New books to look for! (and drool over)

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan	The Light by D.J. MacHale	Hell's Heroes by Darren Shan
Living Hell by Catherine Jinks	The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen	Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan
Destiny's Path by Frewin Jones	Illyria by Elizabeth Hand	For the Win by Cory Doctorow
The Cardturner by Louis Sachar	Little Vampire Women by Lynn Messina	Thirteen Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han	By Royal Command, a James Bond Adventure, book 5 by Charlie Higson	Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

The Ninja Listens to. . .The Everafter by Amy Huntley

At first, Maddy doesn't know where she is. She has no body, no real senses. She seems to be. . .nowhere. But then she realizes: she's dead. Around her, barely illuminated enough to see, float objects that she soon recognizes as things she lost when she was alive. A piece of homework, a baby rattle, a hairclip, an orchid, even a single piece of popcorn.

When Maddy touches these objects and imagines holding or using them, she is transported back to that moment in her life. She eventually finds that she can not only view these memories, but actually re-live and even change them. But changing a moment means that other parts of her life change, too. And that might not be a good thing, especially when Maddy doesn't even remember how she died.

* * * * *
I listened to the MP3 version of this novel, then later went back and re-read some of it in book format. The audio version is read by Tavia Gilbert, who is wonderful at portraying the helplessness Maddy feels as she simply exists and re-lives pieces of her life.

Author Amy Huntley uses an interesting technique in telling her story; As Maddy touches each lost object and relieves moments in her life, she does so in a random order. One chapter might be when she is 17 and the next when she is 5. There is even a chapter when she is a baby. As confusing as this sounds like it might be, it really isn't. Amy Huntley does this in a way that we not only learn more about Maddy, but we learn more and more about her friends and loved ones, including her mother and sister, her best friend Sandra, and her boyfriend Gabe. I actually found myself anticipating Maddy re-visiting certain periods in her life, so I would say the author uses this technique very well in order to build up the reader's anticipation and even a sense of foreshadowing.

I have read some reviews of this that say there is no real happy ending. Some people were even depressed by the ending. I didn't feel that way. I felt that the ending gives hope. Maddy was given a chance not only to re-visit her life but to learn about life in general, learn about herself, and better understand everyone she knew and loved.

If you want to read something that is different, very emotional, and a little bit supernatural, give this one a try and you may be surprised.

The Ninja Reviews. . .The Season by Sarah MacLean

It is 1815 and Napoleon has escaped from Elba Island and is rallying his troops, but not even the threat of war can dampen the beginning of the Spring Season for the elite English society known as the ton. Most young women look forward to and prepare for their entrance into society for years, but not Ella, Vivi, and Alex.

Eleanor Redburn, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Marlborough, wants only to write novels like the anonymous author of her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. Vivian Markwell, daughter of the Marquess of Langford, believes that her one true love is waiting for her to find him but realizes that marrying for love is not socially acceptable. Alexandra Stafford, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Worthington, is angered and confused by the unfair strictures society places on women and wants nothing more than to buck tradition.

These three intelligent and beautiful young women discover that there is more to the life of a debutant than attending balls and soirees when they accidentally discover a spy hiding in their midst. Will they be able to manage their suitors, catch a spy and avoid falling in love?

I have to confess that I LOVE Regency England and I LOVE Regency Romances even more. The glitter of the ballrooms. The one-of-a-kind gowns. The courtly manners. All make for a wonderful escape from the realities of the twenty first century. And since this book combines my two favorite things (Regency England AND Romance) I have to tell you I could NOT put it down. The friendship of Alex, Vivi, and Ella is endearing and vital to the storyline. The desire of the girls to become more than just wives and mothers in a time when that was all that was expected (and allowed) of them presents a dilemma that is not easily resolved. The discovery of a French spy in the heart of the ton creates an enjoyable mystery that will keep you guessing.

Oh, and did I mention there are MANY titled men of the Aristocracy running around in knee britches? I had to save the best part for last! Alex’s three older brothers create a nice comic relief through their teasing and tormenting of the girls. Then there is Gavin Sewell, the brooding Earl of Blackmoor, and all I have to say about him is “YUM”!

The Season is Sarah MacLean’s first YA novel and is a 2010 Texas Long Star book. It is thoroughly enjoyable and a perfect introduction to Regency Romance at its finest!

Waiting on your copy of The Season? Try these:

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede

Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle

Learn more about Regency England here.


Review written by Angela

The Ninja Listens to. . .Fat Cat by Robin Brande

Oh, how I love Robin Brande. Seriously, people. Robin Brande is such a breath of fresh air in teen fiction that when I read one of her books it's like I'm in the Swiss Alps breathing, you know, fresh air.

In Fat Cat, super-smart and super-overweight Cat, in an effort to conduct a science fair experiment that is sure to be more brilliant than her former-childhood-best-
friend-turned-arch-nemesis Matt McKinney, vows to live for 7 months (as closely as possible, anyway) the way Homo erectus did about, oh, roughly 2 million years ago. This means that Cat essentially becomes vegan, gives up her computer, her cell phone, driving her car, using a microwave, and even, dare I say it, wearing makeup.

At first, Cat's parents and her best friend Amanda aren't too sure this is a great idea, let alone a possibility. Cat is seriously overweight and totally reliant on candy bars and soda. But as Cat's experiment progresses, the support she receives from her family and best friend grows and Cat herself starts to become, well, hot. Before she knows it, her experiment takes on a new phase (one that involves some serious kissing), and she becomes more determined than ever to prove that she is smarter and better than that jerk Matt McKinney.

Let me just say that I have always been a meat eater. I love me some bacon and I prefer steaks cooked really rare. But this book, which I listened to on audio 2 1/2 weeks ago, actually inspired me to eat better. I have totally given up drinking soda (Oh, Dr. Pepper - I miss you!) and I haven't had a hamburger since finishing the book.

That being said, I don't think this book will inspire everyone to change their diet like I am. My point is that Robin Brande is such an amazing writer that I was totally sucked into the story. I was rooting for Cat the whole way. Best friend Amanda is the most awesome fictional best friend in the history of literature (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. . .) and Amanda's boyfriend Jordan is equally amazing.

I did not find the vegetarian/vegan aspects of the book to be preachy at all. Cat never looks down on someone else for eating badly. How could she? She spent the last 4 or 5 years putting on weight and eating terribly. I love the way Cat develops a relationship with her little brother who, before her experiment, was always just kind of there in her life.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in science or someone who likes stories about people who used to be best friends and what happened that made the friendship end (yeah, I'm a sucker for those types of stories). If you haven't read anything by Robin Brande, give her a chance! You won't be disappointed.


A few other titles you might enjoy if you like Fat Cat:

Schooled by Gordon Korman

Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

The Ninja Reviews. . .Pop by Gordon Korman

After his parent’s divorce, Marcus Jordan moves with his mom to a small town in upstate New York. Marcus LOVES football and played JV ball at his school in Kansas so he is excited to discover that the local high school team was undefeated last season. His goal is to make the Varsity team and be their starting quarterback. Not knowing anyone in town, Marcus begins practicing by himself at the park by his house until one day he is joined by Charlie, a huge man, who wants to play with him. Charlie is merciless in his tackling and throwing and Marcus rises to the challenge. Marcus soon discovers that his new playmate is none other than Charlie Popovich (aka The King of Pop) a retired NFL lineman. Armed with new techniques, Marcus tries out for the team only to discover that the quarterback position is already taken by Troy Popovich, Charlie’s son.

Meanwhile, Troy’s antagonism grows as Marcus cements his position as blocker on the varsity team and begins hanging out with Allie, Troy’s ex-girlfriend. Then there is the fact that Troy’s dad seems to like hanging out more with Marcus than his own son. Not to mention the dark fear Troy has that he will turn out to be like his dad. Keeping the family’s secret is weighing heavily on Troy. How can he continue to play football knowing what he does?

I have to tell you that Gordon Korman is one of my all time favorite YA authors. He is the bomb! He Rocks! He is full of awesome! I will read ANYTHING he writes— books, blog, grocery list. You don’t have to even like football to love the storytelling in this novel. And as always, Korman is not afraid to TACKLE hot issues and bring them to young readers. Read it or find yourself at the bottom of the pile!

Other great books by the G-Man (yes, I can call him that since I’m his #1 fan):

The Juvie Three

Schooled

Born to Rock

review by Angela

Texas Book Festival - teen authors galore

Where can you go to see about a dozen young adult authors all in the same place? The Texas Book Festival! From Saturday, October 31st to Sunday, November 1st, you can join in on discussions with some of your favorite authors and get your books signed. For more information, go to their website (linked above). A list of attending authors is below.


Jessica Lee Anderson
Libba Bray
P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Rosemary Clement-Moore
Heather Hepler
Daniel & Dina Nayeri
Rick Riordan
Benjamin Alire Saenz
Rene Saldana, Jr.
Anita Silvey
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Sara Zarr

Penguin Offers Online YA Author Episodes!

Hey there, everyone! :)

Penguin has announced the start of a brand new interactive feature on their website dubbed YA Central; they plan to feature interviews, Q & A sessions, and conversations with current YA authors. They're just getting started, so only three authors are accessible at the moment - Laurie Halse Anderson, John Green & Laura Myracle. Why not stop by and watch an episode or two? You just might learn some interesting new facts about these authors and their books.

Contests!!

If you don't normally read author blogs, you SHOULD because these people are super-fabulous and also crazy because they give away their books and other goodies! There are also a lot of YA Librarians, Booksellers, and Readers who keep blogs and have monthly contests.

Here are some authors and YA lovers currently hosting contests. Just click on the author/blog name to find out more about each contest:

Linda Gerber
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Linda will post sporadically about different YA books and their authors. Find an entry with a book you'd like to have, then comment on that entry about your most favorite pair of blue jeans.

Elizabeth Scott
This one involves taking a photo of one of the author's books.

Carrie's YA Bookshelf
May Contest! Leave a comment on the entry to win.

Reviewer X
Epic Contest: The Chosen One - 50 copies available! Leave a comment, email the blogger. There are a few ways to win.

Reverie Book Reviews
Summer Massive Contest!!! Leave a comment, names will be drawn and you can win more than one book.

My Favorite Author
May Contest: Write a 100 word Faerie story.

Free Book Friday
There's a new book to win every week!