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Review: Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe

30 Dec

Stasia Ward Kehoe Audition

458 pp. Viking Juvenile (Penguin Group)  2011

Interest: 2011 Debut Author / Verse Novel / HS Book Club Choice

Source: Purchased

Summary (From Goodreads): When high school junior Sara wins a coveted scholarship to study ballet, she must sacrifice everything for her new life as a professional dancer-in-training. Living in a strange city with a host family, she’s deeply lonely-until she falls into the arms of Remington, a choreographer in his early twenties. At first, she loves being Rem’s muse, but as she discovers a surprising passion for writing, she begins to question whether she’s chosen the right path. Is Rem using her, or is it the other way around? And is dancing still her dream, or does she need something more? This debut novel in verse is as intense and romantic as it is eloquent.

I’ve always admired dancers.  They’re athletic, graceful, hard workers and more.  Before this year I haven’t read any novels with main characters that are dancers.  Not only do has Audition released in 2011, but there’s also Bunheads by Sophie Flack and Ellen Hopkins’ newest novel, Perfect has a main character that dances.  My dancers in class will be happy to see these new additions to YA, as am I.

Stasia Ward Kehoe grew up as a dancer, so I can imagine Audition was a very personal novel to write.  Her expertise in dance is evident in how articulate she is in the language of dance.  I, not being a dancer, didn’t understand all of the terminology, but I did appreciate it and respect it.  Ballet dancers reading this novel will certainly appreciate Stasia Ward Kehoe’s expertise.  Not only does she use correct terminology, Audition is full of beautiful imagery and scenes.  Even with my limited knowledge of ballet I was able to picture the dancing and the dancers.

I’m a huge fan of verse novels, so I was really looking forward to reading Audition (besides it being about ballet).  The students in my book club chose this as our next novel after I told them about it, and most of them started it before me.  For one of the girls, this was her first verse novel and she told me she was struggling with it.  She wasn’t sure if it’s simply because she’s not used to verse, or if the verse was just choppy.  I kept this in mind while reading Audition, and for the most part I enjoyed the verse.  As I read more of the book I began to notice that many of the scenes and the writing are choppy.  Sara would be describing a scene at the studio, and then on the next page we were back at the house or with Rem.  These sudden changes in setting are jarring and caused me to re-read more pages than I cared to.  The verse isn’t always as fluid as I prefer, but I still enjoyed Stasia Ward Kehoe’s writing and will read more of her novels.

The story is about Sara and how she’s basically thrown into this new life of dancing.  She’s from a small town and is a promising dancer.  After she scores well at an audition, she is accepted at a dancing school at the Jersey Ballet.  Sara goes through a whirlwind of emotions during this transition and is really unsure of herself as a dancer and who she is outside of dance.  Eventually Sara isn’t sure if she wants to continue dancing, if this is really her dream.  Readers will appreciate Sara’s hesitation whether they’re a dancer or not, because many of us face these decisions in our lives.  Who are we?  What do we want to do with our lives?  Will our choices let down our family?  In the midst of this, Sara falls for Remington.  While I appreciated Sara’s angst about ballet, I simply couldn’t connect with her relationship with Rem.  Sara and Rem have a fast infatuation that never really made sense to me.  Part of this may be the fact that Rem really doesn’t have much dialogue–he and Sara don’t do much talking.  This is mostly because of the nature of their relationship, but also because the scenes with Rem focus more on Sara’s thoughts.  I understand the reasoning for this, but it also caused these scenes to fall flat for me.  As a result, Audition didn’t become the book I wanted it to be.

I’m looking forward to hearing my students’ thoughts, especially after seeing the different ratings they’ve been giving it on Goodreads.  Audition is one that I enjoyed, and even though some areas were weak, it’s a book that I still think others should read.

Flash Reviews (7)

11 Nov

Matched by Ally Condie
Source: Purchased

Summary (From Goodreads): Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander’s face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate… until she sees Ky Markham’s face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it’s a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she’s destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can’t stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society’s infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Flash Review:  My alumni book club chose Matched as our most recent read which is the reason I bought it.  To be honest, I was really hesitant to read Ally Condie’s debut because I’ve read so many mixed/blah reviews for it.  Ultimately, I’m glad it was chosen for book club because I ended up enjoying it.  It’s not a title I’m raving about, but I liked it enough to buy the second book, Crossed.  Cassia is living in a society and put in a situation that very much reminded me of Lois Lowry’s The Giver.  Most of the people believe they live in a safe, pleasant society, but not-so-pleasant truths are uncovered after Cassia’s Matching ceremony.  The similarities to The Giver kept me reading, along with Condie’s graceful writing style.  I’ve found that I’m quite picky when reading dystopian YA, but I recommend Matched. 

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
Source: Purchased

Summary (From Goodreads): “These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume.”
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn’t take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn’t anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she’s fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she’s forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

Flash Review: I’ve read a number of glowing reviews for Juliet Immortal and a couple of my avid readers told me I HAD to read it.  I’m glad I took everyone’s advice because I really liked Stacey Jay’s novel.  Her writing is beautiful and lyrical.  I loved the many allusions to Shakespeare and his works as well.  The twist on Romeo and Juliet really won me over, and I think it will have the same effect on my students.  My department is working on adding YA novels to our Romeo and Juliet unit and I definitely plan on recommending this novel.  It has plenty of action and romance without being too graphic; besides some language and violence, it’s a clean book.  My problem with Juliet Immortal is that towards the second half of the novel, the writing turned verbose and the story became redundant.  This is what kept me from giving it 4 out of 5 stars.  Other than that, if you enjoy Shakespeare, or a good twist on a classic, I recommend reading Stacey Jay’s novel.

Thank you for the Flash Reviews idea, GreenBeanTeenQueen

Flash Reviews (6)

8 Oct

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Source: Purchased

Summary (From Goodreads): Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

Flash Review:  I’m a big fan of the Perfect Chemistry trilogy and the Fuentes brothers.  The stories are predictable, but the characters are engaging, the plots move quickly, and the relationships are exciting.  Luis is quite different from his brothers in the sense that he tries to avoid violence and the gang life, which was a nice change of pace from the other two books.  I would have enjoyed Chain Reaction more, however, if it would have been more of its own novel.  What I mean by that is Luis’s story was a mixture of Alex’s story and Carlos’ story.  Just like Alex, Luis and Nikki have chemistry together.  Very much like Carlos, Luis falls for a girl that’s tough around the edges and wary of him.  I felt like I was reading both Perfect Chemistry and Rules of Attraction.  Luis was confronted with many of the same conflicts that his brothers were in their novels.  The story does become , but it’s not until later in the book.  I did enjoy reading it, it just wasn’t a 4 or 5 star novel like the other two.

The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski
Source: Purchased

Summary (From Goodreads): In the world of Sheridan Wells, life is perfect when she’s decorating a cake. Unfortunately everything else is a complete mess: her mom ran off years ago, her dad is more interested in his restaurant, and the idea of a boyfriend is laughable.

But Sheridan is convinced finding her mom will solve all her problems – only her dad’s about to get a cooking show in New York, which means her dream of a perfect family will be dashed.

Using just the right amount of romance, family drama, and cute boys, The Sweetest Thing will entice fans with its perfect mixture of girl-friendly ingredients.

Flash Review: I need to say first that The Sweetest Thing had me going through all sorts of cravings.  Sheridan is an absolute perfectionist about her cakes, so her descriptions were quite detailed which made my mouth water more times than not.  Christina Mandelski has written a novel that girls who like novels by Sarah Dessen and Susane Colasanti will enjoy.  Sheridan is a character that a variety of readers can relate to, whether they aspire to be a baker, feel like an outsider, lack a relationship with their mother, or simply want to read a novel and empathize with a character.  While I enjoyed Mandelski’s debut, I did at times find myself irritated with Sheridan.  She is so stubborn about connecting with her mother and not cooperating with her father or friends.  It makes for a layered conflict, but it could have been resolved sooner without hurting the novel.  Still, Sheridan is a character that girls can learn from.  My girls in book club chose this as our first novel, and I’m really looking forward to discussing it with them this week.

 

Thank you for the Flash Reviews idea, GreenBeanTeenQueen :)

In My Mailbox (25)

18 Sep

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme sponsored by The Story Siren.  It’s a way for bloggers to share what books they’ve received for review, borrowed from the library, or bought from the store.

I feel like I’ve been a bad blogger because I have not been able to keep up since school started a couple weeks ago!  I’m sure I’ll get back in the groove soon **fingers crossed**.

Books Purchased:

Hush by Eishes Chayil (Goodreads): I love the cover for this one and the summary is really intriguing.  I’ve been on a realistic fiction kick for almost a month now, so I’m sure this will be read soon.

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick (Goodreads): I’ve read some positive reviews for this, but the real selling point is that it takes place in Michigan.  I want to read this one sooner rather than later so I can hand it off to my students.

Supernaturally by Kiersten White (Goodreads): I finally bought my copy!  I read Paranormalcy last fall, so I guess it makes sense for me to read the sequel this fall :)

The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski (Goodreads): My book club has grown this year!  We had our first meeting last Tuesday and decided that each person will get a chance to pick the book we read.  Tristan drew first and she decided on The Sweetest Thing.  I have an ARC that Christina sent me in the spring for my kids to read for their Students Want to Know interview with her, but because I have a bigger group this year, I had to buy a finished copy so more kids can read it at the same time.  I’m excited to hear their thoughts!

In My Mailbox (22)

7 Aug

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme sponsored by The Story Siren.  It’s a way for bloggers to share what books they’ve received for review, borrowed from the library, or bought from the store.

Purchased (all but Anya’s Ghost):

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab (Goodreads): I just started this one and I’m liking it so far. I’ve read a lot of positive, glowing reviews.  So far it’s very lyrical, as many of the reviews have stated, and it feels almost like a fairy tale in atmosphere.

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry (Goodreads): I’ve heard good things about this book, too.  I’m not always sure about zombie books, but I know my boys in class like them and I loved Bad Taste in Boys.  I skimmed through the book and found out that the chapters are short, so maybe it will be a fast read.

Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol (Goodreads): A friend of mine on Twitter sent me this one (Thanks John! @MrSchuReads).  My best friend read it and enjoyed it, plus I’ve heard good things from other teachers I’m friends with.  Any time I hear good things about a graphic novel, I have to look into it.

You Are Not Here by Samantha Schutz (Goodreads): I found this one while perusing what was left in the YA section at Borders.  It’s written in verse which is the primary reason for buying it.  I read a few pages yesterday and already know that I’ll love it.  It’s looking like a very poignant tale of love and loss.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (Goodreads): Most of the reviews I’ve read for this one talk about it being fantastic, creepy, funny, etc.  I have a book club with a group of alumni students and this is our most recent pick.  I’ll have to start reading it soon!

A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie by Matt Blackstone

15 Jul

Matt Blackstone A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie

248 pp.  Farrar Straus Giroux  2011  ISBN: 978-0-374-36421-2

Interest: 2011 Debut Author Challenge / Student alumni book club choice

Source: Book received from the author (Thank you, Matt!!)

Summary (From Goodreads): Rene, an obsessive-compulsive fourteen year old, smells his hands and wears a Batman cape when he’s nervous. If he picks up a face-down coin, moves a muscle when the time adds up to thirteen (7:42 is bad luck because 7 + 4 + 2 = 13), or washes his body parts in the wrong order, Rene or someone close to him will break a bone, contract a deadly virus, and/or die a slow and painful death like someone in a scary scene in scary movie. Rene’s new and only friend tutors him in the art of playing it cool, but that’s not as easy as Gio makes it sound.

I want to start off saying that Matt Blackstone did send me a copy of his book, but that hasn’t altered my thoughts on the book.  Gae Polisner, the author of The Pull of Gravity, was telling me about Matt’s book in a Facebook thread.  One of my former students, Joe, saw the thread and looked up Matt’s book.  He added on to the thread that he really wants to read this book, so I suggested that we read it as our next alumni book club pick.  From there, Gae sent Matt a message saying he should add me as a friend because of what Joe and I were saying (and because Matt and I are both English teachers!).  You can figure out the rest :)

To the review–I really did like A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie.  It has wonderful boy appeal, tons of humor and wit, and it’s touching at times also.

The character development is strong, which I’m always a fan of.  Rene is fourteen years old, but he really hasn’t reached the maturity of a fourteen year old.  Although as I type that, I’m thinking to myself, how mature are fourteen year old boys??  To be fair, I have had some fairly mature boys in my English 9 classes.  As I was getting to know Rene’s character, I pictured him being at the level of a 7th or 8th grade boy.  He wants to mature and like the other guys, Gio in particular, but he still has his digital Batman watch, wears a cape, and imagines himself fighting crime as he’s walking home.  All of these nuances make Rene very likable as a character.  Within the first few pages I was giggling enough that my husband glanced over at me with a “What are you reading?” look.  I, of course, told him all about it :)   Rene is hyper aware of the people around him.  He has names for the different types of kids in school like the Cutters (they cut class) and the Smartypants.  His example of what the Smartypants are like reminded me of a girl I knew in middle school who, during a Girl Scout retreat, corrected my pronunciation of the word “jaguar.”  This would be a funny story, but only if you could actually hear the story and how it sounded when she said it.  She would be a member of the Smartypants clique.

I haven’t read too many books with characters that suffer from OCD.  For this reason, I was looking forward to reading A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie to see how it affected Rene.  Most times I giggled when he’d get going about something.  He gets so distracted by his compulsions, that Rene often misses what others are saying or he just completely misunderstands them.  This happened often with his teacher and with his friend Gio.  These conversations are when I was laughing the most because it would really take some patience and understanding to interact with Rene.  Honestly, though, I thought sometimes that his actions as a result of the OCD resembled how my students with autism act.  The examples I’m thinking of are how paranoid Rene would get that the kids at school were talking about him and when he’d get completely sucked into his imagination.  This is a great book for teens to read because they’ll have a better understanding of what people suffering from OCD are going through.  They’ll know what everyday life can be like for them.  I can’t imagine living my life like Rene; it’s exhausting to think about what he goes through.

Reading this book will not only provide you with plenty of laughs, but it will also give you the opportunity to connect with a deeply layered character.  The supporting characters are wonderful as well, and I’m sure you’ll be rooting for them.  As a final comment, I’m not going to give the ending away, of course, but I really did like it; it’s full of hope.

Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith

9 Jul

Emily Wing Smith Back When You Were Easier to Love

296 pp.  Dutton Books (Penguin Group)  2011  ISBN: 978-0-525-42199-3

Summary (From Goodreads): What’s worse than getting dumped? Not even knowing if you’ve been dumped. Joy got no goodbye, and certainly no explanation when Zan – the love of her life and the only good thing about stifling, backward Haven, Utah – unceremoniously and unexpectedly left for college a year early. Joy needs closure almost as much as she needs Zan, so she heads for California, and Zan, riding shotgun beside Zan’s former-best-friend Noah.

Original and insightful, quirky and crushing, Joy’s story is told in surprising and artfully shifting flashbacks between her life then and now. Exquisite craft and wry, relatable humor signal the arrival of Emily Wing Smith as a breakout talent.

Back When You Were Easier to Love is another one of my book choices for The Contemps Challenge, and I’m happy I chose it.  It’s a very cute, funny novel that my girls in class will enjoy.  Honestly, I’m not always too worried about whether a novel is “clean”, but this one is and it’s nice to know it will be available to my students.

This novel touches on a number of subjects including identity, faith, love and acceptance.  Joy has lived most of her life in California until her parents decide to move to Utah late during high school.  She and her family are Mormon and had a small group of Mormon friends in California, but now that they’re living in Utah, pretty much her entire town and school is Mormon.  Joy has a difficult time distinguishing between her faith and identity as a Mormon.  This subject doesn’t overwhelm the book by any means, but it plays a big part in her relationship with Zan and her figuring out who she is.

Joy meets Zan when she first moves to Haven and is attracted to him immediately.  He’s not one to conform like “everyone else.”  He wears his hair longer, his face scruffier, and his grandpa’s loafers.  He doesn’t like the people of Haven and their boring ways.  He seems himself as better than everyone there.  He and Joy start a relationship, which Joy falls hard for.  She’s gets to the point, especially in the present after he’s left, where she feels like he makes her a better person.  She doesn’t feel good enough anymore; she’s lost herself to him.  Of course, Joy doesn’t realize this.  For me, as an adult, I had problems with this.  I grew irritated with how much she was basically obsessing over him.  I don’t know if teen girls will be as bothered by this as I am, because I know many teen girls–and adult women–who feel the same way when they’re dating someone.  Thankfully, Joy has great friends, whether she realizes it or not, who try to talk some sense into her.  But Joy needs “closure” so, because of a dream, she takes Noah with her on a trip to find Zan.

I adore Noah’s character.  There isn’t a swooping romance because that’s not how life is for these characters.  As described in the book, Mormons won’t even kiss someone unless it’s a pretty serious relationship.  The characters take their faith seriously and want to do what’s right.  I dated a Mormon boy in high school and can attest to this.  I was completely dumbfounded as to why he wouldn’t kiss me!  Finally he explained it, which made me feel a little bit better, but not really.  Anyway, Noah is determined to be Joy’s friend even though Joy can’t stand to be around him and his “soccer lovin’” self.  She has a set idea of who Noah is, but on their trip to California to find Zan, she learns that everything isn’t always what it seems–in more ways than one.  He’s a sweet, mild-mannered, witty character that I’ll remember long after reading this book.  And after reading Back When You Were Easier to Love, you’ll understand why those three adjectives describing Noah, really don’t do him justice at all :)

This is a fast-paced read, with strong main and supporting characters.  I was able to get past some of my issues with Joy because they don’t stay for the whole book.  A big part of this novel is Joy, and Noah too, learning who they are and accepting themselves and those around them.  It really is a fun book to read and one that I highly recommend you give to a teen girl and/or put in your class and school library.  In fact, my high school book club decided to read this as one of our summer reads.  There’s much to be taken from this book without it being preachy or anything close to that.  It made me think of E. Lockhart’s The Boyfriend List and Learning to Swim by Cheryl Klam.

Sean Griswold’s Head by Lindsey Leavitt

23 May

Lindsey Leavitt Sean Griswold’s Head

274 pp  Bloomsbury  2011  ISBN: 978-1-59990-498-6

Summary (From Goodreads): According to her guidance counselor, fifteen-year-old Payton Gritas needs a focus object-an item to concentrate her emotions on. It’s supposed to be something inanimate, but Payton decides to use the thing she stares at during class: Sean Griswold’s head. They’ve been linked since third grade (Griswold-Gritas-it’s an alphabetical order thing), but she’s never really known him.

The focus object is intended to help Payton deal with her father’s newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis. And it’s working. With the help of her boy-crazy best friend Jac, Payton starts stalking-er, focusing on-Sean Griswold . . . all of him! He’s cute, he shares her Seinfeld obsession (nobody else gets it!) and he may have a secret or two of his own.

In this sweet story of first love, Lindsey Leavitt seamlessly balances heartfelt family moments, spot-on sarcastic humor, and a budding young romance.

I’ve been a lucky lady lately because I’ve been reading some awesome books back-to-back.  Sean Griswold’s Head is funny, sweet, and touching.  I haven’t read anything else by Lindsey Leavitt, but that is going to change now.

One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is because I can relate with Payton.  When I was in college my dad found out he had leukemia.  Fortunately, he’s been in remission for a few years and appears to be “cured”, but it was still incredibly difficult to deal with and understand.  Like Payton, I couldn’t explain why I was angry and upset.  Because I wasn’t at home for most of it, that made it a little easier to handle.  I’m sure if I was at home, I would have acted like Payton did.  Lindsey Leavitt did an excellent job writing Payton’s feelings and reactions to her dad having MS.  It’s so easy to connect with and understand Payton.

The supporting characters in Sean Griswold’s Head are wonderful.  Sean is adorable and the kind of guy I’d want my daughter (if I have a daughter some day) to date.  He’s smart, sweet and the perfect amount of dorky.  What’s not to like?!  Payton’s best friend, Jac, made reading this story even more entertaining.  I love the multiple nicknames she gives Payton like “Pumpkin” and “Gumdrop”.  She’s simply delightful and a very good friend to Payton.

This is an endearing book that guys and girls will enjoy.  Lindsey Leavitt is a talented author and I look forward to reading more of her books.  I simply loved it!  Strong characters, layered plot, and humor to boot.  Make sure you read Sean Griswold’s Head!


Enclave by Ann Aguirre

27 Apr

Ann Aguirre Enclave

259 pp.  Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)  2011

Summary (From Goodreads):  New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20′s. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known.

I added Enclave to my list of books to read because Ann Aguirre is a debut author and it’s dystopian.  It’s a quick read that’s dark and enjoyable.  On the cover it says it’s a good choice for fans of The Hunger Games, but I honestly didn’t feel the connection between both books.  Enclave reminds me more of Carrie Ryan’s The Forest of Hands and Teeth and parts also reminded me of Patrick Ness’s The Knife of Never Letting Go.  I’m not a fan of Carrie Ryan’s book, so I guess it’s odd that I liked this book as much as I did.

The characters are developed well, which I always appreciate in a book that’s beginning a trilogy or series.  Deuce has lived a sheltered life underground, with the desire to become a Huntress.  She’s paired up with Fade, who was an outsider, but welcomed to the enclave because he was able to survive outside it.  I enjoyed their interactions because Deuce is able to learn more about the world outside the enclave, which in turn uncovers some truths about her life inside the enclave.  Fade is able to provide this knowledge.  Fade’s definitely a leader, but he doesn’t dominate over Deuce which would have made her appear weak and fragile.  This is a book with a tough female protagonist that knows how to protect herself and survive.  I’m not the biggest fan of Stalker, although I am curious about his role in book two.

The Freaks are an interesting part of the book.  I thought of them more like zombies than anything else.  I’m not a fan of zombies (Team Unicorn all the way!), so again, I’m surprised that addition of Freaks didn’t change my feelings towards the book.  Thinking about it now, this book would pair well with the movie I Am Legend.  Thankfully, Ann Aguirre didn’t make the story revolve around the Freaks.  Enclave is more about survival in a “new” world and self-discovery.

There’s a great balance of action and character/world building.  The ending wraps up nicely and thankfully isn’t a cliffhanger.  If you’re looking for a different kind of dystopian (this is apocalyptic) and connecting with strong characters, definitely pick this up.  My book club chose this book and we’re discussing it on Friday.  I’m looking forward to what they have to say!

Angelfire: I’m just not into you

17 Apr

Summary of Angelfire (From Goodreads): This debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers – monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell – she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie’s powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her – an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie’s soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian’s most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives – including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

I know “hate” is a strong word, but I positively hate it when I can’t get into a book and end up not finishing it.  Unfortunately, I’ve been running across quite a few books in that category this year.  And since I’m not going to fully review them since I didn’t finish them, I think I’m going to post why I simply couldn’t get into them.

My alumni book club and I went to the launch party for Courtney Allison Moulton’s debut novel Angelfire.  She did a great job at the launch, we all bought books and had them signed, and agreed we’d read her book for book club.  We had a couple books lined up before hers, so we’re just now reading Angelfire for our next meeting.  I started reading it on Thursday or Friday (it’s been a busy week, so I can’t remember) and gave up yesterday.

Whenever I’m reading a book and feeling a little dicey about it, I try to give it at least 100 pages before I finally make up my mind.  I decided to stop at page 108.  Granted, this is a 453 page book, so maybe that’s not enough of a chance.  But let me explain it first.

The biggest problem I’m having is that it doesn’t feel like any kind of plot is being developed.  Ellie has discovered that she’s been reincarnated hundreds of times as a Preliator, or reaper killer.  She also knows that Will has been her Guardian for 500 or so years.  And after 108 pages, that’s it.  She fights and kills reapers.  So… What’s the point?  Why should I keep reading?  What’s her major problem besides realizing at 17 that she’s been reincarnated and has to kill reapers with the help of Will?  Maybe I’m missing the point, but how can I be 108 pages in and not really know where the story is going?  This explains the weird dreams she’s been having and that’s about it.  I need to feel like there’s more to the story to keep me reading.  I’m a teacher with tons of papers to grade and lessons to plan.  I’m a grad school student with intense classes and reading to complete.  I’m a blogger with other books on my shelf waiting to be read and reviewed.  I don’t want to sound mean, but I need a reason to keep reading a book.  And Angelfire simply wasn’t providing it :(

Besides the plot, I couldn’t get over the writing style.  It’s pretty choppy and there isn’t as much internal dialogue as I prefer from a first-person point of view.  I really don’t have a good feel for who Ellie is as a protagonist and I should by now.  And then there were the typos… I’m an English teacher and I can’t ignore them.  I know they happen (I make them in my posts too!), and I catch them pretty often.  A few here and there I can ignore and they don’t change my opinion of the book.  But I was left wondering how much attention this book received before it was published.

I have an extra copy of this book in my classroom already and a couple of students have read it and loved it.  I think that’s fantastic, because I know not everyone feels the way I do.  And I’m sure some of my boys who enjoy fantasy will like Angelfire because of the violent and bloody fight scenes.  So this book definitely has appeal, just not for me.

If you’ve read Angelfire, I’d love to know what you think.  Does it get better soon?  If so, let me know and maybe I’ll give it another chance this summer.  If you feel the same way, I’d like to know that too.

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