I’ve listened to the first three book on audio and thought they were absolutely fantastic.  Have I read book 4 or 5? Nope, because they aren’t available through Amazon yet.  I just checked and I can purchase them through independent sellers, but that is a recent change.  Up until recently they weren’t being sold in the U.S. I can’t wait to read them though!  Book 3 ended with a major problem.  I can’t wait to see what happens. So, if you know anyone that has them, grab them and send them my way.  

Skulduggery Pleasant is a detective and works for the magical community.  He pairs up with Stephanie Edgley after her uncle (Skulduggery’s good friend) dies and leaves his mansion to her in his will.  She stumbles upon the magical world and soon Skulduggery becomes her ally, protector, and mentor in all things magical. Together they fight evil, but always with an amazing amount of dry, hilarious wit!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the audios!!! Click HERE for the amazon link to listen to a sample.

Aria lives in Reverie, an enclosed pod where the Dwellers are kept safe from crime, disease, and the dangers of the unpredictable Aether storms. Beyond the walls of the pod lies certain death in what the people call The Death Shop. Aria spends her time much like most of the people in Reverie – in the Realms.  The Realms are virtual environments where the people can experience life in ways that aren’t possible in the current world.

Aria has been on her own in Reverie ever since her mother left for Bliss to do DNA research. They try to speak every day, but now that the connection has been lost to the other pod she is very worried. Aria can’t seem to get any information about what is going on in Bliss and is resorting to a very undesirable solution. Aria is going to hang out with the son of the head of Reverie’s security. They are going to break into Ag6 – a disabled pod. Disaster strikes and Aria is accused of a crime and forced out of the pod and left to die in The Death Shop.

Perry, an Outsider who has never known the safety and security that Aria has grown up with, is struggling with life in his tribe. As the younger brother of the Blood Lord of the Tides he is part of a very important family. The only thing that keeps him coming home is the love he feels for his nephew, Talon. Perry comes from a very powerful line of hunters who use their acute sense of smell to sense danger, food, and even emotions. He is convinced he can rule the Tide tribe, but is reluctant to challenge his brother for control because he worries about Talon’s feelings. But, when Talon is abducted by Dwellers and Vale (Perry’s brother) refuses to go after him, Perry is forced to head out on his own to bring him back.

These terrible events throw Aria and Perry together and force them to cooperate with each other in order to survive. Will Aria be able to find out what happened to her mother? Will Perry be able to rescue Talon?

On the perilous journey through the dangerous wilds and Aether storms, Aria and Perry form a strong bond. A bond stronger than either of them have ever experienced before. A bond that never should have happened.  A bond that can never be. UNDER THE NEVER SKY is intoxicating. Full of mystery, adventure, romance, and betrayal it is practically impossible to put down.

Juliette has been locked in a small cell completely alone for almost a year.  Isolation is all she knows.  For 264 days she has been silent.  For 264 days she hasn’t touched anyone. 264 days without information. 264 days without knowing what is going to happen. 264 days of wishing she was dead.

Without warning a boy is shoved in her cell and panic floods her body.  The closeness of his body is too much to handle after so much aloneness.  It doesn’t take long for her to realize who he is. Is it a trick? Why would Adam be in the asylum?

It turns out Adam has a very specific reason for being in the cell with Juliette.  Someone wants her as a weapon to wage war on those rebelling against the Reestablishment. What is it that Juliette can do? Her abilities are revealed to the reader slowly through periodic flashbacks.  Juliette doesn’t have anyone she can trust. No one who wants what is best for her – or does she?

It is easy to see why SHATTERED is being compared to X-men.  In the second half of the book the reader is introduced to a paranormal world bent on putting a stop to the controlling power of the Reestablishment.

What is amazing about this book is the writing. Tahereh Mafi is a master of metaphors. I wanted to constantly jot down my favorite lines from the story.  I really wished for the ability to share the lines instantly over Twitter or Facebook so everyone could see how beautiful the writing is.  For those of you out there that need help with metaphors, pick up the book, open to a random page, and I bet there will be one there.

In addition to the wonderful language in the book, the author has written one heck of a romance. Juliette and Adam’s scenes are HOT. My goodness!  Everyone is going to wish they had an Adam after they finish SHATTER ME.

There will definitely be a sequel.  I mean there is NO WAY there can’t be. Juliette has a lot to learn and a lot to do.

Beatrice Prior lives with her family in (dystopian) Chicago where people are grouped into factions based on personal beliefs and values. Her and her family are Abnegation in which people consider selflessness and moderation the most important qualities for a successful society. The other factions are Candor (Truth and Honesty), Amity (Friendship, Peace, Harmony), Erudite (Scholars, Knowledge), and Dauntless (Fearless, Bravery). Those who doesn’t belong to a faction are considered factionless and live a very difficult life. They are the ones who do the jobs no one else wants to do and often struggle for food and shelter.

Beatrice is at the age where she is going to have to choose what faction she will align herself with for the rest of her life.  Even though she was born into Abnegation, she doesn’t have to stay there.  In order to help the young people choose, they are given an Aptitude Test, a virtual simulation that takes them through several scenarios to show their true nature.  Beatrice’s test wasn’t very helpful. Instead of revealing one clear faction to join, it only rules out two – leaving her three factions to choose from.  She is Divergent and is warned to keep her results a secret. Being Divergent is dangerous. 

Beatrice must decide between Abnegation, Dauntless, or Erudite. Can she leave her family and join another faction, never to see them again? What is so dangerous about being Divergent? She has never felt like she belonged in Abnegation and has always secretly envied the Dauntless. Needless to say, the night before the choosing ceremony is a stressful one.

Beatrice takes the name of Tris when she plunges into Dauntless initiate training. A new life deserves a new name. Struggling with feelings of guilt for leaving her parents, Tris throws herself into training and experiences things she never thought possible. Getting to know people from the other factions provides some challenges, but the physical and mental trials are even more trying. Life becomes a little more complicated when she begins to have feelings for one of her trainers, Four. Tris comes alive in the Dauntless faction, in more ways than one.

Tris’ world is turned upside down when she learns of a possible conspiracy involving two of the factions. Will she be able to uncover the truth and keep the fact that she is Divergent a secret at the same time? Will she have to do it alone or will Four be able to help?

DIVERGENT is a thrill ride.  There isn’t a moment when the story doesn’t hold tight to the reader. The mixture of drama, mystery, suspense, and romance is perfect. I can’t wait for the sequel, INSURGENT, due out May 2012.

Visit the Facebook page to take the faction quiz.  Where would you belong? 

Conor is plagued by a recurring nightmare.  One he vows never to tell anyone – not his friends at school, not his Grandmother, and definitely not his mother. He fears the worst when he begins to hear his name whispered on the wind in middle of the night; he fears his nightmare has come to life. Instead, he finds another monster at his bedroom window.  The old yew tree from the cemetery transformed into a huge Monster and demands Conor talk to him.  He demands truth from Conor, but Conor isn’t ready to give it.

A MONSTER CALLS is heart-wrenching.  It is a story that shows just how much guilt can weigh on a person – how it can manifest into so many other problems. Patrick Ness tells a wonderful story about a difficult subject.  He masterfully weaves the traditional stages of grief into the narrative.  While Conor is the main character of the story, the Monster plays a huge role as well.  While much of the time the Monster is demanding of Conor, there are times when he reveals a dark sense of humor. Even more important, the Monster gives Conor support and comfort when needed.

You will need a box of kleenex handy while you read A MONSTER CALLS.  I was warned before I started, but I had to idea it would get to me like it did. It was so worth it though!

A MONSTER CALLS was an original idea by the author Siobhan Dowd.  Unfortunately, she died of cancer at the age of 47 before she could write the story.  I think we are lucky that Patrick Ness, the author of the Chaos Walking trilogy, picked up the torch and brought the story to life.

This story is brought to you by The Corporation: Because your life can always be better.

50 contestants in the Miss Teen Dream pageant on 1 plane flying to a wonderful beach location to strut their stuff in their evening gowns and bathing suits.  Only one will take the crown.

Unfortunately, they don’t make it to the pageant. While they do make it to a beautiful beach – it isn’t the one they planned. After a plane crash leaves them stranded, the girls must find a way to survive using the skills they have at their disposal like traditional Nigerian drumming, traditional Indian dancing, and baton twirling. The girls split themselves into two groups. One, absolutely sure a rescue plane is on the way, decides they should continue practicing for the pageant and begins a schedule of dancing and exercising.  They call themselves the Sparkle Ponies.  The other group decides to spend their time trying to find shelter, food, and drinkable water.  They call themselves the Lost Girls.

The contestants get to know each other very well during their time on the beach and even uncover a dangerous conspiracy that could lead to downfall of the Miss Teen Dream pageant.

BEAUTY QUEENS is filled with humor. Libba Bray has done an amazing job creating this unique story.  Interspersed throughout the story are advertisements for products such as, Lady ‘Stache Off with triple beauty action (you can moisturize and self-tan while you rip that unsightly hair from every pore) and Miss Teen Dream Fun Fact Pages for many of the contestants.  This is a silly story that was a joy to read. But, even though silliness abounds – that doesn’t mean there aren’t important life lessons sprinkled throughout too.  While some people have criticized the cover for being sexist – I think it fits perfectly.

Cinder is an orphan.  She lost her parents when she was eleven and she and her family were in a fatal hover accident. She survived the crash, but only just barely. In order to save Cinda, scientists had to add a metal hand and a metal leg turning her into a cyborg. Luckily, a man adopted her shortly after her surgery and took her to the Eastern Commonwealth to live with him, his wife, and two daughters. Not so luckily, the man died of the plague soon after he brought her home.  Ever since she has had to live with a step-mother who never wanted her in the first place.

Cinder is the best mechanic anywhere in her region. She has a booth at the market and the money she makes goes directly to her step-mother. She has nothing to call her own.  She has two bright spots in her life – her android helper and her step-sister Peony. Her life consists of nothing but work until Prince Kai shows up at her booth one day. Prince Kai is next in line to be Emperor of the Eastern Commonwealth and needs Cinder to work her magic on an old android.

Cinder tries to be professional whenever in his presence, but is always careful to cover her metal appendages. She knows she’d never have a chance with someone like the Prince, but she doesn’t want to see horror in his eyes when he sees what she really is.  Life becomes very complicated for Cinder when the plague (the same one that killed her adopted father) gets too close to home.

Cinder is thrust into a world she never knew existed filled with political strategy and deadly consequences. Will she be able to rise from the ashes of a world filled with death and prejudice?

CINDER is a masterful retelling of the fairy tale, Cinderella.  It has it all, the prince, the evil step-mother, the lost “slipper,” the “pumpkin coach.” I read the book in one day because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to Cinder.  The sequel will be hard to wait for. Cinder is a tough girl – one that can take care of herself and doesn’t faint at the sight of the Prince. Yes, she thinks he’s handsome and dreams of him taking her in his arms, but….she doesn’t let that fantasy dictate her entire world. She has priorities and sticks to them. This is a wonderful example of a book with a strong female role model.

NOTE: You will want to read BIRTHMARKED, the first book in this series, to be sure you get the full effect of this story.

PRIZED picks up right where BIRTHMARKED left off.  Gaia, lost and alone in the wasteland, is trying to save her sister from the people of Wharfton, but she has gone as far as she can.  Weak from lack of food and completely out of baby formula, Gaia resolves herself to the idea of death.  Luckily, Peter, an outrider from a near by village called Sylum, finds her and carries her to safety.

Sylum is a community ruled by women. In fact, Gaia’s own grandmother used to be the Matrarc until she died. Gaia’s relief of being rescued is soon replaced with horror when she realizes her sister has been taken from her and given to a childless couple to raise. She will not be allowed to see her until she proves she will live by Sylum’s rules of conduct. She can adhere to the strict rules or leave – but she must choose fast, because within a couple of days of entering Sylum, people come down with acclimation sickness – after you live through that,  leaving Sylum will kill you.

Gaia attempts to live by the rules, but when those rules contradict her personal beliefs, she is forced to decide if she can quietly stand by and watch the community be strangled to death by the Matrarc or if she will attempt to make changes, thus risking her life. Gaia deals with ethically dilemmas and issues of the heart. Her attraction to Peter, the young man who saved her, battles her growing feelings for his brother, Will.  When Leon from the Enclave shows up in Sylum, her feelings are in total chaos.

O’Brien gives the reader a lot of information and advancement to Gaia’s story in PRIZED. In my opinion, this book was just as good as the first one in the trilogy. I can’t wait to read PROMISED (the final book in the trilogy), which the author is currently revising.

Alex, a typical, teenage boy is left alone for the weekend because he refused to go away with his parents to his Uncle’s farm. He quickly regrets his decision after the unthinkable happens. A volcano in Yellowstone National Park erupts, sending ash across the entire country. Forced to leave  after the destruction of his home, Alex decides to try and make it to his family the only way he can – on foot. Taking only what he can carry, he sets out on a dangerous journey hoping for the best.

Alex encounters many obstacles along the way – many extremely dangerous. When he can’t go any further he is lucky enough to come across a farm house with people willing to help. Darla, a girl a couple of years older than him, and her mother seem to be making it so far. Darla’s mechanical abilities have allowed her to rig things up to help them stay fed. But, after disaster strikes, Darla is left with no choice but to leave with Alex as he continues his journey to his family. Will their food and water last? Can they stay away from the desperate people willing to do anything to survive? Will his family even be there when he gets to the farmhouse?

ASHFALL is a page-turner. The fact that a scenario like this could really happen makes you stop and think. How long could you make it on the food and water you  have at home? Could you protect yourself from people willing to do anything to take what you have?  Mike Mullin does a great job putting Alex in situations that I feel would be very likely to happen. He doesn’t allow Alex to get through the story unscathed and I appreciate it. Realistically, what teen could make it hundreds of miles on foot through dangerous conditions without running into some MAJOR trouble? I also appreciate how the author handled the relationship between Alex and Darla. Mike Mullin created two intelligent, responsible characters and it was a pleasure to take this journey with them. Something else I like is that Darla is a strong and smart girl and Alex isn’t intimidated by that at all.  He realizes she is smarter than him in many aspects of survival and allows her to lead the way when it is necessary.

I can’t wait for the sequel, ASHEN WINTER set to come out October 2012.

Ben, a young boy, feels lost and alone ever since the death of his mother.  Even though he lives with his aunt and uncle he doesn’t feel like he belongs.  When loneliness get too much, Ben sneaks next door to the house he lived in with his mother and begins to look for something, anything to make him feel better. When he finds a mysterious note that could possibly lead him to the father he’s never known, he has to make the decision whether to follow his heart or stay where he is.

Rose, a young girl, feels lost and alone in a house with her stern father. With  her mother out of the picture and her older brother living in New York, she is completely cut off from everyone. After one too many disagreements with  her father, Rose decides to strike off on her own to New York City to find some peace of mind.

Both Ben and Rose find themselves at the American Museum of Natural History – only 50 years apart.  Ben’s story takes place in 1977 and Rose’s story takes place in 1927.  Ben’s story is told in words, while Rose’s story is told in pictures. Brian Selznick does a masterful job combining two journeys to create one amazing story.