The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

author’s website: Kimberly Derting
release date: March 16, 2010
appeals to: Young Adult
** 2010 Debut Author **
genre: Paranormal
length: 336 pages
overall rating: 5 Stars

*the inside flap*
Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best frined since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies – or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer – and Violet is unnerved by her hop that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his per herself.

*my review*
I absolutely loved this book. Fantastic writing flows into a highly suspense filled story with an undercurrent of the unexpected feelings of a friendship turning romantic. I literally couldn’t put it down.

The story starts with a prologue that describes Violet first experiencing her “gift” as a child. Then, we jump to present day, and a 16-year-old Violet who is living a “normal” life. She is starting her junior year of high school and over the summer, her best friend, Jay, has transformed into the hottest guy at school. She has always been friends with him, but now, she is starting to sense some crush feelings (along with every other girl in school). There is a lot of inner struggle with Violet because she doesn’t want things to change with her best friend. But she also doesn’t really like that the other girls are giving Jay so much attention either. Since the book is written from Violet’s perspective, the reader isn’t sure what Jay is feeling, just like Violet isn’t.

The mystery starts to unfold when girls start disappearing in and around Violet’s town. Then, Violet starts to find the girls, thanks to her body finding “talent.” She realizes that she can help, but it isn’t an easy decision. The biggest action of the story comes when Violet decides to get involved and start hunting for the killer. Jay is there the whole way, and becomes incredibly protective of Violet. If they weren’t best friends, his protectiveness might be a little overbearing, but since they’ve been friends since first grade, it makes a lot of sense.

Every few chapters, there is a chapter from the perspective of the killer. These chapters have one word titles, instead of numbers like Violet’s chapters. They give the reader a look into the mind of the killer, and help add to the suspense! The biggest action starts about two thirds of the way through the book, and doesn’t stop until the last page.

*short and snappy*
writing: fluid – the story flows and reading it is so vivid that it feels like you could watch it happen
plot: intense – there are a lot of suspenseful elements that keep you hooked, but the romance story is also pretty captivating
characters: beautifully constructed – I like that Violet isn’t really sure of herself but is very confident in her ability to use her “talent” to help
memorable line: my favorite line is spoilery, so here is one that isn’t
“He gave her a questioning look. ‘Seriouly, a ‘bad seed,’ Vi? When did you turn ninety and start saying things like ‘bad seed’?’” (p. 50)
judging by the cover: The cover is pretty, but I don’t really see the connection to the story.
miscellaneous: There is a book trailer here and information that says she’ll be putting out a new book (Desires of the Dead) on March 15, 2011.

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

author’s website: Kay Cassidy
release date: April 13, 2010
appeals to: Young Adult
genre: Contemporary/Chick Lit
length: 336 pages
overall rating: 5 stars

*the inside flap*
What’s a girl to do when the glass slipper fits, but she doesn’t want to wear it anymore?
Sixteen-year-old Jess Parker has always been an outsider. So when she receives an invitation to join The Cinderella Society, a secret sisterhood of the most popular girls in school, it’s like something out of a fairy tale. Swept up by the Cindys’ magical world of makeovers, and catching the eye of her Prince Charming, Jess feels like she’s finally found her chance to fit in.

Then the Wickeds – led by Jess’s archenemy – begin targeting innocent girls in their high-school war against the Cindys, and Jess discovers there’s more to being a Cindy than reinventing yourself on the outside. She has unknowingly become part of a centuries-old battle of good v. evil, and now the Cindys in charge need Jess for a mission that could change everything.

Overwhelmed, Jess wonders if The Cinderella Society made a mistake in choosing her. Is it a coincidence that her new boyfriend doesn’t want to be seen with her? And is this glamorous, secret life even what she wants, or will she risk her own happy ending to live up to the expectations of her new sisters?

*my review*
The Cinderella Society was an excellent story that was fun to read and hard to put down!

The Cindys seem kind of like a tech-savvy cross between Charlie’s Angels, a sorority, and a volunteer service, and sound pretty amazing. I especially loved that they push messages that all girls need to learn, basically that knowing yourself and being yourself makes you confident. The “signature style” piece connects directly to that. Having a signature style isn’t about being “cool” – it’s about being you. I also loved their policy of “no Wicked talk” even about yourself and even if you’re just thinking it. In a world with digital editing, it is really easy for girls to have negative thoughts and feelings, but this book really teaches that we shouldn’t let ourselves dwell on the negatives.

The other piece of advice I took from this book was the rule of 5s (p. 87). Basically, before you stress out or freak out about something, you should think about whether it will matter in 5 minutes, 5 weeks, or 5 months. It’s pretty good advice to people of all ages! I’ve found myself thinking about that advice since I read the book, and it helps to give perspective to things.

Overall, this book was quite fun to read. I’d absolutely recommend it and I’m looking forward to the next book (spring 2011), too!

*short and snappy*
writing: light and fun, but the book also addressed some really important concepts revolving around being true to yourself
plot: there was a lot more suspense and mystery in this book than I thought there would be
characters: realistic (mostly) – The characters in the story all have very realistic features (both positive and negative) that make them real. I’m interested to learn more about them in the upcoming books
judging by the cover: A cute cover that doesn’t give too much away.
miscellaneous: You can read an excerpt of Chapter 1 here. This is a 2010 Debut Author.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

author’s website: Lauren Oliver
release date: March 2, 2010
appeals to: Young Adult
genre: Contemporary Fiction
length: 480 pages
overall rating: 5 Stars

*the inside flap*
What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

*my review*
Before I Fall was an absolutely beautiful story. The writing is phenomenal, the story is amazing, and the main character Samantha is easy to relate to and grows immensely throughout this story.

This book starts with a prologue that sets up the entire story. It kind of felt like the beginning of a “Grey’s Anatomy” episode where one of the characters gives you some background in the form of a voice over while the episode starts. I loved the format, and the last line of the prologue (“If you’re like me, your last day starts like this:”) was a very clever way to lead into the “real” story.

Each chapter in this book was a different “last day” for Samantha, with the first chapter being the original last day. In this first chapter, you meet Samantha’s clique – Elody, Ally, and Lindsay (the leader) – and realize that they are the super-popular girls that everyone wants to be. Samantha’s boyfriend, Rob, is also introduced in this chapter. You can tell from the writing that Samantha thinks Rob is wonderful, but I kind of thought he was a jerk. Actually, the group as a whole is kind of mean. They make fun of other kids, have inside jokes at the expense of others, and generally think they are better than everyone else. As you read the chapter (the whole book actually) there are little italicized comments interspersed from Samantha looking back at the day, which really added to the story because it pointed out how you really don’t know that it is your last day. Even though I knew her death was coming, I kept feeling anxious and curious about the when.

In the next few chapters, Samantha changes, the feel of the chapter/day reflects how she is changing. **SLIGHTLY SPOILERY - For example, in chapter 2 she is confused about reliving the day. In chapter 3, she’s figured it out and tries to change things. In chapter 4, she’s ANGRY! But I think she learns the most about herself in this chapter. END OF SPOILERY STUFF**

After reading Chapter 5, I decided that it was my favorite. It’s the fourth reliving and Samantha has really started to figure out that there is a reason for reliving the day so many times. Samantha stops worrying about the trivial snotty way that she used to do things and has started to become a MUCH nicer person. While I thought it was my favorite chapter, from there on, every chapter was better than the last! The last 200 pages of the story fly by and take you back to the anxiousness of not knowing how Samantha will actually die.

I LOVED this story. I could have read it in one sitting (and nearly did) and would love to read it again. I would recommend it to anyone.

*short and snappy*
writing: fantastic – Lauren Oliver does a brilliant job of capturing the emotion of the characters and the conversations of teenagers
plot: quick moving – even though Samantha is reliving the same day, each reliving is very different!
characters: well developed – it does get frustrating that Sam is growing so much and the others just relive their same attitudes
memorable line: “That’s when I realized that certain moments go on forever...They are everything and everywhere all at once.” (p. 470)
judging by the cover: beautiful cover...simple, but it works
miscellaneous: On her website, Oliver explains that many aspects of the story come from her own experiences.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

author’s website: Rachel Hawkins
release date: March 2, 2010
appeals to: Young Adult
genre: Fantasy
length: 336 pages
overall rating: 5 stars

*the inside flap*
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

*my review*
Let me start by saying, this is all about a school for witches, shapeshifters, and faeries – obviously, this is a fantasy lover’s paradise! I’ve been reading about witches, faeries, and other fantasy creatures for as long as I can remember, the idea of combining them all into one school a school is pretty fun. Especially since it is written in such a contemporary setting.

Sophie was a wonderfully interesting character. She is very believable and makes the same mistakes you could imagine yourself making. I especially liked the different situations that Sophie finds herself in throughout the novel. She doesn't seem to be able to have her niche quite figured out, but what high school aged person does?! I liked the relationship Sophie began to develop with Archer, and I'm curious to see where that goes in the next book. Overall, this novel was a quick, fun read. There was humor, romance, magic, suspense, and a heck of an ending that left me seriously anticipating the next installment.

*short and snappy*
writing: quick and fun with humor, suspense, and realistic emotion
plot: slightly predictable, but there are twists that I didn’t expect
characters: interesting – Sophie is well thoughtout, but I am intrigued to know more about some of the other characters (especially Archer and Jenna)
judging by the cover: I love the cover. It has a different meaning than I thought it would, which might make it even better!

The Mark by Jen Nadol

The Mark by Jen Nadol

author’s website: Jen Nadol
release date: January 19, 2010
appeals to: Young Adult
genre: Fantasy/Paranormal
length: 240 pages
overall rating: 4 Stars

*the inside flap*
Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Armed with a vague understanding of the light, Cassie begins to explore her “gift,” seeking those marked for death and probing the line between decision and destiny. Though she’s careful to hide her secret—even from her new philosophy-obsessed boyfriend—with each impending death comes the temptation to test fate. But so many questions remain. How does the mark work? Why is she the only one who sees it? And finally, the most important of all: If you know today is someone’s last, should you tell them?

*my review*
The Mark had many components: romance, paranormal, Greek mythology, philosophy, and a character with a rough family history. Cassie’s ability to see “the mark” creates a struggle/dilemma for her that is the base line of the plot throughout this book. Do you tell the person or not? As I read, I kept thinking, “would I want to know that today was my last day?” and I couldn’t really decide. So it was easy to relate to Cassie as she struggled with the decision of telling people or not.

I enjoyed the story in this book and appreciated the twists and turns in the plot. I felt like Cassie was a contradiction in terms of her maturity. At some points in the story, she seems wise beyond her years, but then there are times where it is easy to see that she is obviously 16, with limited experiences. Overall, this was a fun book and there is definite potential for a sequel. (However, the ending is closure enough if there isn’t a second book.)

*short and snappy*
writing: clean and easy to read
plot: surprisingly twisty – as soon as you think the plot has become predictable, there is a twist
characters: solidly developed and very believable (I especially loved Nan)
judging by the cover: great cover! The image is wonderful, and I love the tagline - “If you had the power to see death, would you wish it away?” – it really gets you thinking about the story
miscellaneous: this is a 2010 Debut Author

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu

author’s website: C. J. Omololu
release date: February 2, 2010
appeals to: Young Adult
genre: Realistic Fiction
length: 224 pages
overall rating: 4 stars

*summary* (from author’s website)
Everyone has secrets. Some are just bigger and dirtier than others.
For sixteen years, Lucy has kept her mother's hoarding a secret. She's had to—nobody would understand the stacks of newspapers and mounds of garbage so high they touch the ceiling and the rotting smell that she's always worried would follow her out the house. After years of keeping people at a distance, she finally has a best friend and maybe even a boyfriend if she can play it right. As long as she can make them think she's normal. When Lucy arrives home from a sleepover to find her mother dead under a stack of National Geographics, she starts to dial 911 in a panic, but pauses before she can connect. She barely notices the filth and trash anymore, but she knows the paramedics will. First the fire trucks, and then news cameras that will surely follow. No longer will they be remembered as the nice oncology nurse with the lovely children—they'll turn into that garbage-hoarding freak family on Collier Avenue. With a normal life finally within reach, Lucy has only minutes to make a critical decision. How far will she go to keep the family secrets safe?

*my review*
“Everyone has secrets. Some are just bigger and dirtier than others.” This first line provides a beautiful starting point to the reality of this story. In Lucy’s reality, the surface looks fine, but beneath that very thin and fragile surface lies a completely chaotic life in which nothing can be thrown away. Lucy’s mother has hoarded every minute thing that has ever played even a minor role in their lives. Their house has piles and piles and piles of junk that Lucy’s mother can’t seem to part with. This reality isn’t something Lucy likes, but she has found ways to live with it, especially since she knows she only has a few years before she can leave it behind

As I read this story, there was a change in my perception of logical responses. Logically, the first thing you do in an emergency is call the police. Except . . . if Lucy had called the police right away, it would have changed the surface picture that everyone knew. It would have changed people’s perceptions and opinions, and it could have changed Lucy’s few friendships. After reading the book and understanding Lucy, her logic seemed to make sense, and even more, you find that she was incredibly brave!

While this book spans less than 24 hours, memories that Lucy has while cleaning up the house paint a picture of her life growing up. There is a lot of depth created in this character because of the things she has had to deal with growing up. This was an intense topic with a genuine feel. It was well written and difficult to put down.

*short and snappy*
writing: smooth – the story is told with flashbacks, memories, and current plots woven together in a way that makes sense
plot: keeps you guessing – just when you think you know what she’ll do, Lucy surprises you!
characters: Lucy has incredible depth. The other characters are developed enough to play their roles, but this is really a story about Lucy.
judging by the cover: great cover! The cover shows the difference in what is inside the window and outside without being too obvious

The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard

The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard
A Debut Author for 2010

author’s website: Jennifer R. Hubbard
release date: January 7, 2010
appeals to: Young Adult
genre: Contemporary Fiction
length: 208 pages
overall rating: 5 stars

*the inside flap*
Colt was with Julia for a year, but nobody else knew about it. Julia lived on Black Mountain Road in a mansion – with servants – and had a country-club boyfriend to complete the package. Cold definitely didn’t come from Black Mountain, and no one would have understood why they were together. But it never mattered to them. Until Julia dies in an accident right before her senior year, and Colt is suddenly the only one who knows their secret. He tries to pretend that his life is the same as ever, but he’s haunted by memories of Julia. Things get worse after the journal she kept about their romance falls into his hands. Colt searches every entry for answers: Did Julia really love him? Was he somehow to blame for her death? But the ultimate question – one nobody can answer – is how he’s supposed to get over someone who was never really his to begin with.

*my review*
As I began this story, I had mixed opinions. I don’t frequently read novels that have a male narrator. I’m not opposed to them, I just don’t gravitate toward them. However, this book was amazing! I thought the writing was very strong. I loved that we got to know Julia through her journal entries. I was fascinated by the raw emotional whirlwind that Cole was experiencing. I enjoyed the unexpected twists in the plot when characters interacted differently than I would have expected. But I felt like there wasn’t enough of a conclusion for me.
In a relatively short novel, Hubbard created realistic and deep characters and sent them through a tremendous amount of experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but would have liked to know a little more at the end. Overall, a fantastic read!

*short and snappy*
writing: fast and raw – you really get a feel for the characters and situations, even though the book itself isn’t very long
plot: twisty – more than I thought it would be!
characters: deep – again, much more than I would have thought possible in such a short novel. There is a lot of description that is implied through the characters conversations or reactions to situation.
judging by the cover: I didn’t expect the story from the cover. After reading the book, I get the cover, but it isn’t what I expected when I picked it up.
miscellaneous: this is a Debut Author novel for 2010

Firespell by Chloe Neill

Firespell by Chloe Neill
(A Debut Author Challenge novel!)

author’s website: Chloe Neill
release date: January 5, 2010
appeals to: Young Adult
genre: Fantasy
length: 256 pages
overall rating: 4 Stars

*the back cover*
When Lily’s parents decide to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she is not happy. Lily’s classmates are the ultrarich brat-pack type – and if that isn’t enough, she’s hearing and seeing bizarre things on St. Sophia’s creepy campus.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird – she keeps disappearing late at night. When a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout, who’s running from a real-life monster. Scout is part of a splinter group of rebel teens who protect Chicago from demons, vamps, and the gone-to-the-dark-side magic users called Reapers. She lets Lily in on her secret, even though Lily has no powers of her own…or at least none she’s discovered yet.

*my review*
I have been looking forward to reading this, so I was excited to get this book from the library, and it (mostly) lived up to my expectations. When I started reading this book, I thought that the beginning was a little bit slow moving. However, as I continued, I realized that Neill was just taking time to create Lily’s character. That time spent developing the character made Lily very easy to relate to. I could really understand her feelings and frustrations much more than I could have if the background hadn’t been established early in the book. I also enjoyed Scout and her quirky personality. Even the Brat Pack was amusing - they are the girls every teenager encounters at some point!

There are quite a few interesting twists in this book – with supernatural powers and characters being introduced or hinted at throughout - but much of the “action” is reserved for the last few chapters. There is a conclusion to the story presented in this book, but it is also very well set up to lead into a sequel. And, with the supernatural elements, secret societies, fun characters, and secrets presented in this book, I’m excited to read that sequel!

*short and snappy*
writing: detailed (but not boring) – Neill takes her time developing characters and setting up the plot
plot: slow to start, but it definitely picks up at the end
characters: Lily is well developed, but I feel like we don’t know everything yet. I think there is also a lot to learn about the “supporting” characters.
judging by the cover: an intriguing cover, but not necessarily connected to the plot
miscellaneous: You can read chapter one of this book on line here. Hexbound (the next book) is set to release in January of 2011.

Debut Author Challenge

This is my first official challenge!! It is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

What is the 2010 Debut Author Challenge?
The objective is to read a set number of YA (Young Adult) or MG (Middle Grade) novels from debut authors published this year. The challenge is for everyone to read at least 12 debut novels! You don’t have to list your choices right away, but if you do feel free to change them throughout the year.

Anyone can join, you don’t need a blog to participate. If you don’t have a blog you can always share your views by posting a review on Amazon.com/BarnesandNoble.com/GoodReads/Shelfari, or any other bookish site.

The challenge will run from January 1, 2010- December 31, 2010. You can join at anytime!

You can get more information here or you can sign up here.

This is my (tentative) list:
Magic Under Glass - Jaclyn Dolamore (2009)
The Mark – Jen Nadol (January 19, 2010)
Forget-Her-Nots – Amy Brecount White (February 2010)
The Secret Year – Jennifer Hubbard (Spring 2010)
Hex Hall – Rachel Hawkins (March 2, 2010)
The Line – Teri Hall (March 4, 2010)
Princess for Hire – Lindsey Leavitt (March 16, 2010)
The Cinderella Society – Kay Cassidy (April 13, 2010)
Everlasting – Angie Frazier (Summer 2010)
Sea – Heidi Kling (June 10, 2010)
Paranormalcy – Kiersten White (September 2010)
Night Shade – Andrea Cremer (October 19, 2010)
Nevermore – Kelly Creagh (Fall 2010)
*The dates are what I was able to find online and may not be 100% accurate*