back to medieval Europe.

Together, to save him and his family, Kate and Jarrod embark on an adventure to try to help him, and maybe learn a little too.

Grade: A+

This was my first book from PaperBackSwap, and I was totally impressed. I hadn't heard of this book before, nor the author, but I am sooo glad I got it. It was amazing. There is history, romance, and it was just a fun story. And look at that guy on the cover. He is SMOKIN. :] Medieval Europe is one of the most interesting time periods to me, and this book included it, which made it even better. I loved the relationship between Kate and Jarrod; I just wanted to be her so I could be around that guy! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a little magic.

Deadly Little Secret

Deadly Little Secret
by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Three months ago Camelia's life changed. She almost got hit by a car, but someone, a guy, saved her. That same guy starts school with her. His name is Ben. And the rumors are flying.

He supposedly killed his ex-girlfriend. Camelia doesn't believe the rumors, and is drawn to him. She wants to know the truth. Soon after school starts, she receives a picture in the mail. A picture of her, with a heart around it. She gets weird phone calls. Ben tells her she is in danger. She wants to trust him, but doesn't know if she can.

Grade: A+

:O Wow. That is what my face looked like towards the end of this novel. It was absolutely AMAZING. I've been way interested in reading all of Laurie's work (I have her series, but have yet to start it) after reading Project 17. I loved that novel, and I loved this one as well. I had to keep reading to figure out the mystery, and I didn't see it coming! It was so great, and I am so excited for the next book, Deadly Little Lies! You should definitely grab this novel for suspense, romance, and friendship.

The King's Rose

The King's Rose
by Alisa M. Libby

Yet another young female has caught the eye of the aging King Henry Tudor. This time it is fifteen year old Catherine Howard, cousin to Anne Boleyn. Less than a year has she passed since her arrival at court, and she is now the Queen of England. Catherine's new life of luxury and being the king's "rose without a thorn" is different.

But Catherine's past haunts her, so she must be careful. She dreams of that kiss she shared with her (distant) cousin, Thomas Culpeper. A perfect kiss. Her relations with other men. But all must stay a secret, or death caused by treason could come her way.

Grade: A+

I am a HUGE historical fiction fan, and I am especially interested in reading about Henry Tudor and his numerous wives. Once I heard about this book, I had to have it, but it took me a while to get it, sadly. This was one of those novels that is hard to put down, because you really want to know what happens next. There isn't much for me to say, really. I loved this book. It was amazing, and if you're a fan of historical fiction, you should pick this up for sure.

*also reviewed for teensreadtoo.com

well...

I am a college sophomore, as of Monday.

I haven't even been back to school for even a full week, and I am already exhausted. I think life is about to be quite busy for me. I have three classes, all of which have very high amounts of dry reading. And I am still working a few days a week, and as soon as I get my clearance, I will be back to my elementary school as a volunteer. (Get this: I need 40 hours of volunteer work in the classroom BEFORE I can take ONE class. Nuts!)

So, this means, basically, my only reading time is before bed, or on my break before biology, if I'm not doing history work. Therefore, I am pretty sure I will not be making my goal of reading 100 books this year. Maybe 2010!