Vesper by Jeff Sampson

Title: Vesper (Book 1)
Author: Jeff Sampson
Pages: 304
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: January 25, 2011

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely— something not human?

As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

Haunting and eerie, Vesper deals with a fresh, new concept in the paranormal genre; the Dr. Jekyl and Hyde-esque idea of the different alter-egos. Along with originality, Vesper is also a mysterious, striking page-turner with a captivating premise. The suspense and thrill drips off every page with the mystery of the events slowly being peeled off, layer by layer to piece together what happened.

Emily's real personality is too one-dimensional even with her alter egos; 'Daytime' Emily and 'Nighttime' Emily. She becomes flat and too predictable at times, but there are those precious moments where she really becomes relatable and her expressiveness triggers the readers' empathy. Emily's relationships are dulled and disregarded upon at the beginning, but they begin to grow with her friends and when she starts to find out the truth about herself. Her change in character parallels with how her new-found abilities are developing as well. Emily is still in a phase where her character is still fickle and underdeveloped at times, but in the next installment, her characterization will hopefully improve.

The plot of Vesper is unpredictable and believable at the same time. The interrogation transcripts between Emily and Mr. Savage creatively add a more mysterious allure to the novel and feeds the reader well-needed information to fit the pieces together. At the start, Emily is as much in the dark as the reader is, and as events are put on the spotlight, Emily, together with the reader, will discover things slowly as the book progresses.

Ultimately, Vesper is part of a series that has lots of potential to grow. It has that edge-of-your-seat element flawlessly perfected and an originality that stays true. Although it doesn't have bonds as developed, this could be improved in the next installment. But well done to Mr. Sampson for writing a fast-paced, enjoyable read!

The Bottom Line: An okay read for me, but Vesper has lots of potential!


---Field Report---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 7/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 7/10
Theme: 6/10
Imagery: 7/10
Setting: 3/5
Voice: 3/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 4/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 75/100 (B)

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Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Title: Where I Belong
Author: Gwendolyn Heasley
Pages: 304
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 8, 2011

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems....

The recession affects everybody differently. For Corrinne, her entire life changes. When her dad loses his job and all their savings, Corrinne is sent, along with her younger brother, to Broken Spoke, Texas to live with their grandparents. But the transition from her urban, designer life to her new manual labor-filled one, doesn't go smoothly. As she rediscovers familial relationships and weaves through a new life, she even finds a little love...but sometimes in the wrong places.

Where I Belong is a humorous, light read filled with a rich Texan cultural atmosphere and endearing, eccentric characters. The realism merged into the novel flies off each page with adept cultural references and realistic circumstances. The recession plays a large part in the novel; it becomes the catalyst that further amplifies Corrinne's [whiny] attitude and really contributes to the authenticity of the plot. The concept of material objects and the value of family are truly emphasized by the friendly, familial setting of Broken Spoke, Texas, making for a thoughtful, relaxing read.

Despite Corrine's snobby attitude from the very beginning, her resilience manifests when she is thrown to different situations; her ability to cope with her volatile environment. The contrast between her previous and her current lifestyle is apparent with the blatant cultural and traditional references made between Broken Spoke and New York. Here, Corrinne is at a liminal stage in life; she is at the threshold between two very different lifestyles, and she is a teenager; stuck between her childhood and adulthood. In her time in Texas, Corrinne's metamorphosis is clear as she gradually falls for not only Bubby, but also the whole town of Broken Spoke.

Where I Belong embodies a warm, friendly tone with an entertaining cast of charming characters that will surely pull many heartstrings. Heasley writes with fun and hilarity in mind, and contrives a sweet, sensitive air throughout the novel. The characters, along with their quirky names and personalities, will surely captivate hearts. Although not quite as memorable, Where I Belong still proves to be a pleasant, witty read.

At its core, Where I Belong is a heartfelt novel that explores life, family, and friendship. It portrays life at its best, and at its worst. This novel conveys that happiness is a state of mind; it doesn't matter where you are or how much money you have. All that matters is the people around you and the ability to adapt. Readers will encounter different life lessons in this meaningful, fun, contemporary novel.

The Bottom Line: A realistic debut.

---Field Report---
Originality: 6/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 8/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 8/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 3/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 79/100 (B)

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Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

Title: Whisper
Author: Phoebe Kitanidis
Pages: 288

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publication Date: April 27, 2010

Joy is used to hearing Whispers. She’s used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people’s deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good, to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people’s lives—especially Joy’s—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears a frightening whisper from Jessica's own mind, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own.

"I wish..."
"I could use a..."
"I want..."
Joy has the ability to hear 'whispers'. She can hear people deepest desires. She uses her talent to benefit people, unlike her sister, who uses her ability to make people's lives harder and miserable. But when Joy starts hearing darker 'whispers', and when her sister runs away, her whole world goes into a tailspin. Will her life ever go back to normal?

Absorbing, riveting, and dark, Whisper will attract readers into its suspense-ridden world wherein a different, darker side of people is exposed. With intensity and an obscure, sinister semblance lingering throughout the novel, readers will be introduced to a different mindset in which hearing people's deep, secret desires are normal happenings. This psychologically-draining urban fantasy unflinchingly delves into the human's dark, inner nature and ultimately divulges what happens if it overtakes a person's sense of humanity.

Always with good intentions and a desire to live a normal life, Joy is a strong protagonist that is thrust into being able to 'hear' people's 'whispers'. Her narration is an intertwining of perspectives, both as a teenager, and a listening outsider. Wracked to the core with raging inner battles, disturbing problems, and worries about her estranged sister, Joy is forced to mature and grow up quickly. Her cheerful, bright, and well-loved personality contrasts the grim, sometimes morbid events that she has to deal with, contriving a young woman torn between two identities.

At first glance, Jessica is grumpy, tainted, and spiteful. But as readers start to familiarize themselves with Jessica, they will ultimately recognize her as a hurt, angry, and sensitive teenager aching to escape the preconceived stereotype that her friends, and even most of her family have put her into. She is discerned as the 'darker, evil' sister while Joy is perceived as 'happier, uplifting' sister. The little, broken glimpses of her softer, delicate side, shown through Joy's eyes towards the end leave a touch of hope and permeate a lighter sense of affection into the novel.

Forgiveness, friendship, and jealousy are all steadfast themes throughout the novel but are shown in unoriginal and somewhat predictable ways. But the redeeming aspect of Whisper is the concept of 'whispers' and how it is seamlessly fused with the real world. The 'whispers' really explored the ugly truth about the shady side of human nature. Through 'whispers', Kitanidis is able to expose the different vulnerabilities, insecurities, and desires that people might not even be aware of.

With dark themes, and concrete character development, Phoebe Kitanidis is the author to watch. Although the plot is confusing, Whisper is filled with gripping, compensating aspects that readers will immediately devour. Whisper's supernatural allure, with its up-to-date contemporary setting, is a stand-out amongst today's YA urban fantasies. (B)

The Bottom Line: A balance of imagination and reality.

---Field Report---
Originality: 6/10
Ending: 5/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 5/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 8/10
Imagery: 8/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 79/100 (B)

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I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer

Title: I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It
Author: Adam Selzer
Pages: 192
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 26, 2010

Algonquin “Ali” Rhodes, the high school newspaper’s music critic, meets an intriguing singer, Doug, while reviewing a gig. He’s a weird-looking guy—goth, but he seems sincere about it, like maybe he was into it back before it was cool. She introduces herself after the set, asking if he lives in Cornersville, and he replies, in his slow, quiet murmur, “Well, I don’t really live there, exactly. . . .”

When Ali and Doug start dating, Ali is falling so hard she doesn’t notice a few odd signs: he never changes clothes, his head is a funny shape, and he says practically nothing out loud. Finally Marie, the school paper’s fashion editor, points out the obvious: Doug isn’t just a really sincere goth. He’s a zombie. Horrified that her feelings could have allowed her to overlook such a flaw, Ali breaks up with Doug, but learns that zombies are awfully hard to get rid of—at the same time she learns that vampires, a group as tightly-knit as the mafia, don’t think much of music critics who make fun of vampires in reviews. . . .

Ali Rhodes, aka Ali the Ice Queen of the Vicious Circle, is a heart-breaker. Where do you think she got her title? She has a reputation to keep up. But all that becomes insignificant once she hears the first note sung by Doug. They have so much in common...in terms of music. But in terms of, say, humanity? Not so much. Ali's human and Doug's a zombie. Ali didn't know that at first and when she finds out, she's shocked. But breaking up with Doug is the least of her problems. There's also Will, her semi-stalker vampire who wants to make her a vamp as well. What will she decide? The alluring life of a vampire? Or her 'true' love's not-so-pleasant zombie life?

I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It is a funny, witty, and charming read. Ali is a smart, blunt, and witty protagonist that hates stereotypical, dependent girls like *cough* Bella with a passion. Through her hilarious narrative, Ali explores themes of love, loss, commitment, and friendship with a light and straightforward prose. Selzer integrates real-life issues into the world of paranormal parody so smoothly and at the same time, makes readers laugh out loud.

The relationship between Ali and Doug is actually very dissimilar to that of the usual YA couples. Here, it's as real as it can get; with no exaggerations and clichés of personality. In I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It, Selzer actually emphasizes the flaws of the characters which not only makes them more empathetic, but also more interesting to read about.

Written with an addictive, funny prose, I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It is a fun, crazy, parody. And in irony to that, it has deep messages that interconnect with our lives today. It's a whole blend of comedy, cleverness, and paranormal! I read I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It and I liked it (hehe...get it?)! B =)

The Bottom Line: Paranormal + Hilarious Comedy = Me snorting with laughter!

---Report Card---
Originality: 8/10
Ending: 3/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 8/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 8/10
Setting: 4/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 4/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 79/100 (B)

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The Appeal by John Grisham

Title: The Appeal
Author: John Grisham
Pages: 496
Publisher: Delta; Reprint edition
Publication Date: November 18, 2008

Politics has always been a dirty game. Now justice is, too.

In a crowded courtroom in Mississippi, a jury returns a shocking verdict against a chemical company accused of dumping toxic waste into a small town's water supply, causing the worst "cancer cluster" in history. The company appeals to the Mississippi Supreme Court, whose nine justices will one day either approve the verdict or reverse it.

Who are the nine? How will they vote? Can one be replaced before the case is ultimately decided?

The chemical company is owned by a Wall Street predator named Carl Trudeau, and Mr. Trudeau is convinced the Court is not friendly enough. With judicial elections looming, he decides to try to purchase himself a seat on the Court. The cost is a few million dollars, a drop in the bucket for a billionaire like Mr. Trudeau. Through an intricate web of conspiracy and deceit, his political operatives recruit a young, unsuspecting candidate. They finance him, manipulate him, market him, and mold him into a potential Supreme Court justice. Their Supreme Court justice.

This is my first ever adult fiction review. Even though I'm pretty young to be considering my future profession, I always acknowledged law to be one of the possibilities. This is what first compelled me to read John Grisham.

There are so many things I want to say about this book. I'm just going to break it down so it won't be too chaotic.

Grisham's writing. I would probably rate Grisham's writing a B-. The beginning was exciting, but after about 300 pages, my interest in the book started to waver. Grisham's writing wasn't consistent enough to absorb me further into the book. But I finished it, regardless. One thing I liked about Grisham's writing, was the fact that he was able to incorporate both of the views of the opposing companies smoothly.

The characters:

Carl Trudeau. Even though he's the supposed antagonist, I couldn't help but admire his confidence and his determination. He already had more then enough, but he still ached for more. He was insatiable when it came to wealth.

Ron Fisk. If I was Ron Fisk, I'd feel trapped. I felt like he didn't have a choice once he was agreed to the deal. He couldn't make his own decisions and he was suffocating with all of the things that he constantly had to deal with.

The Paytons. With them, I was repetedly on edge. One moment, their lifestyle was lavish and luxurious. The next, they're on the brink of bankrupcy, risking everything they have. They kept the book livelier and more appealing.

My reaction. I found it okay. I wasn't all that thrilled about looking for more John Grisham. As a first-time, adult-fiction reader, I'm not yet sure about my opinion and critique. But for now, it's a B.
:-)

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The Squad: Perfect Cover by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: The Squad: Perfect Cover (Book 1)

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Pages: 228

Publisher: Laurel Leaf

Publication Date: February 12, 2008



Bayport High operates like any other high school-jocks at the top, outsiders at the bottom, and everyone else in between. Enter Toby Klein, a sophomore computer hacker who doesn't play well with others. She has zero school spirit, a black belt in karate, and what her guidance counselor calls an attitude problem. She's the last person you'd expect to be invited to join the varsity cheer-leading squad.

But things are different in Bayport.

Bayport's varsity cheer squad is made up of the hottest of the hot. But this A-list is dangerous in more ways than one. The Squad is actually a cover for the most highly trained group of underage government operatives the United States has ever assembled. Athletically, they're unmatchable, though they make it all look easy on the field. Mentally, they're exceptional-but with one flash of their gorgeous smiles, you'll completely forget that. Socially, they're gifted, so they can command and manipulate any situation. And above all, they have the perfect cover, because, beyond herkies and highlights, no one expects anything from a cheerleader.

Toby Klein might not seem like the most likely recruit, but she's never been one to turn down a challenge. If she can handle the makeover, Bayport High may just have found its newest cheerleader.

Pretty, popular, armed, and extremely dangerous ---meet THE SQUAD.


This book was a TEN on the twists and turns scale. The ending was so unexpected. I thought I knew what was going to happen but I was wrong.

I couldn't help but notice it's kind of similar to The Specialists Series. In both books, each person on the team has a special skill. And it's kind of ironic how both series are in the perspective of a computer whiz.

I loved the characterization of Toby. She's sassy, sarcastic, and smart. But the zero to hero thing is a little unrealistic. In reality, someone like Toby can't be an insignificant nobody (no offense) one day and become an ultra-popular cheerleader the next day. It was a little cliché.

I was expecting more action in this book but it didn't have as much. It got a little boring in the middle. It wasn't as fast-paced as I wanted it to be, but oh well. The action that it did have, though, was flawless (the way it was planned). Everything made sense and everything was creative and original.

Barnes focused more on explaining (in Toby's POV) each and every team member's special skill and past. I enjoyed getting to know the other teammates and their sometimes not-so-great pasts.

The Bottom Line: The unexpected twists and a little hint of romance was enough to keep me wanting more. B :-)

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