Our Favorites of 2011

That's it, folks. The year formally known as 2011 is dead and gone. But the fantastic reads we experienced will never be forgotten. (And most will be read and re-read for years to come.)

Here are this year's top picks from us, your faithful YABC Team Reviewers. We salute these fine books and authors, and look forward to many more in 2012.

~ Favorite YA Books of 2011 ~

From Jen ~ "My absolute favorite book of the year was Divergent by Veronica Roth. It was the first book I've ever read in less than 24 hours, all 487 pages. I couldn't put it down!   It has action, adventure, romance, butt kicking, betrayal, heart break - a little something for everyone. It resonated with me for several reasons, first, I could really picture our world falling into one where we're all separated into factions, based on our strongest virtues.  We're fairly separated as it is with our political, religious and economic classes, so to take it step further isn't such a stretch.  I also saw a lot of myself in Tris' journey from Beatrice from Abnegation to Tris from Dauntless.  I grew up feeling stifled by my surroundings and also have a fear of certain feathered creatures. (Said creatures are the real reason I'm not a Harry Potter fan.) *shivers*"

From Jill ~ "My favorite book of the year was Divergent by Veronica Roth.  I can't even quite put my finger on why, but I just loved it!  Veronica's futuristic world was so unique and interesting that I couldn't help but get lost in it.  I enjoyed the character, Tris, but loved Four.  Something about a "bad boy" who is actually good?! *swoon* I cannot wait for the sequel!!"

From Claire ~ "If you would've told me at the beginning of the year that this book would have made my top choice for the year, I probably wouldn't have believed you. I'm a big fan of Maggie's books, but when I picked up The Scorpio Races, I wasn't sure what to expect. This book exceeded my expectations by a lot.  The writing is beautiful.  The water horses are absolutely terrifying.  Puck and Sean are two great characters, their relationship is based on trust and respect for each other's strengths.  There is some romance but it isn't center stage and honestly, I don't think this book needed much more.   I was rooting for them the whole time and when the race actually took place, I was actually sitting on the edge of my seat.  I think The Scorpio Races deserves a spot on everyone's bookshelf."

From Kim ~ "I can't say enough great things about this book. I fell in love with this story right from the start. Beautifully written, it's a must read!"

From Erica ~ "My favorite book of 2011 that you may have missed is A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford. This one was such a fascinating read, and I feel like some people heard about it, but not nearly enough. Everything about this book is completely unique. Leah Clifford uses some universal characters, like Lucifer, but she makes them completely her own and they'e like you've never seen them before. Plus, there are the Siders, which were completely new. This book is intense the entire way through and I couldn't stop reading. Everything about this book was edgy and real, and I loved that it about."

From Megan ~ "Daughter of Smoke and Bone is extremely difficult to categorize. It has adventure, romance, fantasy, and tragedy, all written in some of the most gorgeous prose I have ever encountered. I want to live in Karou's world, fighting and dreaming by her side. This is the novel that I have recommended most in 2011, urging everyone to drop what they are doing and experience Laini Taylor's masterpiece."

~ Favorite Graphic Novel of 2011 ~

From Megan ~ "This coming-of-age story will be instantly relatable to readers, telling the story of a quiet artist named Paige who moves to New York City with her parents and is quickly intimidated by how different life is from Virginia. The real star of the novel is the artwork, which is richly detailed and gorgeous. I highly recommend this book to both new readers of graphic novels and die-hard fans."

~ Favorite Middle Grade Book of 2011 ~

From Megan ~ "Clocking in at 608 pages, this might be the longest book I read this year, and is definitely one of my favorites. Continuing with the combination of illustrating and writing he pioneered in The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Selznick's amazing black and white drawings tell of Rose, a deaf girl who loves silent films and wants to belong somewhere. Rose's life is interspersed with Ben's written narrative. Although his story is set fifty years later, the two have a lot in common. Ben is also deaf and trying to find his place in the world. This unique book will have readers refusing to put it aside until they have reached the satisfying conclusion."

~ Favorite Debut Authors of 2011 ~

From Erica ~ "My favorite debut author of the year is Miranda Kenneally with her book, Catching Jordan, which was a fantastic read. It not only shows girls in a light they aren't usually in, but it also has a great story to tell. If that's not enough, the characters were some of my favorites of the year. They all had a certain charm about them. I adored this book, and will be sure to reread it over and over. It truly was a stunning debut."

From Claire ~ "I loved Hourglass! This book captivated me from the very first page. Before reading Hourglass, reading about time travel never seemed very interesting to me.  Myra McEntire makes this story jump off the page and you instantly fall in love with her characters, which is why she's my favorite debut author of 2011. Emerson, Michael, and Kaleb are quite the trio.  I still can't decide; Michael, Kaleb, Michael, Kaleb...Kaleb...Michael.  It's a tough decision, read it and you'll see why!  I'm really looking forward to the sequel, Timepiece, which comes out in 2012.  If you've always thought (much like me) that a book on time travel couldn't be that much fun to read, PLEASE pick this one up.  I don't think you'll be disappointed."

~ Favorite Heroine of 2011 ~

TRIS

(Divergent)

From Jen ~ "Beatrice has always admired the Dauntless faction and longs to be brave like them.  Choosing them would go against her family whom she loves but would also give her the chance to find out who she really is and what she's made of.  As she goes through the Dauntless initiation, she experiences a host of things including facing some of her worst fears, new friends and an unexpected romance.  She discovers what it means to be brave, to stand up for what's right no matter the cost and more importantly, she discovers who she is in the process.  Gone is Beatrice, and in her place is Tris. Tris, the strong, the brave, the courageous. There is freedom in being fearless.  There is freedom in being Divergent."

EMERSON

(Hourglass)

From MG ~ "Favorite heroine? Emerson Cole from Hourglass. Even though Em knows martial arts and has a tough skin due to her past, she's not afraid to be a GIRL. It seems (at least to me) a lot of stereotypical kick-butt heroines shun makeup, dressing up, or anything deemed "girly," as though those things would make them less tough. But not Em. I found it refreshing that she was comfortable in her own skin, comfortable being feminine, and comfortable kicking some butt along the way.

PUCK

(The Scorpio Races)

From Jill ~ "Favorite heroine would be Puck from The Scorpio Races. She was willing to do whatever it took to keep her family together, even face her biggest fear and go where no GIRL had gone before.  She is so strong, courageous and an absolutely amazing character!"


From Claire ~ "She fought to do something no other woman on her island had done before.  Even though many on the island were opposed to her participating in the Scorpio Races, she kept going to help save her family.  I loved her dedication to her family and her home."

 ELISA

(The Girl of Fire and Thorns)

From Kim ~ "Favorite heroine has to be Elisa of The Girl of Fire and Thorns. She refused to let others get to her and put her destiny in her own hands. Amazing fantasy!"

ELLIE

(Angelfire)

From Erica ~ "Favorite heroine is Ellie from Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton because she is thrown into her new life and manages to do pretty well despite the circumstances. I also just love her spunk and voice."

~ Favorite Hero of 2011 ~

FOUR

(Divergent)

From Jen ~ "I've had a couple hero book crushes this year *hubs coughs* OK, lots of hero book crushes but my favorite is Four.  He's the perfect blend of tortured soul,  tough guy attitude, bad ass moves with old fashioned values which makes him uber hot. (not to mention all his ink)  He sees the potential Tris has and helps her to achieve it.  While he doesn't treat her like a damsel in distress, he does come to her rescue when she needs it and even better, he allows her to rescue him too.  (Not a lot of guys can admit when they need rescuing.)  He also sees beyond the faction lines, that there's more to people than just one choice, one particular virtue.  He believes the world would be better if everyone worked together instead of one faction trying to dominate them all.  See, he's pretty smart too! ;)"


From Jill ~ "Favorite hero would be Four because he is bringing the bad guys down from the inside.  He is fierce, tough, and yet gentle and kind. I adore his character!"

VLAD

(The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod)

From Kim ~ "Favorite hero has to be Vlad of Heather Brewer's The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod. Hands down. Vlad has totally arced as a character. We first saw him as a teen with not only girl issues but also the whole destiny thing. I think Heather has done a great job developing Vlad as a character that's multi-layered and someone teens can relate to."

CRICKET BELL

(Lola and the Boy Next Door)

From Claire ~ "He may not be an obvious choice for a hero, but Cricket Bell stands out in my mind.  Cricket loves his family and twin sister and has always supported her in a way only a sibling can.  He has also always loved Lola...he was the shy boy next door, never really making a move but always being there for her when she needed it. When Cricket and Lola reconnect after he moves back to town, his love and support is still there.  Above all, he is loyal to his friends and family which makes him a hero in my book." 

MICHAEL

(Hourglass)

From MG ~ "He's not your token YA bad boy. He's an amazing friend, mature, intelligent, and loyal to the core. He doesn't for one second feel entitled to Em or act obsessive over her. His relationship with Em is an unconventional one to say the least, but there's a hidden reason for everything he says and does. His twist in the end is one of my all-time favorites."

SAM HENRY

(Catching Jordan)

From Erica ~ "Favorite hero is Sam Henry from Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally because he is always there for Jordan, no matter what happens. And he's just an all around nice guy."

~ Favorite Quote of 2011 ~

 From Jen ~ "We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another." ~ Divergent

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

This is a captivating book that tells three stories at once.  Ben's story is told only in words, while Rose's is told only in pictures.  The third story is what unfolds when the first two converge through a unique turn of events that really did leave me Wonderstruck (and reaching for the tissues) when it was over.

Click here to read more

A Discovery of Witches

When scholar Diana Bishop requests a manuscript in the Oxford's Bodleian Library little does she know what she unleashes.  Seems others have been wanting this manuscript too.  Add a 1500 year old vampire and other paranormal creatures to the mix and you have one amazing tale guaranteed to keep you glued to each page.
A Discovery of Witches is a cross over paranormal that is sure to appeal to fans of Diana Gabaldon and Harry Potter.

Click here to read more

December 2011 ARCs Video

Which books landed on my desk at the YABC office this month? Have a look-see.

Some of these may already be in stores, others are coming soon. Take note! There are some great reads in this bunch.

(There may also be a bit of dancing. Desk chair dancing. Courtesy of yours truly. Don't say I didn't warn you.



Have you read any of these books? Write your reviews at YABooksCentral.com. Each review you write enters you into our Bag of Books giveaway each month, where you get to pick books right off the YABC Shelf. Yes, that colorful, wonderful, incredible shelf behind me in the video.

Write reviews, win books!

Also, for every review you write or book you enter into the YABC database, you earn Community Points on YABooksCentral.com. The Top Points Earner each month gets to pick a book off the YABC Shelf. You can see your points total on your profile page at YABooksCentral.com. You can check the status of the points leader board anytime on any page of YABooksCentral.com -- just scroll down to the bottom right.

Good luck!

Trailer Tuesday: Blood Red Road, Cinder, and The Delirium Trilogy

This week, check out the trailer for Moira Young's Blood Red Road.
Have you read this book? Share your thoughts here!




Did you love Delirium? Can't wait for Pandemonium? Here's Lauren Oliver talking about the trilogy:




And you can watch the trailer for Cinder by Marissa Meyer exclusively on EW.com by clicking the image below!

Living Violet

Samara Marshall only wants to earn enough to get her dream car.  One thing she doesn't want is a summer romance.  Caleb Baker is charming and has women literally falling at his feet.  Samara seems to be the only one that is immune to the power of his intense violet eyes.  She senses there is more to Caleb then he shows.  His secret can cause damage to not only those around him but to her too if she's not careful.  Living Violet has a strong protagonist who refuses to be swept away by the hot boy but rather digs deep to know the truth.  Even if that truth will harm her.

Click here to read more

Countess Nobody

Sophie finds out her dad is related to French nobility but her excitement quickly changes when she finds out only the males get the titles.  So Sophie decides to make up a really hot French count and post it on her blog.  Little does she know how her imaginary count will bring so much attention.  Countess Nobody is a fun, romantic tale.

Click here to read more

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Books that star girls who play sports are my favorite sort of contemporaries. Catching Jordan was phenomenal debut, and I am already eagerly anticipating Miranda Kenneally's next book that comes out next year. Miranda Kenneally is the next big thing!

To see more of my review, please click here.

Trailer Tuesday: Bloodrose and An Interview with Ed Westwick

This week we have the trailer for Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer, coming to stores in January.




And also Cassandra Clare's interview with Ed Westwick about his role as the voice of The Clockwork Prince Audiobook

The Rites and Wrongs of Janice Wills by Joanna Pearson

The Rites and Wrongs of Janice Wills was an absolutely delightful debut. I read straight through and just loved it. Janice had a great story to tell, and I loved every page of it.

To see more of my review, please click here.

Scored by Lauren McLaughlin

Dystopians that are realistic are the best sort of reads, and Lauren McLaughlin absolutely nailed that aspect in Scored. Being in my first year of college, I know all about the pressure of being scored, since I had to go through the intense process of essentially being scored by the college admissions officials, but Scored takes what teens today know to an entirely new level. I read this book in one sitting - it was just a brilliant read.

To see my full review, please click here.

Hooked

Seventeen-year-old Thea Galehouse plans don't include having a boyfriend.  She attends competitive Stuyvesant High School in New York City and has plans for college.  All that changes when she meets Will.  She expects their relationship to cool once he attends college but instead is surprised when it grows.  Then she finds out she's pregnant and what happens next takes them both on a ride they didn't expect.  Hooked is one of those stories that shows us a strong character who grows from her choices.  Also it doesn't sugar coat the whole teen pregnancy idea but rather shows it in a realistic way.

Click here to read more

The Beginner's Bible Book of Prayers

This book of twenty prayers is written especially for young children. With bright art and a padded cover, this cute board book teaches them in simple, easy-to-read words how to pray. The Beginner's Bible Book of Prayers uses delightful illustrations from The Beginner's Bible and short Scripture passages to emphasize important values that help teach your child about God's love and how he wants them to live. Praying these prayers together will bring you and your child closer to God. Perfect for bedtime or a great way to start the day.  To read more of my review, click here.

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

 

The past two years have been rough for 18 year old Finley Sinclair, beginning with the death of her older brother Will at the hands of terrorists and ending with a series of bad choices that have left her feeling empty inside; unable to hear God's voice.  In an effort to fix things in her life, she decides to follow in Will's footsteps and heads Ireland to finish out her Senior Year of High School.  Equipped with Will's journal and a fierce determination, she hopes to retrace his steps and get back what's been missing in her own life.  Along the way she meets some interesting people who help her to see that sometimes, trusting and releasing control is the only way to be able to truly hear God.

Click here to read my full review

You Against Me

Oh my goodness, where do I even start with this book. This is by far one of my favorite books of 2011, hands down. I could not put this book down and when I had to, I could do nothing but think of it.  To read more of my review, click here.

Gus Gets Scared

Gus is camping.  But soon it gets dark and cold.  And the night is full of strange sounds.  Gus is getting scared..... To read more of my review, click here.

Wolfsbane (Nightshade Book #2)

Since reading Nightshade I have been desperately wanting Wolfsbane. I adored the first book and was hoping the second book was just as good. Although I have to admit I enjoyed the first book a lot more, this book is still a great sequel and left me craving the third and final book of the series.  To read more of my review, click here.

Winner of our Holiday Gift Giveaway Announced

We had a great turnout for our Holiday Gift Giveaway for Book Lovers! You guys picked out some great items from Writer's Yardsale. But, as you know, there can only be one winner. So let's get to it, shall we?

Random.org chose lucky commenter #17, which is Cookie! Here's the item she picked from The Yardsale:

What an awesome mug. I love it! There are plenty other items with this design on it at The Yardsale. There's also a matching design for book lovers: I Read Banned Books. 

And hey, even if you didn't win, there's still time to order your favorite item through The Yardsale. Don't forget to spread the word about this great shop -- the more orders we can send their way, the more designs they'll create. We need a custom gift shop for readers and writers, don't you think? 

Thanks for participating, everyone! Make sure to join this blog for more giveaways in the near future.

Creepy Monsters Sleepy Monsters; a lullaby

Creep, gurgle, crawl, tumble! Meet two young monsters who are far from scary - they’re too busy having fun. They go to school, play outside with their friends, and eat after-school snacks. But they also have a bedtime, whether or not they’re ready for it! Young children and parents alike will find much to identify with as they follow these lovable little monsters getting ready for bed. To read more of my review, click here.

African-American Classics

I love graphic novels.  African-American Classic is a collection of poems and short stories that has something for everyone.  TWO AMERICANS is one of my favorites tales of two American soldiers during World War 1 that packed a powerful punch.  There's also adaptions of poems and some short plays.  I love how the authors adapted these stories into a medium that is sure to appeal to a new group of readers.

Click here to read more

Look at That Building!

Learning about buildings and how they are constructed has never been so much fun. This gem of a book introduces young readers to basic construction concepts through the eyes of five friends keen on building a doghouse for their pet pooch, Max. To find out more about the task, Yulee, Martin, Nick, Sally and Pedro head to the library, where they learn about foundations, beams, frames and other building fundamentals. Fun facts, bright illustrations and comic-book-style discussions among the characters add to the mix.  To read more of my review, click here.

Trailer Tuesday: War Horse and The Probability of Miracles

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
The film adaptation of this middle grade novel is opening in theaters on December 25th. I think I'm going to see it. How about you?




The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder
This book just came out on December 8th. Have you read it? Click here to share your review with the world!




And here's something silly to brighten your day. A hilarious music video from Julian Smith called "I'm Reading a Book."



Until next week!

Bloodlines

When I received this book I was a bit nervous because I have not read any of the Vampire Academy series. However, I was only slightly confused in the first couple of chapters and was actually able to catch on really quickly! I enjoyed the writing style, the characters and the storyline very much.  To read more of my review, click here.

Review: Dark of the Moon by Tracy Barrett

Dark of the Moon by Tracy Barrett was a booked based off of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.  While I have always been intrigued with Greek Mythology, I have never really read much about it except for the little I learned in school.  So I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book.

Adriane, or She-Who-Will-Be-Goddess, is a goddess in training that is destined to be a Goddess of the Moon.  She lives in Krete with her Mother, She-Who-Is-Goddess, and her brother, Asterion, whom many fear and call the Minotaur.   Click here to read my full review.

Beautiful Dead: Phoenix

 Darina knew it would happen.  It's now time for her to help her boyfriend Phoenix solve his murder in order for him to pass over to the Other Side.  But she doesn't want him to go.  Still she finds herself trying to unravel the mystery behind his death.  Will she be strong enough to find the truth?  Beautiful Dead: Phoenix concludes Darina's story with a haunting, heart wrenching decision she has to make in order for Phoenix to finally find peace.  What can I say?  I totally loved this series.

Click here to read more

Legend

In the future your life is determined at the trials.  If you score high, you go on to school while those who don't do well end up in with menial jobs.  June is the Republic's prodigy having scored the highest score and has a promising future.  Day is on the run, fighting against the Republic and trying to help his mother and brothers to survive the plague. When June's brother is murdered, she sets out to capture Day.  What happens next is unexpected in this fast-paced dystopian tale.

Click here to read more

Holiday Gift Giveaway for Writers and Book Lovers!

We're feeling festive here at YABC. So we've decided to give away a gift from Writer's Yardsale to one lucky book lover! (Up to a $30 value!)

The Yardsale has an awesome selection of t-shirts, mugs, posters, notebooks, and more with great designs for the book lovers, writers, and the English teachers in your life. Win an item just for you or someone you love!

Here's how it works:

Simply leave a comment at the bottom of this post with a link to the item you want ohsomuch from The Yardsale. (Must be $30 or less. We'll pay the shipping to any US address!) Tell us why it's the perfect gift for you or a friend/family member. That's all there is to it!

We'll pick a name at random using Random.org, then contact you so we can get your item to you ASAP.

Get your entry in today -- this contest closes at midnight on Monday, December 12th. Hopefully just enough time to order your gift and have it arrive before December 24th. (If the shipment time doesn't matter to you, just let us know in the comments.)

So get cracking! You only have 4 days to choose an item and comment here with a link.

Personally? I love the "I Read Banned Books" tote bag. And the "Reading is Sexy" mug. And the "I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie" t-shirt. And the...okay, you get the hint.

Ready? Set? Comment!

Click here to browse the entire Writer's Yardsale collection and pick your favorite item!

Not Inside This House!

Meet Livingstone Columbus Magellan Crouse, a curious boy who loves to explore!  You'd expect a boy with a name like Livingstone Columbus Magellan Crouse to explore. But Livingstone Columbus Magellan Crouse doesn't stop there. He comes home with specimens from his travels! First a bug, and then a moose-what will Livingstone Columbus Magellan Crouse show up with next? Curious readers are in for a fun adventure.  To read more of my review, click here. 

2011 Reader's Choice Nominations

It's that time of the year! YABC is hosting a Reader's Choice Awards again for 2011! We'll be collecting your nominations until Sunday, January 1st. Then, on Monday the 2nd, we'll open the voting for your favorites in these categories:

- Young Adult Book
- Young Adult Author
- Middle Grade Book
- Middle Grade Author
- Children's/Picture Book
- Children's/Picture Book Author

Winners are nominated AND chosen exclusively by our YABC readers. Winners will receive a Reader's Choice badge to display on their website, and, of course, unlimited bragging rights.

So get your nominations in today -- don't let your favorite book or author miss out!


YA = for ages 12 and above
MG = books for ages 8-11
Children's = for ages 7 and under


*****Nominations are now closed*****

Dark Passage (Dark Mirror #2)

I read 'Dark Mirror' when it first came out and thought it was okay. Honestly it was nothing I got too excited about. I loved the concept but thought the story was lacking in a few areas, but still I enjoyed the book and said I would read the sequel. I am so glad I did! I think the sequel is better than the first. The characters are stronger, I felt for them more, the plot was exciting and more daring. Reading this book made me love the first book more as well. To read more of my review, click here.

Trailer Tuesday: Death Comes to Pemberley - A Jane Austen Re-make?

I must say, when I first heard about this murder-mystery "sequel" to Pride and Prejudice, Death Comes to Pemberley, I couldn't have been more uninterested. I'm not an Austen purist, but this just seemed like a really, really bad idea.

Then today arrived, and the book is now on bookstore shelves.

And I kinda want to run out and buy it.


Here's what Knopf has to say about Death Comes to Pemberley:

In a marvellous, thrilling re-creation of the world of Pride and Prejudice, P.D. James fuses her lifelong passion for the work of Jane Austen with her own great talent for writing crime fiction. 

The year is 1803, and Darcy and Elizabeth have been married for six years. There are now two handsome, healthy sons in the Pemberley nursery, Elizabeth's beloved sister Jane and her husband, Bingley, live within seventeen miles, the ordered and secure life of Pemberley seems unassailable, and Elizabeth's happiness in her marriage is complete. But their peace is threatened and old sins and misunderstandings are rekindled on the eve of the annual autumn ball. The Darcys and their guests are preparing to retire for the night when a chaise appears, rocking down the path from Pemberley's wild woodland, and as it pulls up, Lydia Wickham, an uninvited guest, tumbles out, screaming that her husband has been murdered. 

Death Comes to Pemberley is a powerful work of fiction, as rich in its compelling story, in its evocation of place, and its gripping psychological and emotional insight, as the very best of P. D. James. She brings us back masterfully and with delight to much-loved characters, illuminating the happy but threatened marriage of the Darcys with the excitement and suspense of a brilliantly crafted mystery.

And here's what the author, P.D. James has to say:

I owe an apology to the shade of Jane Austen for involving her beloved Elizabeth in the trauma of a murder investigation, especially as in the fi nal chapter of Mansfield Park Miss Austen made her views plain: “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. I quit such odious subjects as soon as I can, impatient to restore everybody not greatly in fault themselves to tolerable comfort, and to have done with all the rest.” No doubt she would have replied to my apology by saying that, had she wished to dwell on such odious subjects, she would have written this story herself, and done it better.

What do you think about this Austen "re-make?" Leave your comments in the doobly-doo below.

The Girl in the Steel Corset (The Steampunk Chronicles #1)

First let me just say that I have a read a couple of Steampunk novels and I did not get the genre, but holy cow now I do. I adored this book by Kady Cross. Here's why; the book had me from the first page. Finley (our main character) comes face to face with the son of her employer, and as he is trying to take advantage of her, she fights back. I mean, FIGHTS back. There is something dark within her that takes over and she almost kills him. She runs away from the scene and is hit by the mysterious Griffin King and his friend Sam Morgan.  To read more of my review, click here.

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

This series is beyond brilliant. Clockwork Angel started out good, but not amazing for me. That shortly turned around, and the amazingness I found in Clockwork Angel was simply multiplied in Clockwork Prince and was a just brilliant read that I was blown away by.

Click here to see my full review.

Fateful

Eighteen-year-old Tess Davies has been in the employ of the overbearing Lisle family since she was thirteen.  She hopes to strike it out on her own after they arrive in America.  It's 1912 and the family has planned to sail on the RMS Titanic in hopes of snagging a marriage partner for their daughter but to Tess it's an opportunity she's been looking for to leave them.  Then Tess mets Alec, a handsome American with a deadly secret.  Tess finds herself falling in love with Alec which puts her in mortal danger.  Will she risk all for Alec or will fate have something else in mind for them?  Fateful is a lovely tale filled with the romance of the Titanic and also with a dash of the paranormal.

Click here to read more

The Make It Safe Project

I just learned about The Make It Safe Project at Lee Wind's blog. I hope that you (yes, you, wonderful readers) will help support Amelia's efforts. Here's more about the project, as detailed at their website:

The Make It Safe Project donates books about sexual orientation and gender expression to schools and youth homeless shelters that lack the resources to keep their teens safe.

Giving: We donate books to K-12 schools, their Gay-Straight Alliances (a group that educates the school community about equality), and LGBT-inclusive youth homeless shelters nationwide. For information on how you can help give books or receive books for your school or shelter, please click here.

Support: If you are wondering what starting, leading, or joining a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) would be like, you can browse through stories written by teens who have been involved with GSAs here.

Advice: If you have experience starting, leading, or being in a GSA, you can anonymously submit a story about your experience here.

One book can save a life.

For every $100 raised, the Make It Safe Project sends a pack of GLBTQ books to a school or youth homeless shelter. The pack will include around ten of the books on the following list:

Fiction Books
Ash by Melinda Lo
Annie On My Mind by Nancy Gardener
Empress of the World by Sara Ryan
Luna by Julie Anne Peters
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan
Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger
Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez

Nonfiction Books
It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living edited by Dan Savage and Terry Miller
GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel
Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens by Kathy Belge
Kicked Out edited by Sassafras Lowry
Like Me by Chely Wright
Let's Get This Straight: The Ultimate Handbook for Youth with LGBTQ Parents by Tina Fakhrid-Deen

If you are a student, teacher, parent, or principal at any K-12 school or a volunteer or client at a youth homeless shelter in the USA and your school or shelter is in need of books, please contact the Make It Safe Project.

Review "Under Dogs" by Markus Zusak

A botched robbery that ends with clean teeth, backyard boxing matches resulting in dog heart attacks, awkward conversations with girls, hilarious bathroom chats and what in the world is that smell?!  That and a whole lot more in "Underdogs", by Markus Zusak's omnibus that also includes "Fighting Ruben Wolfe" and "Getting the Girl".

Click here to read the full review

Hunted

Caitlyn lives in a world where it's against the law to have any paranormal ability.  After her father is murdered, Caitlyn and her mother must constantly move to avoid being captured and tortured.  Then Caitlyn meets Alex, a Normal, who she falls for and who's also a pro-Para.  Plus, she runs into Daniel, her long lost brother who has secrets of his own.  Caitlyn struggles between her feelings for Alex and her brother's radical ideas.  Either way she needs to choose before she shares the same fate as her father.  Hunted takes you on an exciting ride through a horrific future where having any kind of paranormal gift can get you killed.  But also it's a story of hope and redemption. 

Click here to read more

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls #2)

I was super excited when I received this book to review. I enjoyed the first book and was really looking forward to more of Kylie's story. I can honestly say that this is a great sequel to the first book. The book leaves off just about where the first one ended. Kylie still has ghosts visiting her, and her roommates are still arguing with each other, pretty much everything is the same. Kylie and her "boyfriend" Derek are becoming closer, but she can't get Lucas out of her head.  To read more of my review, click here.

Exclusive Giveaway: Teens & Tweens ONLY!

Enter to win one of 10 copies of Diamond Ruby by Joseph Wallace! 

Seventeen-year-old Ruby Thomas, newly responsible for her two young nieces after a devastating tragedy, is determined to keep her family safe in the vast, swirling world of 1920s New York City. She’s got street smarts, boundless determination, and one unusual skill: the ability to throw a ball as hard as the greatest pitchers in a baseball-mad city. From Coney Island sideshows to the brand-new Yankee Stadium, Diamond Ruby chronicles the extraordinary life and times of a girl who rises from utter poverty to the kind of renown only the Roaring Twenties can bestow. But her fame comes with a price, and Ruby must escape a deadly web of conspiracy and threats from Prohibition rumrunners, the Ku Klux Klan, and the gangster underworld.

**This is a TEENS and TWEENS ONLY exclusive giveaway.** 

Although published and marketed as an adult novel, Diamond Ruby is a great book for tween and teen readers. YABC is such a big fan of this book that we didn't want our tween/teen readers to miss out on it. So we're hosting this exclusive giveaway just for YOU. And even though Diamond Ruby is a baseball-themed book, you don't have to be a baseball fan to fall in love with Ruby's story, her world, or Joseph Wallace's beautiful writing. 


Enter to win your copy today! And stay tuned for the second part to this giveaway, coming in January. (Hint: Diamond Ruby extras and bookstore gift cards!)


>> Take me to the entry form!

Nightspell by Leah Cypess

I really enjoyed Leah Cypess's first novel, Mistwood, but Nightspell blows that one out of the water with the brilliance this book contains! Everything about this book was just marvelous and I loved it.

Click here to see my full review.