Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson

Title: Saving Maddie

Author: Varian Johnson

Pages: 240

Published: March 2010 by Delcorte Books 

ISBN: 9780385738040

Source: Personal Copy

Description: Joshua Wynn is a preacher’s son and a “good boy” who always does the right thing. Until Maddie comes back to town. Maddie is the daughter of the former associate pastor of Joshua’s church, and his childhood crush. Now Maddie is all grown up, gorgeous—and troubled. She wears provocative clothes to church, cusses, drinks, and fools around with older men. Joshua’s ears burn just listening to the things she did to get kicked out of boarding school, and her own home. As time goes on, Josh goes against his parents and his own better instincts to keep Maddie from completely capsizing. Along the way, he begins to question his own rigid understanding of God and whether, as his mother says, a girl like Maddie is beyond redemption. Maddie leads Josh further astray than any girl ever has . . . but is there a way to reconcile his love for her and his love for his life in the church?

 I Give This ...

 

I have a feeling people may shy away from this book just because of the religious aspect.  Which is really unfortunate because I thought it was really awesome!  Yes it has a lot of religion in it, but I think it is so much more than that. 

I think my biggest surprise (which I should have realized from the description) is that it's told from Josh's point of view.  It so rare that the guy in the story is the "good" character.  And Josh is way more than good, for a teen he's dang near saintly.  Josh's issue is that he's never stopped to think for himself.  He's grow up with God in the house and from a very young age has had the bible and it's message pounded into his brain.  It's amazing to watch him start to realize that not everything needs to be taken at face value.  I think it's appropriate for a teen to question their own religious beliefs.  They spend so many years thinking how their parents think, it's only natural for them to realize they have a mind of their own.  It's not a bad things either.

I liked Maddie as well.  She has deep seeded reasons for being troubled.  And I was expecting her to be much worse than she actually was (or maybe the author made her seem more tame).  I liked that she made Josh question everything.  She wasn't trying to get him to go against his beliefs.  She just wanted to make sure he knew what HE actually believed in.  I think if the story had an epilogue we would have learned she came back to the church.  She didn't need saved, she needed to come to terms with what had been done to her (both by others and herself).  I was floored by the way her father treated her (and her mother allowed it).

So, if you can handle the religious aspect of this book, I would highly recommend it!

Moon Rise (Unbidden Magic #2) by Marilee Brothers

Title: Moon Rise

Author: Marilee Brothers

Series: 2nd in Unbidden Magic

Pages: 254

Published: June 2009 by Belle Books

ISBN: 9780982175699

Source: sent for review by publisher

 

Description: Her mom's still dating losers. Her boyfriend's gone back to Mexico. Dad still hasn't told his wife and kids that she exists. At school, the drama queens and bullies still rule. But worst of all for Allie Emerson--aka the Star Seeker of an old Gypsy prophecy--is that her powers have taken a hike. She can't read minds anymore. She can't move stuff just by looking at it. The other Star Seekers are counting on her psychic gifts more than ever, and the evil Tri-marks are closing in, eager to snatch her magic moonstone necklace while she's helpless. The hot new guy at school is ready and willing to fight her battles, but he comes with some wicked baggage. Dear Diary: I'm a little worried. My new BF is a demon. Welcome again to Allie Emerson's funny, scary, amazing, and always unpredictable life, as the girl voted least likely to save the world from evil. 

I Give This ..

This was a marked improvement over the first in the series.  In fact, I would probably read the first just to get to this one (only because I don't think you can really skip the first).     I think all of what the first was lacking was made up in this one.

The beginning was a little choppy.  For a little bit it was almost like the personalities of the characters changed, but then the story settled down.  I was happy to see that Junior wasn't in this one.  I just didn't feel the connection there.  I almost thought it was a little cliche that the new guy in the story was supernatural.  But, it worked.  Beck just had the extra something that Junior was missing.  Add in his twin sister Nichole who seems to hate Allie and you have an interesting twist to the story.

The action is spread out through the story and involved different things.  I liked how Beck helps Allie get her powers back.  It adds to the tension.  It also helps Allie realize that there are people who she can turn to that understand the supernatural part of this world.  I also liked how the Tri-marks are still out to get her.  I thought how that all played out in the end was intense.  It seems to have a lot more magic involved that I originally thought. 

The characters are growing on me (yes even Faye).  I'll be reading the next in the series.  I want to know what else is in store for Allie!

The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey #2) by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Daughter

Author: Julie Kagawa

Series: 2nd in Iron Fey

Pages: 359

Published: August 2010 by Harper Teen

ISBN: 9780373210138

Source: Library

Description: Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

I Give This ...

I wasn't sure were this story was going to lead after the first book.  I was hoping the story would continue to be original since the first half of The Iron King I thought was was to familiar but redeemed itself in the second half.    

I love the idea of the winter court.  I think it shows how different the courts are.  Everything is covered in ice and snow.  Plus, everyone's attitude seems to match their environment.  Or maybe it's just their attitude towards Meghan because she's part of the summer court and she's part human.  I actually would have like more insight into it all.  I was prepared for some distance from Ash, but I really wasn't expecting him to be that cold.  But, as events unfolded, I learned that in all reality he was still protecting Meghan.

Speaking of Ash, can I say how much I love him.  He like the perpetual bad guy, the one all the good girls want and can't have.  But, he's so much more than that.  Their chemistry is awesome!  I just don't feel it as much with Puck.  He's a great guy, a good friend, and I love the sarcasm.  But, it's just not as believable of a romance to me.  

The story line takes some interesting twists.  Meghan isn't always looking for her prince to save her and Ash isn't constantly acting like she's a damsel in distress.  They both have backbone and do their fair share of saving each other.  Because in the end all they have is each other.

I can't wait for The Iron Queen.  This one has some questions that I really want answered.  They are so buried in the storyline that you almost miss them.  Plus, I just want more of Ash!

Waiting on Wednesday - Pegasus by Robin McKinley

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 

Title: Pegasus

Author: Robin McKinley

Publication Date: November 2, 2010 by Putnam

Because of a thousand-year-old alliance between humans and pegasi, Princess Sylviianel is ceremonially bound to Ebon, her own pegasus, on her twelfth birthday. The two species coexist peacefully, despite the language barriers separating them. Humans and pegasi both rely on specially-trained Speaker magicians as the only means of real communication.  But it’s different for Sylvi and Ebon. They can understand each other. They quickly grow close—so close that their bond becomes a threat to the status quo—and possibly to the future safety of their two nations.

 

 

This one just sounds great.  I love the idea of humans bound to a pegasi.  I've also never read anything by Robin McKinley.

 

 

Halo (Halo #1) by Alexandra Adornetto

Title: Halo

Author: Alexcandra Adornetto

Series: 1st in planned series

Pages: 496

Published: August 2010 by Feiwel & Friends 

ISBN: 9780312656263

Source: ARC from Around the World Tours 

 

Description: Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth. 

I Give This ...

 

This is a hard review to write.  There are elements of this book I liked and some that I definitely didn't.  I think it's one of those that adults will cringe at but teenagers will love.

I liked the idea of angels living among us protecting us from the evil descending on the world.  It's got the makings of a showdown written all over it.  And it's not overly preaching, which any book about angels has the potential to be.  There is talk about higher powers and speaking with God, but it's not shoved down your throat.  And for the most part I liked Gabriel and Ivy.  They're ancient beings and know what it at stake.  The only thing that bothered me about this scenario was they seemed lost when it came to living among humans and how to act like one of us.  I would have thought if they wanted to make a difference they would have a better understanding of the people they are working with.

Bethany, I'm still not sure about.  I suspect there is a reason for sending her to earth when she's so young and naive.  Something only God (and the author) sees for the moment.   But, for an angel, she's really kind of silly.  She's way too trusting and there are way to many things she just doesn't understand (which goes back to the point of not understanding the human race to begin with).  I did like the idea that she identifies more with humans than with angels.  It makes her vulnerable. 

I liked Xavier for the most part.  He was mysterious and had a really sad past.  But he started to irritate me when he became overly protective towards Bethany.  He made sure she ate, carried her books for her, etc.  It was just too much.  She's an angel, however young and naive she may be.  And then it became even worse when the other powers move into town.  Which makes sense to a point when it's explained why he specifically wants Bethany.  But, it grated on my nerves.

Ultimately, the book was ok.  I will probably read the next in the series.  I want to see if Bethany has some sort of destiny that no one knows about yet.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

It's been a little bit of a rough week in this household.  I've been to the doctor twice with the kids, both times had to get antibiotic.  Oldest daughter ended up with a sinus infection while my youngest had strep throat.  I managed to get quite a bit of reading done because neither of the kids were real energetic!

I started off with Halo by Alexandra Adornetto.  I thought it was ok.  Some things were done really well and other things just irritated me.  I think teens will love it though.

I read Relentless by Dean Koontz next.  I loved it!  Typical Koontz novel with just the right touch of humor and horror.

I started The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb next.  I imagined it would take me the rest of the week to get through this monster of a book.  Amazingly, it only took me 3 days.  I really enjoyed it!

I was able to read The Bad Queen by Carolyn Meyer on my new KINDLE!! next.  I think if you haven't read anything about Marie Antoinette before you will like this one.  But for me, it was almost exactly like The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette by Carolly Erickson.

I'm currently reading Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison.  I'm enjoying it so far.  I also plan on reading Storm Glass by Maria Snyder, The Silver Blade by Sally Gardner, and Wildthorn by Eagland.  If there's time, I will start Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

I was out of town on Fri-Sun of last week.  So, I got a couple book then that didn't get added to my In My Mailbox post last week.  Plus it was my birthday on Friday!  So, this post is a little fuller than most!

Review:

• Halo by Alexandra Adornetta
• The Bad Queen by Carolyn Meyer (Net Galley) - I actually got this a long time ago but couldn't finish on the computer.  I was able to re-download it!

Swapped:

 

• Midnight Never Come by Marie Brennan
• How I Found The Perfect Dress by Maryrose Wood
• I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder
• Passion Play by Beth Bernobich
• Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough 
• Raven by Allison van Diepen

Library:

   

• Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
• Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder
• She Walks in Beauty by Siri L. Mitchell

And for my birthday ...

I'm so excited! I already have a collection of ebooks for it in hopes that I would get a Kindle soon!