Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Title: Going too Far
Author: Jennifer Echols
Pages: 256
Publisher: MTV
Publication Date: March 17, 2009

How far would you go?

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over...

Rebellious and misleading, Meg gets drunk and and finds her friends and herself inadvertently rescued by the police officer arresting them; Officer Johnafter. As punishment, Meg has to ride through the night with him, trying to stop any trouble that might happen. It isn't as bad as she assumed, but the mystery of John's past with the bridge, haunts her. And as she gets closer to him, sparks start to fly. But can two people with two painful pasts come together to create a better future? They just might.

Filled with lies, hurt, and major drama, Going too Far is a beautiful, thought-provoking read that overcomes all stereotypes and leads you to an unexpected ending. Meg and John are both sensitive, three-dimensional characters that try to push each other over the limit. They are completely unfathomable to one another at first, but the more they spend time together, their layers are slowly peeled away and they find themselves completely looking through each other's pretenses.

The emotions swirling through Going too Far are powerful, and raw. Completely layered and entangled, Meg and John's emotions have everything to do with their decisions. They've both had traumatic pasts and they're both broken and hurt, still unrecovered with well-hidden grief. Echols reveals painful truths through this very personal and extremely well-expressed story.

Seeing through Meg's eyes is simply eye-opening. She is such a different and complicated character. Her feelings and relationships with her friends and John are what makes her perspective real and moving. You can see her grow throughout the story and finally find herself where she belongs. A+ :-)

The Bottom Line: Going too Far is a strong and evocative read. It really resonated with me unlike any other book. No words can truly express how I feel about this novel. All I can say is that Jennifer Echols has permanently cemented herself as one of my favorite authors.

---Report Card---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 100/100 (A+) !!!This, and Perfect Chemistry are the only title-holders for The Holy Grail: Beholder of the perfect 100!!!

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Blacklisted by Gena Showalter

Title: Blacklisted
Author: Gena Showalter
Pages: 240
Publisher: MTV
Publication Date: July 17, 2007

Alien hunting can get a girl killed. It can also get her a date.

High school senior Camille Robins and her best friend are determined to snag the attention of their crushes before graduation next month. Armed with red-hot outfits and killer hair, they sneak into the hottest nightclub in town -- which caters to the rich and famous, both human and alien. They end up following Erik (who is human) and Silver (who isn't) through a guarded door and are soon separated and under attack...and not the good kind.

Bad boy Erik spares Camille's life, but the two are soon being chased by gun-toting Alien Investigation and Removal agents. Camille's more confused than ever because Erik's finally showing real interest in her, but the agents are accusing him of dealing Onadyn -- a drug that ruins human lives. Suddenly, with the heat of his kiss lingering on her lips, Camille has to decide whose side she's on...and whether she's willing to put her life on the line to save Erik's.

Camille's world is different. Humans and aliens live together in peace...most of the time. Some aliens can breathe oxygen, but most can't. That's why they have Onadyn; the drug that is the only lifeline for aliens, and the kiss of death for humans. It needs to be regulated and controlled...but what the government doesn't know, is that there is an immense number of aliens that can't afford it; therefore, they die. Erik, a former AIR agent, supplies them with drugs in order to help. Now, AIR is on his back and he's dragged along Camille, an innocent girl with an innocent crush on him. Together, they will either make or break the fate of hundreds of aliens.

Blacklisted is an explicitly captivating part of a new series that will keep readers frantically flipping pages to get to the end. Erik and Camille, are dynamic characters with unique personalities, which are only amplified even more in their situation. Their impulsive (but not random) actions and characteristics, completely match their character.

Showalter's fast-paced, action-filled execution, also emphasized her skill for creating exciting histories and backgrounds for the characters. There were no plot-holes even with the entanglement of circumstances. Blacklisted is a complicated tie of secrets, twists, deception, and passion. It only gets more intense and more potent as the reader is pulled and consumed into the story.

Blacklisted is not only a book of secrets, it takes a good, serious look on controversial issues. It covers social and political issues that can still be connected to our world, even when it's set in a futuristic backdrop. The underlying message is still the same; make a difference. That's what Erik and Camille tried to do. Facing many obstacles and many hardships, they risked their own lives to save hundreds of others', even though the lives their trying to save belong to those of aliens. It didn't matter to them. So why should it matter to us? We need to help as much as we can. They did.

The Bottom Line: *SQUEE* Blacklisted is amazing! It's full of action and suspense...now that's my type of book! I loved everything about it! Although the ending was a little wierd...you'll know if you read it (WHICH YOU SHOULD TOTALLY DO!). All characters were likable for me. Anyway, here's the big, grand, closing line (hehe):

Blacklisted is a book that will keep your heart beating up until the very end. Even then, you will still ponder for many hours; what happened to Erik and Camille? It's an enjoyable read with lots of fast-paced action that you will enjoy. I know this reader did! A+ :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 4.5/5
Voice: 4.5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 95/100 (A+)

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Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Title: Two-Way Street
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Pages: 304
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: June 26, 2007

There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney --- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

Two-Way Street is a quick-paced read. It's engaging and original without it being meaningless like other YA books. With intriguing dialogue and colorful imagery, Barnholdt was able to capture the mood and very essence of the book. The tension between the two characters built up perfectly to a dramatic and electrifying climax.

An interesting element of the book was the constant switch of point of views and time changes. They were divided: Courtney (before and after), and Jordan (before and after). I was surprised that Barnholdt was able to smoothly alternate between these four different point of views...It was a risk, but Barnholdt ultimately succeeded.

The plot itself was original, but I felt that a few moments and a few actions of the characters were not true to their personality. The extreme mood changes and prideful bickering of the characters were abortive. I didn't think that they helped further the story, and therefore, they unnecessary.

The Bottom Line: I loved it from start to finish. The perspectives of both characters enabled me to truly see both sides of the story. Barnholdt created a balance of both cliché and original. There were a few stereotypes, but she was able to individualize them and make them more of their own person. Two-Way Street is a welcomed addition to the YA collection! It's funny, dramatic, chaotic (in a good way!), and sweet; a great mix that created the perfect recipe: a great, all-around book! This is definitely one of my favorites! A :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 8.5/10
Characters: 9.5/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9.5/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9.5/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 94/100 (A)

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Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Title: Twenty Boy Summer
Author: Sarah Ockler
Pages: 304
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Publication Date: June 1, 2009

When someone you love dies, people ask you how you're doing, but they don't really want to know. They seek affirmation that you're okay, that you appreciate their concern, that life goes on and so can they. Secretly, they wonder when the statute of limitations on asking expires. (It's three months, by the way. Written or unwritten, that's about all the time it takes for people to forget the one thing that you never will.)

They don't want to know that you'll never again eat birthday cake because you don't want to erase the magical taste of frosting on his lips. That you wake up everyday wondering why you got to live and he didn't. That on the first afternoon of your first real vacation, you sit in front of the ocean, face hot under the giant sun, willing him to give you a sign that he's okay.


Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler is UH-MA-ZING! Almost all aspects of it are flawless. Again, there is so much to say about this book so I'm going to break it down for you:

The Cover. Have you seen the cover? It's so vibrant and eye-catching. The red glass stands out above all of the other sea glass. They were extremely significant in Twenty Boy Summer. I loved it. The book has a lot of references to sea glass. It's pure genius and completely original. The only thing I didn't really like was the title. I didn't think that Twenty Boy Summer was an appropriate title, but don't judge a book by it's title!

The writing. Ockler's writing all throughout this book was beautiful and smooth. Not once did I find a flaw in her writing. The words just flowed, seemingly effortless. There's no other way to explain it. Ockler described everything with detail but it was never boring. Her writing was like discovering everything all over again...full of wonder and awe.

The characters. Every single character in that book was well-developed and realistic. Even though I couldn't relate to most of the characters (because I haven't experienced that type of love yet), I loved them all. Anna and Frankie were my favorites. Anna was so intent on not forgetting Matt, and on keeping her secret from Frankie, that she wasn't able to let go yet. The way Ockler was able to depict Anna's emotions was beyond impressive. She was so mature but in those little moments with Frankie, her youth shines through.

In my opinion, the character that Ockler did the best job on, was Frankie. Ockler was able to change Frankie's character and personality so completely. At first, I thought that the sudden change in character was random, but as the ending neared, I was able to gain more insight into her character, her emotions, and how she dealt with them. I was able to understand how it really felt like to loose a sibling. Character-developement is definitely Ockler's strength in this book.

Layers. On the surface, this is just another chick-lit book. But underneath the layers of flirt, angst, and love, lies the underlying message of what it means to truly let go and what it means to truly be friends. I saw through these layers and double meanings. This book made my heart break and it made me laugh and smile.

The Bottom Line: Twenty Boy Summer is an incredible debut. Reading this has made me more appreciative and thankful for everything in my life, just a little bit more. No words can explain it. You just have to read it yourself. Twenty Boy Summer is a book of friendship, first love, family, and ultimately, letting go. Ockler did an impeccable job. A+ :-)

Don't move, Sarah Ocker. Right now, everything is perfect.

---Report Card---
Originality: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 99/100 (A+)

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Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison

Title: Once Dead, Twice Shy (Book 1)
Author: Kim Harrison
Pages: 240
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: May 26, 2009

My name is Madison Avery, and I'm here to tell you that there's more out there than you can see, hear, or touch. Because I'm there. Seeing it. Touching it. Living it.

Madison's prom was killer--literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper--yeah, that kind of reaper--intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away.

Now she's stuck on Earth--dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.

With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe...), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.

Well, if she believed in that stuff.

First off...did you see the cover? It's so cool! I love all of the purple in it.

Anyway, back to the review. This book became one of my favorites but it did have its share of problems. I admired Harrison's writing from start to finish. It was consistently exciting and unexpected throughout the whole book. And although her writing was continually original, I was confused after forty pages. I didn't realize that the short story Harrison wrote-Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper-was connected. It was the short story in Prom Nights from Hell and Harrison poorly executed the recap of it. But once I had that cleared up, I devoured the book page by page.

Basically, the whole book revolved around Madison and her dilemma. She needed to get her body back. Madison's character was very lifelike even though she was supposedly a ghost of some sort. I was able to relate to her feelings towards the events that happened to her. I felt sorry for her at times because I felt like she couldn't trust almost anybody. She was drowning in so many lies and so many evils. She did nothing wrong and yet she was being punished.

There were many unexpected things that happened, but they all fit into the plot perfectly. The plot was original and captivating. The characters were what made the plot unique and insightful. They went through what normal teens would...even if their situation isn't exactly normal. I was able to catch a glimpse of how it felt not to be so normal through Madison's eyes. She was mature for her age; I was expecting someone less deep and less perceptive. Harrison did a great job with Madison.

The Bottom Line: I liked it. It's one of my favorites but Harrison didn't do a great job recapping the story. Read Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper first. It's sets the stage for Once Dead, Twice Shy. I loved the characters and I loved the plot. Once Dead, Twice Shy is definitely worth remembering. I can't wait for the next book. A. :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 4/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 94/100 (A)

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I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

Title: I Heart You, You Haunt Me
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Pages: 240
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: January 8, 2008

Girl meets boy.
Girl loses boy.
Girl gets boy back...
...Sort of

Ava can't see or touch him,
unless she's dreaming.
She can't hear his voice,
except for the faint whispers in her mind.
Most would think she's crazy, but she knows he's here.


Jackson.
The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with.
He's back from the dead,
as proof that love truly knows no bounds.

OH MY GOD. This is ONE of THE BEST BOOKS I've read. It's a verse novel. It's a compilation of poems that tell Ava's story throughout the entire book. It's in her point of view. And it's amazing. I wish I could do this book the justice it deserves with this review, but, I can't. I'll just do my best.

I'm going to break it down for you:

The Writing. Shroeder's writing was very lyrical and poetic. It was surprisingly mature. She was able to manipulate the words to make them suit how Ava was feeling in each chapter/poem. It never got boring, in fact, I kept reading until midnight. I was able to relate to Ava's feelings and her grief. Throughout the entire book, I felt like I was Ava. I was the girl who was going through so much pain and so much guilt.

The Emotions. I Heart You, You Haunt Me is a book for mature readers who want to read about the purest and probably the most common kind of grief. After I read the book, I couldn't breathe properly-LITERALLY. I felt so many poignant emotions; anguish, angst, pain, just to name a few. My heart felt heavy. I felt the pain that Ava felt. My sisters thought I was crazy. But that's just how Schroeder was able to bring out all these emotions and reactions from me, through her words.

The Ending. The ending was bitter-sweet. It was painful for me to read. The lessons that were learned and the conflicts that were eventually solved, were flawlessly summed up in the ending.

The Bottom Line: This book is NOT light reading. In fact, this could easily make readers cry. Shroeder's writing is innocent and-in words-perfect. I would definitely recommend this to teens who want to read about letting go and the simplest and most innocent type of love. It really is heart-breaking. A+ :-)

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CHERUB: Mad Dogs (Book 8) by Robert Muchamore

Title: CHERUB: Mad Dogs
Author: Robert Muchamore
Pages: 400
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Publication Date: October 1, 2007

The British underworld is controlled by gangs. When two of them start a turf war, violence explodes on the streets.

The police need information fast, and James Adams has the contacts to infiltrate the most dangerous gang of all. He works for CHERUB.

Cherubs are trained professionals, aged between ten and seventeen. They exist because criminals never suspect that kids are spying on them.

For official purposes, these children do not exist.

I am such a spy junkie! I love this author so much!!! This is definitely one of my two favorite spy series.

I really gained insight into how some of the biggest criminal masterminds work. The way James and Bruce infiltrated the Mad Dogs was flawless and obviously well-planned. I couldn't put this book down once I started to read it. All of the pieces fit together and I wasn't able to find any plot holes whatsoever.

The writing. Muchamore's writing is impeccable. He described everything without making anything seem boring. Each detail was important.

The research. The moment that I was pulled into the gang conflict, I could tell that Muchamore certainly did his research. I learned about different models of guns and drugs and how the British underworld revolved.

The action and suspense all through out the books kept me on edge. It made me think of all the possible scenarios that Muchamore was going to throw at me. The re-readability level of this book is off the hook. I read it three times and I never got tired of it. Every time I read it, I got caught up in all of the gun shootings, pursuits, and missions. It's just THAT good.

Muchamore's style is one-of-a-kind and so is the originality and cleverness of the plot. You never know what's going to happen. It's going to leave you asking for more. A definite A+.

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