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Showing posts with label YA Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YA Books. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Sharon Cameron's Newest YA Historical Another Glittering Gem
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Growing up in her family's art gallery surrounded by bohemian creatives has given 18-year-old Isa de Smit a colorful, open-minded view of the world. Amsterdam has always felt alive for her, bursting with beauty and vibrancy. All of that is being leached out by the Nazis who have invaded The Netherlands, crowding her hometown with their bland khaki uniforms and narrow-minded ideals. The city has become a tense, dangerous place for everyone. It's wisest to stay far under the Nazis' radar, but Isa is out of money to buy food, let alone purchase new painting supplies for her reclusive artist father or pay the taxes needed to keep their gallery home. Out of options, she decides to take an enormous risk: sell one of her father's brilliant Old Masters forgeries to Hitler's personal art agent.
That successful transaction earns her the attention of Michel Lange, a Nazi soldier who claims he longs to desert. He'll help her sell more forgeries if she'll use her connections with the Resistance to get him safe passage to Switzerland. Isa needs his cooperation in order to raise funds to help her best friend smuggle Jewish babies out of Amsterdam. Does she dare trust a Nazi? Does she really have a choice? As Isa's plans get more daring, her every movement becomes increasingly scrutinized, her life growing more dangerous by the hour. Can she accomplish her purposes without getting caught by her deadly foe? Or being informed on by her "friends?" Will the counterfeit paintings pass muster? Or will Isa be the next to face a Nazi firing squad? Desperate to save as many babies as she can, she has to take the risk, no matter the consequences. Even if it means sacrificing her own life, which it just might...
I'm a huge Sharon Cameron fan, so it's no surprise that I loved Artifice. Bluebird is still my favorite of the author's novels, but this one—her newest—has many of the same elements that made Bluebird such a winner for me. To begin with, it features complex, interesting characters. Isa is especially easy to root for. She's wholly sympathetic, but she's also brave, compassionate, determined, and devoted to the people and the country she loves. Plotwise, Artifice starts off a bit slowly. It gains momentum as it goes, though, and quickly turns into a tense, engrossing read that kept me racing through its pages until after one in the morning. I couldn't put it down because I had so much concern for Isa, her friends, and what was going to happen to them all. Cameron always makes me care! It's true that I found the whole subject of art a little off-putting since I know nothing about that world. Most of the references to specific artists and paintings went right over my ignorant head and I found Isa's constant references to color a tad annoying. Still, I enjoyed learning about how paintings are forged, especially in relation to its collection by the Nazis. I'd never read a book on the subject before and it really is fascinating. All things considered, I very much enjoyed this beautiful, moving book, another gem from Cameron. Even if you're not an art lover, I recommend Artifice to anyone who enjoys absorbing historical fiction.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs); violence; blood/gore; and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Artifice from the generous folks at Scholastic Press via those at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Snowy Thriller Doesn't Quite Live Up to the Promise of Its Premise
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
A student at a special arts high school in San Diego, 18-year-old Mira Hayes is heading home to Pittsburgh to spend the holidays with her mother. Christmas Day will be the first anniversary of her mom's twin sister's death and Mira knows her mom's anxiety and depression will be through the roof. Mira needs to be there for her. As her plane descends into Newark, however, Mira gets some bad news: worsening winter weather has grounded all flights out. Phoning home only increases her worry about her mother's mental health, so when Mira's glamorous seatmate from the plane offers her a ride home in the car she and some friends are renting, Mira accepts.
It doesn't take many hours on the road for Mira to realize that something is not right with the situation. Not only are her four fellow passengers not friends with each other, but they're actually complete strangers. As the weather grows increasingly stormy and important items—like cell phones and laptops—go missing from the car, Mira finds herself more and more cut off from the outside world with people she's finding harder and harder to trust. With no way to contact her mother or anyone else, she's not just nervous, she's terrified. Discovering alarming secrets about each of her traveling companions only increases her fear. Although the storm outside is nasty and threatening, it's nothing compared to the danger Mira faces inside the car ...
The premise of Five Total Strangers, the newest YA novel by Natalie D. Richards, is a simple but compelling one. When I first read the plot summary, I knew I had to read this book. Unfortunately, the promise of the premise didn't pan out as well as I wanted it to. The novel is definitely atmospheric, with a tense, unsettling vibe that makes the story deliciously suspenseful. That's what kept me reading. It certainly wasn't the characters, who are almost wholly unlikable. As far as plot goes, the tale is engrossing and compelling, even if a lot of it feels contrived. Not all of the plot elements make logical sense—some of them go nowhere at all while others never come full circle. In spite of these irritants, Five Total Strangers sucked me in and kept me turning pages. I didn't end up loving it like I wanted to, but I liked it well enough to keep reading. Overall, it was just an okay read for me.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a bit of No Exit by Taylor Adams)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Five Total Strangers with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Tense, Gritty Survival Story Is Hatchet for a New Generation
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Sequoiah "Jess" Cooper's mother dies in a car accident, the 16-year-old is sent to live with her father, a survivalist whom she hasn't seen in ten years. Although he officially resides in Alaska, Carl Green really lives in a rustic cabin in a remote stretch of the Canadian wilderness. There's no running water, no electricity, no cell phone coverage, no Internet, and no other people. It's just the way Carl likes it. Jess, on the other hand, feels like she's time traveled to the 1800s; she needs to find a way to beam herself back to civilization and the sooner, the better.
Jess has only started getting to know her father when two men helicopter in, murder Carl, and set fire to his cabin. A horrified Jess is left alone without food or shelter to fend for herself in a strange, hostile environment. With no way to communicate with the outside world, she can't call in the authorities. Knowing her father's killers will return, she has only one option—prepare herself. With a frigid winter on the horizon, it will take all of Jess's skill just to stay alive. But that's not her only goal. She will bring her father's murderers to justice, even if it costs her her own life, which it probably will ...
I Am Still Alive, a debut YA novel by romance writer Kate Alice Marshall, tells a tense, gritty tale about one girl's determination to survive against all odds. Jess is a tough, determined heroine, one for whom it's easy to root. Her story is spare and grim, but it's also exciting and thoroughly engrossing. I couldn't put it down. If you like Hatchet-type stories, be sure to give this one a go.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of the Hatchet series by Gary Paulsen as well as other outdoor survival stories)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, and blood/gore
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of I Am Still Alive from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Wednesday, March 07, 2018
First Mystery in Intriguing Trilogy a Clever, Confounding Delight
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Ellingham Academy has never been a typical school. Opened in 1936 by an eccentric millionaire who delighted in puzzles and games, the institution features trapdoors, dank catacombs, hidden rooms, and other surprises even its founder didn't know about. Perched atop a craggy mountain in Vermont, its isolated campus wouldn't appeal to most teens. An average adolescent would be put off not just by the school's remote location, but also by its haunted history. Not long after the school opened, a villain dubbed "Truly Devious" struck, kidnapping the founder's wife and 3-year-old daughter. Despite a paid ransom, only Irene Ellingham's corpse was returned. While the body of a murdered student was also discovered, the fate of little Alice Ellingham remains unknown, the case long gone cold. Even 80 some years later, it's enough to spook an ordinary kid. Which Ellingham students certainly are not. Still.
While the unsolved crimes—ancient though they may be—might make some students uneasy, Stephanie "Stevie" Bell cannot wait to get to Ellingham Academy. A true crime aficionado, the 16-year-old is itching to have a go at the school's unsolved mysteries. With unparalleled access to campus, she has everything she needs to find out what happened to Alice. And she intends to do just that.
When "Truly Devious" strikes once again at Ellingham, however, Stevie's shaken to her core. Turns out, murder isn't nearly as glamorous in real life as it seems in the movies. Still, she knows she must put her detecting skills to use. With two cases—one cold and one horrifyingly fresh—she has her work cut out for her.
I'm a big fan of Maureen Johnson's Shades of London series, so when I heard she was penning a new series, I couldn't wait to check it out. Truly Devious, the first installment in a planned trilogy, introduces the intriguing setting, its twisty mysteries, and a whole host of colorful characters. There's a lot going on in this novel, it's true, but the story never feels cluttered, confusing, or dull. On the contrary, it's engaging, funny, and—since you're never quite sure what exactly is going on—suspenseful. Because Truly Devious is the first book, naturally it ends without answers to every question. Still, it's a satisfying tale that will leave you salivating for its sequel. If you can't tell, I loved this one. My 16-year-old daughter didn't even wait until I finished the book to start devouring it herself. She adored it as well. Now we just have to wait patiently for A WHOLE YEAR before Book 2 comes out. Argh.
(Readalikes: Although there's no magic at Ellingham Academy, Truly Devious does feel a little Harry Potter-ish)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (1 F-bomb, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, depictions of underage drinking, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Truly Devious from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, March 06, 2015
This Star Won't Go Out: Surviving Thyroid Cancer is Almost Guaranteed—Except When It Isn't
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer back in 2009, I heard a lot of people say, "Well, if you have to have cancer, that's the best kind to have." This is true. With a survival rate of 97-100%, it's a whole lot more common to survive it than otherwise. There are, however, exceptions. Like Ester Earl, a 12-year-old girl from Massachusetts, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2006. Four years later, it killed her.
Famous because of her friendship with popular YA author John Green (although The Fault in Our Stars is not based on Ester's life, it is dedicated to her), Ester became known for her bubbly personality, her positive outlook on life, and her courage in the face of a devastating illness. She was a prolific writer, crafting many journal entries, as well as stories and letters, in her short life. These pieces, along with some of Ester's sketches, many photos, and essays from family and friends have been collected into a thick, inspiring book titled This Star Won't Go Out. Published last year, it quickly became a New York Times bestseller. My 13-year-old daughter begged me to get it for her for Christmas because it's one of her all-time favorite books.
Although This Star Won't Go Out has been touching people's hearts for awhile now, I only read it a few months ago. For a book about a kid with cancer, it's surprisingly upbeat. It's also heartfelt, affecting, and deserving of the hype it's received. Ester's writing emphasizes the fragility of life and the importance of holding on to faith, family, friends, and hope when trials come into your life. As someone whose world has been changed forever by thyroid cancer, I appreciated these words of wisdom that helped me remember never to take life for granted. It's an important message delivered by a talented writer who continues to share her experiences for the good of others (see tswgo.org).
(Readalikes: Hm, nothing comes to mind except The Fault in Our Stars by John Green)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), mild sexual innuendo, and intense subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
YA Novel Tackles the "Real" in Reality TV
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Bonnie Baker knows better than most how little real exists in reality television. As a former star of the hit series Baker's Dozen (think Jon & Kate Plus Eight), she spent most of her childhood in front of a camera. The crew filmed her every trial and tantrum, stealing private family moments to air for all the world to see. Until Bonnie snapped. Her breakdown caused an international scandal, shut down the show, and turned her personal tragedy into nothing more than a juicy piece of celebrity gossip.
In the four years since the show went bust, Bonnie's done her best to move on. She re-named herself, changed her look, and enrolled in public school. None of Bonnie's friends or classmates know her true identity—and she intends to keep it that way. Chloe Baker prefers a quiet life, filled with nothing more exotic than trig homework and game nights at home with the family.
Unfortunately for Bonnie/Chloe, the normal life she's so carefully constructed for herself is about to explode. To see the stunned 17-year-old's reaction to this shocking turn of events, you just have to tune in to Baker's Dozen: a Fresh Batch. It's true, Chloe's worst nightmare is coming to pass. A new spin-off of the original series has been created. Once again, she's a t.v. star. Once again, her every move will be tracked by camera crews and paparazzi vultures. Once again, she has no choice in the matter.
Except this time, maybe she does. What will Chloe's rebellion cost her? Everything. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Probably. Maybe. The more she tries to stand up for herself, the less sure of herself she becomes. Will Chloe cave under all the pressure and guilt being stacked on her shoulders and cooperate with the show's producers? Or can she save herself and her siblings from the insanity that's already ruining their lives? There's only one thing Chloe knows for sure: whatever happens, Fresh Batch will end in a tear-jerking, drama-filled, Hollywood-worthy finale.
Unlike a lot of people, I couldn't care less what happens on The Bachelor. Or Big Brother. Or Iron Chef. Case in point: I had to Google "popular reality shows" to even come up with those titles! I am, however, fascinated by the psychology behind the phenom that is reality t.v.: Why would anyone agree to have a camera record every step they take, broadcasting their private struggles to the world? Why are viewers so obsessed with watching the petty dramas of someone else's life—especially when we all know none of it is real? And what kind of damage does this do to the stars of such series, especially the children?
These are the questions Heather Demetrios explores in her debut novel, Something Real. Although the story involves plenty of the kind of drama you'd expect—dodging the paparazzi; dealing with unwelcome, often engineered surprises; having your newest zit broadcast on national television, etc.—at its heart, the novel is about family. And finding your place in the world, even when asserting yourself means hurting other people. Told in the funny, sarcastic voice of Bonnie/Chloe, the story still manages to be both thoughtful and hopeful. I had my issues with Something Real, of course, but overall, it's a compelling, well-written tale that's every bit as riveting as any episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians (at least, so I'm told).
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, depictions of underage drinking/partying, and sexual innuendo/content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Something Real from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, August 03, 2012
Good Sister/Bad Sister Murder Mystery Leaves Me Feeling Duped (and that's not a good thing!)
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Abby Goodwin has spent her whole life defending her screw-up little sister. At least that's how it seems. She's stuck up for 15-year-old Maya when she broke curfews, came home drunk, fooled around with boys, experimented with drugs—everything. Even the girls' parents have given up on Maya. Not Abby. She'll always be there for sister, no matter what.
Then, Abby stumbles across the dead body of one of the most popular boys at her high school. When she finds Maya's cell phone near the corpse, she's stunned. Since Maya hasn't been home in weeks, Abby's not sure where to find her—she just knows she has to get to her sister before the police do. Determined to protect Maya, regardless of what she may have done, Abby vows to find the real killer. Maya has her problems, but she couldn't have murdered the guy she loved, could she? As Abby investigates the crime, she's less and less sure of her sister's innocence ...
For me, The Deadly Sister by Eliot Schrefer is one of those like-the-premise-not-the-execution type of books. Novels about sister relationships always intrigue me and one played out against the backdrop of a murder sounded even more interesting. And it would have been, had it been done well. But, Schrefer's story got very unrealistic very fast. The characters weren't developed enough, the plot gets seriously contrived, Schrefer tells more than shows and there's a twist at the end of the story that literally made me grind my teeth in irritation. I can't say much without being spoiler-y, but the phrase "cheap tricks" comes to mind. Making me feel duped is so not the way for an author/book to win my eternal love. Hence the "D" grade. Yeah, 'nough said.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't really think of anything. Suggestions?)
Grade: D
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (no F-bombs), sexual innuendo/content, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Deadly Sister from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!
Then, Abby stumbles across the dead body of one of the most popular boys at her high school. When she finds Maya's cell phone near the corpse, she's stunned. Since Maya hasn't been home in weeks, Abby's not sure where to find her—she just knows she has to get to her sister before the police do. Determined to protect Maya, regardless of what she may have done, Abby vows to find the real killer. Maya has her problems, but she couldn't have murdered the guy she loved, could she? As Abby investigates the crime, she's less and less sure of her sister's innocence ...
For me, The Deadly Sister by Eliot Schrefer is one of those like-the-premise-not-the-execution type of books. Novels about sister relationships always intrigue me and one played out against the backdrop of a murder sounded even more interesting. And it would have been, had it been done well. But, Schrefer's story got very unrealistic very fast. The characters weren't developed enough, the plot gets seriously contrived, Schrefer tells more than shows and there's a twist at the end of the story that literally made me grind my teeth in irritation. I can't say much without being spoiler-y, but the phrase "cheap tricks" comes to mind. Making me feel duped is so not the way for an author/book to win my eternal love. Hence the "D" grade. Yeah, 'nough said.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't really think of anything. Suggestions?)
Grade: D
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (no F-bombs), sexual innuendo/content, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Deadly Sister from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!
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