Tag Archives: YA

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore – a Review

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Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore – a Review

Bitterblue is the third book of Kristin Cashore’s Graceling Realm series.  Bitterblue picks up 8 years after the death of her father, the evil King Leck. Bitterblue is now at 18, the Queen of Monsea.  Though 8 years have passed since her rise to the throne, the people of Monsea are still recovering from the evil Kings 35 year reign of terror and horrific torture.  The story starts off with Bitterblue bogged down in paperwork, given to her by her trusted advisors.  She is tired and bored, and she yearns to know more about her country and what happens outside of her castle. But no one listens to her, and she has to stay under the protection of her advisors and guards.

Bitterblue discovers the library, and begins to read cryptic books about her mother and father.  She begins to question her advisors, who though they have been with her all her life, they keep avoiding talking about those horrible days.  Bitterblue starts to have strange feelings that something is being hidden from her.  She decides to explore more on her own, and in disguise, she sneaks out many nights to see what is happening in the towns near her.  Bitterblue discovers a pub that has storytellers, and they do talk about sordid details of King Leck’s reign, which opens her eyes to things she was not aware of, or cannot remember. 

On one of the excursions, she meets two thieves, who in time become her friends, though they do not know she is the Queen of Monsea.  Saf, short for Sapphire, becomes more then just a friend, but he is reckless, and brings danger to her.  Listening to the stories about the bad days, and how they all perceive her as Queen, and learning things from her new friends, Bitterblue suspects that she is being lied to from her trusted advisors. 

Working with her librarian, Death (spoken as Deeth), they look at all the old books, many of which Death is resurrecting, as his Grace is remembering everything he reads. She also begins to discover so many hidden rooms in the catacombs of the castle, that her father used for his dastardly deeds.  The amazing thing about this story, is how Cashore brings in puzzles, and so many, in different ciphers, & languages,  and making it so believable, though complex. As she begins to learn the truth, Bitterblue’s life becomes threatened, and she has to rely on old friends to keep her safe.  This is some of the best parts of the book, that we get to see a lot of Katsa, Po, Raffin, Giddeon, and Fire nearer to the end.  We also meet so many new and interesting characters, both good and bad….Helga, Fox, Hava, Saf, just to name a few.

The last 1/3 of the book is filled with surprises, twists, and mostly betrayal, as Bitterblue begins to find out the truth, hidden behind so many lies, even if it was meant to protect her.  Bitterblue has to rise above the pain from those discoveries, and be the Queen who must bring Monsea back from those terrifying years.  You can’t help but feel sorry for Bitterblue, as one after another she suffers from the knowledge of how deep the betrayals her within her own castle. 

Overall, I thought Kristin Cashore wrote another great book in this series.  However, there was so much detail, complexity, not a lot of action, that I felt made this book, not quite as good as the first book Graceling, or even the prequel Fire.  But with that said, it is a writing of an excellent author. 

Reviewed by Barb

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TOUCHED (YA) by Cyn Balog-a new release review

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TOUCHED (YA) by Cyn Balog

TOUCHED (YA) by Cyn Balog

TOUCHED is the August 2012 new release Young Adult paranormal fiction novel from Cyn Balog.

17year old Nick Cross (aka Crazy Cross) by his fellow students can see the future. Not just the few minutes or hours ahead, but a lifetime of memories. And the continuous script that runs through his head takes on epic proportions each time he changes his course of action. The ‘cycling’ of events results in mind-blowing headaches and he must stick to the script or suffer further pain and anguish. But when he is unable to prevent the death of a young child, Nick’s life begins to spiral further out of control and the future he sees does not bode well for Nick and his family. Yet the touch of a ‘beautiful angel’ will stop all of the pain and the cycling of events, if only for a few minutes at a time.

Taryn’s family is new to the Jersey Shore. Moving in with her eccentric grandmother, Taryn must face the reality that will be her future. A family secret, one shared by both Taryn and her grandmother, must be addressed before Taryn’s 17th birthday. As the youngest female grandchild, the power of the Touch will be gifted to Taryn, but it is a gift that Taryn does not want to receive. Hoping to find a way to remove the family ‘curse’, Taryn soon finds a kindred spirit in Nick Cross- a boy she claims has been Touched. But when Nick sees their future, his only recourse is to push Taryn away before they both have no future to tell.

Taryn’s grandmother is a bibliomancer, with the ability to bring The Book Of Touch to life. But a Touch that went horribly wrong almost 18 years earlier, has forced Taryn’s grandmother to leave that part of her life behind. And with Taryn’s 17th birthday only days away, the Book of Touch must once again be addressed. The only problem-the remaining Touches will bring death and destruction to those who use it unwisely or for purposes of revenge.

Throughout his life, Nick has blamed his father for the sins of the son, but his friendship with Taryn has revealed his own family secret that has caused his mother years of guilt and pain. And his grandmother Nan will be the one to bring everything back to the future.

TOUCHED is a story of one young man’s journey to find the truth. But when the truth is revealed, Nick knows that all of the pain and suffering could have been avoided. A mistake made long ago, will force one family member to change history and inevitably the future of everyone they meet at the Jersey Shore. A wonderful storyline, that will make you sit up and think—if you were granted just one wish—would you regret what you wished for.

Available for pre-order:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Books
B&N Books
B&N Nook

reviewed by Sandy

Touched provided by Netgalley.

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BLAZING THE TRAIL (The Dragon Diaries YA #3) by Deborah Cooke-a new release review

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BLAZING THE TRAIL (The Dragon Diaries YA #3) by Deborah Cooke

BLAZING THE TRAIL (The Dragon Diaries YA #3) by Deborah Cooke

BLAZING THE TRAIL is the third novel and June 2012 new release in Deborah Cooke’s Young Adult series-The Dragon Diaries. Zoe Sorensson is the only female dragon and Wyvern in a world of the shape-shifting supernatural, and must learn about her powers and abilities on the fly-literally. But when the 4 remaining shifter-lines are targeted for death by the Mage, Zoe and her friends must find a way to stop the Valentine’s Day ritual that could end all of their lives.

At the end of WINGING IT, Zoe and her friends had virtually destroyed the collective mind of the Mage. Without memory or purpose, the Mage numbers were dwindling. But those too young to be caught in the mind-sweep were banding together and targeting the remaining shifters-Dragon, Thunderbird, Wolf and Cat. With her powers as the Wyvern came dreams and pre-cognition of what may or may not happen. Without the guidance of the previous Wyvern, it is up to Zoe to decipher the messages that continue to haunt her nightly dreams. But a new dream ally will surface with both a weapon and advice that will aid Zoe with her fight to stay alive.

Knowing that the shifters are targeted by the Mage, an Alliance is formed between the remaining groups to help strengthen and combine their knowledge regarding their survival or demise. But the powerful spell-songs (of) and the use of the Nightblade by the Mage will trap more than one of Zoe’s friends and it will take the new-found powers of a young Wyvern to discern and break through the tangle of spell-light weaves. But it is the Shadoweaters (former Mage) who find the portal between their worlds that will place everyone in danger. With guilt weighing heavily, Zoe must tap into her dreams hoping to solve the puzzles and clues that will bring an end to the Mage and the Shadoweaters that many will become. And it is the revelation as to the origins of the Shadoweaters that will have you scratching your head wondering if the Mage have any concept as to the evil that will eventually take hold and destroy.

Many of Zoe’s allies and friends return. Meagan, her BFF and Mage is learning the power of spell-song; Derek the shy and quiet wolf-shifter who is hoping for more than friendship; Kohana the Thunderbird and sometime friend; Jessica and her new-found abilities; and Jared-Mage and Zoe’s long time crush. Fellow Dragon-shifters Nick, Garret and Liam are called in to aid and protect Zoe. And we will see the development of a couple of potential relationships between the young dragons and some of the other supernatural friends.

The return of Jared will force Zoe to make a choice between two friends, but it is Jared who will sacrifice more than his friendship to save the life of someone he has grown to love. Kohana is still an enigma. Like Zoe, the reader is unsure as to his true purpose until the death of a friend will find the Thunderbird paying back a debt owed to the young Wyvern.

BLAZING THE TRAIL is another fantastic addition to Deborah Cooke’s Dragon Diaries series. As a lover of all things dragon, my only complaint-we didn’t see enough of the young Pyr. Blazing The Trail focuses more on the Mage and the other shape-shifters. I also liked the fact that Deborah does not concentrate on the typical teen love-triangle. Although there is the potential, it was not the center of the story. Many YA authors tend to write a series around a trio of friends who will inevitably come to odds with regards to relationships and love. Deborah allows the story to develop, but keeps the angst-filled relationships on the periphery. Blazing The Trail is a wonderful story from a great author.

READING ORDER:
1. Flying Blind
2. Winging It
3. Blazing The Trail

LINKS:
Amazon Books
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
The Book Depository

Reviewed by Sandy

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WINGING IT (YA) The Dragon Diaries #2 by Deborah Cooke-a review

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WINGING IT by Deborah Cooke

WINGING IT by Deborah Cooke

REMINDER:  Interview and Giveaway with Deborah Cooke May 23, 2012

WINGING IT is the second instalment in Deborah Cooke’s YA series–The Dragon Diaries. This series is the Young Adult companion to her adult Dragonfire series. Winging It, like the first novel in the series, tells of the trials and tribulations of growing up Dragon in a world of humans and shapeshifters. This second storyline takes place 5 months after Flying Blind.

Zoe Sorensson, is the only female dragon and Wyvern, and is about to celebrate her 16th birthday, without her best friend Meagan. To make matters worse, she has been invited to a Halloween party, by one of the most popular boys in school-who just happens to be an apprentice Mage, and is gunning for the eradication of all dragons. But when Meagan is once again, attacked at school, by a group of ‘mean girls’, Zoe shifts forms to defend her friend against injury.

Zoe’s father, Eric, as leader of the Pyr, is not impressed, because now, his only child and daughter has broken the Dragon Covenant and revealed herself to the humans. To complicate matters, Zoe’s parents are struggling, much to her surprise, and it seems, that she may be the catalyst in the demise of her parent’s marriage. Zoe’s mother, Eileen, cannot come to terms living with her family of dragons, knowing her daughter, is the target of a group of Mage, who will risk their own lives to destroy the Pyr. When Eileen heads to England, Eric makes the decision to ‘ground’ Zoe from all dragon activity, and sends her to her Meaghan’s, while he flies to Europe to convince his wife, that they should remain a family.

When Zoe discovers that her Dragon friends are suddenly missing, she is forced to use her powers as the Wyvern, to search and locate her friends—who may be sacrificed by the Mage in a Halloween ritual. With the help of some unlikely ‘stone’ statues, Zoe must enter the cemetery where the Mage ritual will be performed. Rescuing, not only the Pyr, but a wolf, a jaguar and her best friend Meaghan, it is then that they realize, there are more than just a few shifters. The ceremony is witnessed by many beings including felines, lupin and an assortment of shifters, long thought destroyed by the Mage. They are present to aid in the rescue of their friends and family.

Winging It is an easy read, as was Flying Blind. The continuing story of Zoe and the young Pyr, has me wanting to go back to the Dragonfire series, if only because I miss the excitement of the Firestorms with the adult dragons. The Dragon Diaries is a good series, with plenty of excitement and a story that will continue for along time. Zoe has the frustrations of most 16 year old girls, but being a dragon complicates matters to another degree. Sometimes, I wonder, if all teens thought the way these young dragons think, our teens would not be in as much trouble as they are today. They are responsible for their own lives as well as others, and it is nice to see, someone taking responsibility for their own actions. I am looking forward to Blazing the Trail—to be released in June 2012

LINKS:

AMAZON Kindle
AMAZON books
KOBO
B&N Nook

Reviewed by Sandy

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FLYING BLIND (YA) The Dragon Diaries #1 by Deborah Cooke-a review

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FLYING BLIND by Deborah Cooke

FLYING BLIND by Deborah Cooke

FLYING BLIND is the premiere book in Deborah Cooke’s new YA series –The Dragon Diaries. The Young Adult companion to her Dragonfire series, The Dragon Diaries focuses on the lives and adventures of the children born from the firestorms in the adult series. 15 year old-Zoe Sorennson and the other teen dragons take us on an adventure of growing up dragon in world of humans and other shapeshifting beings.

Zoe Sorensson, the daughter of Eric, the leader of the Pyr, is the only female dragon in existence, and therefore, her destiny-awaits. As the only female dragon, she is the Wyvern of the Pyr-blessed with powers and dreams, that she must interpret, and decipher. The symbolic messages give way to warnings and educate the young Pyr, about the past, the present and their future. But her position as the Wyvern comes without a handbook or instructions. There have only been a few known Wyvern in the history of the Pyr and the last Wyvern was killed shortly before Zoe was born.

As a frustrated teen, Zoe is like any typical teenage girl-waiting for her period, her boobs and a boy to notice. Basically-puberty. But when her best friend Meagan (a human) is attacked by a group of girls, Zoe sees red, and without warning, her dragon powers emerge. A partially formed claw and a dragon eye, are all that is needed to invoke fear into the other students. When her father, the all-knowing leader of the Pyr, senses her shift, she is sent to Dragon Boot Camp, to learn about the ways of the Pyr. But Zoe sees Spring Break at the Minnesota boot camp as an opportunity to explore the possibility of a relationship with Nick, the young dragon, she presumes to be her destined mate. Little does she know, that along with fellow dragons Nick, Garrett, Liam,-Isabelle, the young adopted and human daughter of Rafferty, is also present, and there is something going on between Nick and Isabelle.

When the young dragons depart for camp, Nick’s human cousin-Jared, arrives and offers to drive Zoe on his Ducati motorcycle. Jared’s presence has a calming influence on Zoe, and allows the young female a chance to explore her powers and her ability to sense the presence and location of other dragons. Upon arrival at their cabin, another young male, claiming to be the son of a long lost dragon, vies for Zoe’s attention. The arrival of Adrian, affects the others like a plague. When Jared announces that he must leave and head back to town, he warns Zoe that Adrian isn’t at all what he appears. Thinking Jared is jealous of Adrian’s attraction to Zoe, she places the warning on the back burner, to look at a later time.

Boot Camp is not without its’ adventures and mysteries. A test of Pyr knowledge and a puzzle, of sorts, to solve push the young dragons to examine their powers and skills in fighting. But Zoe senses that something isn’t right, and when she is continually plagued by a dream and a vision, surrounding another young man, with a partially formed wing, she searches for clues. As the Wyvern and Oracle for the Pyr, Zoe is expected to analyze and solve whatever is ailing her friends, but a darkness seems to engulf the cabin, and its’ source of power radiates throughout. Without prior knowledge into her abilities as the Wyvern, Zoe fumbles with the messages that are sent to her in dreams, and inadvertently releases the spirit of the young man who dogs her nocturnal adventures. Kohana‘s shapeshifting abilities become apparent when the Pyr fight to save their own.

It is not until Jared returns, that the identity of the mage is revealed. A secretive group of humans, who want to eliminate all the supernatural shape-shifting beings, and their current target are the Pyr. When Jared aids the others in their fight with the Mage, he too, reveals his true identity, but one without the evil desire to rid the world of dragons. When Adrian suddenly disappears during a dragon battle in the air, Zoe realizes that he was sent as a decoy to keep the young dragons occupied. Seeking answers to their questions, Zoe dreams about blood and dragon scales, until she finally discovers, that the Mage have abducted their fathers, in a plot to rid the world of Pyr.

With her abilities to teleport in dreams and shift between species, Zoe sets out to rescue the adult dragons, but not before she and Jared make a connection. Finally realizing, that Nick is most likely not her destined mate, as Pyr cannot join with one of their own kind, Zoe resigns herself with the knowledge, that she may forever be a virgin within the hierarchy of the Pyr. As the blessed Wyvern, she will be expected to remain chaste and pure, as part of her ability to dream.

Flying Blind in an easy read. Without prior knowledge and information from Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series, most of the storyline still flows. Written as part of the Young Adult series, Flying Blind references much of the Pyr history and dragon lore from the adult series, that is necessary to keep the reader informed and aware. Most YA books and series, focus on the teen angst of broken hearts and parental control, and Flying Blind touches the surface, without drowning in the emotional turmoil of teen crushes and loss. If you are a fan of Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series, The Dragon Diaries are an interesting addition that references our favorite dragons from her adult storylines. The Dragon Diaries focus on the next generation of Pyr, and how they survive in a world of humans, who are aware of their existence, but, are not allowed to know, just who among their friends, is a dragon or something more powerful. Another great series by Deborah Cooke.  Next instalment-Winging It. 

LINKS:
AMAZON Kindle
AMAZON books
KOBO
B&N NOOK

Reviewed by Sandy

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Laura Pauling-Interview with the Author

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Laura Pauling-Interview with the Author

The Reading Cafe would like to introduce YA author Laura Pauling.

Short bio:

Laura Pauling writes about spies, murder and mystery. A Spy Like Me, her YA debut novel is available now. Her short story, The Almost Assassin, appeared in the In His Eyes Anthology and is free on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Long bio:

Laura Pauling writes about spies, murder and mystery for all ages where the real and the incredible combine for heart stopping and often hilarious adventures. Her YA debut, A Spy Like Me, released in April of 2012.

She lives her cover of suburban mom/author perfectly, from the minivan to the home-baked snickerdoodles, while hiding her secret missions and covert operations from the real world. And her kids wonder what she does all day while they’re at school; or why on Monday mornings she’s a bit grumpy. Living the life of a secret agent isn’t easy, but someone has to do it. But shh – don’t expose the truth to her friends and family.

This may or may not be what she really looks like.


And she may or may not actually bake cookies.

You decide.

TRC:  Hi Laura and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Please tell us something about yourself?

 

Laura:  I write about spies, murder and mystery while living the cover of suburban mom/author perfectly, from the minivan to the home-baked snickerdoodles. I hide my secret missions and covert operations from the real world. But shh don’t tell anyone.

 

 

TRC:  You are a member of the INDELIBLES indie author site. Would you please tell us how you became involved with this group of YA authors?

 

Laura:  I feel so blessed to have stumbled upon the Indelibles. We are there for each other, whether tweeting or blogging announcements, sharing good and bad news, answering questions and becoming friends! I was already blogging/writing friends with Susan Kaye Quinn and Addison Moore. When they learned I’d decided to self publish, they nominated me for the group.

 

TRC:  What do you find the most challenging about writing? About indie publication?

 

Laura:  Information abounds in the blogosphere: from craft tips to social media tips. I’ve read some terrific books on the craft of writing. I have the head knowledge, so my biggest challenge is applying that to my writing. I work on this every time I sit down to write. Writing is a journey and I will always be growing.

 

Indie publishing opened up a flood of creativity for me. So my biggest challenge is finding the time! I love this spy series but I have other mysteries I’d like to rewrite. I have new ideas, simmering in the background, begging to be told. So it’s hard to be patient when there are five different stories I want to be writing!

 

 

TRC:  Many authors bounce ideas and information between friends and family. With whom do you bounce your ideas?

 

Laura:  I don’t often share ideas with anyone until they are fully formed. At first, the idea is too fragile and often transforms over the course of writing the first draft. But when that’s done and I’ve already spotted and fixed the major plot holes, then I start sharing with readers and writing friends.

TRC:  A SPY LIKE ME (April 2012) is your debut novel. Would you please tell us about the premise?

To Order
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO
Smashwords

 

Laura:  Sure, I’d love to. After dodging bullets on a first date, Savvy must sneak, deceive and spy to save her family and friends and figure out if Malcolm is one of the bad guys before she completely falls for him.

 

TRC:  How much background research was involved with this novel?

 

Laura:  A lot. I’ve never been to Paris, France. I read other books set in Paris to see how others authors handled setting description. I read blogs. I researched foods, way of life, weather…etc. I spent time on the Louvre website, looking at the floor plan and pictures. I used Google to zoom in on the streets of Paris. I loved the Youtube videos tourists put up – that really helped with details.

 

 

TRC:  How many books do you have planned for the series?

 

Laura:  Right now, I’m hoping for three novels. Depending on how sales go, I’ll write more. I also have five short stories to come out in the next six months based on the Savvy’s mother. We learn her story, history and understand the present danger. I also have the seedlings for a spinoff of a future generation of spies. I’m not sure if that spin off will be novels or novellas.

TRC:  Will Savvy and Malcolm continue to be the principle characters?

 

Laura:  Savvy and Malcolm will be the primary characters in the first three books. Maybe more? There could possibly be companion novellas and short stories based on the other characters.

TRC:  Will you tell us something about what you have planned for your next novel in the series?

 

Laura:  I’ll just say that Savvy feels the backlash from her experiences in Paris. The second story is set in Athens, Greece, and Savvy continues to make the necessary decisions to keep her family together even though her actions seem contradictory.

 

TRC:  What are you currently working on?

 

 Laura:  Book two of course! J Plus I’m editing the short stories.

 

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

 

Laura:  Thank you so much for having me. There are so many fantastic books out there that I truly appreciate the time and effort in your reading and reviewing A Spy Like Me.

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Pizza. I’m a pizza-aholic.

Favorite Dessert – Easy. Chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven.

Favorite Movie – True Lies. The balance of humor, spy action, underlying themes of family, and over the top plotting perfectly reflects what I love to read and write!

Favorite TV Show – Castle. I love the wit, the creative storylines, the acting…and Nathan. They have some great writers behind that show.

Favorite Song – I honestly don’t have one.

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Milk chocolate. Dark is too bitter.

 

TRC:  Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. It is always a pleasure to meet the real person behind the author. We wish you all the best.

 

Laura:  Thank you!!!!!

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/jsmoP
Email: laura@laurapauling.com
Blog: http://www.laurapauling.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/laurapauling
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13372106-a-spy-like-me
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Pauling/308338192559237
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101571386103546921436/posts

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A SPY LIKE ME (YA) by Laura Pauling-a review

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A SPY LIKE ME (YA) by Laura Pauling

Tagline:

Stripping your date down to his underwear has never been so dangerous.

One sentence:

After dodging bullets on a first date, Savvy must decide how far she’ll go to stay alive and protect the ones she loves.

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Savvy Bent expects magic on her first date with Malcolm – in Paris! Except over a picnic of sparkling cider and strawberry tarts, a sniper shoots at them. That’s only the beginning. From the top of the Eiffel Tower to the depths of the catacombs, Savvy must sneak, deceive, and spy to save her family and friends and figure out whether Malcolm is one of the bad guys before she completely falls for him. Or he tries to snuff her out.

A SPY LIKE ME (YA) by Laura Pauling-a review by Carmen P.

I was first introduced to A Spy Like Me by reading the short story, Almost Assassin, in an anthology called In Your Eyes. Malcolm, an awkward 17 year old is trying to earn his rightful spot in the family business of…espionage. Under an assignment of simple recon, Malcolm is captivated by the equally youthful, Savvy Bent, his unwitting mark. While observing her daily routine, and finding her seemingly innocent of heinous activities, Malcolm receives an order to terminate Savvy. Distressed, but knowing this could and would propel him into his father’s good graces, Malcolm follows his instincts and trusts his heart instead: He asks Savvy out on a date!

Unlike the short story, A Spy Like Me unfolds under the perspective of Savvy. She has been living, unhappily, for the last 6 months in Paris, France with her father. Mom has been out of the picture for a year now, but those circumstances are complicated and slowly revealed throughout the story.

Against the backdrop of the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, Malcolm and Savvy are enjoying “date night”. There is an undeniable attraction and their banter is age-appropriately flirtatious. In a playful attempt at getting Malcolm to explain what he likes about her, Savvy manages to strip Malcolm of his pants and ties his hands behind his back, leaving him in a precarious position. Fully intending to relieve him of his embarrassment and capture that first real kiss, it was a spontaneous idea after all, a shot rings out! Malcolm has been shot. Trying to keep the attention of the assailant on himself, survival spy skills at its finest, Malcolm convinces Savvy to escape to the Eiffel Tower and reconvene in half an hour’s time. Not to be outdone, Savvy, utilizes her own expertise and runs away in that recommended zigzag manner that forever endears herself to me. Who does that? Malcolm never surfaces.

Fretting all night and worried that Malcolm has bled to death, Savvy is floored to see Malcolm stroll in during her work day at Spy Games…HER family’s business. These two are obviously meant for each other, right? Two peas in pod and all that fateful kismet stuff? If it was that easy, this book would have been conventional and dull. A Spy Like Me is far from it!

Savvy is relieved to find Malcolm hale and hearty, but his lack of details surrounding the debacle of “date night” unnerves her and sets the motion for twists and turns galore! While trying to figure out who could have made an attempt at Malcolm’s life, Savvy’s friend, Aimee, goes missing. Ok, she leaves a note of a sudden interest in backpacking across Eastern Europe, but Savvy, being savvy, certainly doesn’t believe that. One break-in later, spy skills again, who would go backpacking without hiking boots? A clue it is! Aimee’s disappearance forces Malcolm and Savvy to work together, but they can’t seem to find a moment’s peace to enjoy a teen romance.

This is where it gets a little troubling. While involved in all things spy, this knowledge goes unspoken between Malcolm and Savvy. Who’s really the savvier? **I couldn’t resist!** Enter Savvy’s estranged mom who makes an appearance in the middle of Spy Games and plunges Savvy into an unknown world of would-be assassins. No fair. It’s always scandalous when Mom leaves the happy home. These two need to talk. Throw in an ancient society who believes in preserving the sanctity of life versus a counter group who means to do away with corruption altogether. I found myself questioning the order or purpose of those events, but you can see to their relevance for yourself. And why do shots keep ringing out whenever Malcolm joins Savvy in her searches? Could some of those bullets be meant for Savvy instead?

There is a lot to unravel, but the journey is fun and all questions are answered. With one exception: We’re cheated out of a HEA. Malcolm isn’t given enough time to woo Savvy in the midst of varied states of unrest. How can I label Malcolm swoon-worthy if I barely got a glimpse into his romantic side? More, please! Ms. Pauling thrills you with insight for her next book and if Malcolm’s final scene is any indication, I was left very hopeful for a reunion between these two!!! Put Mom and Savvy’s reunion on the backburner for now….

LINKS:

Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO

Reviewed by Carmen P.

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UNTIL I DIE (Revenant #2) YA by Amy Plum-a new release review

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UNTIL I DIE (Revenant #2) by Amy Plum

UNTIL I DIE (Revenant #2) YA by Amy Plum

UNTIL I DIE is the second book and new release (May 2012) in the Young Adult Revenant series by Amy Plum. Revenants are immortal, re-animated humans who feel the need to continuously sacrifice themselves to save humans. As part of their immortality, the Revenants must enter a once-monthly hibernation where their spirit becomes Volant and they have the ability to separate mind from body, and communicate with other Revenants.

Forging ahead several months, Kate and Vincent’s relationship has grown into one of love and longing, but a new threat has surfaced and this threat comes from one of their own. And Vincent’s desire to please Kate will force the couple to look into different options so that they will be able to spend a lifetime together without the recurring pain and threat of death.

It is New Year’s Eve in Paris, and the celebration is both happy and sad knowing fellow Revenants Charles and Charlotte must leave the Paris family home. Charles unexpected spiral into depression (following the death of a child) and subsequent exposure to the numa (species of Revenant turned evil), places the remaining Revenants at risk for future attacks, and as his twin, Charlotte will accompany her brother where ever he chooses to go. But replacements have already been procured, as we are introduced to Violette and Arthur-two of the oldest Revenants in Europe. Although the couple is well respected and admired, there is something that does not bode well for either Kate or her sister Georgia.

Violette and Arthur’s association with each other is a concern for Kate. Although as close as any family, there appears to be a continuous struggle for power, and one that Violette appears to be winning. But when Arthur appears to reject Kate’s membership as one of their own, it is Violette’s new friendship with Kate that will force the family to look closer into the lives of those they trust most.

At this point the ‘bad guy’ scenario is obvious, but not to the characters in the storyline. As a reader it can be slightly frustrating watching the story develop knowing what will happen next, but like the first book DIE FOR ME, the story is fast paced and there is rarely a moment to breathe. Amy Plum’s ability to keep the story moving is wonderful, especially in a Young Adult storyline where many other authors tend to focus on the ‘whoa is me’ and angst of the teenage relationships. Kate and Vincent’s relationship is touching. Vincent believes he has waited 90 years to find the love of his life, his soul-mate and he believes that his love is Kate. Their connection is true, not imagined but the inevitable and required deaths (as a Revenant) by Vincent writes like an unfolding tragedy. Yet knowing the pain it causes Vincent to reject his own death, Kate continues to search for a way to help prevent Vincent’s need to sacrifice over and over. But the search will place everyone, including her family, at risk from attack.

The lives and loves of the Revenants are revealed as the story progresses. Charlotte’s love for a fellow house-mate is unrequited, and with the realization that he may have feelings for another, Charlotte is willing to step aside and let nature take its course. Jean-Baptiste and Gaspard’s connection surprises Kate, and the death of a spouse will affect Kate and Vincent as it will mirror their future together. Georgia, although no longer welcome at the Home due to her prior relationship with the numa, will develop feelings for one of the elders, and we hope to see what Amy has in mind for another possible human/Revenant love. And Violette-well let’s say-looks and actions can be deceiving-even among family and friends.

UNTIL I DIE is a wonderful addition to Amy Plum’s Revenant series. The book closes on a cliff-hanger that will keep you guessing as to the truth about what really happened. I am looking forward to the final instalment-IF I SHOULD DIE-May 2013.

reviewed by Sandy

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