Book Review - Jessica Rules the Dark Side

Author: Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Release Date: January 10, 2012
Audience: Young Adult
Source: ARC for review
Reviewed by: Kate
Fiction * Paranormal Romance

Description from GoodReads:
It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

Jessica’s journey is about what happens after the happily ever after. She’s surrounded by men (befanged men) and politics, and in the way of most people starting a new life, needs to find this ‘new’ self. Is it all of the old self, just in better attire? or is it parts of the old self, with new thrown in? 

-State Library of Victoria*

This was a highly anticipated sequel for me. I am completely in love with the journey I took in Beth Fantaskey’s first novel, Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. Beth’s characters are three dimensional. I really enjoyed getting to know them as they got to know each other. I couldn’t imagine what would be next for Jessica and Lucius.

Fantaskey answers this question in Jessica Rules the Dark Side. The tone and mood is unexpectedly a lot darker. I had a bit of trouble getting into the change but I was soon rewarded for my patience. This new direction gives us readers a great chance to see Jessica come into her own as a woman and as a princess. She is dropped in the middle of this world full of old traditions, rituals, rites, and grudges. Jessica is forced to navigate these new waters on her own terms. Will she succeed? Don’t despair, dear readers. Beth gives Jessica some new friends along with her wise-cracking, no-nonsense, bit grumbly best friend, Mindy for help; keeping any Fantaskey fan avidly reading along as Jessica challenges this new world.

Here’s a heads up. Keep a lookout for Raniero, especially. I love characters and Raniero is definitely one to cherish. When you meet him, cliches will abound but persevere. He was one of the best book friends I meet last year. YES, I have book friends. Doesn't everyone?

**Check out The Wedding Chapters for the scoop on Jessica and Lucius’ paranormal and unconventional Wedding, found here:

http://www.bethfantaskey.com/wedding/wedding-chapt1.html

For more information about author Beth Fantaskey, check out her website here: http://www.bethfantaskey.com/

Or you can follow her on twitter: @bethfantaskey

*Quote above used with permission

Nonfiction Picture Book Reviews

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.  Don't forget to stop by The Nonfiction Detectives for their review and giveaway of A Nation of Hope by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

If you are participating in the challenge and would like to link your recent reviews, please add your link to the Mr. Linky below.

As I started to read through several of the books on the January release list, I began to realize that many of them were filled with accurate facts, but were more a fictionalized account of the lives of famous individuals or retelling of a significant tradition set during a historical time period.  Some present things in a somewhat humorous manner and others take a more serious look at the event or person.  Each of the books listed below did include either a list of factual dates and other important information, or included reference material.  I am excited to add each of these to the school library, and believe that teachers and students will enjoy sharing them in class.
 

A Boy Called Dickens
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: John Hendrix
Publisher: Random House (January 10, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Ever wonder who was Charles Dickens as a child and where he got his ideas for all of his books, Deborah Hopkinson obviously has.  In her book A Boy Called Dickens, she takes facts about Charles Dickens' childhood and creates a fictionalized story for those facts.  Written almost in the manner of a Dickens' book, Hopkinson captures the essence of Dickens' little known younger years and helps readers develop a connection as to what life experiences may have resulted in material for his future books.

I really loved John Hendrix's illustrations which complimented the text and conjured up images of how I imagined Dickens' London to look like if it were given an almost cartoon-like twist to them.  The additional layer of words and illustrations that incorporated images from scenes from Dickens' books made this enjoyable picture book more of a winner for me. 

Looking At Lincoln
Author/Illustrator: Maria Kalman
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Starting with the penny and a five dollar bill, Maria Kalman introduces children to the 16th president in quirky but factual manner.  As with the previous title, there is an element of the story being fictionalized but there is accuracy in the facts of the story.  It was particularly interesting for me to pick up a couple of other picture books written at very different times and by very different authors and find that certain aspects of Lincoln's life was prominent in each of the books. 

The often humorous, yet touching look at the life and habits of Lincoln, including his relationship with his wife, and how he stored notes in his hat, made this important president seem even more humble and significant.  The illustrations also done by Kalman add to the feeling of the book, and I especially liked how she tied the story together at the end with the Lincoln Memorial.  Though I believe children ages 7 and up will enjoy the book, I do think the 2nd and 3rd graders may particularly connect to the illustrations and story format.

Those Rebels, Tom & John
Author: Barbara Kerley
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Publisher: Scholastic Press (January 1, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Many children have heard of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, but they may not be able to tell you much about these two important men.  Part biography, part history, this story seeks to provide information for children to better understand the personalities and contributions made by these two historical figures.  The book is filled with many facts which are compiled in a manner that will provide the reader(s) with historical information layered with humor.

There are several very good Revolutionary time period picture books that seek to provide background for students in a manner that is exciting rather than dry.    Fotheringham's cartoon-like illustrations compliment the text and make this one book to consider adding to your collection.

Ellen's Broom
Author: Kelly Starling Lynons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: Penguin (January 5, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

During slavery, African Americans were not allowed to be legally married.  A ceremony involving "jumping the broom" became the traditional way that slave couples would pledge themselves to one another.  In this post Civil War story, a young girl accompanies her parents as they register as lawful husband and wife.  This touching story is based on the author's own family history and shows pride and respect for the traditional customs that were created out of necessity while showing that there was an additional symbol of freedom in being able to participate in legal ceremonies that were once prohibited.  The decorating of the broom and returning it to it's place over the hearth connects the past with the future. 

Don't forget to check in next week, when there will be a special Nonfiction Picture Book giveaway.

Book Review - Clockwork Prince

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date:
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Copy borrowed from a friend

Description from GoodReads:
In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Thoughts on the book:
I am not a reader who focuses on writing style, in particular. I do believe that anyone who can breakdown my mental block when it comes to poetry must have some skill. That being said, I really enjoy the way that Cassandra Clare writes. She is able to create a fully dimensional world without being stuck on her descriptions in general. She has a good feel for the world of Steampunk that her characters inhabit. I never feel like I am being taking miles from the story just to hear about it’s surroundings or atmosphere; that is a very big deal breaker for me. We can also see, as readers, how much she loves books. Her descriptions of them and the libraries they are found in just makes me all the more comfortable in her world allowing my imagination to soar faster and higher.

I mostly read for character and plot. Characters are a strong suit for Cassandra. They come across as human which is the first and most important element to catching the interest of readers, especially this one. The Clockwork Prince gives us a more in-depth look at the relationship between Jem and Will. The elements that I found most endearing were how as parabatai they found new strength in their connection as well as hidden strengths as individuals. The best surprise in this latest installment was the growth in Sophie. I was always intrigued by her origin in the story but in this book, we really get to see her character shine. Henry and Charlotte’s relationship adds an unexpected element of warmth to this book which I was delighted to experience and enjoy. We, also, get a bigger view of the Shadowhunters and their world past and present allowing for some interesting new characters, old enemies and friends (Magnus Bane is one of the best things in this book.) a chance to grow and add some mystery. The only character drawback I experienced was in Tessa. Even as she was going through the turmoil that the overall plot called for, I found myself wishing she could be a little less conflicted and indecisive. Her “will she, won’t she” dragged the action and my reading at times.

The plot is delivered as any second book in my opinion. Mortmain’s role is intriguing but not all that menacing. As a setup for a future confrontation, I do think it works. We are given a small bit of resolution and fuller insight to the mystery of Tessa and Will as individuals so I feel the job of continuing the action was done sufficiently. (Again, let me say that Magnus Bane is a great plot device and I can’t wait to see what he does next.)

Overall, I enjoyed the read and the few surprises it held. I am definitely awaiting the next installment with reserved anticipation.

Thanks Kate for this review of Clockwork Prince.  We are looking forward to more book reviews from you in the future.

Book Review - Hera: The Goddess And Her Glory

Author/Illustrator: George O'Connor
Publisher: First Second (July 19, 2011)
Audience: Young Adult
Source: Copy for Review
Graphic Novel * Mythology * Upper Middle Grade * YA

Description from GoodReads:

The story of Hera, Queen of the Gods, and the heroes who won her favor. 

Volume 3 of Olympians, Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory, introduces readers to the Queen of the Gods and Goddesses in the Pantheon. This volume tells the tales of the many heroes who sought and won Hera’s patronage, most notably Hercules.


In Olympians, O’Connor draws from primary documents to reconstruct and retell classic Greek myths. But these stories aren’t sedate, scholarly works. They’re action-packed, fast-paced, high-drama adventures with monsters, romance, and not a few huge explosions.


O’Connor’s vibrant, kinetic art brings ancient tales to undeniable life, in a perfect fusion of super-hero aesthetics and ancient Greek mythology.

Today I was talking with the Director of a local art center.  We got on the topic of graphic novels and he looked at me and bluntly said "You don't seem like someone who reads graphic novels".  I smiled.  I wasn't insulted by his comment.  There was a point when it would have been true.  I had little interest in something that seemed like glorified comics.  However, as an educator who desperately wants students to read and enjoy reading, I learned to stretch myself and to explore the world of graphic novels and manga.  And guess what?  I fell in love with graphic novels.  I have learned to appreciate both the art and the form of storytelling that comes within the pages of a good graphic novel.  Additionally, it has helped me to hook readers that might not otherwise be interested in a book.

In my journey to discover quality graphic novels to share with students, I discovered the Olympians Series by George O'Connor.  The series begins with Zeus which I felt was good.  However, personally, I thought the second release -  Athena was even better.  This may have had something to do with my personal preference (Athena vs. Zeus), but I also think it may be that O'Connor is growing as an artist and storyteller with each installment.

This brings me to Hera: The Goddess And Her Glory.  I have never been much of a personal fan of Hera.  She just seemed cruel and revengeful on some level.  However, O'Connor has managed to win me over.  Well, I still personally like Athena but with this installment, he has won me over enough to actually feel like this installment is the best in the series. 

O'Connor packs a lot into the 80 pages of this graphic novel.  In addition to the story, he provides an Olympian Family Tree, author notes, facts about key characters, recommendations, and my favorite - The Geek (Greek with the r crossed out) Notes.  Don't miss the Geek Notes.  I can't wait to get back to school and pull out my copies of Zeus and Athena and look up some of the things that O'Connor ties together between the three books.  Hmmmm...I can already imagine how I can turn this into a fun activity to do with kids.

So, sure all these little things are fun, but what is so special about the story you might be asking?  With Hera, O'Connor masterfully chose to focus on two critical parts of Hera's life.  He juxtaposed her life to both Zeus and Heracles (Hercules).  I never really thought of how Hera was in many ways the perfect partner for Zeus (who was no prize of a husband).  She was his equal.  Also, mostly I would have said that she just had it out for Heracles, but O'Connor chose to pull together lesser known stories that when woven together seem to emphasize more the ways that Hera's challenge prepared Heracles to ascend to Olympus.

This is part of O'Connor's brilliance as a storyteller.  The selection of facts/tales that when melded together challenge the reader to see with new eyes.  Will children or teens appreciate it?  Maybe not.  They will likely enjoy O'Connor's humor and wit much more.  However, adult readers will certainly "get it".

Teachers and librarians - Hera: The Goddess And Her Glory is a must have if you loved the previous books.  For those new to the Olympians, you are in for a pleasant surprise.  Also the Olympians are a perfect tie in for fans of Riordan's Percy Jackson Series. 

The Official Olympians Website: http://olympiansrule.com/
Note: Teachers - there are lots of good resources on this      site.

The Official Website for George O'Connor: http://geooco.blogspot.com/

Book Review - Destiny Binds

Author: Tammy Blackwell
Published: CreateSpace (March 3, 2011)
Audience: Young Adult
Source: Personal Copy
Young Adult * Urban Fantasy

Description from GoodReads:
Scout Donovan is a girl who believes in rules, logic, and her lifelong love of Charlie Hagan. Alex Cole believes in destiny, magic, and Scout. When Alex introduces Scout to the world of Shifters, men who change into wolves or coyotes during the full moon and Seers, women who can see your most private thoughts and emotions with a mere touch, the knowledge changes everything and everyone Scout thought she knew.

How do you review a book that you have watched come into being?  To admit that I am biased and partial would be an understatement.  But I can tell you why I like it just like I would any other book.  

When Tammy shared the manuscript for this book with me two years ago, it really did hook me. And I can be brutally honest.  If it moves too slowly or doesn't hold my attention or I don't care about the characters, I will say so.  Yet, as I read this early version of the manuscript, I got excited.  Also, I have read this story through several revisions and again in it's final format.  Trust me, I won't re-read and re-read something unless I honestly like it.  Destiny Binds has several of the qualities that are important to me in a story and for that reason I can easily recommend this for fans of YA paranormal/urban fantasy/romance.   

First, I loved the characters that Tammy created.  Scout, the female protagonist, is bright and feisty and has a great sense of humor.  I like being in her head.  She is a fun narrator.  Then there is her brother - really her step-brother - Jase.  As you can tell from the character interview from yesterday's blog post, they play-off each other in a fun way.  Of course there is Alex, the hunky new guy, and Charlie, the long-time object of hotness.  

Second, books that use just the right level of humor will keep me reading.  Maybe because I am envious of people who can write humor well and not be annoying in the process.  Tammy has a little Joss Whedon mixed in with some Libba Bray in her style of humor.  She is probably the only person that can use all these cultural references that in some books would date the text but she manages to pull it off.  

Third, I have to admit that prior to Destiny Binds and Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, I really hadn't read any books that centered on shape-shifters or what might be commonly referred to "werewolves".  I admit I am more of a vampire girl. (Yeah, don't hold that against me.)  Thanks to Tammy, I might have found a small place in my literary heart for some really cute shape-shifters. 

Finally, any book that makes me care about the characters and what will happen to them is a winner in my mind.  If Tammy doesn't hurry up and write book two I might throw a fit.  Really, I need more of Scout, Alex, Jase, Charlie, Talley and the rest of the gang.  Heck, I just might need to invite her out to California for a writer's retreat so I can catch glimpses of book 2.  If you want a chance to find read Destiny Binds, scroll down and find out how you can win your own copy.              

Tammy Blackwell is the Young Adult Services Coordinator for a public library system in Kentucky. When she's not reading, writing, or cataloging books, she's sleeping.  She is the author of the YA Novel Destiny Binds.  You can follow her on twitter: @miss_tammy or on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissTammyJean

You can find Destiny Binds on Amazon.  Click here.

Complete the form below for a chance to win a signed copy of Destiny Binds.  Please read contest rules carefully.

Rules for the Contest:

1. Please do not enter any personal information in the comments section (it will be deleted if you do), you must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.
2.  The Contest runs from June 18th to 11:59 Pacific Time on June 26, 2011.
3.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.
4.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.
5.  International participants are welcome to enter the contest.