Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (Review)

SYNOPSIS:

(From bn.com)

The undead can really screw up your senior year . . . Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

MY REVIEW:

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is a genuinely greatly crafted novel. I loved the characters, they were all well thought out  and detailed.  You could never say that Beth Fantaskey copied this from any other vampire novel. This for one was a detailed original piece of work. And taking after Dracula by Stoker takes place in Romania, but also in America.

Jessica Packwood or Princess Anastasia Dragomoir was abandoned as a baby after her vampire parent's were staked. At the time the Packwood's Jessica's adoptive parents were studying in Romania and were instated with Jessica's saftey. Returning to the US, Anastasia was renamed Jessica. And 17 years later is visited by her pact husband, Lucius Vladescu, claiming to be her fiance. Lucius a warrior vampire prince, with charming looks and a tall muscular frame  can and in my mind beats the likes of Edward Cullen (sorry but really Edward has been highly over hyped and I can no longer look at him the same). However Lucius now claims Jessica needs to return to Romania with him, or there will be a war. Over the next several months Lucius trys to win Jessica's heart. If it succeeds or not you will have to read the book to find out!

Well that summed the book up but, my opinion is that: a) this book is amazing, b) it was really well written and c) the cover is amazing. Beth Fantaskey did a great job when she wrote this novel and it completely deserves the 4 music notes I give it. I compeletly devored this book in one sitting and it still sits in my mind. And I really believe Beth should have wrote a sequel, but she continued with the story on her website, there's a link below so check it out if you've already read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE/OTHER BOOKS:

See a short story or another book if you would like to say that follows Jessica's Guide here.

Click here to see Beth's other book that is coming out soon call Jekel Loves Hyde.

Here's a link for her site: http://bethfantaskey.com/

Look here for Beth's blog. 

PREVIEW VIDEO:
There is also another video that I liked but it gave away alot of the plot here's a link to it:
http://www.youtube.com/

The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson (Review)

SYNOPSIS:

(From bn.com)

Twenty-year-old Ruth Berger is desperate. The daughter of a Jewish-Austrian professor, she was supposed to have escaped Vienna before the Nazis marched into the city. Yet the plan went completely wrong, and while her family and fiancé are waiting for her in safety, Ruth is stuck in Vienna with no way to escape. Then she encounters her father's younger college professor, the dashing British paleontologist Quin Sommerville. Together, they strike a bargain: a marriage of convenience, to be annulled as soon as they return to safety. But dissolving the marriage proves to be more difficult than either of them thought—not the least because of the undeniable attraction Quin and Ruth share. To make matters worse, Ruth is enrolled in Quin's university, in his very classes. Can their secret survive, or will circumstances destroy their love?

MY REVIEW:

The Morning Gift is a book like all of Eva Ibbotson's books that was filled with historic knowledge, while also with romance. I love Eva's writing style she keeps the story interesting while at the same time trying to teach you something that accord in history. She was one of the first historic romance reads I read with The Countess Blow Stairs and her books always are enjoyable.


Taking place during the beginnings of WWII, you see what life was before, during and after, with the final chapter being about V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day). The characters in this story were well thought out. And with Quin and Ruth you always had something going on, with it either going out and finding ancient bones or studying the anatomy of a frog or parasite. Both have qualities that any reader can enjoy. In the end the story end well, everything is summed up perfectly, and all unasked questions are resolved. I love the ending line though: "I buy you cake?" Its so quirky, but serious at the same time, ending the novel short an sweet.


(Just a side note, I was funny when I picked this up out of the Books to Read pile I have, because I was starting to learn about WWII, so I understood everything that was happening (even though I had new about it before being a history junky).)

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE/ OTHER BOOKS:

Eva doesn't have her own site but here are some great lists and biographies I found:

http://www.shelfari.com/

http://biography.jrank.org/

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/


NOTE: This is one of the books I read for the Holiday Reading Challenge.

Band Geek Love by Josie Bloss (Review)

SYNOPSIS:

(From bn.com)

All band, all the time. That's how trumpet goddess Ellie Snow has made it to senior year. No drama, no dating. Just keeping lock-step within the safe precision of the Winslow Marching Band. She's a fierce section leader now, and so over the heart-crushing social disaster of her freshman year. No boy is going to ruin Ellie's shining moment-her senior solo performance at the homecoming game. And then Connor Higgins shows up. Not even Ellie can resist the trumpet player who could be a model for Abercrombie & Fitch. It's a hook-up made in band-geek heaven! But Ellie's not ready to publicize their romance, not even to her best friends. After all, Connor's just a sophomore. What would everyone say? Breaking formation and revealing her true self would be like . . . marching on the field completely naked! Then Ellie discovers the flipside of secrets and how it feels to be shut out by the ones she loves.

MY REVIEW:

Band Geek Love was for me a great read, however some might be confused about the whole world of marching band and music lingo that the book entails (well there isn't a lot but ya it can be confusing).  Bloss's first novel wasn't bad, I enjoyed the slight humor between Ellie and Conner. And as their relationship develops, you can really see Ellie's character develop. Conner as I can see it would be the whole perfect band geek boyfriend that I would fall in love with. (Though clarinetist verses trumpeter, clarinetist rock!!!.... well at least in my band they do.)


But back to the review....


There is only one other book I can compare this book to and that is my favorite book Major Crush by Jennifer Echols. Band Geek Love compares to it highly in my mind. Yet as the romance of Conner and Ellie develop you see well some writing that could have been improved. But nevertheless Josie Bloss did a great job on this novel.  I could easily connect with the characters, especially Ellie, since I know the stress of being in marching band and wanting everything to be perfect. And anyone in band or that understands simple music would completely understand this book.


Story wise sum up: Ellie as a senior has been single since her best guy friend's brother denied her freshman year. But when Ellie notices the cute and best looking sophomore in the stands of her end of band camp performance she "flubs" her trumpet solo. And in result Ellie has to fight for that solo for the rest of the book, but also understand what's happening with Conner and her. While also trying to understand her two best friends and how they fit into this whole problem of Ellie's life.

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE/ BOOKS:

http://josiebloss.com/

Sequal~Band Geeked out~ 
http://josiebloss.com/band-geeked-out/

Other Novel~ Albatross~
http://josiebloss.com/albatross/

HOW TO BE A BAND GEEK VIDEOS (not Band Geek Love Trailer):

I found this when searching for the Band Geek Love Trailer.... 
I found it hilarious because I do some of these things (well in both of the videos).

Must Love Black by Kelly McClymer (Review)

SYNOPSIS:

(From bn.com)

Money and a summer free from the newly married lovebirds (otherwise known as Dad and stepmother Krystal) are two reasons for responding to the ad that reads: "NANNY FOR 10-YR-OLD TWINS. MAINE COAST. OWN ROOM AND GENEROUS SALARY...MUST LOVE BLACK." Philippa does love black; in fact, she wears so much of it that people might think she's "goth," although she's not. It is just that she likes to be prepared. "Black covers everything from prom night to the end of the world." At Chrysalis, an exclusive spa set on fog shrouded cliffs high above the sea, Philippa meets the twins. They are far from the spoiled rich brats she expected. Rienne and Triste are smart, studious and serious—so much so that one of the mandatory activities in their daily schedule is not-to be-skipped-under-any-circumstances fun! And that, at times, seems to be the most difficult challenge of all. That and hiding her feelings for Geoff, the hottie gardener, who seems to be taken by perky pretty-in-pink Laurie. This thoroughly engaging teenage "gothic" novel will keep girls turning the pages to find out who ultimately wins the heart of that gorgeous gardener. ~Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen

MY REVIEW:

Must Love Black was a really clever witty book. That I found personally a really easy read, I finished it in two days (during school which never happens!). I love Philippa's attitude and the fact that she claims she isn't goth because black is functional (aka something I will for now ever say when people ask why I love wearing black (and p.s. it's because I just think I look better in it and it keeps me warmer)). And hence she takes the job as a nanny for the gothic twins, Rienne and Triste at Chrysalis hotel/resort/spa. There is one quote from this book that will ever stay with me: "I don't need a guy. Guys make everything complicated. I like simple." For that is my new moto. But right after Pippa says this she regrets it as she meets Geoff the already taken gardener/driver.

As the story progresses we see Pippa has three problems in her life: coping with her mother's death and her new step mother's frilly and happiness, getting the girls to have fun, and in the end how to win Geoff. These all make for an interesting story. However some might not like this novel just because the predictability of some parts. Yet, I really liked this book. Having read Kelly McClymer's Getting to the Third Date I have learned that she is a really great romance writer. And in the end I give this novel a 2 on the music note caliber, just because the fact that some parts are predictable and the fact that some might not like the story line.

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE/ BOOKS:

http://kellymcclymer.com/wordpress/s/

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/kelly-mcclymer/

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen (Review)

I personally love Sarah Dessen's novels. And this one along with Lock and Key and Just Listen are my favorite books of all time. Some might not like this novel because of the fact that some don't like the just plain romance that it involves. But also the dramatic story line behind it all, might not be compelling to some.

SYNOPSIS:

(From bn.com)

It's the summer before college and Auden goes to her father's house in the small coastal town of Colby for some well-earned R&R. Having no plans other than to preread textbooks for her first-semester classes at Defriese University, the would-be bookworm's solitude is quickly disrupted by Thisbe, her colicky new half sister. Strolling the boardwalk with a fussy baby and late night coffee runs at the Gas/Gro lead to chance encounters with the locals, whose main pastime revolves around Colby's bike park. Auden's curiosity is piqued by Eli, a bike-shop worker whose reserved, solitary nature seems to match her own. Her social sphere widens when Heidi, her sleep-deprived stepmom, asks for some bookkeeping help in her fashion boutique, and Auden is drawn into the circle of girls who work and hang out there, including Maggie, the clerk also bound for Defriese in September, and sidekicks Leah and Esther...

MY REVIEW:

Once I had read Sarah Dessen's book Just Listen in 7th grade, I knew I had found an author that would be a favorite of mine for the rest of my life. And she continues to amaze me with her elegant writing style and creative story lines.

With Along for the Ride, Sarah created three very interesting character: the bookworm (antisocial), Auden; the shy quite bike riding boy, Eli; and the smart preppy boyish Maggie. In the beginning Auden (named after her dad's favorite author) seems reluctant to do anything that involves other people including her new baby step sister Thisbe. Which makes her coming out and enjoying her summer vacation with her pink covered stepmom, Hedi, amusing. Auden through out the novel was changed and with the help of Eli and Maggie becomes something she would have never become. A semi-normal teen, that in one made up all those memories she missed in her life. With the background of her dad's constant book writing to complete his book he's been working on since Auden was young, we get another image of Auden's life before her father and mother divorced. And with her mother's constant nagging about college and pre-reading her textbooks, we get pulled back into Auden's reality of life. Allowing the reader to experience themselves in Auden's summer of change.

Personally I loved this novel, like the rest of Dessen's novels. And I have gladly rated this book with a B+ because of that. Along for the Ride like all the other Sarah Dessen novels have made me realize how good or bad someone's life can really be. And in the end Sarah always teaches you one or more lessons, while incorporating some romance in there.

AUTHOR'S WEBSITES:

http://www.sarahdessen.com/books

Along for the Ride in Sarah's Words (plus free excerpt)

http://sarah-land.ning.com/

Other Books by Sarah Dessen

VIDEO:

Sarah Reading an Excerpt from Along for the Ride.

Graceling by Kirstin Cashore (My first Review!!!)

SYNOPSIS:

(From bn.com)

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

MY REVIEW:

I found this novel very very enjoyable.  I loved the main characters Katasa and Po, and I felt they were really well written about. The minute I started the novel it was like I was drawn into the world of Katasa. And ever time Katasa felt sad or was happy, I felt like I was feeling that also. Kristin Cashore with this makes this books so amazing and enjoyable that I could not put this down. And I can't wait till I can go to the book store and buy the prequel.


After being recommended by one of my friends, I was a little reluctant. I had not really read any fantasy like this since I had read the Inheritance Cycle or The Cry of the Icemark Series, and I was reluctant to read this novel seeing as I had never been a large fantasy reader. However this novel has sparked my interest in this type of fantasy, and I'm looking for more books like it (If you have any suggestions comment them please! :).


Yet, the main reason I chose to review this novel as my first review, is because it's now on my top favorite book on my list of favorite books. Through all the characters I was made into one myself. And it has brought my imagination of fantasy writing through past that of the romantic genre. Through the slight and non defined romance of Katasa and Po, I got though my romance fix. And in the end was yearning for the next book to come out.

AUTHORS WEBSITE:

http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/

Graceling on her site (click on Graceling).

OTHER BOOKS BY KRISTIN CASHORE:

Fire (Prequel to Graceling.)

Bitterblue (In the works, sequel to Graceling.)

BOOK TRAILER:

How was my first review? What do I need to improve on? Please tell me. :))

Young Adult Book Reviews

This page consists of all the Young Adult Book Reviews I have ever made, they are listed by the  authors' last.

A

Manifest by Artist Arthur (2010)

Mystify by Artist Arthur (2011)

B

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry (2010)

The Hunted of 2060 by Ami Blackwelder (2010)

The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Blackwelder (2010)

Band Geek Love by Josie Bloss (2009)

C

Fire by Kristin Cashore (2010)

Graceling by Kristin Cashore (2009)

Legacy of Lies by Elizabeth Chandler (2010)

Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs (2010)

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs (2010)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2010)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (2010)

D

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen (2009)

E

Ex-Games by Jennifer Echols (2010)

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (2010)
Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles (2011)
Wildthorn by Jane Eagland (2011)

F

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (2010)

How to Hook a Hottie by Tera Ferraro (2010)

Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro (2010)

G

Evernight by Claudia Gray (2010)

H

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton (2010)

Love on Cue by Catherine Hapka (2010)

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (2010)

Gemini Night by Bonnie Hearn Hill (2010)

I

The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson (2010)

J

K

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky (2011)

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (2010)

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa (2010)

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (2011)
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (2011)

L

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens (2010)

Penitence by Jennifer Laurens (2010)

M

The Mermaid's Mirror by  L.K. Madigan (2010)

Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory (2010)

Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory (2010)

To Kill a Warlock by H.P. Mallory (2010)
Antara by Marilena Maxi (2011)

O, JULIET by Robin Maxwell (2010)

Must Love Black by Kelly McClymer (2010)

Titus and Atreus by Meridi Myers (2010)

N

O

P

Q

R

Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch by Douglas Rees (2010)

S

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber (2011)

T

U

V

Ordeal by Tatyana Varenko (2010)

W

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten (2010)

Impossible by Nancy Werlin (2010)
Solid by Shelley Workinger (2011)

X

Y

Z