Luxe Series --- Anna Godbersen

Rating: 5 Stars

The Luxe (Book 1)
Rumors (Book 2)
Envy (Book 3)
Splendor (Book 4)

Genre: Romance, Young Adult

Official Summary:
A big, sumptuous tale of catty girls, dark secrets and windswept romance unfurls in this compulsively readable novel of late-19th-century New York City socialites. Godbersen weaves a tenuous web of deceit, backstabbing and pretense that follows four teens: Elizabeth Holland, a prim and proper lady of old-money society, is betrothed to one man, though furtively loves another; Henry Schoonmaker, a debauched playboy who must marry Elizabeth or be disinherited; Diana Holland, Elizabeth’s younger sister who is in love with her fiancé; and Penelope Hayes, a member of the nouveau riche who will stop at nothing to win Henry’s affections. As Elizabeth and Henry’s wedding approaches, the spectacle unfolds in a wondrously grandiose scene, making for a fun, though not entirely unexpected dénouement. A delicious new twist along the Gossip Girl vein, readers will clamor for this sharp, smart drama of friends, lovers, lies and betrayal.

Click HERE to check out The Luxe Books website.
It is great! PLUS, you can read chapters of the books online. (I promise you'll end up buying them or checking them out from the library!)

Review:
These books are fantastic! Absolutely delicious! Haha! Anna Godbersen beautifully describes the upper class society of 1899 Manhatten and all the drama that goes with it. The books follow the tangled lives of teenagers Elizabeth, Diana, Henry, Penelope, and Lina. Each character is well rounded and vivid.

These books are meant to be happily-ever-afters, but there are so many twists and turns in the plot that the story gets pretty vicious.... So they are not necessarily happy, but I love them!

Beware!!! These books are addicting.

My only complaint is that at times in the books there is very little dialogue. I think the author could have revealed more information about the plot, characters, etc. through dialogue than merely describing them as a narrator. Other than that, these books are a delight!

I also love the covers of the books! They are beautiful :)

The Luxe series is definitly for female readers.
Audience 14+

Mistwood --- Leah Cypess

Rating: 3.5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 304

Official Summary:
The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwod.

But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

Book Trailer:
To watch the book trailer, click HERE.

Review:
Good book. I thought the plot was excellent. This book is full of secrets, treason, action, lies, and loyalties. But as good as the plot was, there could have been more action. At times this great story was just stalled. The author would be so focused on Isabel and her conflicting emotions that the story was being neglected, or taking too long to tell.

Other than that, this book is unique and pretty cool. It's a good fantasy book. If you can get your hands on this one, read it!

Book Giveaway!

BOOK SMELLS BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!

It is time for the first Book Smells book giveaway! Yay! Look at the top of the blog and click the image that says "Book Giveaway." Fill out the page to receive entries into the drawing for a free book.

The book is.... Book 1 of the Ranger's Apprentice series: The Ruins of Gorlan. This series is awesome...and the books get better as they go! For more information about the series, click HERE.

Thanks for visiting Book Smells! Good luck!

P.S. The more people you refer to the blog, the more entries you receive for the drawing. Just tell them to put your name as the person who referred them :)

Furnace Series --- Alexander Gordon Smith

Ratings:
Book 1: Lockdown ----- 5 Stars
Book 2: Solitary ----- 4.5 Stars
Book 3: Death Sentence ----- 5 Stars

Genre: Futuristic, Science Fiction, Horror, Young Adult

Official Summary:
Furnace Penitentiary: the world’s most secure prison for young offenders, buried a mile beneath the earth’s surface. Convicted of a murder he didn’t commit, sentenced to life without parole, “new fish” Alex Sawyer knows he has two choices: find a way out, or resign himself to a death behind bars, in the darkness at the bottom of the world. Except in Furnace, death is the least of his worries. Soon Alex discovers that the prison is a place of pure evil, where inhuman creatures in gas masks stalk the corridors at night, where giants in black suits drag screaming inmates into the shadows, where deformed beasts can be heard howling from the blood-drenched tunnels below. And behind everything is the mysterious, all-powerful warden, a man as cruel and dangerous as the devil himself, whose unthinkable acts have consequences that stretch far beyond the walls of the prison. Together with a bunch of inmates—some innocent kids who have been framed, others cold-blooded killers—Alex plans an escape. But as he starts to uncover the truth about Furnace’s deeper, darker purpose, Alex’s actions grow ever more dangerous, and he must risk everything to expose this nightmare that’s hidden from the eyes of the world.

Review:
As I have said earlier.... I love freaky, weird, messed up books! And let me tell you.... These books fit that description. They totally rock! Ah! :) Really they are disturbing, but very exciting. These books have vivid characters. The books are told from the perspective of the main character, Alex Sawyer. Alex is very likable and brave. You will be cheering for him the entire series! These books are totally unique and the author writes them in a fun, personable way.
If you know a teenage boy who doesn't like to read, try out the Furnace Series. If you like to read, read these books ASAP!!

PLUS....I just found out that Alexander Gordon Smith will be releasing book 4, Fugitives, in October. Yay!

By the way, I think only book 1 of the series has been released in the U.S. My friend ordered the other 2 online for me. (Thanks, Jordan!) These books are worth buying, though! SO you can wait until they are released in the U.S. or buy them online. :)
Audience 14+

The Goose Girl --- Shannon Hale

Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 383

Official Summary:
She can whisper to horses and communicate with birds, but the crown princess Ani has a difficult time finding her place in the royal family and measuring up to her imperial mother. When she is shipped off to a neighboring kingdom as a bride, her scheming entourage mounts a bloody mutiny to replace her with a jealous lady-in-waiting, Selia, and to allow an inner circle of guards more power in the new land. Barely escaping with her life, Ani disguises herself as a goose girl and wanders on the royal estate. Does she have the pluck to reclaim her rightful place? Get ready for a fine adventure tale full of danger, suspense, surprising twists, and a satisfying conclusion. The engaging plot can certainly carry the tale, but Hale's likable, introspective heroine makes this also a book about courage and justice in the face of overwhelming odds. The richly rendered, medieval folkloric setting adds to the charm.

Review:
Basically, I need to read more of Shannon Hale's books! I really enjoyed The Goose Girl. This book was a good read from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed following Ani on her journey as she overcame her substantial challenges. All of the characters are very well rounded and the plot is simple, but entertaining. This book is the first in a series called The Books of Bayern..... I need to read the others!

This book is fabulous! Fun for anyone. It is especially ideal for young women :)

Want an E-reader?

Check out Bibliophilic Book Blog. This a great book blog....with a giveaway! Become a follower and enter to win an E-reader or a $100 Amazon giftcard. Say Camille Broderick referred you to get 5 additional entries!!!

Hush, Hush --- Becca Fitzpatrick

Rating: 3 Stars
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 391

Official Summary:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Review:
This is another "fallen angel" story, similar to that of Fallen. But this book was much better than Fallen. It was fun to read.

BUT.... At times the author, Becca Fitzpatrick, tried to keep you guessing about Patch too much causing the story to become hard to follow. It is okay to be mysterious, but not to the point where your audience just wants to give up reading because the story doesn't make sense. I think she could have revealed bits and pieces of the "fallen angels" throughout the book, just to keep the audience interested.

This book was enjoyable, though! Maybe even 3.5 Stars.....And I do LOVE the cover of Hush, Hush :)
However, I am still waiting for a fallen angel book that I absolutely love.

Comments

*NOTICE*
I really do appreciate comments on blog posts....even if I don't know you ;) I would love to hear how YOU feel about the books.

AND... Keep checking the blog! I will be doing a book give away soon! YAY!

Fire --- Kristin Cashore

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 352

Official Summary:
Fire, Graceling's prequel-ish companion book, takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells.

Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans.

Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story.

Wondering what makes it a companion book/prequel? Fire takes place 30-some years before Graceling and has one cross-over character with Graceling, a small boy with strange two-colored eyes who comes from no-one-knows-where, and who has a peculiar ability that Graceling readers will find familiar and disturbing...

Review:
I liked this book better than Graceling. It takes place before Graceling and has only one of the same characters.
This book does not deal with Graces as much. (In fact, hardly at all.) But the monsters in this book are what make the story unique.
The story starts a little slow, but it is still entertaining. Once again, Kristin Cashore created a likable main character. However, in both Fire and Graceling, the female characters are opposed to marriage and having children. That was rather bothersome. But overall, this book was fantastic!
Audience 14+

Graceling --- Kristin Cashore

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 471

Official Summary:
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Review:
Fun book to read!

A "Grace" is an extreme skill, ranging from combat skills, swimming, cooking, speaking persuasively, working with animals.... the list is endless. Katsa is very powerful with her Grace and is feared throughout the land as she does an unjust king's bidding. But Katsa does not enjoy hurting and threatening those people who bother the king. As the story evolves, Katsa and her friends try to maintain peace in the seven kingdoms while solving a mysterious problem that has been plaguing the land.

This book is great and the Graces make it even more interesting. Katsa is awesome! She is a well rounded character who is strong and smart, but also faced with some emotional difficulties. Hooray for a good, main character! Romance in this book :) But the author Kristin Cashore focuses on the plot so it doesn't get too sappy.

I really enjoyed Graceling. Cashore writes well and keeps you entertained. I highly recommend this book.

By the way.... the companion book, Fire, is even better :)

Incarceron --- Catherine Fisher

Rating: 3 Stars
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Futuristic
Pages: 442

Official Summary:
Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...

Review:
Here we go... Fascinating idea for a story, but could have been executed better. Some portions of the book were pretty good while others dragged and got a little weird. The book switches between perspectives of the two main characters, Claudia and Finn. Claudia was a strong, determined character. Finn was more of a wuss. I must say I enjoyed reading Claudia's story more than Finn's.

This book is an enjoyable read... mostly. It is worth reading and definitely unique. The sequel comes out December 2010. I will probably read it, but I won't be camping out for it or anything haha!

Gemma Doyle Series --- Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, The Sweet Far Thing)

Ratings:
A Great and Terrible Beauty (Book 1) 4 Stars
Rebel Angels (Book 2) 4.5 Stars
The Sweet Far Thing (Book 3) 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal

Official Summary:
Gemma Doyle isn't like other girls. Girls with impeccable manners, who speak when spoken to, who remember their station, who dance with grace, and who will lie back and think of England when it's required of them.

No, sixteen-year-old Gemma is an island unto herself, sent to the Spence Academy in London after tragedy strikes her family in India. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma finds her reception a chilly one. She's not completely alone, though... she's been followed by a mysterious young man, sent to warn her to close her mind against the visions.

For it's at Spence that Gemma's power to attract the supernatural unfolds: there she becomes entangled with the school's most powerful girls and discovers her mother's connection to a shadowy, timeless group called the Order. It's there that her destiny waits... if only Gemma can believe in it.

A Great and Terrible Beauty is a curl-up-under-the-covers kind of book... a vast canvas of rustling skirts and dancing shadows and things that go bump in the night. It's a vividly drawn portrait of the Victorian age, a time of strict morality and barely repressed sensuality, when girls were groomed for lives as rich men's wives... and the story of a girl who saw another way.

Review:

This trilogy is about Gemma Doyle, her three friends, and their adventures together. The books follow the girls in their real lives as well as their excursions in to the magical realms to which Gemma holds the power.

These books get are wonderful... and get better as they go!
At first I was a little apprehensive about Gemma's supernatural powers and I thought it would get weird, but all in all, it was fine. The books can be dark at times, but not overly so. Basically the author Libba Bray pushed the boundaries with this trilogy and the results were fabulous!

The characters are so well written. You absolutely love each girl and their different personalities. There is also romance in these books :) and just the right amount.

These books are great! Adventure, mystery, romance, tension, suspense..... the list goes on.
Read these books! Let me know how you like them!
I would recommend the audience be 14+

The Dead-Tossed Waves --- Carrie Ryan

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Horror, Young Adult, Futuristic
Pages: 407

Official Summary:
Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

Review:
I liked this book better than The Forest of Hands and Teeth. The plot was more enjoyable and.... just better. Plus we learn more about the disease that caused humans to become Uncosecrated/Mudo/Infected. I am fascinated by it! (I have said previously that I enjoy messed up stories, I wasn't kidding!)

The main character, Gabry, is slightly less annoying than her mother, Mary, but not by much.
Like the first book, there is love triangle in this book, but it is a good one. :)

I don't wan to say too much more.... it's better to find out for yourself! Read it!

AND there is supposed to be a third book released in 2011. My bank account = Borders Bookstore income. Haha!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth --- Carrie Ryan

Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Horror, Young Adult, Futuristic
Pages: 308

Official Summary:
In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future - between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

Review:
This book is basically a mix between the movies "I Am Legend" and "The Village." If you like creepy zombies, this will be a treat for you. The zombies are called the 'Unconsecrated.' They were once humans but have been infected by a disease that causes them to change in to flesh seeking zombies. Awesome, huh?

I love the title, The Forest of Hands and Teeth. It gets your attention, doesn't it?
I like the idea for the book, but the story itself could have been better.
Unfortunately, the main character, Mary, is very difficult to like. Throughout the book I was constantly questioning her reasoning. Her logic just did not make sense. Although that aspect was frustrating, the book is good.

A good trait of the book was that the author, Carrie Ryan, does not focus the entire book on the Unconsecrated. Instead she focuses on the living characters, their lives, and the impact of the Unconsecrated, rather than the Unconsecrated themselves. Does that make sense? But don't get me wrong, there are still lots of interactions with the Unconsecrated!

This is a fun, creepy read. I recommend it all the time! Plus it has a companion/sequel book called The Dead Tossed Waves.... and it's even better! I will post about that next.
Audience 14+

Year of Wonders --- Geraldine Brooks

Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 308

Official Summary:
When an infected bolt of cloth carries plague from London to an isolated mountain village, a housemaid named Anna Frith emerges as an unlikely heroine and healer. Through Anna's eyes, we follow the story of the plague year, 1666, as her fellow villagers make an extraordinary choice. Convinced by a visionary young minister, they elect to quarantine themselves within the village boundaries to arrest the spread of the disease. But as death reaches into every household, faith frays. When villagers turn from prayers and herbal cures to sorcery and murderous witch-hunting, Anna must confront the deaths of family, the disintegration of her community, and the lure of a dangerous and illicit love. As she struggles to survive, a year of plague becomes, instead, annus mirabilis, a "year of wonders." Inspired by the true story of Eyam, a village in the rugged mountain spine of England. Year of Wonders is a detailed evocation of a singular moment in history.

Review:
I read this book during my senior year of high school and I still recommend it to my friends to read. This story is gripping. Not exactly a happy story but still very good. I love the way it ends! The story follows the main character Anna and how the plague affects her, her family, and her community. It is truly remarkable and brings the infamous plague to life.

If you love to reading history, this book is right for you! Geraldine Brooks writes beautifully.
This book definitely has some mature content so I recommend the audience be 14+

Coupon!

For those of you who do not receive Borders coupons, here's a little treat for you!
I love Borders. I could live there....maybe I will try to. Haha! Enjoy!

Click HERE for coupon!

The Maze Runner --- James Dashner

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Futuristic
Pages: 374

Official Summary:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark.
The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl springs up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable.
And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

Review:
This book is weird, creepy, and a little disturbing....... and I love it! I enjoyed messed up books. (What does that say about me? Muahahaha!) If you liked Hunger Games, you will like this book. Hence, if you hated Hunger Games, you will hate this book.

Okay, this story is totally gripping. It is packed with adventure and survival. It is told from the perspective of a boy, which is refreshing. It is a weird book, and maybe some parts a little too weird, but overall it is awesome!

At the end of Maze Runner we find out that the Maze was only the beginning of Thomas' adventures......

The sequel, The Scorch Trials, is scheduled to be released October 12, 2010.

Inside Out --- Maria V. Snyder

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia
Pages: 315

Official Summary:

Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

Review:
People, read Maria V. Snyder! She is great. Inside Out was released April 1, 2010 and this new book does not disappoint. In all of Snyder's books, she has such likable, strong, female main characters. In case you haven't noticed....I must have good main characters! That's one of the many reasons I enjoy Maria V. Snyder.

The story and setting of Inside Out are one-of-a-kind. It is science fiction, but not in a nerdy way. Haha! I was hooked the moment I began reading. This is one of those books you will cruise through.
I recommend this book for anyone. (My dad read it and really liked it....so it must be good!)

The sequel, Outside In, is expected to come out next year! Can't wait!

Wings --- Aprilynne Pike

Rating: 3.5 Stars
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy (Faeries), Paranormal Romance
Pages: 290

Official Summary:
Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

Laurel's life is the very definition of normal . . . until the morning when she wakes up to discover a flower blooming from her back. As it turns out, nothing in Laurel's life is what it seems. Now, with the help of an alluring faerie sentry who holds the key to her true past, Laurel must race to save her human family from the centuries-old faerie enemies who walk among them.

Review:
To begin, I would like to ask who started the spelling of "faerie"? Whatever happened to "fairy"? Can't there just be a universal spelling? Haha :)

Now on to the review! Thank you, Jen, for letting me borrow Wings by Aprilynne Pike. I must say I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It took me a while to get in to it and I was worried it would be another high school drama story....but it wasn't!

The story was pretty unique and I found myself wanting to read more! The main character, Laurel, was a decent protagonist. She is brave and fun to follow throughout her adventure. She didn't bug me...too much. :) There is some romance in this book. Laurel is torn over two boys. (I hope she picks the one I want!)

Overall, this is a fun read. I haven't read to many faerie/fairy books, but they seem to be popular right now. Wings is not one of my all time favorites, but it is definitely worth reading. Plus, the sequel came out recently, so I will have to get my hands on it! Has anyone read it yet? Let me know! :)

Fallen --- Lauren Kate

Rating: 2 Stars
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 452

Official Summary:
There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Review:
I just finished reading Fallen by Lauren Kate. Firstly, I love the cover. I was drawn to it from the moment I walked in to Borders. The Borders employees had only good things to say about this book. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but this book is not worth reading.

Luce is sent to a reform school because of a strange, bizarre accident that resulted in the death of a boy. Her new school is dark and pretty much gothic; the school grounds include a cemetery, the gymnasium is a remodeled church, and the uniforms are all black clothing. Don't you think as a parent you would be a little skeptical of any school that has all black uniforms, let alone a reform school?

Luce was a very annoying character. It was hard to follow her logic. For example, she was drawn to Daniel from the moment she saw him at school. Even though he was a complete jerk to her, Luce was still so attracted to him and always thinking about him. Come on, girl! Have some dignity. Luce just crawls after Daniel the entire book. To top it off, she even researches Daniel on the internet, trying to learn more about him. It was pathetic. Luce was just an uninteresting, pessimistic character. To make a story appealing to me, there needs to be a strong, engaging main character. Unfortunately, Fallen simply did not have one.

Also, at the end of the book, I was expecting some answers to the plot. But little information was revealed and I was left as confused as ever. The audience has to have a payoff for reading!

After reading this post you may believe that I am a pessimist just like dear Luce! I promise I am not. There are just better books out there to read.

Don't worry! My next blog post will be a 5 Star book! :)

Study Series --- Maria V. Snyder

Poison Study (Book 1) Rating: 5 Stars
Magic Study (Book 2) Rating: 4.5 Stars
Fire Study (Book 3) Rating 4 Stars

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
To visit Maria V. Snyder's website, click HERE!
To read an excerpt from chapter 1 of Poison Study, click HERE! (Read it! I guarantee it will make you want to read the books :)

Poison Study Official Summary:

Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander’s food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position.

So now I must choose: a quick death… or slow poison…

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust, and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape, her dilemma deepens. Rebels plot to seize Ixia while she develops magical powers she cannot control. Her life is at stake again and choices must be made, but this time the outcomes are not so clear!

Review:
These books are about a woman named Yelena. She is a strong, smart, likable main character. Throughout the books she helps solve problems that are purging the lands. She learns more about her own magical powers while discovering the mysteries of her past.

Plus... there is some romance in these books. I know the guy is a fictional character, but he is very attractive!

I would recommend these books to women. However, my dad also read this series and enjoyed them....
Maria V. Snyder fills her books with action, adventure, romance, friendship and much more!
The first book is my favorite, but books 2 and 3 are definitely still worth reading.
These books have slightly more mature content so I would recommend the audience be 14+

Ranger's Apprentice --- John Flanagan

Ranger's Apprentice Series
Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan
Book 2: The Burning Bridge
Book 3: The Icebound Land
Book 4: The Battle for Skandia
Book 5: The Sorcerer of the North
Book 6: The Siege of Macindaw
Book 7: Erak's Ransom
Book 8: The Kings of Clonmel

Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Ranger's Apprentice Official Website
Visit the website for the official summary of each book.

Review:
This series is perfect for everyone! It is categorized as a "fantasy" series, however these are not your typical fantasy books with magic and spells.

The Rangers are keepers of the peace in the kingdom. Rangers are "highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people." The main character, Will, has been chosen to become a Ranger's Apprentice and learn the ways of the Rangers. The entire series is about Will, his friends, and the experiences they face together. As a reader, you really enjoy each individual character. I was cheering for them the entire time I was reading!

John Flanagan is a brilliant author. The stories are unique and flow well. His writing is detailed yet concise. A perfect mix! (The only problem is that Flanagan lives in Australia, so it takes a while for his books to be released in the U.S.)

Read this series! Plus, book 8 is being released May 18th! So get reading! :) Like I wrote earlier, this series is a perfect read for anyone. They are fun, clean books!

***After reading these books, you may wish to become a Ranger. Do not feel embarrassed......It happens to the best of us! Haha!***

Book Releases

Mark your calendars!

I am anxiously awaiting May 18th when two books will be released.
And they are......

The Kings of Clonmel --- John Flanagan
Book 8 in the Ranger's Apprentice series. Pretty much pumped about it!

Spirit Bound ---Richelle Mead

Be ready to visit your local Borders Bookstore!

Beautiful Creatures --- Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Rating: 3 Stars
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 563


Official Summary:
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Review:
Beautiful Creatures is the first book in the Caster Chronicles. Lena is a "caster." (Which is essentially a witch.) The authors gradually reveal information about Lena, her family, her past, and the powers of casters throughout the book. Although this was a good way to build suspense, the authors could have revealed more information to help the audience understand and smooth out the plot. It was hard to stay interested, especially through 563 pages. "Casters," although potentially a good idea, seemed mostly weird. This book had occasional glimpses of a good story and writing, but for the most part, it was just okay. I did enjoy the setting of Beautiful Creatures, Gatlin, South Carolina, and the small town, southern ways of the people.
Also, Ethan is immediately drawn to Lena, like love-at-first-sight. This seems to be a common trait among books nowadays and it is getting old. We need an original love story! (Sigh)

In short, do not buy this book. Perhaps check it out at your local library if you aren't reading anything else :)

A Countess Below Stairs --- Eva Ibbotson

Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Historical fiction
Pages: 383

Official Summary:
After the Russian revolution turns her world topsy-turvy, Anna, a young Russian countess, has no choice but to flee to England. Penniless, Anna hides her aristocratic background and takes a job as servant in the household of the esteemed Westerholme family, armed only with an outdated housekeeping manual and sheer determination. Desperate to keep her past a secret, Anna is nearly overwhelmed by her new duties—not to mention her instant attraction to Rupert, the handsome Earl of Westerholme. To make matters worse, Rupert appears to be falling for her as well. As their attraction grows stronger, Anna finds it more and more difficult to keep her most dearly held secrets from unraveling. And then there’s the small matter of Rupert’s beautiful and nasty fiancée...

Review:
A Countess Below Stairs is a charming story taking place in the early 1900's following the Russian Revolution. Eva Ibbotson beautifully describes the social interactions of the English high society and the lives of those serving below stairs. This is a great, entertaining read. The only problem I had with the book was there were a lot of characters being introduced at times, making it difficult to keep them all straight! But other than that, I loved being wrapped in this story! I highly recommend it.

The Hunger Games --- Suzanne Collins

RATING: 5 Stars
Genre: Young adult, science fiction
Pages: 374


If you have not heard of The Hunger Games, you have been possibly living under a rock for the past few years. This book is a hit! I love it. I can't think of a better book to start the reviews.
Much to my grandmother's dismay, this book is one of my favorites!


Official Summary:
Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Review:
This book has adventure and survival. In all honesty it is a little messed up...but so awesome! I particularly like the main character Katniss. She is smart, inventive,and strong. It is refreshing to have a strong main character who doesn't annoy you the entire time you read.

Obviously The Hunger Games is a fight to the death so I would recommend the audience age be 12+

Welcome!

Welcome! My name is Camille. Despite my extensive technological challenges, I have been able to create this blog. That in itself is an accomplishment! I will be posting the books I have read and my personal reviews for them. Plus, I will be doing highlights of my all time favorite books. Enjoy!

By the way, let me explain the blog title Book Smells. For as long as I can remember, I have thoroughly enjoyed the way books smell. I confess I am a book sniffer. There is something magical about the way books smell. Old or new. Paper back or hard back. Go on...take a whiff!