Shadow's Edge

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Shadow's Edge
Author: Maureen Lipinski
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: 01/08/2012
Galley: Yes
Top10: No
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: N/A
Compelling aspects of the book: Shadow's edge is a mildly entertaining book with a predictable plot and standard characters. The only unique thing in the book was the family full of young women with special talents. It was like a bad female Harry Potter in a way.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons you were disappointed with the book: First, the spelling of creatuir is insanely impossible to spell! Also, the name is suspiciously Spanish sounding. Perhaps a pronunciation key could be provided? Do the sisters need to all be the key to save the magic people? I find that very predictable. The "bad" creatuir should be more developed. They need a more solid background with a larger role. It felt as if the story moved to fast, nothing wrong with elaborating.
Cover: The cover of the book seems aimed for a younger audience. As an older reader, it causes me to avoid the book.
Age Range: Under 12-15
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

The Mephisto Covenant

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: The Mephisto Covenant
Author: Trinity Faegen
Publisher: Egmont
Pub Date: 09/27/2011
Galley: Yes
Top10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The Mephisto Covenant is a page-turning sci-fi romance about a girl who must stay with her only relatives after her mother is forced to deport to Russia. Did I mention the aunt is possessed? While living with family, Sasha meets a handsome boy who turns out to be a son of hell, tasked with guarding souls. The two fall in love with some difficulty, danger, and adventure. The book may seem dull from the cover, but once you pick it up, you won't ever want to finish.
Compelling aspects of the book: The plot is loosely tied to a good vs. evil theme, but avoids dullness by creating a rich world, full of tension and emotion. The characters were superbly developed.
Cover: Beautiful cover, I don't believe the main character ever walks down the road in a dress, but the lighting and image itself are attractive.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it
Comments: I can't wait for the second book! How many are in the series?

Flirt Club

Reader: Elise
Age: 15
Title: Flirt Club
Author: Cathleen Daly
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Galley: Yes
Top10: No
Recommend: No
Convince us to read the book: N/A
Compelling aspect of the book: I'm not really sure why I finished reading this book. Disbelief?
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons you were disappointed with the book: While I never had high hopes for the book, there were a couple of problems that were especially pressing. First of all, the age of the characters and the things that were happening to them were out of whack. Not that much drama happens in 8th grade, certainly not pressure to have sex, but in high school, where it would be a more fitting setting, they're too immature to deal with those realities, creating a book that's in this weird state of limbo. Everything just amounted to one, huge, middle school soap opera that was uninteresting to an extreme.
Cover: Something about the “item will self destruct in 5-4-3-2-1” aspect of the girl's eyes, staring into my very soul inspired me to pick up this book, which was a very stupid thing to do. The other reason was shock. It's not everyday you read a letter on the inside flap of a book addressed to a pork chop.
Age Range: Under 12-13
Quality: 1Q How did it get published?
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend

Reader: Guananí
Age: 15
Title: How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend
Author: Gary Ghislain
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Pub Date: 06/2011
Galley: No
Top10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: I wouldn't recommend this to all my friends, only the ones I'm sure enjoy really weird books. I would say that it is a story about a dull French kid whose life gets a lot more interesting when he falls in love with one of his dad's psychiatric patients who happens to be a supergirl alien on a mission to bring Johnny Depp back to her planet.
Compelling aspects of the book: Besides the silliness of the main concept, I was impressed by the depth of the characters, the quick pacing and careful conclusion to the story. The world-building of Zelda the alien girl's planet is well developed and often humorous as well as intimidating. I particularly enjoyed reading the character of Malou (sarcastic, partying step-sister) and David's mom (strict, materialistic neglectful lawyer) and watching them clash with the whole alien situation.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: This book was better than I expected, so I wasn't disappointed. It was an enjoyable quick read.
Cover: The cover is really nothing special, just black with stars and some random butterflies (Why? Butterflies have nothing to do with anything!). What really jumps out is the absolutely ridiculous title, which perfectly describes a deeply absurd and entertaining story.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Anna and the French Kiss

Reader: Sabrina
Age: 17
Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Pub Date: 12/10/11
Galley: Yes
Top10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read book: If you are a die hard French fanatic you will love this book. How Perkins described France was dead on perfect. By her imagery she re-created France perfectly from the tourist attractions, to high schools in France, to little cafes. Reading Perkins' book made me feel as if I where in France again.
Compelling aspects of the book: The most compelling aspect of the book was seeing Anna's love for France grow. I thought it was more compelling seeing her personal growth than her "romantic" growth blossom. It made the book and the character more humbling and realistic. You can really sense in the end of the book a progression of the character from the begging to the end of the book. It was lovely to have been able to read this transformation story.
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick up the book because it looked like a cheesy but cute romantic novel for teen girls. This did reflect the contents of the book. I just wish you could see Etienne's face or some glimpse of more of his body.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal
Comments: The ending was abrupt, which disappointed me because I wanted to know what happened to the characters. I had read Perkins newest book before reading Anna and the French Kiss and was amazed to see that both books could stand without the other but intertwined great with the other. More authors should learn how to do sequels like Perkins. Both books stand out on their own perfectly.

Witch Eyes

Reader: Sabrina
Age: 17
Title: Witch Eyes
Author: Scott Tracey
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: 09/08/11
Galley: Yes
Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book had a sense of adventure and romance. So many books right now have female heroines. It was nice to read about a male hero who had super powers that could either hurt or aid him.
Compelling aspects of the book: Branden's struggle between using his eyes showed a great internal conflict between the character and his actions towards others creating a great plot. With the eye's as well Branden learned more about his family and himself moving back to Bell Dam showing yet a whole other side to Branden and the people he trusts.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reasons you were disappointed with the book: At times the main character Branden seemed to doubt himself too much. Lately, books seem to be having heroes who know they have the strength but doubt their capabilities to fully succeed. At a point the book got a bit annoying because pages where full of rants from Branden not believing in himself. For once I'd like to see a character that trusts themself and doesn't have a big ego about it.
Cover: The cover tempted me to pick up the book. It looked dark and mysterious -- reflecting the contents of the book. Branden's witch eye was dramatic making the book cover intriguing. What confused me though was the red/brown building below his face. Throughout the book there where description of the towns buildings but none that seemed to be the one depicted on the cover.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Hush, Hush

Reader: Ada
Age: 17
Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pub Date: 2009
Galley: No
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Fallen angels are a supernatural species that are less celebrated than vampires, werewolves, or zombies but are just as interesting. They also make for great love interest as well, as this book clearly states. The plot has a definite twist in the works, and Fitzpatrick keeps the pages turning with cool character developments. Also, the romance element definitely was there. If you're into that, then this book is a definite yes.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I thought the twist of events at the end of the book was the best part of the novel. Learning who Jules really was came as a genuine shock and an unexpected turn. I also liked the way that Fitzpatrick explained the reason fallen angels possess Nephilim and how they can't feel. I thought that was really unique and clever.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reason why you were disappointed: I didn't think that it was very believable that Nora went from freaking out about Patch being a fallen angel to just going with the flow. When they're in the motel, she says that she has to shut the rational part of her brain off to process the situation. She never seems to turn on that part of her brain again because we never get her for once doubting the fact that Patch is a fallen angel. She doubts his motives for sticking around her and if he wants to kill her but never if he's lying about one of the most crucial pieces to the book's plot. I just thought that was really unrealistic. Even a simple conversation between Nora and Patch in the car driving or something would have satisfied me on the subject. Also, I thought going into the book that I would find out where the title came from, but at the end I was still really confused. Did it come from the fact that Nora couldn't tell anyone about Patch? I have no clue and it kind of bugs me now
Comments: Overall, I would say that this book was good. At times the reality of it got away from the author; however, it was very cleverly put together and turned out well. The ending definitely left room for a sequel which sometimes irritates me with books because it seems like the author is either milking the plot for more money or they don't know how to tie up loose ends, both which annoy me. In this case, I'm okay with there being a sequel. I just hope that the next book has genuine new developments and isn't the author or publisher trying to stretch out a good thing past its expiration date.
Cover: The cover really captivated my attention and was one of the main reasons that I picked it up. After reading the book, the cover made complete sense as the plot is about fallen angels. The cover definitely did its job of capturing the reader's attention and looked really awesome at the same time
Age Range: 16-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal

Bestest. Ramadan. Ever.

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Bestest. Ramadan. Ever.
Author: Medeia Sharif
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: 07/08/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Bestest. Ramadan. Ever. is a intriguing novel about a girl named Almira who is trying to fit in, while being the only Muslim-American. Almira has her friends, but finds life difficult when everyone notices her attractive mom and ignores Almira. When a hot new guy transfers into her school, Almira sees a chance to be noticed, if only another girl, Shakira, who happens to be Muslim as well, wasn't in her way. Bestest. Ramadan. Ever. is a novel you will surely enjoy and smile at.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I enjoyed how the main character is Muslim. A lot of teenage books are about a wanna-be musician, or a teen angst, but very few novels are written about Muslim teenagers. This difference makes an interesting read.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Cover: The cover is very light-hearted and fits the story well. The only issue is why does the guy on the cover look like he's in college? No high school guy looks like that. They're all younger. Finding a younger guy who fits the age would be desirable. Also, that cupcake is very attractive in a food-y way.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it

Blood

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: Blood
Author: K. J. Wignall
Publisher: Egmont
Pub Date: 09/27/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Will, the vampire of the story, is not a mindless creature, but a person with history and feeling, I enjoyed how it was written from his point of view and he seemed sensible and dislikes the word "vampire".
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reason why you were disappointed:
Cover: Please, not another vampire book. Why is the book called blood? That is a stereotypical title for a vampire book, and is not the central focus of the book. Yes, Will needs blood when he wakes up, but he's not a raging demon running around sucking people dry! This is a decent book, but less blood on the cover, please.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Comments: Although there have been quite a lot of vampire books, I think Blood, as terrible as the title is, is a promising book. The story is worth reading because the main focus is not on vampires, but Will, who happens to be a vampire, discovering his origins and retaining his humanity. Instead of another twilight romance, Blood is a story with a quest and purpose, something that is very attractive to readers.

The Game of Triumphs

Reader: Emily
Age: 17
Title: The Game of Triumphs
Author: Laura Powell
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: 08/09/2011
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The Book of Triumphs is a fascinating book that follows fifteen-year-old Cat as she stumbles upon life-altering game of tarot. Her reluctance to join in the game quickly ends as she learns the truth about her parents’ death and its connection to the game. Cat becomes a player and joins up with three other teens to release the Hanged Man, find out the truth, and restore the old rules.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: A story centered around a never-ending game of Tarot is certainly a new and refreshing idea. I have never read a book with a plot like this. It appeals to readers of multiple interests and is worth reading.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: Yes
Reason why you were disappointed: I thought the ending of the book was lacking in answers. The main characters didn't solve their problems, all it says is the Arcanum begins to fade and they get the cards they want. What happens to them? Does Cat learn the truth behind her parents’ murder? Does Blaine get his revenge? Is Flora's sister released from her coma? How does Toby become a hero? As good and captivating as the Book of Triumphs is, it does not need a sequel, but there is plenty of room for a satisfying ending.
Cover: The cover is very intriguing! In a way it reminds me of a manga illustration, but overall the cover is attention grabbing. The only issue with the cover is the font used in the title on the tarot card. The font is cool, but slightly illegible. Perhaps something simpler could be used? Overall, the cover seems original and relates well to the book.
Age Range: Under 12-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it