Review : Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: December 1, 2011
Pages: 288
Source: ARC

The Story:

"Whoever said football and girls don't mix hasn't read Catching Jordan. I couldn't put it down!" ― Simone Elkeles, New York Times bestselling author of the Perfect Chemistry series

ONE OF THE BOYS

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though–she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university.

But everything she's ever worked for is threatened when Ty Green moves to her school. Not only is he an amazing QB, but he's also amazingly hot. And for the first time, Jordan's feeling vulnerable. Can she keep her head in the game while her heart's on the line?

"A beautiful novel with a real and captivating depiction of high school relationships, Catching Jordan shows the same reverence for the human heart that it does for the game of football." ―Karsten Knight, author of Wildefire.

via Amazon

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

My Review: 

Football and young adult romance. That pretty much sums up Catching Jordan.

Tag Line:

There's no playbook for love.

Opening Line:

I once read that football was invented so people wouldn't notice that summer was ending.

Plot:

The premise of plot had me at "Hello." Jordan is a kickass female quarterback who falls in love for the first time. As a reader who grew up playing sports, I loved the premise of the story. Especially the twist that Jordan must compete against the guy she is falling for, for the same position on their football team. 

Catching Jordan's pacing was ideal for the plot-line. It did not feel out of touch with the progress of the story. The story explored being a tomboy, first love, best friend to love transition, coming of age and so on. Moreover, the writing was not exceptional but it was enjoyable enough.

All in all,  Catching Jordan is a sporty, girl power summer read. I enjoyed it. Catching Jordan is perfect for girls/woman who have never felt like they fit into the mainstream girly girl construct. I may not have loved it but definitely recommend it to any reader who can relate to theme. Moreover, I would also be willing to read more works by Miranda Kenneally.

Character Breakdown:

Jordan Woods - Her character was very relatable for me since sports was a huge part of my identity growing up. I knew what it was like to struggle between wanted to be taken seriously for my skills on the court or on the field while at the same time trying to be feminine enough to attract my crush. Additionally, Jordan is a strong, respectable leader to be admired as well as endearingly human, with the difficulty dealing with emotional situations -- traits I great relate to.

Meet the Author:

Miranda Kenneally enjoys reading and writing young adult literature, and loves Star Trek, music, sports, Mexican food, Twitter, coffee, and her husband. She is from Tennessee but now lives and works in Washington, D.C.

Visit www.mirandakenneally.com and www.dearteenme.com!

***Check out Miranda Kenneally's website for more information about her and Catching Jordan: HERE

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox #9

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren which allows bloggers to share what books they bought/received each week.

Hey Bookies! This week will be the ninth time hosting In My Mailbox and I am so excited to share with you what I received in my mailbox recently.

Having said that, a few weeks ago I went on one of my book sale hunts and was luck enough to found some gems. Take a look below:

Purchased:

*If you're interested in the other books that are on my radar you can check out my Amazon Wishlist: Books I Dream About!

Happy Reading!

Feature Friday ARC Review : Nightfall by Jake Halpern & Peter Kujawinski

                                      
*Feature Friday is a meme hosted by The Tattered Page to feature YA books that have not yet been released by reviewing them.*

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Pages: 368
Source: ARC

The Story:

The dark will bring your worst nightmares to light in this gripping and eerie survival story, perfect for fans of James Dashner and Neil Gaiman.

On Marin’s island, sunrise doesn’t come every twenty-four hours—it comes every twenty-eight years. Now the sun is just a sliver of light on the horizon. The weather is turning cold and the shadows are growing long.

Because sunset triggers the tide to roll out hundreds of miles, the islanders are frantically preparing to sail south, where they will wait out the long Night.

Marin and her twin brother, Kana, help their anxious parents ready the house for departure. Locks must be taken off doors. Furniture must be arranged. Tables must be set. The rituals are puzzling—bizarre, even—but none of the adults in town will discuss why it has to be done this way.

Just as the ships are about to sail, a teenage boy goes missing—the twins’ friend Line. Marin and  Kana are the only ones who know the truth about where Line’s gone, and the only way to rescue him is by doing it themselves. But Night is falling. Their island is changing.And it may already be too late.

via Amazon

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

My Review: 

Tag Line:

After fourteen years of fay, comes fourteen years of night.

Opening Line:

Marin walked into the wind and felt it gently push back.

Plot:

The premise of the story made me want to love the book. And while Nightfall was a decent read, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. I wanted to be frightened. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The presence of monsters was almost null -- even though the hint of their existence was strong. 

Nightfall was a slow start for me. I questioned whether I would be able to continue on. Luckily, after the first chapter or two the pace started picking up. This detail definitely kept me reading the novel even with its shortcomings.

The three main characters are fourteen years old which is generally a bit to young for me but I figured I still give the story a shot. Luckily, their age did not show. However, I found it bothersome that Line and his 7-year old brother were left to fend for themselves after their mother died. Like what?! Child services? Or at least the help of the island? This particular detail really did not settle right with me.

Overall, Halpern and Kujawinski's style of writing was enjoyable enough, as was the story. My only wish was that Nightfall was scarier. 

Meet the Authors:

Jake Halpern is an author, journalist, and radio producer.  Jake’s debut work of fiction, a young adult trilogy, Dormia, has been hailed by the American Library Association's Booklist as a worthy heir to the Harry Potter series.  In September of 2014, Jake signed a two book deal with Putnam / Penguin for two more young adult novels.  Last, but not least, Jake is a fellow of Morse College at Yale University, where he teaches a class on journalism.  He recently returned from India where he was visiting as a Fulbright Scholar. 

Peter Kujawinski is an author and diplomat born in Chicago. His first fictional work, Dormia, was co-written with noted journalist Jake Halpern. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2009, Dormia was hailed by the American Library Association's Booklist as the next Harry Potter. The second book in the series, World's End, was released by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2010. The third book in the Dormia series is tentatively titled The Shadow Tree. He also works for the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. His assignments as a diplomat include US Embassies in Tel Aviv, Paris, the UN Security Council in New York City, and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In addition to his fiction, his nonfiction commentaries have been published in the international edition of the New York Times.

***Check out Jake Halpern & Peter Kujawinski's website for more information about their and Nightfall: HERE & HERE

Happy Reading!

Feature Friday ARC Review : Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas

                                      
*Feature Friday is a meme hosted by The Tattered Page to feature YA books that have not yet been released by reviewing them.*

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: HarperTeen 
Release Date: September 15, 2015

Pages: 464
Source: ARC

The Story:

The tale of Cinderella has been retold countless times. But what you know is not the true story. Sarah Prineas’s bold fairy-tale retelling is a dark and captivating world where swords are more fitting than slippers, young shoemakers are just as striking as princes, and a heroine is more than ready to rescue herself before the clock strikes midnight.

Pin has no recollection of who she is or how she got to the Godmother’s fortress. She only knows that she is a Seamstress, working day in and out to make ball gowns fit for fairy tales. But she longs to forsake her backbreaking servitude and dares to escape with the brave young Shoemaker.

Pin isn’t free for long before she’s captured again and forced to live the new life the Godmother chooses for her—a fairy-tale story, complete with a charming prince—instead of finding her own happily ever after.

When the glass slipper just doesn’t fit . . .

via Amazon

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

My Review: 

I was interested in reading Ash & Bramble strictly because it was a fairy tale retelling. If you know anything about me it is my favor towards fairy tale and greek mythology (especially Hades and Persephone) retellings. And as the blurb states, Ash & Bramble was without a doubt an utterly original YA retelling of age-old tale of Cinderella.

Tag Line:

When the glass slipper doesn't fit . . . 

Opening Line:

I know this part of my story, the beginning, maybe.

Plot:

As aforementioned, the premise of Ash & Bramble was as I had hoped, a twist on the classic Cinderella tale. A twist I never saw coming. Not to spoil it for readers, I will keep mum except to say the plot is creative, original and keep you reading.

The writing was decent -- probably good, even --, a little thin with imagery at the beginning but a bit meatier as the story continued. The pacing of the story was perfect. While it did not feel rushed it did not feel as if it dragged along reluctantly. The only issue I had was with Shoe's character. While I did not hate his character, he did annoy me to the point I kept pulling away from the story during the last 100 or so pages. Luckily, I was able to get past my annoyance with Shoe to finish the story because I am glad I did. Also, I really appreciated the feminist theme in the story. Instead of the usual, helpless, dainty princess waiting around for the charming prince to come and save her, readers got to see a clever, strong girl save herself as well as others.

Overall, I enjoyed Ash & Bramble and would recommend it to any reader who enjoys fairy tale retellings --especially one which centers around the damsel in distress saving herself. Sarah Prineas is a writer with much potential for Young Adult fiction. Prineas' Ash & Bramble is not a bad start for her YA debut -- definitely a story worth a try.

Character Breakdown:

Pin/Pen - Pin/Pen was a decently written character. But she was not particularly unique or stood out to me. Still, I did not dislike her so her character did not distract me from the story. Pin/Pen was strong-willed, independent and witty.

"She goes to her wardrobe and pulls out a corset. 'I won't wear that,' I tell her.
'You'll have to,' Precious replies briefly, 'to fit into this dress.'
Unfortunately, she is right. The dress fits only with the corset squeezing me into the right shape. I get it on and Precious laces it tightly.
I looked down at my plumped-up breasts. 'They look like fruit laid out on a tray" [page 174].

Shoe - At first Shoe charmed me with his shy, innocence . . . but then he started to annoy the hell out of me when he was trying to escape with Pin the second time. He was diligent on escaping yet he swore they would not escape the Godmother at every turn. He drove me crazy which drew me away from the story. 

Pre-order Links:

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Powells 

Meet the Author:

Hi there! I'm Sarah Prineas, author of the Magic Thief series published in the US by HarperCollins and in 17 other languages around the world, and the Winterling trilogy. I live in rural Iowa with my mad scientist husband, two kids, two dogs, two cats, chickens and a bunch of goats.

My main thing is writing--I love to write, and talk about writing, and write emails to other writers. And reading. I read a lot. Mostly fantasy, but also romance and regular fiction.

I live on 40 acres out in the countryside, and I'm working to restore the woods and prairie. So basically I'm either writing or I'm outside working on the land, canoeing around our lake, hiking, or gardening. Or wrangling goats.  

My next book is called Ash & Bramble, and it's a YA.

Here's my website:

http://www.sarah-prineas.com

and here's my book website (with games, wallpaper, and extras!):

http://www.magicthief.com


***Check out Sarah Prineas' website for more information about her and Ash & Bramble: HERE

*My review on Goodreads 

Happy Reading!

Feature Friday ARC Review : Party Games by R.L. Stine

*Feature Friday is a meme I came up with to feature YA books that have not yet been released by reviewing them on The Tattered Page.*

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: 9.30.2014
Pages: 288
Source: ARC

The Story:

R.L. Stine's hugely successful young adult horror series Fear Street is back with the first new book in almost 2 decades. With more than 80 million copies sold around the world, Fear Street is one of the bestselling young adult series of all time. Now, with Party Games, R.L. Stine revives this phenomenon for a new generation of teen readers, and the announcement of new Fear Street books caused a flurry of excitement both in the press and on social media, where fans rejoiced that the series was coming back.

Her friends warn her not to go to Brendan Fear's birthday party at his family's estate on mysterious Fear Island. But Rachel Martin has a crush on Brendan and is excited to be invited. Brendan has a lot of party games planned. But one game no one planned intrudes on his party—the game of murder. As the guests start dying one by one, Rachel realizes to her horror that she and the other teenagers are trapped on the tiny island with someone who may want to kill them all. How to escape this deadly game? Rachel doesn't know whom she can trust. She should have realized that nothing is as it seems… on Fear Island.

R.L. Stine makes his triumphant return to Shadyside, a town of nightmares, shadows, and genuine terror, and to the bestselling series that began his career writing horror for the juvenile market, in the new Fear Street book Party Games.

via -- Barnes & Noble

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

My Review: One word: SUSPENSEFUL

To begin, I have not read anything of R.L. Stine's since I was in middle school. My great-aunt is a librarian who would bring boxes of books and most of those books were from the Goosebumps series. Having said that, when I was at BEA this year and heard that Stine would be signing for his newly minted series for Young Adults, Fear Street, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. Alas, here we are, bookies!

Rachel Martin is a typical 17-year-old girl who lives in Shadyside where she works as a waitress at the local diner because her money is tight in the family and she wants to help out. Downside though to working in the local diner, she has to wait on her own classmate. As the stars would have it, her luck would change. Insert Brendan Fear. The guy Rachel has had a huge crush on since forever. So, when Brendan comes to the diner and asks Rachel to attend his exclusive birthday party it is an offer she cannot refuse.

Popular, cute, outgoing, Brendan is still a Fear. And being a Fear comes with a dark, deadly family tree.The Fears are a wealthy, eccentric family with a reputation of mischief, murder and good ole fashioned residential ghosts. But Rachel knows Brendan is different. And against her best friend's wishes, Rachel's plan to attend Brendan party does not falter. Not even when she receives an anonymous warning: a dead rat in her bed.

As soon as Rachel and the other guests arrive on Fear Island, there is a tragic accident. The boat captain takes bloody fall into the water. Still, determined not to let the incident ruin the party the group moves on for a night of fun. Brendan has a reputation as a gaming mastermind and his masterpiece is a creepy scavenger hunt in the haunted Fear mansion. The party games are all fun and games until they take a sudden deadly turn. Guests start dropping like flies and bodies start popping up, there is no cell reception or boat to escape.

Transforming from a game of fun to a game of murder, Rachel must fight to survive. But whom can she trust when the murderer can be any of the other guests? Worst of all, what is the horrific surprises is the idea of the mastermind. The of suspenseful, scary games was Brendan's idea after all. And rumor has it, many years ago the Fear family was itching for fun and decided to go all PURGE on their servants. It has been said that the servants were released in the woods and hunted down, their corpses buried somewhere on the island.

Is Rachel's fate that same as the other lives lost on Fear Island? Is Brendan's meticulously planned night of party games a revamped family tradition? Will be thrown into an unmarked ditch filled to brims with the bones of hunted servants? Will Rachel win the party games when the goal is to be the last one left alive?

Excited to jump into the world of Fear Street, I did not waste anytime read the book -- done in one sitting. The storyline is great -- birthday party in an island mansion gone fatal, a scavenger hunt, mysterious boy with a questionable family history, kissing -- so that drew me in. Party Games is suspenseful, entertaining and keeps you drawn, curious. But while Party Games has its many merits, one thing that put me off from the story is the tone of writing. I still felt like I was reading something in middle grade.

Also, I want to say thanks to St. Martin's Press for a copy of Party Games!

*** Check out R.L. Stine's website for more information about him and Party Games: HERE

Happy Reading!