Review: The Near Witch - Victoria Schwab

• Reading level:
 Young Adult

• Hardcover:
 288 pages

• Publisher:
 Hyperion Book CH (August 2, 2011)

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children. 
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company. 
And there are no strangers in the town of Near.These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.

My Thoughts...

There was something haunting about this book. Something about the writing made me crave more. The story was terrific although a little slow in the beginning in my opinion. The characters we were written and all served a purpose to moving the story along. Lexi amazed me! In her shoes I would have fallen apart, but she for the most part used her head and held herself together. The stranger...he made me want to melt, I want my own personal "stranger". The story was quite compelling, at times I sat there routing and cheering Lexi on like a cheerleader, Other times I wanted to reach into the book and smack people. The village of Near and the "world" build around it really came to life for me. I look forward to more by this author. I give this one 4 stars, and highly suggest that you run out and pick up a copy of this book as soon as possible!

Review: Spellbound - Cara Lynn Shutlz

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (June 21, 2011)

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

My Thoughts...

This was a great story that left me with goose bumps. It did start out a little slow but for me all that did was help to build tension, and nearly all the witch stuff happened at the end half of the book, still even with those two things it all felt right for the story being told. It didn't take long to fall in love with these characters.  Emma while insecure still came threw as a pretty strong kick butt character. Her cousin Ashley always makes me smile, her new friends were also pretty awesome! Brendan went back and fourth between adoring him and wanting to hit him! watching Emma battle ever day things like school bully, and mean girls while also trying to put together a paranormal puzzle, one that literally is a matter of life or death. This story wove the paranormal, every day high school drama, fairy tale, and New York (I love reading about NYC) flawlessly with a great cast of characters to back up a great story this story gets 5 stars and a huge recommendation!

Review: Entwined - Heather Dixon

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (March 29, 2011)

Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.

The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things.

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

My Thoughts...

I always loved the story of the 12 dancing princesses.  This re-telling is no exception.  I truley felt for the girls who had just lost there mother and also there father to grief and war.  They felt so alone and unloved by there father.  The descriptions of the pavilion and the dances were great!  I really enjoyed the part where the King returns from war.  The girls start off so cold towards him, but after he publishes the riddle of the girls it is great watching them all slowly heal and grow closer.  I think I most adored the love interests.  It was all done so well, and cleanly and proper!  I really felt like the characters danced off the page (hehe did you see what I did there?)  Reading this was like watching a fairy tale come to life in my head.  If you are a fan of fairy tale re-tellings, or just a fan of a great book then this is a must read.  I am giving this one 5 stars!