Wildfire by Karsten Knight

Wildfire by Karsten Knight

Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
Source: Publisher

Overall:

Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

Mysterious and dark, Wildefire is a unique take on Polynesian mythology, a topic that isn't common at all in paranormal YA. The unpredictability that Knight brought into the novel lingered throughout Wildefire. The complex plot ultimately lead to the biggest shock that I didn't see coming at all.

Knight's writing was, to simply put it, addicting. I couldn't get enough of the strong world-building in Wildefire and the steady flow of information that was revealed. The paranormal and contemporary aspects to the book complimented each other perfectly, giving a balance of reality and imagination. The mythological ideas in the book were developed flawlessly and didn't data-dump me at any point.

Ashline is a completely normal character who gets thrown into a crazy web of mythology and power. She has a mature narrative because of the issues and ordeals that she has gone through. For instance, Eve haunts her but she deals with this quite well considering everything that she's going up against. This adds an air of mystery and suspense that stays all throughout Wildefire. The romance in this book didn't dominate, but friendship was a large factor in it. Ashline's group of friends were all individual in their own way and they had their own quirks to their personalities.

Engaging, exciting, and completely original, Wildefire digs deep into the roots of Polynesian mythology. The three-dimensional characters, consistent suspense, and a well-developed plot, all pull together to create a completely enthralling read.

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Pages: 352
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: August 30, 2011
Source: Publisher

Overall:

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Fury is an electrifying debut that surprised me with its authentic characters and a plot-line with so many unexpected twists and turns. The idea of the whole story is extremely unique because of the combination of karma-induced problems and the truly ordinary setting in Maine.

Miles' writing was perfect for Fury. It had a suspenseful edge to it while still maintaining a smooth flow with the change of point-of-views between Em and Chase. Miles wove a complex web of lies and manipulation that even I was caught up in. Fury was truly an original read with a creative premise and a drama-packed plot.

The characters Em and Chase were two very down-to-earth characters with normal problems in high school. Their growth as characters was really noticeable and not rushed as the novel went on. They learned from their actions and realized their mistakes. I was surprised in how normal their interactions were with their friends like Zach and Gabby despite their own secrets. This just added even more deception and intrigue into the story. Em and Chase were two relatable and likable characters that will draw readers to them effortlessly.

Fury is part paranormal and part contemporary. The feel of the contemporary atmosphere, along with the paranormal aspects delivered a creative look on karma. Fury is full of deception and hard-core drama that will have readers furiously wanting the sequel.

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Pages: 397
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Egmont
Publication Date: June 14, 2011
Source: Publicist

Overall:

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Even with it's slow start, Hourglass blew me away with it's charming characters, gripping mystery, and sweet romance. McEntire's debut is a breathe of fresh air with it's science fiction and time travel incorporated within the story.

McEntire's writing kept me captivated and engaged all throughout. Her writing style is so elegant and vivid that I was absorbed into the world that she had created. The plot was fast-paced and had a lot of unexpected occurrences with twists and turns. The aspect of time traveling was a bit confusing with it's complexities but McEntire perfectly tied everything together in the end.

I love a girl with confidence and attitude-- this was Emerson. She was such an engaging, bold, and daring character. Although, she was different from the rest. She saw weird things like ghosts, but weren't actually there. No one really believed her so she was always known to be crazy. What I loved about her though was that she aways stood up to Michael to prove that she can handle anything.

And yes… Michael. I was attracted to him from the very beginning. He has this attraction… he was sweet, mysterious, sensitive, and loyal, who always looked out for Emerson. I never really questioned him because Michael was a good guy. Then there comes Kaleb. I liked him as well. He came mid-way in the story and I was just so torn between the two!

The 'not-so' love triangle part didn't play that much of a role in Hourglass. There's both Michael and Kaleb, but Emerson was falling more for Michael. I wouldn't actually call it a 'love triangle'. Both Michael and Kaleb won me over for their different, but yet charming personalities.

Mind-bending and mesmerizing, Hourglass is sure to impress paranormal fans. Sizzling action, to-die-for characters, plot twists, and everything else you want in a young adult paranormal novel is all in Hourglass. It's the definite page-turner.

Author Interview: Carrie Harris (Bad Taste in Boys)

Carrie Harris

Books (Young Adult):

• Bad Taste in Boys (July 2011)

Links:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Carrie Harris:

Carrie Harris is a geek-of-all-trades and proud of it. Brains are her specialty; she used to work at a lab where they were delivered daily via FedEx. After that, it seemed only natural to write a zombie book. Now she lives in Michigan with her ninja-doctor husband and three zombie-obsessed children.

Bad Taste in Boys:

Someone's been a very bad zombie.

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steroids are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town. . . and stay hormonally human.
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What made you decide to write a book revolving around zombies?
I love zombies! I like my monsters as silly as possible, and there’s nothing sillier than a lurching, undead football player with his helmet on sideways. But it’s still a little scary, because what’s going to happen when the helmet comes off? I love that. Really, the only thing better than a good zombie story is a good zombie story in which the zombies wear roller skates.

Think about it.

How did you come up with the title, Bad Taste in Boys?
Actually, I can’t take the credit for that, as much as I want to! When I sent the manuscript in to my agent, it was called NO PAIN, NO BRAIN, which I thought was a cute title for a zombie football player book. But my editor suggested a title change, and she sent me a bunch of emails listing off potential titles. I didn’t really care for any of them, to be honest, but then she sent me an email that contained only four words: BAD TASTE IN BOYS. And that was it!

Do you think you're qualified enough to be called a zombie/monster expert?
Probably! If you name a monster, I can name a movie or book it was in, tell you how to kill it, and possibly produce a piece of clothing with its picture on it! I know a lot of monster lore. But sadly, I’m really horrible at games in which you have to actually shoot the monsters. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, you’ll find me standing behind my husband, yelling helpful things like “Hit it in the head!”

My husband’s a ninja. No, REALLY.

I truly adore the cover of Bad Taste in Boys! What was you're first reaction when you saw it?
Well, I’ll admit that I wasn’t exactly expecting the cover. When I think about zombie football players, the first thing that comes to mind ISN’T sugar lips! So when I opened it, I had this crazy moment of “WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?!?!” And then I checked to make sure they didn’t send me the wrong cover by mistake. But having said all that, I think it’s gorgeous, and I think it’s a witty play on the title.

Are you're experiences similar to Kate when you were in high school? Excluding zombies of course, or maybe not… :)
Maybe a little. I’ve always been a geek, and I went through a mega awkward phase from about second grade until sophomore year of high school. I had an afro, buck teeth, braces, and this horrible pink and black tiger striped bandanna. Ugh! So when I came out the other side, and suddenly I started getting dates? That kind of flipped me out. You’re always second guessing yourself—I’m a geek! Why is he talking to me? Is something stuck in my teeth?

Honestly, I still think like that sometimes.

I read your website and twitter quite a bit… I'll admit, I kind of semi-stalked you. Is it really true that your husband is a ninja doctor and all of your three children are obsessed with zombies?
All true! My husband has his umpteenth black belt in a form of ninjutsu, and he works as a pediatrician. And my kids are some of the only elementary students who know how to play zombie tag. Last year, my first grader brought home a zombie play from school in which all of the dialogue was like “OOOOOO! Zombies!”

Of course, I loved it. I still have it.

What's up next for you book-wise? Will there be more of Kate, Aaron, Rocky and Jonah?
About an hour ago, I handed in the line edits for my next book, BAD HAIR DAY. And yes, it’s another Kate Grable adventure, only instead of zombies, it’s about werewolves and nanotechnology and blueberry flavored astronauts and killer coconuts. That’ll be out in November of 2012. And I have a few more tricks up my sleeve that I hope to be able to talk about in public soonish!

Thanks so much for having me here! BRAAAAINS! ☺
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Thanks so much to Carrie for stopping by! Be sure to check out Bad Taste in Boys.

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

Pages: 201
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: July 12, 2011
Source: Publisher

Overall:

Someone's been a very bad zombie.

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steroids are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town. . . and stay hormonally human.

Despite the fact that I'm not the biggest fan of zombies, Bad Taste in Boys is definitely an exception! With it's hilarious and charming characters, Bad Taste in Boys is a refreshing read from the typical dark and serious paranormal novels. The novel is zombie-packed along with romance and paranormal put together.

Harris's writing kept me rapt within her high school atmosphere of zombies until the very last page. There was a great mix of zombies, romance, and paranormal. The romance and love interest in the story was well-balanced. It did not over dominate the plot of the story; it was just light, not too serious, and didn't have much sizzle. Despite that, it was still very sweet and endearing.

Kate's personality was so relatable, that's what got me to like her even more. She was so utterly intelligent and had me laughing at times. Her voice was so real and honest. She was that type of girl who always took charge. Also, her slight obsession with Aaron, a football quarterback was realistic and very cute too. And then there's Jonah, Kate's brother! He was just awesome… too awesome. He was always trying to help protect Kate. Even though he was quite dorky, he still had a great sense of humor! I loved the sibling relationship between Kate and Jonah!

Readers who enjoy zombies are sure to love this, and even readers who aren't such big fans of zombies (like me!) will still enjoy Bad Taste in Boys. It's full of awesome.