Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Juliet Immortal
Stacey Jay
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: August 8, 2011
Pages: 304

Rating: 4.5 stars

The most tragic love story in history . . .
Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

Juliet Immortal was such a clever idea. I really loved the twist Stacey Jay put on Shakespeare's most widely known play. It was fast read that I found quite enjoyable.

I loved the plot. like LOVED. The idea is so unique and fascinating, and for a theater geek like me who knows Romeo and Juliet's story so well, I just loved this whole twist on it. For the first few pages, I really wasn't sure what I was going to think, but then the story picked up and I was completely sold. While parts were a bit predictable, I still really loved the story. It also made all the parts of the story you couldn't guess that much more brilliant.

The characters were a mix for me. I had a bit of an issue with the whole best friend treats the main character like garbage, I really really don't like when that happens. This led me to not like Gemma too much. That, and also she just didn't feel very real to me. I loved Ariel/Juliet. I loved the growth she made throughout the story, and just her character in general. Ben was hands down the best character of the book, he was smart, witty, and just a sweetheart.

I wasn't quite satisfied with the ending. There was all the build-up and what happened made me super curious. To me, it felt like the last few chapters were on a completely different plane than the rest of the book had been, and it didn't flow right. I feel like it was almost a set up of I need to leave something open and set something up for the sequel that will happen.

I am in absolute LOVE with this cover! After Juliet Immortal, I am definitely intrigued and want to read more of Stacey Jay's books. I wasn't too crazy about the ending, but everything else was pretty much dead on.

This was a book I got for being a Ambuzzador at Random Buzzers - a super awesome site to talk books, takes polls, do activities, and more! If you aren't a member you should definitely join! And add me! My username on there is Erica :)

Flawless by Lara Chapman

Flawless
Lara Chapman
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher

Rating: 4 stars

Sarah Burke is just about perfect. She's got killer blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, and impeccable grades. There's just one tiny-all right, enormous-flaw: her nose. But even that's not so bad. Sarah's got the best best friend and big goals for print journalism fame.
On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking?
This hip retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac is filled with hilariously misguided matchmaking, sweet romance, and a gentle reminder that we should all embrace our flaws.
 
Flawless was an adorable read that would be perfect for the beach, with the warm weather that is approaching! It was absolutely entertaining and had a very light feel to it, the book was over far too soon - all at once I felt like I have flipped the last page, and it was done.
 
I loved how Lara Chapman made the retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac completely her own! The plot was so fun to read - I just wanted to see how things would pan out for one character or another. The sort of sign posts along the way were obvious, but I never would have guessed a lot of the events that happened more towards the end.
 
The characters were very real - I found myself connecting with them all, particularly Sarah. While at first I wanted to just ask Sarah what on EARTH she was thinking, to agree to help Kristen to get the guy she wanted, she really grew on me. I found all the insecurities she had very easy to relate to.

I really love the cover of Flawless - I think it is simply gorgeous. Flawless is a book to make sure to check out. It would be a perfect summer read, on the beach, outside, or in the comfort of your air conditioned house. The characters are fun, and while the plot is quite predictable, it's just quite the charm.

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Prom and Prejudice
Elizabeth Eulberg
Publisher: Point
Release Date: January 1, 2011
Pages: 231
Source: Purchased

Rating: 5 stars

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.

I loved this book. I am a diehard Pride and Prejudice fan, so this modern adaption was super fun! I fell in love with Prom and Prejudice from the very first page, and had issues putting it down until I had finished. With the last page, I was left feeling all giddy and happy. The ending was so perfect, and I loved it. This is definitely one of my top books of 2010!

Elizabeth Eulberg did something really neat with Prom and Prejudice - she kept with the classic story up to a point, then went off in her own direction. This kept the story fun, because if she had tried to keep to Pride and Prejudice's story 100%, I don't think it would've worked as well. I thought the setting was super clever - Longbourn Academy.

The characters were just so fun! Collin had to be one of my favorite characters of the book - he obviously based off dear Mr Collins and at one point he just drones on and on about average weather temperatures. It was so funny! So many times throughout the book he is just droning on and is clearly oblivious to the fact no one cares Lizzy was a really great character as well - she was so likable. I fell for Darcy right away, like it should be :) Lydia is still Lydia, annoying and immature. She was super funny in this book - with her attempts to be the center of attention. Lydia is Jane's sister and if I were her, I would just want to melt into the corner and never been seen again.

This book is so much fun! I suggest you stop reading this review, run to the book store this moment, and grab a copy! I got it, and wanted to read straight through. I fell asleep with it in my lap the first night, and finished it the next day. I'm embarassed to say, I still haven't read Elizabeth Eulberg's first novel, The Lonely Hearts Club, but after this book it will definitely be one of the next books I read! I can't wait to see what Elizabeth Eulberg has in store for readers with her next book!

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

The Hollow
Jessica Verday
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: September 1, 2009
Pages: 513

Rating: 3.5 stars

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

I have rather mixed feelings on this book. There were aspects of it I absolutely loved, while others I just was not a fan.

I really enjoyed the story, but it was very slow moving. It wasn't until almost 200 pages in something sort of "big" happened. But this didn't bug me while I was reading. It was when I hit the end of this 513 page book and I had come to no conclusion at all. I hadn't even solved a LITTLE piece of the mystery. I really did like the plot. It was very original. The setting was just so cool. Who would ever have thought of that?

The writing in The Hollow was very good. Verday used such vivid descriptions, and you could picture everything in your head.

Abbey was a character I liked for the majority of the book, but towards the end she got on my nerves. She was SO dependent on Caspian at times, was whiny, and got on my nerves. I just couldn't see anyone depending on someone that much, especially when they don't even know the person. Their relationship didn't seem all that real, I would much rather have seen Abbey with her friend Ben - where there was more chemistry than there was with her and Caspian.

I am intrigued for the next book, as I really am curious as to know how everything will turn out. I'm dying to know what happened with Kristen and who she was involved with, and how Capsian and Abbey will end up, and so much more. It is a really great read, the end just wasn't tied up very well. Now, to wait for The Haunted!

Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

Jekel Loves Hyde
Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Release Date: May 3rd, 2010
Pages: 288

Rating: 4 stars

From goodreads:
Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad.

Jekel Loves Hyde had an intriquing premise, but I didn't feel it completely fufilled the expectations I had for it. Fantaskey's debut novel, Jessica's Guide to Dating On the Dark Side became an instant favorite, but Jekel Loves Hyde just didn't wow me to that level.

Beth Fantaskey once again blew me away with her well developed characters. The characters were fantastically written, and I fell in love with them. I adored Tristen, the entire book he had a mysterious air about him. Jill was a really well written character. She was smart and strong, yet shy and timid.

I loved the story. It was enticing, and never left me bored and uninterested. I loved all the Tristen and Jill scenes. I loved Fantaskey's use of the old classic to whip a new original story into place!

Overall, Jekel Loves Hyde was a really great book, it just wasn't one that I'd consider a favorite or reread. I'd definately read it when you have time!

Never After by Dan Elconin

Never After
Dan Elconin
Release Date: October 20, 2009
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 320

Rating: 5 stars

There is no place like a dysfunctional home.

Leaving everything behind for the Island was Ricky's dream come true. When his happily ever after is not quite what it seems, he discovers that running away means running toward bigger problems.

Trapped on the Island, Ricky must join together with the only people he can trust to help him face his fears and return home. But the only way off the Island is to confront the person who trapped Ricky and his friends in the first place. With countless enemies and true peril staring them down, Ricky's mission to leave this so-called paradise will become a battle for their very lives.

Generally with books, within the first few pages you get a feel of how a book will be. With Never After, my initial thoughts were, "Wow, this'll be good!" but it outlived every expectation I had for it and more! Never After was so enjoyable because it was such a twist on the classic Peter Pan and was filled with loads of humor!

Never After is a book to keep you flipping pages at an insane speed, needing to know what'll happen next. Every page is jam packed with action, humor, adventure, and a bit of romance. I found myself laughing out loud at so many points in the book, especially whenever you found a twisted part of the classic.

Dan Elconin really mastered the art of making you feel as if you're in the story, standing right next to all the characters. I simply fell in love with all the characters! Mariah was my favorite character though. She was such a great character - you didn't get to know her all at once, rather you got a piece here, and a piece there along the way.

Reading Never After makes you feel like you can have an escape to The Island, along with Ricky, Nigel and the others. I cannot wait to see what Dan Elconin has planned next. If it's anything like Never After, it'll be amazing.

Troy High by Shana Norris

Troy High
Shana Norris
Release Date: August 1, 2009
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pages: 256

Rating: 4 stars

Homer’s Iliad, the classic tale of love and revenge, is shrewdly retold for teens in Troy High.

Narrated by Cassie, a shy outsider who fears that an epic high school rivalry is about to go up in flames, the story follows the Trojans and Spartans as they declare war on the football field. After the beautiful Elena—who used to be the captain of the Spartan cheerleaders—transfers to Troy High and falls madly in love with Cassie’s brother Perry, the Spartans vow that the annual homecoming game will never be forgotten.

The Trojans and Spartans pull wicked pranks on each other as homecoming approaches. And the Spartans’ wildcard football star, Ackley, promises to take down the Trojans’ offensive line. But the stakes are raised when Cassie is forced to choose between the boy she loves (a Spartan) and loyalty to her family and school. Troy High will seduce readers with its incendiary cast of mythic proportions.

This was a great modern day retelling of The Illiad. I'm a total sucker for Greek Mythology, but to write good retellings of Greek Mythology is hard, and this one did not let me down. I pretty much read straight through in a couple of hours. It was totally original, and will appeal to different groups of readers. Troy High was smart and well-written.

The characters were fitting. Cassie, the narrator of the story, is the only one with her head on straight, seeing the stupidity of everyone around her. She was easily my favorite character, probably for the reason stated above. The rest of the characters have the sole focus of kill the other side, and it did get a bit old at times. Cassie and Greg were so oblivious to the other, which drove me nuts! But once again, I think that was part of their charm. All the characters fit nicely together to the whole story. I really like the cover. It totally fits the story, as Elena is the girl responsible for everything.