Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins

Title: DemonGlass
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Pages: 359
Publisher: Hyperion
Source: Borders Book Store, Denver







Back of Book Summary:
      Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodiuium (a.k.a. witches, shapeshifters, and faeries). But then she discovered the family secret, and the fact that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.
     Turns out, Sophie's a demon, on of only two in the world- the other being her father. What's worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will either destroy her powers for good- or kill her. But once Sophie arrives, she makes a shocking discovery. Her new housemates? They're demons too. Meaning, someone is raising demons in secret, with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they're using Archer to do it. But it's not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

 My Review:
Characters:
   I was instantly drawn into this novel through the main character, Sophie Mercer. Sophie is a demon with a sarcastic witty quip at the ready. When she is stressed, scared, overwhelmed by love, or trying to wheedle her way out of the trouble she and her powers have managed to get her into, there is always a sarcastic comment on the tip of her tongue. As a naturally sarcastic person, I found these to be extremely humorous and delightful.
    Jenna- Sophie's vampire best friend is also a very fun and lovable character. She and Sophie display the typical A-Typical relationship of two teenage best friends. There is jealousy and angsty problems for these two deal with on top of the world ending troubles that threaten there friendship. 
    Cal and Archer- Sophie's two love interests are well crafted. Both equally cryptic in their intentions toward Sophie, both equally heart-throbby in their different and unique ways, and both equally troublesome to Sophie's choices.
    All of these characters- protagonists and antagonists alike- add to the fun and incredibly delightful mystery that Hawkins weaves.

Plot/Conflict/Theme:
   This series just keeps getting better. The conflicts in this novel range in their degree- from minor I-don't-want-to-wear-a-crown-on-my-birthday, to the mediocre umm-control-your-powers-or-shatter-a-million-mirrors, or ending with the extreme OMG-my-life-might-end-this-second-if-that-ghoul-gets-is-nasty-hands-on-me-HELP. These extremely fun and slightly dangerous conflicts lead to an even more hilarious and complex-stomach-lurching-turn-of-event-cliff-hanging second book.

Quality of Writing:
      Rachel Hawkins' writing if fun and lighthearted. There is something about her word play,  complex characters, and intriguing plot that is magic. Right now, as Sophie might say, "I'm drunk on magic and it might make me explodey if the next book doesn't come out soon."









Favorite Line: Sophie's dad is trying to teach her how to control her power. She just destroyed a roomful of mirrors during their 1st lesson. This is part of the conversation that follows. It has some wonderfully witty words!

     "I whirled around. Dad was still standing at the window, but he was holding both his hands out, and there was a fine sheen of sweat on his face. When he dropped his arms, he sagged against the widow seat and took a deep breath.
     'I'm sorry!' I blurted out. 'I told you, I suck at this. It's like any time I try to do a spell, it goes all big and scary and explodey, and-'
     Dad rubbed his forehead. 'No, Sopie, it's all right. That's what I'd hoped you would do.'
     'You hoped I'd commit mirrorcide?'"(Hawkins 152-153).




  Rating:
Book: I for Incredible
Cover: I for Incredible

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Pages:  352 (on the nook 196)
Publisher: Hyperion
Source: Barnes and Noble Nookbook







Back of Book Summary:

     Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father—an elusive European warlock—only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
     By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
     As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

My Review:
Characters:
   Sophie and her group of Prodigium are delightful. The reader instantly falls in love with Sophie, her angsty vampire friend, the 'evil' witches who are trying to form a coven (forgive the word choice, I had to keep it clean- I wanted to use another word which would have provided some literary depth to my prose via assonance- JK me really- literary depth?), the grudge holding shapeshifters, and the out-for-blood-because-your-father-sentenced-me-here-to-teach-you-snot-nosed-juvenile-delinquents. Each one of these characters draws you further into the story. Enjoy.
     
Plot/Conflict/Theme:
      Similar to the characters, the plot has the reader wrapped around it's pinky finger. I couldn't put this book down. I was intrigued by the mystery that had enveloped Sophie and her new home at Hex Hall. I kept asking myself- yes- If you have to know, I'll admitted- I asked the questions aloud. 
Who could be committing these terrible crimes? Did Alice have anything to do with them? Jenna? Archer? The Vandy? Were Archer and Sophie ever going to discuss their growing attraction for one another, or let Elodie come between their potentially great- Romeo-and-Juliet- die for you love? I know- the vital question always comes at the end right? Ah-no, I'm not sappy or anything. I only focus on the important things when life around you is potentially experiencing apocalyptic type destruction.
      Well-to say the least. I loved this book and everything about it.

Quality of Writing:
   This novel was well crafted, balancing humor, sarcasm, difficult relationships, and complex and mysterious plot elements. Way to go Rachel Hawkins. I anxiously await your next novel and your new series!!


Rating:
Book:  I for Incredible
Cover: I for Incredible

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Pages: 272
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Source: Glenwood Spring Library







Back of Book Summary:

After traveling down a snow covered road in Oregon with her family, seventeen-year-old Mia is in a terrible auto accident. With the blink of an eye, she is suddenly watching her mangled body being taken from the wreck and experiences a life-changing out of body experience.

 My Review:
Characters:
    I liked the characters in If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Forman does an excellent job creating a fun, kind of eccentric, family. Each member unique in their own way, but also similar. All of them are a little rebellious and linked to music. Mia and her brother Teddy remind me a little of my brother and I- only our situation is switched. He was the protective older brother, and I the younger more vulnerable little sister. This connection with the characters is what kept me reading.
   For the most part I found the family and the characters to be authentic and three dimensional. However, there were some inconsistencies that I found out of place, throwing the story out of whack for me, but maybe I have a skewed perspective on what parents are really like/should be like.
1) I don't think that it is realistic that a parent of a high school girl would allow his/her child to stay out all night with a college student and not be remotely upset about it.
2) Along the same lines, a parent wouldn't be terrible supportive of their High School student drinking. 3) Again- there seemed to be little true 'adult supervision' or intervention when Mia made decisions that were not positive for a typical 17 year old high school student.

Plot/Conflict/Theme:
   The conflict- Mia being separated from her body in a horrible car accident fell flat. The author spent much of the time recalling past events in Mia's life. While interesting, it wasn't directly attached to the main question- Should I fight to stay alive or not? There didn't seem to be very much deliberation about staying or passing on.
   Like the conflict, there were some pieces of the plot that seemed flat when compared to the characters that Forman created. There was little tension built after the inciting incident that left the reader wanting.
  Theme- well, I'm not really sure about this one. Most of the ties that bound Mia to her life were severed, but the one or two remaining didn't seem reason enough to stay. I had a difficult time sorting out the message that the author was trying to convey in this story.
   
Quality of Writing:
   The author crafted the story well- in that Gayle Forman's writing had a flow to it that allowed the reader to move rhythmically from past events in Mia's life to her current predicament in the hospital.

Rating:
Book:  L for Lacking
Cover: B for Basically Brilliant- The cover is has an eerie and mysterious effect.

Gorgeous

Title: Gorgeous
Author: Rachel Vail
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 271
Source: CO Teen Literature Conference Bookstore







Back of Book Summary:
     Allison Avery's cell phone is possessed- literally. Maybe. Growing up between two sisters of blond beauty, fiery and sarcastic Allison is fed up with being invisible. When the devil appears in a dream and offers to trade Allison good looks for her cell phone, she makes the deal. How much damage can a little phone do anyway?

     Allison begins to get tons of attention: new friends, a boyfriend, a chance to win a modeling contest. Is it all the devil's work, or is something more mysterious happening?


My Review:
Characters:
    Allison Avery is a fun character, though not as fiery and sarcastic as the summary implies. As the novel progresses, she begins to stand up for herself, and becomes more and more fiery. I had a difficult time empathizing with Allison in the novel because she wasn't the character I had been introduced to in Rachel Vail's first novel, Lucky.
    The one character that I really enjoyed was Roxanne Greene. I enjoyed her character, finding her amusing and authentic. The other character that I found to be authentically crafted was Allison's ex-best friend Jade. There is always the one friend who thinks they know what is best for you, but what that is is usually what they think is best for THEM.

Plot/Conflict/Theme:
   When I first heard about this book, I just couldn't wait to read it. I thought that plot would be very clever and entertaining. I was sorely disappointed. The 1st half of the novel was telling Phoebe's story in Lucky from Allison's point of view. It felt like someone was summarizing what I had just read. I had expected the story to pick up where Phoebe's story ended. It did eventually, but it was so far into the book that there was little of the story left. Similar to Lucky, Gorgeous leaves its meaty and interesting plots/conflicts/and themes to the very end. The potential was there for Ms. Vail to burrow deep into the superficial world of money and modeling, and create well developed themes and conflicts to capture the heart of the reader, but she fell short.

Quality of Writing:
   The quality of writing was okay, but again, I felt like much of the story was spent summarizing what was happening instead of really delving in and creating a world for the reader to immerse themselves into. There were some clever lines and interesting word play, but for the most part it was only average.

Favorite Line: Allison is having an important conversation with Jade.

"[...] A person needs her friends to believe in her more than she believes in herself. Not less. A good friend sticks with you even wehn weird stuff happens- even when good stuff happens" (Vail 260).


Rating:
Book:  A for Average
Cover: A for Average

Fire

Title: Fire
Author: Kristin Cashore
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Pages: 461

Source: Glenwood Springs Public Library







Back of the book Summary:
In the Companion Book to Graceling, turmoil plagues the land of Dells. Armies in the norther and southern regions build strength and prepare to invade King City and dethrone young King Nash. Outside the city, in the forests and mountains, spies and thieves lurk and loot. Young Fire, a girl who possesses irresistible beauty and can influence others' minds, resides here, and as her world crumbles with the looming war, she desperately searches for a way to save it.

My Review:
Characters:
    I love Fire. Cashore sculpts Fire brillantly. Fire is conflicted over her inner desires as a monster, her monster upbringing, worry over abusing her monster powers, and convincing others of her kindhearted and loyal disposition. The Characters- especially Archer, Brigan, and Nash are full of life dragging me into their world in the Dell. I can feel Fire's pain and conflicted nature. I can witness Brigan's touching interaction between him and his daughter Hannah. I can feel Archer's soul shattering disappointment when Fire turns away from his proposal. The characters are masterfully created to draw the reader into their story...to be a witness to their lives.

Plot/Conflict/Theme:
    The plot develops wonderfully. The twist and turns interlock beautifully. Each new development, conversation, and  interaction between characters builds almost unbearable tension for the reader. The reader is left with no choice but to continue reading to figure out how Brigan and Fire's relationship is developing. How is Archer feeling? What is the status of the developing war between the Lords?

Quality of Writing:
    Cashore's writing is well done. I enjoyed the rhythm and flow of her words unfolding the story before me. If it weren't for Cashore's ability to mold her words, her stories wouldn't be near as intoxicating to the reader.

Rating:
Book:  I for Incredible
Cover: B for Basically Brillant

Rikers High

Title: Rikers High
Author: Paul Volponi
Publisher: Speak- The Penguin Group
Pages: 246
Source: COTeen Literature Conference Book Store







Back of Book Summary:
At only seventeen years of age, Martin Stokes is arrested and jailed for something he didn't mean to do. And five months later, he is still in prison on Rikers Island. Just when things couldn't get worse, Martin gets caught in a fight, and his face is slashed. Scarred forever, there is one good thing that comes from the attack: Martin is transferred to a different part of Rikers where inmates must attend high school. There he meets a teacher who gives him hope. But can Martin take the help he is offered, or will he be consumed with getting revenge on his attackers?

My Review:
Characters:
Paul Volponi creates authentic characters in Rikers High. Martin, the main character, is brought to life through the descriptions and interactions with other characters. Ritz, Jessup, Sanchez, Brick, and Shaky are all inmates in Rikers. These characters each play a significant role in developing the authenticity of the novel. Paul Volponi pulls from his background knowledge to create this range of characters. In addition to the inmates, Volponi does an excellent job creating a diverse group of teachers and COs. I appreciate, as a teacher myself, the attention to the diverse teaching style of each of the teachers. Not everyone good, not everyone bad reflects the truth of teachers in a school.

Plot/Conflict/Theme:
Martin, 'Forty', is cut when he gets in the middle of an attack on another inmate. This inciting incident causes Martin to be removed from the main jail and moved to the Sprung. While at the Sprung, Martin is forced to attend school, at first reluctantly, then he began to enjoy attending classes at the jail high school. Throughout the novel, the inmates encounter various conflicts all depicting the difficulty of surviving each of them bring Martin back to his attack. Martin receives a letter from his father warning him not to fall into the traps and holes that keep inmates in prison for longer if not for life. Martin struggles with trying to avoid the traps and holes because of his conflicted desire for revenge and for freedom.

Quality of Writing:
For the most part Paul Volponi's writing is interesting, but there are weak parts in his writing. The vocabulary for instance is lacking and slightly boring. "Dudes and Herbs" were over used terms to describe other inmates. The lack of variety in word choice cause the reader to loose interest in the story, even though the plot and characters are interesting.

Favorite Line: Martin received a letter from his father. His father shared some advice with Martin. Unfortunately, now Martin and his father have something in common. Jail.
      "He never talked about any problems or if it was rough for him there. But things were different now. I could understand where he was coming from, and he could be straight with me. It felt bad to think about it, but being locked up was something we shared together.
       I kissed and put it in my pocket so I wouldn't lose it" (Volponi 166-167).

Rating:
Book: A for Average
Cover: A for Average

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Fallen Angels

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: McElderry Books

Pages: 424

Source: Barnes and Noble

Back of Book Summary:

The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She’s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And – most important of all- Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her. His mother just found out that he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side – along with the power of the curse that’s wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls- neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Review:

Characters:

            From the start, I have fallen in love with Clary, Jace, Simon, and Isabella in the Mortal Instruments series. The pattern followed suit in the 4^th book: City of Fallen Angels. Cassandra Clare brought these characters alive through her masterful storytelling abilities, so they might befriend the readers. Their pains, joys, struggles, and sacrifices feel like the reader’s pains, joys, struggles, and sacrifices. Even in this world of fantasy that Ms. Clare creates there are certain elements of realism- such as the characters and their day-to-day conflicts- that keeps the story grounded in reality. I rooted for Clary and Jace to solidify their relationship.

Plot/Conflict/Theme:

            The plot is complex. The flow of the story keeps you guessing- Cassandra Clare stays one step ahead of the reader as he or she tries to solve the mystery behind Jace’s tortuous nightmares, Simon’s stalker problems, and the mysterious killings of the former Circle members. Each of these conflicts intertwined together in the clash between Downworlders and Shadowhunters.

            I look forward to reading the next book in this series- as there was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of City of Fallen Angels.

Quality of Writing:

            Cassandra Clare is a master storyteller. Her writing is full of well-developed descriptions of action scenes, characters, and setting. The dialogue is memorable moving the story forward, building tension, and revealing different sides of characters.

Favorite Line: Jace is speaking to Clary about his love for her. I thought it was extremely romantic

“”…You know that line from Dante that I quoted you in the park? ‘L’amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle’? […]” “It’s a bit of the very last verse from Paradiso- Dante’s Paradise. ‘My will and my desire were turned by love, the love that moves the sun and the other stars.’ Dante was trying to explain faith, I think, as an overpowering love, and maybe it’s blasphemous, but that’s how I think of the way that I love you. You came into my life and suddenly I had one truth to hold on to- that I loved you, and you loved me”” (408).          

My Rating:

Book: I for Incredible

Cover: B for Basically Brilliant

Mortal Instruments Series

     Okay- I'm not finished with City of Fallen Angels yet, but I just had to post my utter satisfaction with the novel thus far. I was drawn into the story immediately. The characters are alive and vibrant waltzing off the pages into my imagination, the plot's drawing me into every twist and turn making me sit on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I can barely set my book down to function in this world- good thing its Thursday- I only have a couple of school days left until I can completely abandon to the joy of a lazy day on the couch immersed in a good story.

     If you haven't already read the first three books to the Mortal Instruments series, get started now!

    City of Bones, City of Ashes, and City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Lucky by Rachel Vail

 
Title: Lucky
Author: Rachel Vail
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 233
Source: Colorado's Teen Literature Conference Book Store


Back of Book Summary:
     Phoebe Avery has always been a lucky girl.  Popular, smart, and beautiful, Phoebe has it all. She's even planning the hottest party ever with her four best friends to celebrate their middle school graduation. With the perfect green dress picked out at Neiman Marcus and half her class clamoring for invites, plus a new guy to crush on, Phoebe could not be in a better mood--until it looks like the party might be over before it can even start.
     When Phoebe's family is suddenly faced with losing it all, she discovers that there is more at risk than just her designer jeans. In a town where gossip rules, Phoebe needs to keep everything a secret, or she may lose her friends too. Can lucky Phoebe really be out of luck?

Review:

    Characters: 
                       Initially, I was turned off by the book's characters. Phoebe seemed to be very shallow, I didn't empathize with her situation. Then toward the middle of the book I began to like her and root for her. In the end, Vail succeeded in drawing her reader into the main character. Phoebe became likable and thought provoking as she grew in understanding of her own situation.
                        Phoebe's best friend, Kaitlyn, on the other hand wasn't a character I thought fit with the story. Her character's description and actions didn't reflect the catalyst necessary to cause Phoebe's own change.

     Plot/Conflict/Theme:
                        The plot wasn't what kept me reading, though entertaining, it was slightly predictable. I would have liked a few more twists and/or a conflict that was less shallow and more substantial. Granted there was a underlying theme here that had the potential to take this book to the next level, but didn't quite make it. 

     Quality of Writing: 
                         I loved the quality of writing that Rachel Vail produced. She has a way with words that made the novel play out like music on a piano. The character's dialogue was realistic, and the descriptions brought vivid images to the reader's imagination.

    Favorite Line: Phoebe is speaking at her 8th Grade Continuation.
           "People think fourteen-year-olds are awful, and maybe we are. We're moody and nasty and maybe we sometimes have way too much...you know, personality. Maybe we drive you crazy, but trust me, it doesn't even come close to how crazy we drive one another. Or ourselves. But we don't completely suck" (Vail 222).

My Rating: 
        Book: A for Average
        Cover: B for Brilliant- Book cover was simple and elegant.

My First Blog Entry!!

I've started my first book for the Ink Slinger's Index. I am currently reading Rachel Vail's Lucky. So far the book is filled with humor. I look forward to finding out what happens to main character Phoebe and her friends as they plan their end of the year graduation party!!

CoTeen Literature Conference

     Today I was able to attend a GREAT Colorado Teen Literature Conference dedicated to Young Adult Literature. I was blessed with the time to spend with other bookies like myself.  This was the second time that I was able to really delve into my love of YA literature. 
     Last year the conference was so influential in my teaching that I couldn't justify skipping this year, even when I didn't really have the extra time to spare. Last year I was introduced to NaNoWriMo- National Novel Writing Month- which changed my life, as well as the lives of 47 of my students! I couldn't imagine what was in store for me this year. So far, each year I am impressed with the quality of information and resources that are provided to us as teachers and readers of Youndg Adult Literature. It seems to me that each year I come a way with a new challenge. Last year- write a novel in 30 days- this year... create a blog which inspires young people and...well people my age... to enjoy and embrace a life full of imagined worlds and harsh realities.