READ IT - Night School by C.J. Daugherty

Good books don't let you know exactly what is going on till the end, especially if they're likely going to be made into a series.

That's what's been done here - till the wee few pages at the end will you get some sort of closure. And you know what? It's definitely NOT enough. I NEED MORE

It's the moment when you read and read and just wish you read faster because you want to know what's coming next. It's a truly special thing. 

Fair warning for those who love a paranormal YA story, just so you know, this isn't one. Though seriously, I wouldn't have guessed it! It surely seemed  to be headed in that direction and yet there's no mention. Heck, even the title is "Night School". So it's truly a gift C.J. has to be able to hold our attention as she has. The usual rustle in the brush, the creepy sinking feeling that there was someone or something there in the room while you slept, common in teen books but she writes it so well that you can't imagine it being cliched at all. I gots me the chills and I was devouring every bit of the book till like 2am, and I hardly read this fast, which is when I'm reviewing this because I got all excited about it. Loving every word of it. 

CJ writes really well. She's got wit, which is wonderful and highly necessary with writers (I had JUST read a story where the writing ruined what could have been an amazing idea - assuming what I had assumed about the title and synopsis, cause I couldn't read further than a certain point) 

If you're a total scaredy-cat like me, who doesn't like the dark and quiet when it's too quiet, don't read this at night. Also I don't think it helped that I was listening to "Fire". I swear the song replayed at the most opportune time - there, not spoiling anymore on that front.

You get full doses of suspense and intrigue as you try to decipher the hidden agendas of the Night School - it was so cool to have the 'cool' boys be from there - and the mysteriousness that's been plaguing the characters in the story. I was really trying to find out if any more surprises would pop up honestly, like the whole paranormal thing. Almost begging for it haha but the fact that there really is none surprised me, in a pleasant way. 

I didn't know that "boarding school" was a theme in stories, significantly in YA, so when I was reading reviews (as usual, after the book) it was an interesting tidbit to find out. I wasn't focused too much on it because it wasn't so outstanding. Basically you 'saw' the woods, Allie's room, and the typical school but hardly any "chase scenes" went on inside. Maybe just the roof. 

I was actually kinda shocked at the ending. It should have occured to me but it didn't, like what Carter said. Perhaps I was too into the book to think outside fangirl-squealing and mystery lover-shivering. 

There are quite a bit of characters here but the main ones I will obviously focus on are Allie, Sylvain (Yes, Sylvain) and Carter. 

However I do want to mention names: Jo, Rachel, Jules and Ruth. 

They're friends not enemies, hence my mentioning them. There's this tangled web linking them. Though the incident that happened to one of them was just jarring and saddening - I can still picture it in my mind, like the face of the Joker. *shudders* 

And for another...I suppose you can forgive the crazy somewhat when you finally realise what drove her. But I still didn't care for the Jekyll and Hyde thing. I can't remember when I said this exact same thing but it is a usual character trait in the books I read. 

Allie - I love her demeanour. She was already portrayed as someone who is 'troubled' but strong-willed, yet we saw her vulnerable sides, like when she was scared out of her mind (me too me too) and how good a person she is. She's probably what you'd consider the accidental heroine but of course she's not going to be dainty, how boring would that be. 

Sylvain ("Sil-VAN" as Allie put it)  - 

"Please do."

She followed the voice, with its French accent, to her left side, where a boy with tawny skin, thick dark hair, and exquisite blue eyes was watching her.

Carter - 

The room was empty save for one deep chair, where a boy sat watching them over the top of an ancient-looking book. He had straight black hair, a firm mouth, and huge dark eyes surrounded by thick lashes; his feet were propped casually on a tabletop painted like a chessboard. He studied her with a mixture of insolence and open curiosity that she found unnerving. She tried to keep her expression blank, but his lips curved up into a knowing smile.

Very happy to not read about another hot blonde. Dark hair is just as attractive

YA 101: guys gotta be AMAZING; and they ARE in this book. It's always fun for me to find new book eyecandy, so to speak. And their descriptions are far from boring - okay maybe Carter's is the typical badboy, cocky type but come on, you need those types. And Sylvain is the nice - oh so nice - FRENCH (kind of unusual for the mains) guy.
They both play the extremes - two sides of the same coin that fell for the main girl. Strong personalities that want to protect and don't hold back - you need this in your stories, ladies and gents.
For Carter he was more the free-r spirit than Sylvain, who wasn't stuffy by any means, but they both could walk on the wild side. I actually thought something bad was gonna sprout from Sylvain - cause he was TOOOOO nice - but I was sorely mistaken (yay haha)
They're both their own characters and I'm sorry to lump them together. I will reread and revise my statements! As for camps..I can't pick yet ;( huhu

Allie Sheridan’s world is falling apart. Her brother’s run away from home. Her parents ignore her. And she’s just been arrested.

Again.

This time her parents have had enough. They cut her off from her friends and send her away to boarding school, far from her London friends.

But at Cimmeria Academy, Allie is soon caught up in the strange activities of a secret group of elite students.

When she’s attacked late one night the incident sets off a chain of increasingly violent events. As the school begins to seem like a very dangerous place, she finds out that nothing at Cimmeria is what it seems to be.

And that she is not who she thought she was.

The back cover says

Sent away from home,

Allie Sheridan will discover

a new LIFE

a world of MYSTERY

a world of SECRETS

a word of DANGER

To tempt you I'm adding in a scene that anyone could just gush over.Mind you I typed it all out cause, well, duh. 

Say hello to male leads Sylvain and Carter (had to omit some  things to keep the story a secret):

... "Now we shall enjoy the croquet."

"Yay," she replied weakly. "Croquet."

As they walked back around the corner, she could see that everyone had been waiting for them, including Carter, His eyes told her that he knew exactly what they'd been doing.

"Allie! Sylvain." His tone was mocking. "This is great. What have you been up to?"

Surprised by his aggression, Allie flushed with anger.

...

Sylvain pulled her closer. "Unfortunately, Carter, our teams are set already. We do not need  another player."

"I didn't come to play." Carter put emphasis on the last word. 

...

He turned from Sylvain to her.

Allie felt as if a cool breeze had chilled her skin. "I... I'm fine, Carter. Thanks."

She faltered under his gaze, which seemed to challenge her. As if she'd done something bad, disappointed him in some way. 

"That's great. You do seem much recovered." His words dripped sarcasm. "Did you hurt your lips, too? Or is it from something else?"

Allie's hand flew up to cover her mouth as Sylvain took several steps forward. 

"Why are you still here, Carter?" he asked icily.

Carter stared at him, unflinching. "I just wanted to see if what I suspected was true."

"Seen all you need to see?" Sylvain's voice was low and menacing. 

"Hey, everybody," Ruth stepped between them. "Come on. Stay calm. Let's not get into something here."

Carter ignored her. "Oh, I've seen enough, Sylvain."

With a sigh, Ruth stepped out of the way. They were now standing no more than a foot apart, glaring at each other.

Now who wouldn't want to get in between them to - ahem - break up the fight? And only a foot apart. Hmmm. 

Anyway, I read her Acknowledgements at the back. I found it fitting that this book sprouted from a dare. But it was gut-wrenching to know her mother couldn't see the finished product. I'm glad to add to C.J.'s fanbase though! 

Curse of the Warmbloods - Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins being Suzanne Collins obviously has to write thrilling, totally unique adventures; and she's come up with a fascinating story with this series. Apparently the books have had lots of cover art done up but I like this the best, by far. 

Unfortunately I could only find book 3 at time so I had to be clued in, but other than not getting in on the action of the last two books, we still get a clear depiction of what happened. 

This is the third installment of the Underland Chronicles, in which Gregor must stop a plague from spreading through the Underland. With two prophecies fulfilled, Gregor is now focused on the Prophecy of Blood, which calls for Gregor and Boots to return to the Underland to help ward off a plague. But this time, his mother refuses to let him go . . . unless she is allowed to travel with them.

When they arrive in the subterranean city, the plague is spreading -- and it claims one of Gregor's closest companions. Only then does Gregor start to understand how the illness plays with the fate of all warm-blooded creatures. But how can he help combat it?

The series is definitely for a younger audience, so it's nowhere near as gruesome as The Hunger Games.

The focus was heavy on Gregor "the Overlander" and new characters Hamnet and his son Hazard, whom I absolutely adore!

Because I'm not absolutely sure of the previous books I'm not sure if there's a significant character development for Gregor but you can tell how strong-willed he is. Mad love for him. And of course you can a sense of how great Temp (the story is seriously good for me to actually like a roach) and Ripred, which (which?) incidentally is meant to be Suzanne's favourite character. 

The journey to find the cure also revolves around Gregor's mum, Ash - a large. head-strong bat - and a number of other Underlanders. Obviously they've been hit by the dilapidating disease. 

Reading on there's no continuous action scenes since there's no way to always be attacking something, even if the plants surround you. 

That being said, the fights are epic. Not so much for what happens during but the before and after effect. 

The safest example would be Boots stumbling upon "fogs" - poisonous frogs - while playing with H and Frill. 

Collins really knows how to build the suspense at the right times. You can imagine the situation before you and only great writers can give you the idea. 

So when the frogs were just sailing through the air and landing wherever I had moments where it was tunnel vision - didn't realise a thing that was going on around me except for that moment. 

I was so sucked in to the events that I had to re-read certain...things to see what I missed. 

I honestly had the best ah-ha moment figuring out the riddle.

Turn and turn and turn again.
You see the what but not the when.
Remedy and wrong entwine,
And so they form a single vine.

Warmblood now a bloodborne death,
Will rob your body of its breath,
Mark your skin, and seal your fate.
The Underland becomes a plate.

Bring the warrior from above
If yet his heart is swayed by love.
Bring the princess or despair,
No crawlers care without her there.

Those whose blood runs red and hot
Must join to seek the healing spot.
In the cradle find the cure
For that which makes the blood impure.

Gnawer, human, set aside
The hatreds that reside inside.
If the flames of war are fanned,
All Warmbloods lose the Underland.

I just knew what would end up being the... end of the story.
Those gut calls make it a lot more fun to read a mystery. The plot and writing help otherwise the riddle is slightly confusing, turning round and round, after all.
SUCH a major twist, it was hard to guess in the beginning. There's always a perilous journey, though. And you always wish they wouldn't have to really go for one. 

What I didn't expect was the sudden deaths. They were Really unexpected and absolutely heartbreaking. I had started falling in love with the characters - even within the short time I got to know them from the book. 

(No reveal cause if I do...it's too cruel)

Though everything has its purpose, who wants to see a good guy die? I can't imagine writing it so I always wonder what the author thinks at that moment. 

It's definitely a recommended read. 

If I spoil this book I'll never forgive myself. So please let me know what you think when you've read it

*prepares virtual tissues*

I Know What You Did Last Wednesday by Anthony Horowitz

Well the first thing that came to mind was how the sword on the cover was sticking out in all the most.... wrong place - ever.

It was honestly seemingly unsuspecting, unexpected as the beginning continued. Tim was being Tim, i.e. Simple. (Snicker. How was I to know that his real name fit so perfectly?)

And then it simply spiralled down from there. It's not my first time with the idea of going to an island for a gruesome tale, I'm just shocked because it's the first and only children's book I know that had this awful scene! First I read was Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" {Yes, she was obviously mentioned in the book} And even though it seemed like a copy it was harder to read this because the deaths seemed to happen so quick I had to re-read the horrific happenings because I by-passed it so fast the first time! My gosh!

I started to question things and my brain worked as fast to read the book to see Nick's train of thought, more or less on par with mine.

Even if there were slight misses I didn't catch, like floating... ugh or leaves being in a certain area, I still caught the killer (no spoiling since it Is a children's book; there must be someone put to justice) at the same time Nick did.
Just minus the questions of why no one looked for a surveillance room for their security cameras. Beats me but it brought more excitement and unfortunately could have resulted in lesser deaths.

Icky as much as Agatha Christie's but with a clear motive this time so it's easier but, like I said, more troubling to read.

Let's say I'll never EVER try this book at the dead of night EVER again. Well............. Third time's the charm. *shudder*

 

Reviewed - The Hardy Boys undercover brothers Casefiles > Darkness Falls

I've said it once and I'm saying it again. I love these brothers, honestly! And this time they get to go to the island paradise Hawaii to experience a total solar eclipse, and to test a theory of an exploded planet. How cool is that! 

Unfortunately, "darkness falls" [love that title!] when unseen danger creeps up and the Hardy boys are the ones that find themselves once again in the centre of brutal murder. 

[some creative licensing with the summary]

At every turn there seemed to be something totally unexpected happening, and I do mean it literally too. The whole book had my heart racing. I just couldn't put it down. I felt that there were so many twists (and surprising things happening) that it was like a paper pretzel. 

After the book I swear I had the chills. I was looking at the dark with a new perspective. Who knows what might choose to disappear and reappear (only to be captured on tape ;))

The Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers #35 Lost Brother

I haven't read the first book in a while. It took me about as much to remember the horror of what happened in the last one, The Children of the Lost. To recap, there was someone (not the bears as some of the locals were thinking) abducting innocent children. No one had a clue why and the reason that Frank and Joe were sent to investigate the disappearances that happened years ago was that one kid mysteriously turned up, Justin Greer.
The case was a rollercoaster to read. They seemed to be having dead-ends a lot in the story and the breaks weren't much of a breakthrough. At the end, *spoiler* Frank had been kidnapped himself, although the reasons why are still unknown.
Later in this book, Lost Brother, of course, you would think of the possibility that he was a bribe to get Joe to stop investigating.
Once I really got into this book again I just couldn't put it down. I was in suspense the whole time, reading about the two brothers who had separate stories in the book, but had the common goal to find one another (mostly).
It was hard reading what was happening to Frank. Hard to also imagine what anyone might have been feeling. "Lost" is perfect in this instance. They were trapped but not exactly. There were kids that were okay and comfy but others that were definitely running scared. It didn't make much sense and I wasn't able to draw much from it. All I know is those who "resisted" were punished and I felt a sting of anger realising what could have been done to Frank (think back to Justin) if not for ________.
Needless to say, I'm going to search as hard as Joe for the third book. Hopefully it'd go smoother for me. Who knows, it might pop up somewhere, maybe through a hatch.

TRACES Luke Harding Forensic Investigator : Lost Bullet by Malcolm Rose

Image from Shelfari

I actually have read his series before, but I decided to give it another gander. There's something about how well thought out the stories are.
Luke Harding is one of the more intriguing detectives that I've come across. He's already an expert at investigating death, only at sixteen. It's a feat!
This crime was something else. Like I said, the story would have to be thought through, if such a large factor, as a storm, would 'contaminate' the crime scene. A lot of the evidence could simply be washed away. It's plainly a grievance that most people grumble about.
But the obvious grace is that it gets you thinking. As a reader, it's cool to get a chance to ask questions and sooner or later find out what the answers are. Which is what I did throughout just the first few pages. It was a thrill. I liked guessing games when I was younger, especially if I know the clues and solutions as Soon as possible (permit me a laugh)
Of course, if you're not into over-thinking things, go with the flow of the book :)
I figured this book isn't one for those not interested in science-y ways of solving crimes, but the good author injected a little humor in it. For example, he wrote "..Malc replied dryly." See? :)
Thankfully Luke is also one with a sense of humor, though if you read the book you'll realize something about Malc and these jokes. Frustrating yet funny to see how they interact, as close to friendship as a robot could have (*may be spoiling for a book somewhere later to the end*)
Soon you'd start to realize the probable reasons for the deaths.
This book got me thinking a lot about religion and science, in total. And there's also discrimination by the Visionaries against the white community, as in general they believe the latter is an abomination. Only those incredibly indepth books can handle the prejudice. Look at Things Fall Apart, for instance.
And "Lost Bullet"'s idea of being a being without sin was to shave himself clean. To be a baby again. This book is descriptive, no one can dispute that. The scene after is uncomfortably vivid, however, as it brings about another murder.
Not only that, but there are definitely going to be complicated references to something so unmistakably mild, like a flavour chemical "2-furylmethanethiol" which is, surprisingly, "roasted coffee beans".
(No shocker here, the author Malcolm Rose studied Chemistry, and lectures on the subject.)
I could understand thoroughly about the differences between science and religion, but even Ethan did not see it as murder. All in all, it would come down to a test and if Lost Bullet fails or passes, you'll have to find out. Little hint: it was a befitting punishment (one way or another, people committing crime would pay, so not a giveaway exactly) totally and completely.. though unusual :-/
I truly enjoyed reading about the duo - Malc (Mobile Aid to Law and Crime) and Luke himself. It was technology with a human touch.

  

No Rest for the Wiccan by Madelyn Alt

Image from Shelfari

I'm so glad I love the idea and characters of this book otherwise I'd run in the other direction. It's not that the plot isn't well done, it is; I just loathe it when it has to once lead to a story about spirits and ghosts. I'm not the biggest fan of them, if you hadn't guessed from the making-a-break-for-it (and I can't even do that quick enough) analogy.
Madelyn Alt is actually one of the wonderfully elaborate authors I know of, and she could definitely evoke the fear from me, as well as the sympathy toward Maggie, as the key events started going down in Mel's 'humble abode' (that's the spoilt sister as anyone would find out).
To be honest this would be the fastest I've ever read a book. Not only could I not put it down, my eyes felt like they were the pendulum of a grandfather clock; never have I skimmed through paragraphs, especially for *cough* unsavoury bits, like that and manage to take it all in.
Then there was that ever-so-evident love-triangle. I kept wondering what Maggie would do about it, that maybe it'll happen in this book. This being drawn out, though does make for an interesting read, so I'm able to hold out for a little while longer to see what her choice might be. I'm expecting some big climax in the story for it as well as for the actual plot. I can't wait to find out :)

 

Young Bond: Blood Fever by Charlie Higson

Images from Shelfari

Higson definitely knows how to write a thriller and it's so unbelievably vivid that you could feel yourself being sucked in. The atmosphere he creates is amazing, I literally got the feelings you'd usually be getting from a chase (all good adventure-type books will have them), my heart wouldn't stop thudding. 
Zoltan, one of the characters from 'Bloodfever', said that even the toughest men call out for their "Mama..." before they die. Unfortunately, I never thought the 'experience' could hit me so soon :( 
There is a fine line between good and bad. I could hardly tell who was really who; but those who have sharper eyes could definitely figure it out, especially with the amount of detail Higson writes with. In a way that's a hint to the book, how someone nice couldn't be all That great a person, after all. 
The book also had me realizing how old Bond probably was when he started being a "lady's man" :-P

Green by Laura Peyton Roberts

Image from Shelfari

It was definitely interesting how it started out - an exploding present (I'll have to be more careful myself, from now on). Trials (even one of friendships) mark the sign of struggle and sooner or later, preferably sooner, a heroine. No one ever said kicking booty was easy. And never have I found it more amusing to dive into a world full of leprechauns.
Unfortunately, I have to say, Lilybet is slightly naïve, especially when it came to Kylie. But giving her the benefit of the doubt, seeing as she did have no idea what were customs of being a k - - - - -, and she was sort of floored that a guy like him would even talk to her, though she is definitely making up for that in her wit and underestimating herself so much till the end.
I'm impressed that she did finally become more like her Clan o' Green, even in scheming, and more so when she.... ah, well :)
All in all, if you favour little green men - so to speak - this is an awesome book!

Freaksville by Kitty Keswick

Images from Google

With Josh, you don't know whether to love him or to hate him (mostly in the end, and especially if the book does come with the excerpt from the next book in the series). And then there's Kassidea, his bird, and the solution to the never-ending problems faced by the pair and their friends.

The protagonist, that is Kasey, is one I could relate to because there are definite real fears, like her stage-fright or finding out her boyfriend is a w... oops, said almost too much :-P

I did really like it and the ideas that were pitched here and there between Kasey and Gillie. The graphics were definitely detailed, as well. You could almost see the bristling coming from the territorial wol- *cough*

There I go again.

Anyhow, 
here on the author's page is where I found the trailer that has a synopsis on the book.
I added the link in there for both.

I really enjoyed it (both the trailer and definitely the book)!

Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson

Since my reviews are based on what I put on Shelfari, looking at its star pointers give y'all a hint as to why I say...

Image from Shelfari

The stars say it all. I truly do love the writing, it's beyond the boundaries of brilliance, though a leeeetle long at some points (it is crucial, of course), you'll never want to put it down. And I almost didn't, except for moments *cough*. The characters are too perfect, and not the cliche fairy tale type you'd think. Owen is to die for, and Katie is just as amazing. Magic and mystery work wonders here. You'll end off with a cheer even if you're coming to an end and reading the last few pages, that I am sure of.

Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers #34 by Franklin W. Dixon

The Children of the Lost

Image from Shelfari

I really liked it. It'd be perfect if you liked suspense, and it kept me on the edge as I was shocked by some of the events. I was never more interested, or adrenaline-pumped. The plot was there so I see the need for a trilogy. At the end... a shocker. Better not spoil it (though if you took a chance to see the cover of the second you might guess right) :)

 

Sweet and Deadly by Charlaine Harris

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To be honest, I did go in with an optimistic view, don't get me wrong I love her work. But it's something, maybe in the plot, that I just didn't quite take a fancy to. Perhaps I'm skewed to reading about the paranormal world which first introduced me to her writing (the Sookie Stackhouse series). Like I said, open-mind. Most of it was forgettable, sad to say. The characters and even what happened in the beginning of the book is all foggy to me. If I recall it enough, there's something about a dilapidated house (picture..) and the main character walking through the door only to find .... ??? (see my point!) And then something about a chopping block and a whole swarm of flies. Merit: the book's descriptions here and there were vivid, especially about the crime.
So, unfortunately, I didn't even have the want to finish the story, though I usually continue to the end (in case I miss out some merit points). Against every fibre of my being (v. exaggerated, I know) I put it through the book drop. I'm used to a grin on my face when I finish one of Miss Harris's books - just not this time.