Review: She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott

Synopsis (From Goodreads):


When having money is all that matters, what happens when you lose it all?
Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends -- friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.

Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.

But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.

Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?

Book Details:

Publishers: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pub. Date: May 25, 2010
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 278

Review:

Kieran Scott does it again with another big hit! I love She's So Dead to Us. It's about this girl, Ally Ryan, who loses everything. She had to move away from her hometown because her dad loses a lot of money. Not only their money but the parents of Ally's friends money as well. So its goodbye rich lifestyle for Ally.When Ally's mom gets a job at the school back in their hometown, she hopes to reconcile with her old friends. Theres only one problem, her friends are set on making her life a living hell for what Ally did to one of her friends, and because of the mistake her dad made. Told in two alternating voices we get to be in the shoes of not only Ally, but of Jake the boy that all the girls dream of dating. When Jake meets Ally he realizes she is different from all the girls. The chemistry between these two is so amazing. I found myself giddy and laughing because it is so cute. Ally can really bring out the best in Jake.Throughout the novel you will be cheering Ally on. You'll also melt when you are reading Jake's side of the story and see how much he cares about Ally. There is one thing that is bugging me, however, I found myself constantly asking myself "Who the heck are the people at the beginning of every month gossiping?". Ally also did things I thought were dumb, because really she knew what she did would be a big fail. It just goes to show that when we want something so bad we will stop at nothing to get it even if it means getting hurt. I wanted to crawl into the book and just tell everyone that this whole Crestie and Norm labeling is stupid. We are all the same. Anyway the ending will guarantee leaving you begging for more immediately. I CAN NOT WAIT FOR She's So Over Him!!!
5 gold stars without a doubt!

Review: Middleworld By J&P Voelkel

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

“As I see it,” said Max, “all that stands between humankind and the end of the world is two talking monkeys, a crazy archaeologist covered in red paint, and a couple of kids with blowguns. Am I right?”

Fourteen-year-old Max Murphy, video-gamer extraordinaire, is furious when his archaeologist parents cancel the family vacation to go on a dig in Central America. But things go from bad to worse when Max is summoned to join them, only to discover that his parents have vanished. With the help of Lola, a fast-talking, quick-thinking Maya girl, Max embarks on a quest to find out just what’s going on. Soon Max and Lola are running for their lives in the perilous rainforest, as they unlock ancient secrets, meet mysterious strangers, and begin to understand that, in San Xavier, nothing is ever as it seems.

Fate has delivered a challenge of epic proportions to Max Murphy. But can a teen whose biggest talent is for video games rescue his parents from the Maya Underworld and save himself from the villainous Lords of Death?

Book Details:

Pub. Date: April 27, 2010

Publisher: Egmont USA

Format: Paperback

Pages: 416

Review:

This novel is an unforgettable adventure. We meet the main character, Max who is just looking for a vacation of video gaming, laying around the house, and visiting family in Europe. When his parents get an opprotunity they cannot refuse everything does not go as Max had hoped.

His family's strange and mysterious housekeeper, Zia, soon sends him off to stay with his uncle. His uncle lives where Max's parents went missing. As Max uncovers some of his Family's secrets, he soon is swept up in an adventure with a girl named lola and her monkeys. Along the way Max meets some very interesting and unique characters.

When Lola and Max go into the temples, Max has to use his skills in video gaming to help them get through the temple. I like how the Authors took Max's video gaming skills and had him use them in real life. Throughout the novel Max becomes a better person.

The fate of the world lies on Max's shoulders in Middleworld. Will he be able to save everyone? Will he ever find his parents? Will he get the girl?

I really did like Middleworld, but at times I had to push myself to keep reading. Even with pictures throughout the book it still is a long read. Well worth the time though! The ending is just amazing and I can not wait for book two!

I would recommend Middleworld to anyone who is looking for an adventure in a place you have never been to before. If you like Percy Jackson you'll like Max too. Instead of mythology you will get to know the Mayans. Middleworld is a battle of good and evil. It is full of the value of friends, family, and where you come from. Also, in the back of the book are some fun extras! You will not want to miss this book.

4.5 Stars!

Interested? Buy the book here!

Review: Beautiful Malice

Beautiful Malice By Rebecca James

Synopsis (from GoodReads.com):

So. Were you glad, deep down? Were you glad to be rid of her? Your perfect sister? Were you secretly glad when she was killed?

Following a terrible tragedy that leaves her once-perfect family shattered, Katherine Patterson moves to a new city, starts at a new school, and looks forward to a new life of quiet anonymity.

But when Katherine meets the gregarious and beautiful Alice Parrie her resolution to live a solitary life becomes difficult. Katherine is unable resist the flattering attention that Alice pays her and is so charmed by Alice’s contagious enthusiasm that the two girls soon become firm friends. Alice’s joie de vivre is transformative; it helps Katherine forget her painful past and slowly, tentatively, Katherine allows herself to start enjoying life again.

But being friends with Alice is complicated – and as Katherine gets to know her better she discovers that although Alice can be charming and generous she can also be selfish and egocentric. Sometimes, even, Alice is cruel.

And when Katherine starts to wonder if Alice is really the kind of person she wants as a friend, she discovers something else about Alice - she doesn’t like being cast off.

Book Details:

Pub. Date: July 13, 2010

Publisher: Bantam

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 272

My Review:

I may be one of the few who could not finish this book. I really tried to read to page 100. This is not a young adult book, even if the main character in the story is 18 and in high school. The relationship between all the characters just seemed too bland and not well developed. Alice and Katherine don't act like the average high schooler. I don't think teenagers drink every time they hangout. I wouldn't know though because I'm one of those teens that stay away from that scene. There really seems to be no parental figures to tell the characters right from wrong. I liked how the author wrote about topics that ring true, like about being a parent and grieving processes. I really did want to like this book but one scene just did me in and I quit. For some people the mystery of what the characters have might be enough to keep the reader reading.

2 Stars

Michelle Zink's Prophecy Ipod and more Giveaway!

To celebrate the upcoming release of Guardian of the Gate Michelle has a huge giveaway over at her site. Check it out: http://michellezinkbooks.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/ipod-super-swag/#comment-4203

There's so much swag I can't even name it all on this post, that is if I want to make this post short which I do. Plus not only all the swag, but there will be FIVE WINNERS!!!

If you enter this contest say that Mallory sent you there.

Thanks!

If you have yet to read her first book: Prophecy of the Sisters I suggest you do so. I guarantee you'll be counting down the days for book two (Guardian of the Gate) to come out already!

Pre-order the second book here:

In My Mailbox (6)

IMM is hosted by the Story Siren.

I know I'm a day late, but hey it had been a crazy week for me. I got my diploma Saturday afternoon.

After Graduation I went out to Borders with my boyfriend, and he bought me a book. And its the only book I got that week.

She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott

First Giveaway Winner Announced!

Deborah, congrats! You have won my copy of Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti. I have emailed you, and I need you to respond within 48 hours. If you don't respond I will have to choose another winner.

P.S. I just wanted to say that I'm now a college student! Yay! No more high school! Into the real world now. Supposedly. :) Now all the craziness of last week is over with and I can get back to reading books for reviews.

Update and Giveaway Winner Notice

Hey everyone,

Well this week has been chaotic! I'm graduating High School TOMORROW!!! I'm so nervous, excited, and a little sad. Thursday night I had a little family dinner, and it was so nice. Today, I had rehearsal at the church I'm graduating at. Tonight, I went to a longtime friend's graduation party. Tomorrow at 11 AM I will be graduating. So due to the craziness I will hopefully announce the winners of the Honey, Baby, Sweetheart giveaway.

Thanks for being patient and supportive!

- Mallory