Young Adult Books

The Bone Dragon by Alexia Casale Summary: Evie's shattered ribs have been a secret for the last four years. Now she has found the strength to tell her adoptive parents, and the physical traces of her past are fixed - the only remaining signs a scar on her side and a fragment of bone taken home from the hospital, which her uncle Ben helps her to carve into a dragon as a sign of her strength.Soon this ivory talisman begins to come to life at night, offering wisdom and encouragement in roaming dreams of smoke and moonlight that come to feel ever more real.As Evie grows stronger there remains one problem her new parents can't fix for her: a revenge that must be taken. And it seems that the Dragon is the one to take it. I haven't got a copy of the book yet, but it sounds really bizarre and original so hopefully I'll get a chance to read it soon. Alexia has written up a guest post for us, about deciding the best time is to get feedback when you're writing a book. I don’t want your opinion yet! It’s always difficult to decide when to get feedback. Some people say it’s never too early, but I don’t agree. For me, it’s really important not to have feedback too soon. This is one of the reasons I think that the approach a lot of university writing courses take is problematic: they assume that everyone will benefit from sharing their work-in-progress, but it’s just not true for everyone. I find getting feedback too early in the process is both demoralising and frustrating. First drafts are allowed to be a bit rubbish; if you get feedback on one, you have to expect it to be less than fully encouraging. I’m very good at seeing past what’s wrong with my work to what it will be when I’m finished, but I do it in a weird upside-down, back-to-front dyslexic way. Most people don’t approach text in the same way, so what I see as small flaws that I can easily sort out, they see as disaster. As a result, I often get very negative feedback when I show early drafts to people. Take The Bone Dragon. When I wrote the first five pages, I showed it one of my trusted ‘first readers’ because I was so thrilled I just had to share it. I knew it was the best thing I’d ever written, but my first reader hated it, even though she loves the finished book. The experience taught me a valuable lesson and I barely talked about the project again until I had a reasonably advanced draft. When I next asked for feedback, it was both enthusiastic and helpful. The trick is knowing when the problem is that your draft is a mess because you’re still in the early stages of developing it and when the book is doomed. If you’re writing rubbish, it’s probably best to know as soon as possible. Equally, if you’re writing something that will be good, even if it isn’t good yet, negative feedback at an early stage can kill your confidence. It’s all about balance and timing: getting enough feedback, and listening to it, at the right time. For me, the ‘right time’ depends on whether the feedback will prove useful or frustrating. If feedback tells me something I know already and am working to fix then I get very irritated with the whole process: something that happened quite a lot in relation to my PhD novel because of the requirement to submit work at least every six months. In supervisory meetings, my teeth were permanently clenched against the urge to shout ‘I know that! You don’t need to tell me! I’ll fix it if you just give me a chance!’ There’s no point in getting feedback that tells you what you already know unless you’re asking someone to give you advice on how to fix the problems you’ve already spotted. One of my rules of thumb is to ask for feedback only when I feel I’ve accomplished everything I can by myself. Initially, I show my work to a group of between three and six ‘first readers’ who I will tell me honestly (or at least relativ

The Book Of Broken Hearts by Sarah OcklerRelease Date: May 21, 2013Publisher: Simon PulseAge Group: Young Adult Pages: 368Summary: When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A poignant and romantic novel from the author of Bittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.My Thoughts: Jude and her sisters made a pact a long time ago, to stay away from all the Vargas boys. They even have a book of broken hearts! The Vargas boys are heart breakers, and good for nothing! But boy oh boy did Jude get a surprising when she ran into Emilio Vargas and noticed how hot and sexy he was! He made her mad, annoyed, and gave her butterflies in her stomach. Jude and her father are going to fix his old motorcycle. All they need are the parts, the time, and a mechanic who knows what he’s doing. Pretty easy to find, right? Jude thought so too until she was paired up with Emilio who just happens to be good at his job and quite the guy to fix cycles!Jude and her father’s relationship is so sweet. He isn’t doing well and Jude is spending her last summer before college helping him out. But she believes deep down in her heart, that if she can restore his motorcycle, he’ll remember and be ok. And the chemistry between Emilio and Jude is so sweet. I loved the way he talked and the way they acted around one another. He made her blush and laugh. I also loved Jude’s relationship with her family. Her sisters remind me a lot of my own. They have such funny and sweet relationships. They are there for each other, know when to get serious, and when to joke around. I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this story and how it triggered so many emotions in me. I felt every emotion running through Jude as it was my own. I felt so sorry for her father and wanted to hug him and tell him it would be ok. Amazing setting, amazing characters, amazing family dynamics, and amazing love!I think this is the best Ockler book up to date! Overall: Loved it! I think it’s the best Ockler book I've read! I thought it was amazing and I loved all the characters. Yes, it has romance but it also focused on family which was awesome. Cover: I actually like it. I like the colors, the book, the heart, everything. I think its sweet! What I’d Give It:

PODs by Michelle K PickettPublished Date: June 2013Publisher: Spencer Hill PressGenre: YA SciFiThe Story: Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul. After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters. Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.My Review: Ok, so what would you do, if there was a drawing to see who would live and who would die? There's a deadly virus that is wrecking havoc on the world. Each country is deciding how they will survive. We follow Eva, where in the USA, they have decided to randomly draw from the social security numbers. When she gets a call on her cell, her parents know that they weren't chosen, but that Eva would live on. The year underground passes quickly, there are few who had the virus, and were "disposed" of. Then the real "fun" starts. With everyone being sent to certain areas to rebuild. Eva falls in love with David while in the PODs, but they are separated above ground. As you read the story, and wonder what's happened while they were safe, and what will happen when those in love are separated, you won't be able to put it down!! What will happen to Eva and David? Will the virus kill everyone? You'll have to get the book to find out!!

4 fudgy brownies.Cover Love:Yes, very eye catching!Why I Wanted to Read This:I ordered it for my library and it was the first book I pulled out of the box. Caught my eye right away! Here's the synopsis from GoodReads:The rules governing middle school are often a mystery, but for Eric Haskins, they’re a mystery he needs to solve, and fast. He’s a normal, average kid, until sixth grade starts. For some inexplicable reason, the class bully and his pack make Eric the Grunt. Even his best friend since first grade turns on him. Eric can’t figure out why he’s the Grunt until he hears about the Bully Book, a cryptic guide that teaches you how to “make trouble without getting in trouble, rule the school and be the man” and how to select the Grunt-the kid who will become the lowest of the low. Eric Haskins may be this year’s Grunt for now, but he’s determined not to stay at the bottom of the social ladder forever. Romance?: No but some sixth grade crushes are talked about.My Thoughts:This was such a good commentary on how people follow the herd. Nobody really had any reason to not like or target Eric, they just did it because Jason started it. The author of The Bully Book had the hierarchy of life in a classroom nailed and everyone who used the book from then on used it perfectly. The sad part is that people who knew better, people who should've been better, still followed along.I don't know that Eric and Donovan's friendship would've ever lasted because Donovan obviously wanted popularity, but he was an ass. I really wanted a scene where Eric had it out with Donovan and he admitted what he did was wrong. But that's not true to life.Melody really drove me nuts. I can't believe she kept asking Eric why he was mad at her. Really? Really? Are you that wrapped up in yourself? His life was miserable and you didn't help at all! Of course he is made at you and he should be. Smiling at him once doesn't change how you haven't been there all year. Again, that is pretty true to life, but it was very frustrating!I think the worst part is that most kids get this without having a book or manual to give them each step. It's so easy for them to turn on others for no reason. I see it every single day in the middle school, especially sixth grade. People say high school is the worst for kids and I think it can be bad, but I think middle school is actually the worst. I didn't like the ending. I get it, the author is basically saying things don't change, and I know they don't. But, I wanted Eric to make them change. Or at least to be able to go forth into middle school with more hope. He changed how he felt, but I don't know if it was enough.To Sum Up: A book that many, many kids could benefit from reading, from the top of the social hierarchy on down! Book bought for my library.

Title: Shatter Me Author: Tahereh Mafi Publisher: HarperTEEN Format: PaperbackSource: Purchased Overall: 5/5 Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. My Review: *WARNING: Spoilers Ahead!* I was speechless the moment I finished reading ShatterMe. I truly enjoyed everything about this novel. Juliette was so broken; however, she had this beautiful poetry, running within the first few pages. I know that wasn’t the objective of the novel, but I feel like it’s worth mentioning because the beginning was absolutely haunting. I loved Juliette's growth throughout Shatter Me. I know it's the first installment in the series, but from start to finish, she grew as a person and came out stronger for it. I never felt that she faltered; she was constantly pushing herself to move forward, and always reminding herself of who she was. She never forgot. I loved that Juliette was aware that Warner was trying to buy her off with nice things; and she made sure that he knew it wouldn’t work. Adam was another character that I really loved. Although I felt betrayed by him, as Juliette did, I felt like he did his best of trying to take care of her. He got her away from that terrible place, which is good because it was killing her. I was so gratified when it turned out that Adam was on her side. That, in turn, leads me to Warner. Oh Warner, what am I going to do with you?! I loved his blunt sense of honesty. I know that he was the villain in this novel; however, I feel like we haven't seen Warner's true depths just yet. We've seen the crazy, stalker guy and the power hungry man, but we definitely haven't learned why he is the way he is. I’m dying to know what Warner's childhood trauma is which should be revealed within the novella, Destroy Me. I believe that he could end up being the most redeemable character because he has the farthest to go. In the end, I was very glad that Juliette that chose to stay true to herself, although I do feel like this new place isn't as great as it’s making out be. Past dystopian fiction has taught me that nothing is ever as it seems, and that no place is Utopia. I can't wait to move on to read the next installment in the series, Unravel Me! Must Read! Highly Recommended! **Please Note: This review is my honest opinion and I received no monetary compensation from it.** Find Tahereh Mafi online: Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Buy Shatter Me online: Goodreads | Kindle | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository Reviewed By: Kasey

This is What Happy Looks Like. Jennifer E. Smith. 2013. Little, Brown. 404 pages.This is the third novel I've read by Jennifer E. Smith. I've also reviewed The Comeback Season and The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. I loved them both in very different ways. She is definitely an author I'd recommend to fans of Elizabeth Scott, Sarah Dessen, and Deb Caletti.It starts when Ellie receives an email from a stranger. It's obviously a case of mistaken identity--this G is asking her to take Wilbur for a walk. Not wanting Wilbur to suffer, she replies back and discovers...that he's a PIG and G is a kindred spirit. A true friendship grows between E and G. They both have secrets they're keeping from one another: Ellie's secret isn't hers exclusively, so it makes sense that she wouldn't share it with just anyone. G's secret is that he is Graham Larkin, movie star. He purposefully suggests Ellie's hometown in Maine as a shooting location for his new movie, he's truly hoping to have a magical summer with the woman he can't stop thinking about. But Ellie has reasons--good reasons--not to want attention from the media.I LOVED the beginning of this one. The email exchanges were great. I enjoyed the rest of the novel as well. It wasn't quite love, love, love for me. I did enjoy both characters, and I thought there were a few scenes in this one that worked really well. But for me, it didn't have as many magical moments as The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight. It's a good romance. I'm definitely glad I read it! © 2013 Becky Laney of Becky's Book ReviewsIf you're reading this on a site (other than Becky's Book Reviews or Becky's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Today is the second day of "Indie Reviews", a feature where I give short mini-reviews of all the Indie/New Adult titles I've read lately. I'll have 3 days of books that received a 4 star rating from me. Because of Low by Abbi Glines Add to Goodreads This is book 2 in the series but I haven't read the first one. I really enjoyed this story. Low was a wonderful character and I really felt bad for her. I loved her best friend Cage (hot!) and Cage's roommate Marcus. It was nice that these books all contain the same group of characters. I didn't feel lost even though I hadn't read the first story. I hope to read more from this series soon. There were times when I was frustrated by some lack of communication going on, but overall it was a really enjoyable read. This series was picked up for publication, I believe, so it has a new cover now. Charade by Nyrae Dawn Add to Goodreads This was an interesting story because the main character, Cheyenne, pays the guy, Colt, to be her boyfriend for a while. Cheyenne wants to get back at her ex and Colt just wants to be able to take care of the bills since his mother is sick. I enjoyed Colt the most in this story. No, he wasn't perfect, but he tried to do everything for his mother. He just didn't plan on falling for Cheyenne. Nothing really surprised me with this book but nevertheless, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing where the journey took them. Clash by Nicole Williams Add to Goodreads This is another title that has a new cover because it was picked up for publication. This is book 2 but I skipped book 1. I tried a sample of the first title but it just didn't grab me. I ended up trying this one out and loving it. Jude and Lucy were a great, typically, teen couple. A few parts were frustrating because of miscommunication between the two but I still enjoyed following their romance. They are dealing with a long-distance relationship now and there is a bit of adjustment going on. I do hope to read the third book in the series soon. The Perfect Game by J. Sterling Add to Goodreads Loved, loved, loved the first part of this book. Cassie and Jack were amazing and had such a cute story. Both characters were likable and I enjoyed the sports angle the story had. This book really had a good college vibe. Then, near the end, Jack makes a hugely, stupid decision and it was just ...odd. I didn't believe he would do something like that without much thought. Some parts after that were kind of predictable but it just really took a wrong turn for me. Prepare to be angry at these characters if you read this. Overall, I'm glad I read it and truly enjoyed the first half of the book beyond belief! Book 2, The Game Changer, comes out soon and I do plan to read it. Down to You by M. Leighton Add to Goodreads This is another title that has been picked up. Notice a trend here? Olivia was a nice character. She is far from perfect but I enjoyed her. Then we meet Cash and Nash. Cash is the bad boy, Nash is the good guy. She knows which one she should want to be with but that isn't the case. I will say that this book throws you quite a curveball. I didn't expect that twist. On the other hand, there were still a few things that just didn't make sense to me. Like, how do you end up in bed with a guy and you're not sure which twin it is? Hmm. Up to Me is the next book in this series. I'm honestly not sure if I will read it. I don't have a strong pull to do so (unlike some other series I read) so who knows. Either way, this one is a fun story with a crazy twist and I know a ton of people who really loved it. V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram Add to Goodreads This is such a funny story. Val "V" is a virgin who has disaster strike as the entire school (and beyond) starts giving her a hard time for her choice to wait till marriage. I

Much Ado About Magic Shanna Swendson Hi All. This is the fifth book in the Katie Chandler series, so there are some spoilers for the other books. 'Tis the nature of the beast. The first four books in this series were published by Random House. Swendson wrote the 5th book for her Japanese publisher, but it never came out here in the States until she decided to just go ahead and self-publish it. (And I am SO GLAD she did!) I asked my library to buy it, and they did, and if the holds list is anything to go by, I'm not the only one who was excited to read it. Back in New York and back with Owen, Katie's also back on the job, this time as the Head of Marketing at MSI. But, the bad guys have turned up the juice not only with their marketing (and actual stores!) but they have a more sinister plot in mind. They're creating mischief and bad spells and also selling amulets to "protect" magical beings from them. The MSI crew is up against a lot, and no matter what they do, they're playing right into the hands of a plot that's been brewing for a long, long time and will end with Owen in jail. Another great addition to the series. I really like how we see more of the Spellworks plot and how much higher it goes, and why it's happening at all. There are a lot more magical world politics, which is something I always enjoy. Owen's always been this super-powerful orphan mystery, and his backstory gets fully explained, which is nice. I also like the other side of Gloria that we finally get to see. AND! I almost forgot, now that Katie's the Head of Marketing, she gets her own assistant. I love Perdita. She's not a great assistant, but still useful. PLUS, she knows what magic can really do-- she's been working on perfecting all of Starbucks's seasonal beverages so she can have one (or zap one for Katie) anytime of year. Now there's a power I can get behind! Book Provided by... my local library Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.

* Comes out June 18th *Sophie and Grace host midnight spy missions to improve their spy skills. Grace has wanted to spy on Sophie's school counselor Dr. Agford for ages. Grace has always found her suspicious, but Sophie never wanted to get too close. Dr. A has a reputation at school and Sophie doesn't need her attention.They decide to peek in her windows, a one time exception. They see blood everywhere - and immediately call emergency services claiming to have witnessed a murder.The next day at school, Sophie's called to the principal's office where her parents, Dr. A, and a police officer gather to talk about the incident the night before and the proper punishment. Now more than ever Sophie distrusts Dr. A. Could she be hiding something significant? If so, can Sophie figure it out without getting into more trouble?My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book: spies, potential murder, and the investigation made it hard to put down. I wanted to uncover the truth about Dr. A. The many twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. The relationship between Sophie and Grace added tension. With Sophie being a public school and Grace being home-schooled, they had various view points of both school and social interactions. They also had different groups of friends. I found Trista entertaining, especially her prank. I hope there are more Young and Yang myseries planned as this was fantastic!Cover Thoughts: GreatSource: Sent for review

All I Need by Susane Colasanti Review of All I Need Title & Author: All I Need by Susane Colasanti Publisher: Viking Juvenile Publication Date: May 21, 2013 Pages: 240 Source: Publisher via NetGalley The last night of summer is only the beginning. Skye wants to meet the boy who will change her life forever. Seth feels their instant connection the second he sees her. When Seth starts talking to Skye at the last beach party of the summer, it’s obvious to both of them that this is something real. But when Seth leaves for college before they exchange contact info, Skye wonders if he felt the same way she did—and if she will ever see him again. Even if they find their way back to each other, can they make a long-distance relationship work despite trust issues, ex drama, and some serious background differences? All I Need by Susane Colasanti is a fun read – definitely perfect for the summer. I could have easily seen it as a book I would read on the beach, and as a matter of fact, I wish I had! All I Need wasn’t really the right book for me, simply because I tend to prefer books that have plot with a side of romance, rather than romance with a side of plot. But that’s totally a personal preference, so if you love YA romance, I have a feeling you’re really going to enjoy All I Need. But I did think All I Need was a lot of fun to read – and I thought it was interesting that it followed the characters throughout the span of two or three years, rather than just focusing on one summer. It kind of satisfied that craving I always get after reading those one-summer-only books. I liked Skye as a character. I thought all the things she was dealing with – friend issues, parent issues, boyfriend issues – were really realistic. High school is complicated, even when it all seems like just pointless drama. Her and her friends are all struggling to grow up and sometimes that growth separates people. I can’t say I agreed with all of her decisions, especially those concerning where she went to college, but I did like her as a character. Seth, on the other hand, was a little meh to me as a love interest. I liked Seth and Skye as a couple, but I thought Seth was a little snobby about not being snobby. He spent the whole book complaining about how he had no money and while basically looking down on Skye and her friends because they did have money. Like, at one point Skye tells him she took a cab and he, in his head, was like “Oh, I never take a cab.”** And then one of Skye’s friends offers him a ride and, in his head of course, he thinks “I’d normally scoff that blah blah is driving us instead of walking, but it would take like half an hour to walk.”** Come on, dude. She is being nice. She offered you a ride. And then Skye offers to pay for dinner or a hotel room for the night so he doesn’t always have to pay – and he tells her it’s demeaning.** Welcome to the modern world, dude, girls can pay too. I just didn’t feel like at any point Skye was rubbing in the fact that she came from a well-off family, but he was so very self-conscious of it and it drove me nuts. Maybe I interpreted it wrong, but that’s how it felt to me. But if you love summery romances and happy ending, I definitely recommend picking up All I Need by Susane Colasanti. It wasn’t perfect for me, but I like I said – that’s a personal preference! But it was light and summery and fun – perfect for the beach or by the pool. ** Please note these are not exact quotes, I’m paraphrasing from what I remember. More Information Other Reviews View on Indie Bound View at Malaprop’s View on Amazon View on Goodreads Into the Hall of Books Good Books and Good Wine The Perpetual Page-Turner The Book Hookup Other Books by Susane Colasanti Keep Holding On So Much Closer While you’re here, you can subscribe to my feed :)        Related StoriesFifteenth Summer by Michelle DaltonThe Boo