Bad Kitty

Bad Kitty

Michelle Jaffe

Jas is on a family vacation is Las Vegas. Her plans are simple; convince her father she can be a model daughter, avoid her evil cousin Alyson and her friend Veronique and maybe get the cute boy by the snack huts attention. For most girls this wouldn't be a problem, well it is for Jas. While lounging by the pool at the venetian hotel she is attacked by a cat and suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a mystery.

Jas and all the other characters in this book are just so cute! I loved it. It's like Nancy Drew only a little funnier. I was literally laughing out loud. Never a good thing. Well at least it isn't if you're in public. I need to stop reading books in public. Some of the looks people send me are unbelievable. No, seriously though Michelle Jaffe's Bad Kitty is worth the time. Lots of fun for the quirky and wild teen girl! Light reading and a must read for all Nancy Drew fans, myself included.

Simply put this book was totally Mastercard! If you want to know what I mean by that pick up the book or simply leave a comment. For those of you who don't like Nancy Drew.

Vampire Kisses

Vampire Kisses

Ellen Schreiber

Raven is that girl. You know who I mean. That one girl that does absolutely not fit in. All her life Raven has been completely obsessed with vampires. In a small snobb town Raven has named "Dullsville" nothing truly exciting ever happens. Well that is until one day when a mysterious family moves into the old mansion. Until recently it has stood vacant and if town gossip is actually right for a change, the mansions new inhabitants are vampires. The Sterling family are unusually pale and are only seen outside at night. That isn't even the best part. As Raven soon learns they have a son, about her age. Alexander, he is tall, pale, brooding and oh did I mention Raven's perfect guy? Well he is.

I loved this book! Okay, it wasn't brilliant but it was entertaining and fun. I thought Raven's point of view was incredibly refreshing. Her unique take on the world and all the crazy things she does makes for a very funny storyline. I liked seeing life in Dullsville through the eyes of someone who wears all black and does not like Tommy Hilfiger. Characters like Raven are few and far between, at least in my experience. It's hard to explain but even though the characters were a little stereotyped and throughout most of the book you could guess what happened next I really liked this book. It's fun and energetic read that keeps you more than entertained throughout the story. Before the first chapter is over you will be rooting for Raven!

Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely

Melissa Marr

When it comes to seeing invisible faeries there are only 3 and they're pretty straight forward.

Rule 3: Never stare at invisible faeries.

Rule 2: Never speak to invisible faeries.

Rule 1: Don't ever attract their attention.

All her life Aislinn has lived by these rules. They have been hammered into her ever since she was a child by her grandmother. In Aislinns family there is an incredible gift, the gift of Sight. She has the ability to see the invisible faeries that walk among us everyday. Aislinn is in deep trouble, she has attracted the attention of the Summer King and he is determined that she will become his Summer Queen. No matter the cost.

Wicked Lovely is the very definition of a modern day fairy tale. Melissa Marr combines wit, suspense and intrigue beautifuly in this incredible and original story. It has just the right combination of an old school faery tale, love story and most importantly it has a modern day twist. Making it the perfect holiday read. I know I've said that a lot but lately I have been reading the most incredible books. Trust me once you enter the world of Wicked Lovely you will never want to resurface. I was actually sad when the book came to an end.

The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini

Amir and Hassan both live in Afghanistan of the past. Their lives intertwine in the most remarkable of ways yet they lead completely different lives. Hassan and his father live in a mudd hut on Amir families property. Hassan would do anything for Amir, they're almost like brothers. Inseperable, that is until one day. Amir witnesses something that will forever change him, his life and Hassans. As a grown man he returns to Afghanistan in an attempt to make things right again.

This book is an incredibly powerful story that will tug all your heartstrings. It's a blend of sheer imagination and deep emotions. A wonderful story told by and incredible story teller. As a general rule I don't like sad stories, the kind that make you cry and your heart ache. Normally they make me feel horrible but this book had just the right mix of tragedy and hope. An incredibly story, worth reading and you will never forget it. The world of the Kite Runner is a very real one that pulls you and never completely lets go. Well at least it doesn't for a day or two. I just finished it last night and still hasn't completely realised it's hold on me. A sign of a great book!

Love is Hell

Love is Hell

Melissa Marr

Scott Westerfeld

Justine Larbalestier

Gabrielle Zevin

Laurie Faria Stolarz

Love is Hell is a compilation of five short stories from different authors. Each story has a unique twist to love in a modern world that has taken a turn for the worst, a supernatural turn. That's right, this isn't just your everyday love stories it's love with a supernatural twist. This makes the stories better, more unique and original then possible any other way. Each one of the five stories trigger different emotions within you. By the time I was finished I with sleeping with the spirit I would have been crying except I was sitting on the subway. Clearly this is the wrong place to be crying. Now when I was reading thinner than water I did actually cry, of course by now I was off the subway and sitting at home on my couch. Safe from any strange looks and/or comments from random strangers.



The stories are unusual and quirky, quite unlike everything I've ever read before except for a couple of them that reminded me of the fairy tales I used to read. They are all great stories in their own right and I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much. I read a lot and this was one of my favorites. For some reason I seem to have forgotten exactly why I enjoy reading so much, I remember now. Come to think of it, the last time I enjoyed a book this much it was Gone. If you don't think this one has quite what you are looking for you are obviously crazy but try Prom Nights from Hell instead. It's the same style but it was actually realised before Love is hell. Unfortunately I haven't quite gotten around to reading it yet but I will soon!

By the way, don't you just love the cover?

Grass for his Pillow

Grass for his Pillow

Lian Hearn

Grass for his Pillow picks up the story of Otori Takeo and Shirakawa Kaede where it left off in Across the Nightingale floor. Takeo struggles to adjust to his new life without Kaede while she struggles to survive in a mans world. Who is going to take care of her now? The answer to that is simple, she will. Learning how to write like a man and other skills is going to secure her future.

I thought that after the first book there was no way this one was going to be better, I was wrong. Grass for his pillow is a compelling and magical story complete with just about every element there is. Action, romance, tension, desperation and determination to survive. An already complex story becomes even more intricate making the emotions deeper and the story better. If I wasn't already in love with this semi-fictional world I would be now. Do yourself a favor and pick it up this christmas!

The Undomestic Goddess

The Undomestic Goddess

Sophia Kinsella

This is one of my all time favourite holiday reads. If I’m on vacation I’ll probably be re-reading this book. It’s such a light and laugh filled read.
Samantha is a high powered lawyer living a hectic and stressful life. She is well on her way to becoming a neurotic basket case trying to make it to the top when one day she makes a huge mistake. Basically she freaks out and finds herself on a train out of town. There she unwittingly knocks on a random door looking for directions and before she knows it she has been hired as a housekeeper! Samantha knows nothing about cooking, cleaning or anything else that a housekeeper needs to know but with a bit help from local hunk, Nathaniel’s mom she’s bound to figure it all out sooner or later.

It’s an easy and fun read, those pages just flew by! I smiled the whole way threw except for when I was laughing. I got more than one weird look at the beach. Lots and lots of fun! I have read one of the Shopaholic books and although it was entertaining it was nowhere near as good as this one. Believe me before the book is over you’ll be rooting for Samantha and you’ll be in love with Nathaniel. So pick it up during the Christmas vacation, I promise you won’t regret it.

Across the Nightingale Floor

Across the Nightingale Floor

Lian Hearn

In across the nightingale floor Lian Hearn created a world full of secrets, lies and war. Nothing is what it seems and if Takeo is going to survive he’ll need his wits about him.
Takeo grew up in a peaceful, hidden village in the mountains. He knows nothing of the feuding clans and their ruthless warlords that was until one night when Iida and his men invade the village. Murdering its inhabitants and destroying what little was left. Takeo narrowly escapes with his life based on pure luck. Shigeru from the Otori clan saves his life and takes him in.

The story is riveting and complex. The characters are varied and likeable. You’re never quite sure what they are going to do next and although the book is a little hard to get into its forgiven because after a few chapters you won’t be able to put it down. The story is much better than I can explain and if I tried to explain exactly what its about I wouldn’t get it right so check it out for yourself.

The Thirteenth Tale

The Thirteenth Tale

Diane Setterfield

A young woman, Margaret Lea works in her father’s bookstore. She loves to read and spends a lot of time writing biographies about forgotten authors and the likes. Margaret is called to record the biography of the reclusive Vida Winter. Vida is probably England’s most famous writer and she is without a doubt the most colourful. Every time she is asked about her past she gives a different story, each one as unique and unbelievable as the last!

Margaret is completely enthralled by Vida’s story, she gets lost in the story within the story. I guarantee you that you will get lost with her! Time and place lose all meaning with this incredible book. It has the feel of a good old fashioned fairy tale; it has magic, mystery and suspense. Here’s my advice curl up on the coach, watch the snow fall and don’t forget that hot chocolate, this book is a definite hit! This book is a book for book lovers because a lot of the story takes place in libraries and bookstores. This made me love it even more.
You’re probably not exactly sure what it’s about well then read it because Diane Setterfield tells the story a hundred times better then me! You’ll be sucked in from the very first word! Promise!

The book has a lot of different covers but this is my personal favourite :)

High School Debut

Manga: High School Debut Book 1

Kazune Kawahara

So I'm not entirely sure that mangas count as books but I love them anyway so here goes. I just finished reading High School debut by Kazune Kawahara. Haruna has started high school and she has never had a boyfriend before and she wants that to change and change soon! In junior high she spent all her time playing softball and reading mangas so she has no idea how to act around boys. Haruna has a simple solution to this problem. She needs a coach just like in softball. She gets the impossibly popular Yoh to coach her. Yoh promises to make her attractive to boys. Of course he has one condition, she has to promise not to fall in love with him.

This story was hilarous! It literaly had me laughing out loud! It was great entertainment and tons of fun! Sure it's not deep reading and it shouldn't take you very long to read it but still it's awesome. Definetly worth reading. The book is light, fun and cheery. A total pick me up! I'd say it's mangas version of chick lit. All in all a great read. :)

Before I forget, the book reads right to left in order to keep with original japanese comics. It's a little confusing at first but it doesn't take very long to get used to it. Promise :)

Vamps by Nancy A.Collins

Vamps

Nancy A.Collins

The girls from New York’s richest and oldest families all attend Bathor Academy. When I say oldest families, I mean the oldest. These girls and their families are vampires. Lilith’s family has been attending Bathor for generations and her role there is quite clear, she’s the queen B. She has her band of loyal followers, her fiancé, Jules and she knows exactly what she wants. That is to party until the sun comes up and be with Jules. That’s what Lilith wants and that is exactly what she was going to get, until a new blood vampire shows up in her life, Callie. After a disastrous run in at a park one night, Lilith has it in for the new blood girl. Who will come out on top, Lilith or Callie?

This book had some good parts but a lot of it was over the top and unrealistic. Like Lilith’s vanity and her hatred for Callie. She did not seem like a real girl. Instead she appeared exactly like what she was, a fictional character in a teen novel. Other than her I liked most of the characters and their relationships. With one exception, Callie’s relationship with Henry van Helsing. They didn’t seem like they were attracted to each other. Obviously that was the author’s intention but I didn’t enjoy her attempt at the whole star-crossed lover’s thing. It was not only a cliché but it was so obviously a cliché. The parts that were over the top were the vampires’ abilities. The fact that they could each transform into animals was a bit of a reach. All in all though it wasn’t a bad book, it is ok for an easy and entertaining read. It’s not a deep read or anything but still it is fun. So definitely check it out if you’re looking for some light reading.

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Evernight

Claudia Gray

Bianca regards Evernight Academy as the end of the line. That is until she meets Lucas. He doesn’t fit in at Evernight any better than she does and he intends to keep it that way. Suddenly going to school is more appealing than ever before but Lucas warns her to stay away from him. Lucas tells her it’s dangerous for her to be around him and he couldn’t bear it if something were to happen to Bianca because of him. Still the two find themselves drawn to each other and have a hard time staying apart.

Evernight is such an incredible book. It’s filled with romance, excitement and an unexpected twist towards the middle of it. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out something completely unexpected happens. It changes everything and makes the story even better and more original. Bianca and Lucas’ relationship is intense and completely believable. Claudia Gray makes you completely fall in love with the characters, their world and the whole story in general. This book is good for anyone who loves a good vampire love story. Definitely worth reading! I can’t wait to check out Stargazer which comes out in March.

Gone by Michael Grant

Gone

Michael Grant

What happens when everyone above the age of fifteen years old just vanishes one day? Well you’re about to find out. In the small town of Perdido Beach, California suddenly all the adults disappears. Without warning the older teens and adults are all gone! A 14 year old Sam and his friends struggle to adjust to this new world and as if things aren’t complicated enough there is a large dome-like barrier surrounding the town. The barrier seems to be centered around the town’s nuclear power plant. The kids nickname the area the FAYZ, Fall Out Alley Youth Zone.
Still the strangest thing of all is that the animals are changing and so are the kids! Soon they find snakes can fly and coyotes can talk. Some of the kids are developing strange powers! The bullies are getting worse and worse by the minute; the kids from Coates Academy from up the hill come into town and take over. The bullies have taken over town, fights are breaking out, fear is spreading, food supplies are running low and the scariest thing of all, Sam’s birthday is coming up. Will he disappear on his fifteenth birthday too, just like everyone else?

I loved this book. It’s probably the best book I have ever read! Filled with action, suspense, heart pounding terror and a surprise around each corner it’s nearly impossible to put down. You could clearly see the whole story playing out in front of you. Michael Grant created a whole new world that was as real as our own. By the end of the book I felt like I had been there alongside Sam, Astrid and all the others, instead of simply reading about it. I especially loved the differences between Sam and the bad guy, Caine. Both boys have many similarities yet they are as different as night and day.

I found a lot of the book was about “what if”, what if this happened what the consequences would be. Every move the kids made had a consequence some good and some bad but mostly bad. Like when Caine comes into town and tries to take over, instead of stepping up, Sam just lets it happen.

It’s going to be a six book series, the sequel, Hunger comes out next summer. I can’t wait to read it! Before I forget Gone is a long book but don’t let that stop you from reading it. It’s done before you know it

. Here's the link to the book trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf8B3FM1L8c

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

The Luxe

Anna Godbersen

Manhattan, New York 1899. Elisabeth and Diana Holland are daughters of one the oldest families in New York. They’re members of an exclusive club, Manhattans high society. Elisabeth is the “It Girl” of her time which is everything her younger sister Diana despises. Diana is the very definition of the word free-spirit and has no interest in leading the same life as her mother and sister. When they’re family is threatened with bankruptcy because of the debt their father left behind after his death. Elisabeth is horrified and accepts Henry Schoonmaker’s proposal. In an attempt to salvage the Holland family fortune. One thing she was not expecting was her best friend, Penelope Hayes. Penelope is bold, daring and determined to become the new “It Girl” and Henry's wife. No matter what the cost.

Ever read a book you just can’t put down? Well I have. It’s called the Luxe by Anna Godbersen. It’s an easy and fun read. It captivates you from the very first page and it just got better. Although it was a little predictable at times I still enjoyed it. The characters seemed real and likeable. Especially the young girls were convincing. They have good qualities and flaws just like anyone else.

Let’s face it we all know an Elisabeth. You know who I’m talking about, that girl that everyone loves and seems too perfect. What I liked about her character was that it showed the cracks in the perfect façade. Throughout the book you see that vulnerable and human side to the characters. This is something I just loved about the book! I actually know the real live Diana, except the girl I am talking about doesn’t have dark hair. She has curly blonde hair with blue eyes that dance with excitement and even if she is younger, you can clearly see all the things that make Diana, well Diana. This both terrifies and thrills me. I can't help but to imagine all the wonderful and terrible things that she will experience.

So basically the whole point of my rambling is this, my favourite part about the whole book was the characters. They were real, you loved them and you hated them. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an interesting yet light reading. I just snapped through those pages; don’t let the length discourage you from reading it. Believe me, it’s worth it and I can’t wait to read the sequel, Rumours. Hopefully I will be able to find it in english...