2. Shiver

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Series: Duet
Status: 2
Genre: Young Adult
Tags: Wolves, true love, musical and emotional
Website

Summary:
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Review:
Shiver is a beautiful book, with a story that captivated me from start to finish. Stiefvater places you in a winter wonderland filling with wolves. A place where true love is unbearably close and enchantment can bring together or break apart lovers. The story is heartwarming and reads like a classical fairy tale. I enjoyed the change in point of view between both protagonists – Sam and Grace. This gave an interesting perspective to the story, since Sam spends most of his time as a wolf. So the reader is able to see what he is thinking/feeling when he watches his untouchable girl from afar.

I think Maggie’s background in music sparkled through in her writing. I found her metaphors and descriptive language like a song. The way the point of view switched and the lovers interacted was almost like a duet. This created a stunning world filled with characters to fall in love with. Maggie created her own trailer for Shiver that is worth checking out. I admit I had the song from the trailer trapped in my head the entire time I was reading. Book Trailer

The characters she created are real and act in a realistic manner when faced with the paranormal. I still will not get over Olivia’s reaction and Rachel’s wonderful Christmas trip despite everything going on. Even the characters set up to dislike found a place in the song and became loveable. Thought I still think my favorite character is Sam, I want to cuddle him. Sam is such a great name for a wolf, its soft, yet firm – perfect.

I also have a confession, I cried, which made this book my favorite for 2009. I’m super excited for the sequel, Linger, coming out next year. With winter over I’m looking forward to summer.

Overview:
Story: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Setting: 10 /10
Language: 10/10
Overall: 10 /10 S (for spectacular)

~ Kitty <3

1. The Demon's Lexicon

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
Series: Yes
Status: 2 - ongoing
Genre: Young Adult
Tags: Demons, Magic, Irish Folklore, Twisty
Website

Summary:
Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole - a charm that keeps her alive - and they want it badly enough to kill again.

Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase... and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is desperate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.

Review:
Brennan weaves a world filled with magicians and demons that lead the reader down twisted paths with surprises at every turn. The story has a RPG feel as the characters beginning to assemble and set out on their goal. Her metaphorical language keeps the reader entranced in the world, and the pages turning vigorously. Brennan creates a whole new world beneath our eyes and that can only been seen by those who know how to look. Brennan also draws her Irish heritage into the books by the way she designs spells, symbols, charms and the parameters for the magicians. Which bring a new look feel on old methods to the book.

I fell in love with this story the moment I read the first page. There was action starting from the beginning and didn't stop. The characters were dynamic and I could identify with them which is nice when reading a story. I found the plot unpredictable which left me surpirsed and hungry for more at the end. This is a pleasing factor for me since I can normally predict the outcome or what's going to happen next. Brennan kept me on my toes and I felt starved when I wasn't reading, which made the ending satisfying. I'm most excited for the sequel coming out spring 2010. I can't wait to read more about Nick's adventures.

Overview:
Story: 10/10
Characters: 8/10
Setting: 9/10
Language: 10/10
Overall: 9/10 A

~ Kitty

Welcome!

As I have no one yet following this blog I guess I'm speaking to myself Xd

ATTN: Self

I wish to create a blog that's helpful in reviewing books. I have read many....many books, and conveniently I just started working in a bookstore, which doesn't help my addiction. My favorite genre is Young Adult but I do dip my fingers in Sci/Fantasy and Fiction. I hope to branch out of my comfort zone and review other books from different areas.

I will try not to place spoilers in my reviews but if you have read the book please comment! I love talking about books I have just finished. Feel free to suggest titles to me to R&R I welcome all! I hope anyone reading this enjoys the reviews and discovers new authors and titles.

My goal is to try and write a review every 1-2 weeks. Since it takes me about that time to read a book combined with school and work. Enjoy! And follow me on twitter - http://twitter.com/Icenek0

~ Kitty