Supernaturally by Kiersten White

"Oh, bleep. I was going to die."

Paranormalcy, the first book in the series, was original and fun, so I was excited to pick up the second one.

Summary: Evie finally has the normal life she's always wanted. She's attending high school (which houses her very own locker), dating her spectacular boyfriend Lend (although away at college most of the time), and even holding down a part-time job at the [greasy] diner she lives over (with a vampire).

The only problem: normal life is kind of boring.

Enter Raquel, offering a freelance job back with IPCA, the life of excitement and danger without the whole "prisoner" angle (and unfortunately without the unlimited credit).  But it's not all that she remembers as things go wrong left and right, and with the lies to her boyfriend piling up and an annoying yet gifted boy popping in via fairy doors to whisk her away to spectacular places, it's not easy balancing both worlds. And then of course there's her fairy ex-boyfriend Reth, always appearing to remind her of what she is - and what she is supposed to be. As the mystery that is Evie begins to unravel, she must discover what she truly wants. And where she truly belongs.

Reality Check: Very well written, as can always be expected from Kiersten. Evie is a great character...or was, to a point. As much as it pains me to say (and it hurts, it really hurts), I wasn't too impressed with Supernaturally. Evie was just too whiny and "woe is me" for my tastes, and even with her inevitable self-discovery I didn't feel the resolution. Where Paranormalcy shone for its unique take and voice in the paranormal genre, Supernaturally was simply about Evie's desperation to be normal - and when she couldn't be, it broke her.

The actual plot was weak and there wasn't much too it. More like necessary revelations before the finale, not a stand-alone book with its own full story arc. It was basically bits of shocking info thrown in here and there - and they were more strangely random than shocking. The "new love interest" was anything but, and Evie's devotion (read: obsession) with her boyfriend never let up. Overall I had several problem points that almost caused me to put the book down, and it was only my love for Paranormalcy that kept me reading.

Conclusion: After saying all that, I adore Kiersten and it wasn't as bad as I make it sound. I think I was just so dazzled by Paranormalcy that Supernaturally was a letdown. Perhaps Book 3 will be better? I'll read it, but I'm not holding my breath for anything spectacular.

out of 4 Paws Up (only because I adore Kiersten)

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal [Romance]

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

"Felicia Miller was crying in the bathroom. Again."

I wanted to read this ages ago but forgot until I rediscovered it at the library. First book I've finished in a while.

Summary: After yet another spell goes horribly awry, Sophie is sent to Hecate Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium - witches, faeries, shapeshifters, and the odd creature of the night. There she befriends a vampire, makes three powerful enemies, contracts a futile crush on the school hottie, and has to figure out who is trying to kill off her classmates.

Reality Check: Considering I have been struggling to finish novels lately, I breezed through this one with only a few minor stutters. There is nothing really new or different about the story, characters, or even the powers system, but it's well written and a nice read.

Random Note: Rachel gets away with little to no description of the magic or school classes. While this can make it feel a little malnourished, at the same time I didn't feel particularly cheated. And I think I only noticed because I'm struggling with this problem in my own writing at the moment. Otherwise, I probably would never have noticed.

Pet Peeve: There is a cat on the cover. A black cat. I RECALL NO CAT IN THE BOOK, black or otherwise. Whoever put that cat on the cover and got my hopes up should perish, preferably at the paws of Cat Kirk. If there is one thing I really like about witches, it's the whole "cat familiar" thing. Cover Designer: YOU LET ME DOWN.

Conclusion: A nice, easy read. Already have the second book, Demon Glass, next on my reading list.

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

 out of 4 Paws Up

Her Majesty's Dog Series by Mick Takeuchi

Decided to re-read one of my favorite series. 11 volumes in all.

Summary: Amane isn't your normal teenage girl - she is a Manatsukai, able to use kotodama and control things with their name. Hyoue is her indentured demon dog guardian, who feeds on her life force in exchange for his services. To get away from her oppressive and secretive people, Amane and Hyoue move from their remote island home to her estranged Uncle's house in the city to attend regular school. But her ability to see spirits puts her in constant danger, and the secrets that her people have been hiding are even darker than she could ever imagine. And can Hyoue ever pursue his forbidden love for his oblivious master?

Reality Check: The art is soft for the face but sharp for the demons - as it should be. It's an interesting story with likeable characters. Lots of action and lots of humor, but it has its serious moments as well.

Favorite Part: The story of how Amane and Hyoue found each other. So bittersweet. *sniffle*

Conclusion: I always have a soft spot for stories with ancient themes - demons and powers all that. And forbidden love - not being able to be together is so much more romantic. I definitely recommend it.

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

 out of 4 Paws Up

Kamisama Kiss: Volume 4 by Julietta Suzuki

One of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors! I read each volume several times after I get it.

Summary: Homeless Nanami unwittingly takes over a deity's position and now lives at a local shrine with fox spirit Tomoe, her protector and love interest. On a friend's advice she takes him on a date, but he wants nothing to do with her affections.  Brokenhearted she goes to the beach, where Tomoe is captured by the ruler of the sea for past grievances! Now Nanami must go back in time to find the water spirit's eye as ransom to rescue her shinshi - or does she?

Reality Check: The art is sweet, the characters amusing and cute (especially the boys), and the story is romantic and fun. Definitely a girl's manga.

Conclusion: If you like sweet stories about average girls and Japanese deities/spirits, this is for you! I highly recommend it!

Genre: Young Adult Shojo Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up

Suitcase Seven Giveaway: Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Claire Legrand is giving away a copy of Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor in her Suitcase Seven Giveaway! Check it out, and good luck!

http://claire-legrand.com/2011/08/16/the-suitcase-seven-giveaway-part-5-daughter-of-smoke-and-bone-2/

Kobato: Volume 4 by CLAMP

FINALLY got my hands on Volume 4! The latest CLAMP series running in the US. 

Summary: To have her wish fulfilled, Kobato must fill up a special jar to the brim with wounded hearts. But a curious emotion concerning a co-worker is proving an unwanted distraction. And a heavenly messenger delivers a disconcerting message to Ioryogi: Kobato has only two more seasons to fill the jar, or her wish - and Ioryogi's original form - will no longer be attainable! Some familiar faces visit, and some of the mysteries are finally revealed as we begin to discover just who Ioryogi is.

Reality Check: The art is soft and beautiful (except for Ioryogi-san and his friends - they scare me). The story is different, mysterious, and fascinating. And it's impossible not to instantly fall in love with Kobato-chan, the compassionate, innocent soul that she is. As usual, CLAMP shows their mastery of art & storytelling.

Conclusion: A great fantasy series - don't miss out!

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up

2 Reasons 2 Love November!

There are two great books coming out this November that I'm dying to get my hands on:

 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi 11/15/11
(http://stiryourtea.blogspot.com/p/books.html)

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.

AND...

Legend by Marie Lu 11/29/11
(http://marielu.org/books.html)

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Mark your calendars! These should be great reads.

Only 2 1/2 months to go...