Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Title: Falling Under (Book 1)
Author: Gwen Hayes
Pages: 324
Publisher: March 1, 2011
Publication Date: New American Library (NAL)
Source: ARC from Publisher for Review
Official TUBL Rating: A+

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

Seductive and elaborately fabricated, Falling Under's enigmatic world, intertwined with its multifaceted characters are expertly compounded together to create a prominent paranormal debut. In Falling Under, there are two very different, dramatic worlds that are developed simultaneously; Theia's daily life in school and at home, and Haden's dark, mysterious hell. Hayes masterfully fosters many symbolic opposites in the novel; day and night, and real life and hell. The normal reality that Hayes cultivates is convincing and readers will be able to connect with the ordinariness of that particular aspect of Falling Under. In contrast, the paranormal factor in the novel incorporates a more imaginative side to to it. Because the two worlds merge together, a labyrinthine storyline is filled with both dramatic and fantastical elements.

Theia's doubtful narrative is immediately magnetic. Her maturity is evident in her strong tone and her established background emphasizes that she's different from everyone else. There's a strong undercurrent of exclusion from Theia's tone that is subtly woven into the novel. Theia is a very controlled and cultured, but with an air of detachment around her. Nevertheless, the lack of presence of Theia's father both in the book and in her life seems to affect her on a more emotional level. Readers will be able to equate themselves with Theia because of the high expectations she has to live up to and her struggle to form a relationship with her father.

Haden is a complicated character with a well-built exterior that exudes coolness and indifference. The difference in his two different personalities--Night Haden and Day Haden--is palpable in the way that he treats Theia in both worlds. And even in Theia's reality, Haden has an otherworldly presence to him. The vivid and creepy descriptions of Haden's hell mirrors one side of him, but his humanity is more and more perceptible as he grows as a character. From the beginning, there is an instant attraction, and Hayes uses that element to contrive an intense relationship between Theia and Haden.

Hayes' prose in Falling Under matches the contemporary and otherworldly components that flows with a harboring undertone of suspense and mystery. The aspects of realism combined with the fantasy provides a balance to the novel. Hayes' addicting, smooth writing coupled with a convoluted plot-line makes for a compelling read.

Falling Under is a stunning play of words and ideas. Hayes' debut will seduce readers to fall under.

The Bottom Line: I loved every single bit of it! I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel to this exciting novel!

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The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen

Title: The Vampire Stalker
Author: Allison Van Diepen
Pages: 272
Publisher: Point
Publication Date: June 1, 2011
Source: ARC from Publisher for Review
Official TUBL Rating: B+

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.

Filled with both mystery and hilarity, The Vampire Stalker is a light but very authentic story that chronicles one girl's fantasy that comes true. Because it's set in modern day New York, it is already effortless to relate to the book. The vivid descriptions of the city imbue a subtle appreciation of New York into the novel, otherwise balancing the paranormal factors in The Vampire Stalker.

At the onset of the novel, Amy's authentic, real character is established. Her strong narrative is a combination of comedy, disbelief, and perspective. Her mature outlook on life is caused by her own issues at home. Although The Vampire Stalker is classified as a paranormal novel, it has a contemporary element to it, letting the readers connect more with Amy even though her situation is far-fetched.

Alexander's character is developed as the novel progresses. He's not a perfect love interest and he has quirks that readers will be able to tune into during the novel. Van Diepen slowly unravels his cold-hearted, disinterested exterior while also growing his relationship with Amy. The chemistry between them is undeniable and because they're new to relationships, they discover and learn together.

The Vampire Stalker is a dream-come-true for fangirls and YA lovers. It's funny, romantic, and dangerous combined in a spectacular blend of paranormal and contemporary.

The Bottom Line: It's cliché and original all at once. It's cute and serious all at once. I love the opposites in it and it's just truly one of those books that you read for a laugh. It seriously reminds me of Twilight brought to life... It's the ultimate guilty pleasure for any fangirl!

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Divergent by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent (Book 1)
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 496
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication Date: May 3, 2011
Source: ARC from Publisher for Review
Official TUBL Rating: A+

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

Unflinching and unwavering, Divergent is a gripping tale about strength and the will to live in a world where people are easily manipulated. Roth forms a bleak, jarring environment wherein people are separated into five different factions. The perceptible division and distaste for each other's factions is tangible to the reader and ultimately develops a daunting air of mistrust throughout the novel. Coupled with the prominent hierarchy and the convoluted web of cunning deceit and misconceptions, Roth establishes a strong sense of setting. The world-building in Divergent will astound readers continuously with its originality. Uniquely, each faction has a different characteristic and a different structure which gives the reader a sense of what a particular faction is truly like.

Tris' strong voice is noticeable from the onset of Divergent. Her growth in character reflects her growth as a narrator as she leaves her fearful self behind and becomes more courageous than she's ever been but her true essence never changes. The uncertainty and the doubt Tris feels erupts from her narrative at the start and naturally fades away as determination and perseverance takes its place. And her name change doesn't only symbolize her new identity, but also the beginning of acceptance that she's different.

Readers will see Four as an aloof, brooding tough guy at the beginning but it's apparent that he's different from the others in the Dauntless faction. The romance in Divergent doesn't dominate the story at all, but it's the element that propels the plot on a more emotional level. At one point, Four brings Tris' insecurities to the surface letting the reader empathize even more. Four and Tris' relationship is a little uncertain but their chemistry is striking and arresting.

Divergent is so much more than just a novel. It's a story about never backing down and rising above others when they try to pull you down. It's an unfiltered take on how people fight for their right to live.

The Bottom Line: It's a beautiful story about a broken world.

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Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal

Title: Other Words for Love
Author: Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Pages: 368
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 11, 2011
Source: ARC from Publisher for Review
Official TUBL Rating: A

When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York--and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn't think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari's family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future.

When misfortune befalls Blake's family, he pulls away, and Ari's world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?

Emotionally-unrestrained and striking, Other Words for Love is a stunning, provocative take on an ordinary life filled with heartbreak, angst, and love. Set in New York, the poetically beautiful descriptions submerse the readers in such atmospheric awe. In contrast, the harboring issues and drama that faces Ari is the pensive, somber balance to the stunning backdrop of New York. Rosenthal tackles issues of first love and family in a striking, moving tale of understanding and acceptance.

From the very beginning, Ari's character has an air of maturity and caution around her. Her feelings elicit very powerful and very real emotions from the reader through her almost-lyrical narration. Her naiveness give readers fresh insight into an explosive first relationship and a borderline-obsessive first crush; with all of the tumultuous emotion flying off each page.

Different from other contemporary YA novels, Other Words for Love explores different types of love: familial, romantic, and friendly; all of which bring issues that drives the plot in key places. The effortless, evocative prose highlights these issues and ultimately plunges the reader into the broken, but nonetheless beautiful world of Ari.

Other Words for Love is to be put simply; beautiful and bittersweet. It's a poignant, coming-of-age novel that has an element of utter relatability and authenticity that will stay in readers' hearts for many years to come.

The Bottom Line: I loved it. I really did.

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Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Title: Fury (Book 1)
Author: Elizabeth Miles
Pages: 352
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: August 30, 2011
Source: E-ARC from Publisher for Review
Official TUBL Rating: C-

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.

Mythology-infused and problematic, Fury is a disappointment. Set in Maine, the descriptions are beautiful and alluring but there are many other problems with the novel. The interchanging point-of-views between Em and Chase is choppy and ill-timed. There are many clichés in the novel and the two main characters, Em and Chase seem extremely shallow and nonsensical.

Em and Chase are two characters that are extremely similar and depthless. They knew the possible consequences of their actions and yet, they continued with seeming caution and regard to other people. The ordeals that Chase goes through with Ty are just stupid. He's too blinded by whatever cheesy spell she has on him. And the same goes for Em with Zach. It's just really to obvious that he's using her. Ultimately, readers will find Em and Chase to be two completely ignorant, self-centered idiots that have nothing else to do.

Honestly, the plot is horrifying. Fury seems to be a really cliché version of cheesy highs school drama but with a couple of mythological creatures thrown in. There are quite a lot of plot holes and disappointing aspects in Fury. Because of the interchanging point-of-views, and because Fury tries to tell two stories at the same time, the plot and prose seem rushed and flat.

Because Elizabeth Miles is a new author, it's okay if she doesn't deliver as well as people expect. There is lots of potential for the Fury series to grow and hopefully, she will succeed.

The Bottom Line: Just not my cup of tea. It may be yours, but it sure isn't mine.

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Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Title: Enclave (Book 1)
Author: Ann Aguirre
Pages: 272
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: April 12, 2011
Source: ARC from Publisher for Review
Official TUBL Rating: A

New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known.

Gripping, harsh, and bleak, Enclave is a brutal look at an underground society in a post-apocalyptic world. Aguirre's borderline-disturbing descriptions of gore and the blood, intertwined with the severe dystopian backdrop creates an air of unpredictable suspense. In a world of 'Freaks' and strident conditions, the tyranny of the Enclave reserves no cruelty. The gritty descriptions of the world beyond the Enclave is even worse, but nonetheless horrifyingly vivid.

Deuce is such a strong protagonist. From the very beginning, her mental and physical strength is distinct in her choppy (in a good way), raw narration. She's tough inside and out. Her fierce and unfailing loyalty to those around her is admirable. Amongst her characteristics, the readers will find her ability to overcome pure fear, a rare quality that not many protagonists have. Deuce is independent and truly embodies all of the qualities of a huntress.

As an outsider, Fade's character is much more standoffish and aloof. As Deuce and Fade get to know each other, the spark of romance and attraction is there but neither party talks about it, deriving a stronger sense of tension between the two characters. They have a lot of similarities in terms of values and ability. But Fade, because of his knowledge and street-smarts of Topside, is able to protect Deuce and take care of her, adding to the emotional turmoil between them.

Aguirre's prose completely mirrors the grim and sharp atmosphere that Enclave is set against. The descriptions of the 'Freaks' and the ravaged environment is almost disturbing and unrelenting. As the action and suspense grows, so does the sense of danger. Survival is key and when Enclave ends, readers' hearts will finally relax.

The Bottom Line: The dystopian world here is so vividly descriptive and so much heart-stopping action occurs in so little pages. I was lost in the world of Enclave from the very page up until the very last.

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A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Title: A Need So Beautiful
Author: Suzanne Young
Pages: 272
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publication Date: June 21, 2011
Source: ARC from Publisher for Review
Official TUBL Rating: A

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

Intense and emotional, A Need So Beautiful captures the very crux of beautiful writing. It's a stunningly-woven story that will elicit so much emotion from the reader. Young sets the book in a contemporary environment, letting readers relate to Charlotte in a way despite the paranormal ordeal that she goes through. The concept of The Need is beautiful but nonetheless a little painful. In the novel, Young plays with the idea of light and dark and good vs. evil but the originality enhances the whole plot.

Charlotte is down-to-earth and ordinary (despite The Need). Her perspective is brimming with a sense of isolation and secrecy because she can't share her secret; not even with the person she loves most. Every time The Need overcomes her, the readers will also feel that ultimate compulsion that Charlotte regularly feels. Charlotte's narrative oozes with her caring personality but it also has that hysteria and secretive air to it because of The Need.

Harlin's relationship with Charlotte is intense and fiery. And because they are already together, their interactions with each other are so much more authentic. Harlin isn't a prop or merely a love interest; he pushes the plot and ultimately enhances the tension in A Need So Beautiful. But even so, their romance does not dominate; instead, it creates a sort of equilibrium with the myth-heavy plot.

A Need So Beautiful is truly heartbreaking and bittersweet. It is both utterly stunning and horrifying to see Charlotte make the sacrifices, especially with the raw, pure love that she feels with Harlin. A Need So Beautiful closes with a devastatingly striking ending of understanding and finally, acceptance.

The Bottom Line: Beautiful. Just beautiful and sad.

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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Shatter Me (Book 1)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 352
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: November 15, 2011
Source: ARC from Publisher for Review
Official TUBL Rating: A+

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old-girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Poignant, real, and beautifully descriptive, Shatter Me pulls hard on every single heart-string and oozes depth and unparalleled adventure. The world of Shatter Me is part dystopian and part paranormal; but nonetheless brutal and gritty. Mafi contrives a harsh, atmospheric beauty when describing Juliette's world. Readers will be lulled into an intricate road of deception and unpredictability with Mafi's powerful, magnetic prose. Shatter Me is beautiful as it is painfully evocative.

From the very first chapter, Juliette's true essence of imprisonment and longing is infused with the tone of the novel. The jagged descriptions and the strike-throughs make Juliette seem all the more real. Every word carries a heavy weight and holds a larger impact. Juliette's perspective of the ruthless environment that cages her heart is so genuine and real. The strike-throughs lessen as the book goes on; adding a callous and raw factor to her character.

The passion in Shatter Me is truly tangible. The tensions and attraction between Juliette and Adam is electrifying from the very beginning. Because the novel is set against a seemingly hopeless backdrop, the romance between Juliette and Adam is the light in the cruel reality they live in. Even though the romance is a large part of Shatter Me, it doesn't dominate the plot.

Mafi's prose in Shatter Me is completely unrivaled. The distorting reality that she manages to make hopeful and the beautiful imagery she manages to make raw and disturbing. The metaphors used in Mafi's novel only amplifies the beauty of her writing. The element of unpredictability always harbors in the book. And as Juliette and Adam teeter on the edge of survival, so does the reader.

The Bottom Line: Shatter Me blew me away from the very first page. It's a tumultuous journey that I did not regret on going. Juliette, Adam, James, and even Warner are characters in their own right; good or evil. There's a lot of gray area, and that made Shatter Me even better. There are no words to express the ordeal that I've just gone through. No words for reading a book as amazing and unparalleled as Shatter Me. Tahereh Mafi has a new lifelong fan (or stalker =D).

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Guest Review by Mavie: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Wither (Book 1)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Pages: 356
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Publication Date: March 22, 2011

What if you knew exactly when you would die? Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out. When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home. But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

Heartbreaking and absorbing, Wither introduces readers to a consuming world where polygamy is encouraged and forced upon. An abstract, evasive reality is richly developed by DeStefano's captivating words and dynamic characters. The dystopian setting and environment pulls readers into an intricate web of deception, entrapment, and elegance. To some, a few ideas and concepts in Wither might be intangible and taboo, but the depth of emotion and understanding that Rhine's experiences demand from the reader are so deep and evocative. Wither, and the characters within it, teeter the fine line of belief and morality, and challenge the controversial ideas present today.

Rhine's character is compelling. Imprisoned both emotionally and physically, Rhine is strong-willed and naive. In such a constrained environment, her emotions fly off the page with the desire for freedom. On the outside, her obedience is similar to that of her sister wives, with a spark of rebellion. But underneath Rhine's well-established facade are underlying complexities and hidden layers of depth that spark emotions within the reader and substantiates the hopeful undercurrent in the slowly withering world.

DeStefano immerses readers in a world where age and beauty are valued, but where lifespans don't last beyond 20-25. The harsh reality in Wither is the base for the characters' problems but doesn't hinder their own, individual thoughts. The way each character deals with the concept of a short lifespan is different and provides a variety in an almost-hopeless reality. As readers, only a small part of Rhine's world is shown, but glimpses of a world outside of the the manor's gates are seen, giving a glimmer of hope. The plot is full of manipulation and pretenses, filling the pages with lots of twists and turns. Despite the pit of treachery and guile, such beautiful, genuine bonds are formed between the sister wives and between Rhine and Gabriel.

Wither is an absolutely stunning read with a magnetizing cast of characters that emote so much feeling into its pages. Its mesmerizing play on words and descriptive world, truly cements DeStefano as master in YA dystopian. The dynamics and the elements of dystopian and realism incorporated into Wither, fuse together to create a beautiful start to a new series.

The Bottom Line: Wither will never wither in my mind. Pun intended!

---Field Report---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 95/100 (A+)

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Born At Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Title: Born at Midnight (Book 1)
Author: C.C. Hunter
Pages: 416
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: March 29, 2011

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

Rapt with distinctive characters derived from common beings that are encountered in paranormal YA, Born at Midnight creates a paranormal atmosphere of discovery and compassion. In real life, everybody faces a point in their life where they find who they really are, but in Born at Midnight, Kylie has to find out who she is, and what she really is. Hunter fearlessly delves into the inner psyche of a not-so-regular teenager and forges a tangible ambiance that effortlessly envelops the otherworldly environment.

At the beginning, Kylie starts out with a shy, quiet base for a character, but Kylie slowly transforms throughout the novel to a girl who can truly stand up for herself. She's rational and compassionate, but she's at the liminal age where she needs to deal with different coming-of-age issues; which includes finding out what she really is. Kylie is a strong, tenacious protagonist with a loyal and determined personality. Her journey to self discovery is filled with forged friendships and relationships that prove to be genuine and reliable. Hunter makes readers probe deeper into the emotional angst and actually feel it. The friendships and the unyielding love triangle lights the whole book up fire and passion.

Choices and decision-making is a concept very much explored throughout Born at Midnight. The pacing matches the constant flow of decisions and Kylie's gradual change. And the consistent mystery of what she really is, keeps the reader in suspense and anxious to read on. Born at Midnight is a great start to the Shadow Falls series and sets the characters and the atmosphere flawlessly to transition to the second book, where I'm sure more questions will be answered, and many more that will arise.

Born at Midnight is an evenly-paced, descriptive coming-of-age story that holds nothing back. Its otherworldly environment sustains a well-rounded cast of characters and well-developed bonds that emanate a sense of safety and at the same time holds an air of suspense. The intricate weaving of paranormal aspects and realism, is flawlessly executed by Hunter.

The Bottom Line: I loved the characters, especially Kylie. I'm in awe of C.C.'s writing style and character development. I can't wait to read the next one!

---Field Report---
Originality: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 95/100 (A+)

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Haven by Kristi Cook

Title: Haven
Author: Kristi Cook
Pages: 416
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: February 22, 2011

One month into her junior year, sixteen-year-old Violet McKenna transfers to the Winterhaven School in New York’s Hudson Valley, inexplicably drawn to the boarding school with high hopes. Leaving Atlanta behind, she’s looking forward to a fresh start--a new school, and new classmates who will not know her deepest, darkest secret, the one she’s tried to hide all her life: strange, foreboding visions of the future. But Winterhaven has secrets of its own, secrets that run far deeper than Violet’s. Everyone there--every student, every teacher--has psychic abilities, 'gifts and talents,' they like to call them. Once the initial shock of discovery wears off, Violet realizes that the school is a safe haven for people like her. Soon, Violet has a new circle of friends, a new life, and maybe even a boyfriend--Aidan Gray, perhaps the smartest, hottest guy at Winterhaven. Only there’s more to Aidan than meets the eye--much, much more. And once she learns the horrible truth, there’s no turning back from her destiny. Their destiny. Together, Violet and Aidan must face a common enemy--if only they can do so without destroying each other first.

Deceitful and strikingly dramatic, Haven twists overused concepts into a captivating mystery of electrifying romance, rich background, and an ancient sense that instills itself gradually into the tension-filled air. The paranormal and contemporary elements blend perfectly and form a flawless dynamic that catapults readers into the veiled world of Winterhaven. The ensemble of characters result to explosive connections and friendships made. The plot brims with undulated mystery and intricate details that enhance the nuances of the paranormal aspect.

Violet is confused with her abilities that she classifies as a burden. She's naive and clueless to the Winterhaven's real purpose. Her relationship with Aiden doesn't build up at all. At first sight, they already have a sizzling interaction which plays out to be unconvincing. Her actions prove to be clingy and reckless which doesn't seem pertinent to her real, inner character. Although her character is quite well-built, her voice isn't distinct and her interactions with Aiden, cliché and misused.

Aiden is a multifaceted character, clear from the different sides he shows. Throughout the novel, he is hot-and-cold, instead of being an attractive asset, it turns to an annoying, irritating side of his personality. His distant personality ultimately classifies him as a loner at Winterhaven. He lacks interactions with the other classmates, not solidifying his character enough to be believable. And although he drives a big portion of the mystery and intrigue, almost every interaction with him is seemingly awkward. Aiden has the potential to be a great character, but he falls flat as a love interest and as a friend.

Violet's friends drive the comedic elements of the plot and they are their interactions with Violet are always humorous and fun. Sophie, Cece, Kate, and Marissa's support for Violet is always constant, no matter what crazy stunts Violet is up to. The bond they form is admirable and each character has their individual flaws and personalities. Their friendship blossoms steadily as they begin to trust each other. With their different powers, and their unbreakable bond, they are an unstoppable force.

Cook's writing is exceptionally captivating and compelling. The paranormal elements really seep into the words and writing style, weaving an intricate play of words. Pertinent to the ancient air, the setting's atmosphere is molded to mirror the enigmatic role of the school and the students there. Haven's pacing is consistent and adept, speeding up just right to lead into the explosive climax.

Haven is a compelling, complex novel that keeps the reader absorbed in fiery drama, unraveled lies, and the ultimate deception. Cook brings immense surprise with the shocking ending and it ties up the events flawlessly and leaves room for an obvious sequel. Detailed and vivid, with somewhat lacking main characters, and effortless writing, Haven is a gripping read with haunted illusions and suspense.

The Bottom Line: An fantastic debut with lots of potential to become a great, developed series.

---Field Report---
Originality: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 8/10
Imagery: 8/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 4/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 84/100 (B+)

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Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium (Book 1)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Pages: 448
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: February 1, 2011

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

The thought of the eradication of love is almost unthinkable to most people today. But what happens when it becomes a necessary concept? Lena's mom was too late for the cure and she ended up taking her own life. Learning from her mother's mistake, Lena can't wait for the cure and live a happy, predestined life. But on the day of her procedure, a few outsiders disrupt it, one of them being Alex. Always being careful about the idea of love, Lena thinks that she is exempt from it but she falls in love with Alex, and the secrets he carries with him.

Intricately woven with rules, regulations, and restrictions, Delirium is a convincing read that delves into a dystopian society wherein love is looked down upon. The novel not only focuses on creating an established dystopian atmosphere, but it also aims to involve the inner workings of the concepts and ideas present in current societies. Oliver molds the the characters to fit the setting of the novel and also gives them opportunities to grow. Delirium forces readers the reader to completely immerse themselves Lena's world and question the rules and ways in which the society works.

Lena is such a strong character. Her tenacity and her instincts simply fly naturally off each page. She resonates with the reader extremely well because of her flaws and her mistakes, making her only more human and believable. Steadily, she grows from her naive, ignorant self into an aware, curious character. Her opinion of love changes slowly through her actions. As she gets more rebellious, she develops and is exposed to the realities of love and the other outsiders like Alex.

Lauren Oliver's writing, simply put, is poetically inspiring. Although Delirium is written in prose, the poetic, lyrical feel dominates and enhances the different elements in the story. Oliver writes intimately, and compels the reader to fully realize and empathize with the characters in the novel. The storyline develops consistently as readers are steadily merged into the world of Delirium and discover the secrets that lie in the society.

Delirium is a beautiful novel of discovery and really probes deeper into societal questions. It touches on the realities in the real world today and introduces readers to a whole new world. The many different insights and meaningful subtleties all make for an original, inspiring read.

The Bottom Line: I'm COMPLETELY delirious for Delirium!

---Field Report---
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 is one of the THIRTEEN books that hold the title: The Holy Grail - Beholder of the Perfect 100!!!

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Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Title: Nightshade (Book 1)
Author: Andrea Cremer
Pages: 454

Publisher: Philomel

Publication Date: October 19, 2010

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Nightshade is an elaborately-woven, gripping, paranormal romance held against a backdrop with the rich contrast of an intricate, otherworldly setting and an equally convincing context in the human world. Both worlds are discrepant to each other in some aspects, and similar in others. The relationships and the political dynamics in both environments are different, but the characters remain consistent in the entirety of the novel. The ancestry and realistically-portrayed descriptions of the characters and the hierarchy merge together to create a consistent ambiance, constant all throughout the book.

Fierce, loyal, and strong, Calla's personality is truly an alpha's. Her personality and mindset mirrors her stance as an alpha but her pre-destined union with Ren affects her in such a way that she carries a caged, constricted air around her that contradicts her nature as a werewolf. Calla's analyzing and authoritative, but she's also confused. Her selflessness and her loyalty to the pack is admirable but behind her well-put front, she's afraid of completely letting Ren or Shay in. Calla is a strong, rough, and frank; just like the characteristics of a werewolf. In Nighshade, Calla is both wolf and human. Both beings are truly a part of her.

Sexy, commanding, and unfailing, Ren embodies similar characteristics to Calla, embedded into his alpha nature. His tainted past leaves him careful, protective, and hardened underneath. Readers will be drawn to his seductive charisma and animalistic qualities and still percieve him as a deep, thoughtful, three-dimensional character. He's flawed, and has been hurt before, but there are moments wherein his more sensitive, sweeter side is highlighted.

(This is where the paragraph of Shay is supposed to be in. But I'm Team Ren *laughs evilly*)

Although fast-paced and action-packed, Nightshade isn't rushed. The details and nuances are naturally revealed and the descriptions only strengthen the plot even more. Even with so many characters, Cremer is able to give each individual his/her own distinct personality. Each character stays true to themselves through the entire novel.

Nightshade is an suspenseful start to a new, exciting series. The danger, the romance, the action, and the characters all pull together to create an absorbing world of deceit, lies, and passion. Cremer's debut will definitely impress readers and pull them into Nightshade's world. A stunning original debut.

The Bottom Line: Team Ren FOR THE WIN. *throws confetti*

---Field Report---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 4/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 95/100 (A+)

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Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched (Book 1)
Author: Ally Condie
Pages: 384

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publication Date: November 30, 2010

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die. Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion.

Matched is an avid, subtly intense dystopian novel with three-dimensional characters, accentuated by the descriptive, oppressed world Condie has created. The constricted, and caged atmosphere present all throughout Matched is deceptive and unsettling with the plethora of rules, systems, and restrictions. The cover of Matched holds a symbolic significance wherein Cassia, is confined in a bubble of ignorance and negligence, yearning for an escape for freedom. The vivid depictions of the world with the Society are contemplative, it triggers thought-provoking questions about issues that plague the real world today.

Cassia is mostly confused and doubtful for the most of the novel. Cassia's metamorphosis is gradual and subtly creeping, but drastic and discernible when looked at as a whole. Trustful and submissive towards the Society, Cassia changes and matures as a character amidst the psychologically-unsettling world that Condie has created. The scene where she sees Ky's face on the computer screen is the catalyst that triggers her change, and her interactions with Ky emphasize that change in character. Her mindset is altered into being perplexed and doubtful of the mysteries that surround the society. But all throughout Matched, Cassia stays consistent to her character.

Ky and Xander are clashing opposites with contrasting personalities. Although Xander is competitive, he embodies a strong presence of understanding, loyalty, and strength. And at the same time, he remains supportive towards Cassia, despite her actions. Ky, on the other hand is brave and adventurous, willing to try new things. His past affects him, and the hardships he has gone through, is evident in the way he carries himself. Both love interests are different and good for Cassia in different ways.

Condie's prose in Matched has a subtle lyrical undertone with a rich, mysterious undercurrent. The culture in the Society is intensely developed and established flawlessly through nuances and other specifics. The subtleties such as the lack of choices, no matter how insignificant, are what builds the Condie's world and strengthens it. And the interplay of interactions, the atmosphere, and the characters all pull together to create a stunning, concrete plot.

Matched is a powerful, compelling read, amplified by the themes and inner messages in the story. It parallels itself both to the real world in a futuristic sense. Oppression and lack of freedom is common in Matched, and in reality; but here, it is presented in different ways. Matched is a perfect match for every reader (pun intended!).

The Bottom Line: Matched is probably my favorite in dystopian lit! It's friggin' amazing!

---Field Report---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 92/100 (A)

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Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick (A REVIEW IN TWEET FORM!)

Title: Tweet Heart
Author: Elizabeth Rudnick
Pages: 272

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Publication Date: June 29, 2010

Claire is a #hopelessromantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secretcrush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan.

Claire can’t believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone.

But the Twitterverse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she’s falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected….

This review is going to be written in tweets! Be warned of my #FAIL tweeting!

@ThePlot is rly developed, considering tht there was no narration & it was written in tweets, blogs, emails, etc. #LovedItToDeath

@ClaireRBear is an #AwesomeCharacter but @KingofSlack (aka Bennett) is a #BetterCharacter because he was #FrigginHilarious!

#TweetHeart shows readers the importance of online identities and how technology affects the real world (#yesmom). @lizrudnick OWNS!!!

#TweetHeart is extremely #lifelike. The tweets, emails, etc. established the situation and the characters' personalities really well. #Cool!

@lizrudnick You Rock!!! #SeriouslyYouDo!

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Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Title: Angelfire (Book 1)
Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Pages: 464

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Publication Date: February 15, 2011

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Fierce, dramatic, and elaborately detailed, Angelfire seduces readers into a fiery world of drama and action, along with a sizzling romance. The world that Moulton creates is double-sided; the division between the supernatural and mortal realms is physically portrayed through the grim, providing a stark contrast of two completely different atmospheres. This demonstrates the disparity between Ellie's life as a Preliator, and her life as a normal teenager. With many symbolic contrasts and the contradicting concept of good vs. evil, Moulton creates a vividly convoluted world of romance and conflict.

Ellie is an unusual and strong protagonist, torn between two very different identities; a teenage girl, and the Preliator. A flawed character from the very start, Ellie's personality is detailed and concrete. Her life isn't labeled, unlike other female protagonists; she isn't poor or rich, and she isn't popular, and neither is she an outcast. She's sarcastic, and headstrong at times, but Ellie always has good intentions at heart. Ellie's character never looses its particular essence as the novel progresses. Moulton highlights her flaws as well as her strengths, making for a realistic, identifiable character. The reader will acquaint themselves with Ellie's problems, as she slowly comes to terms with her new powers and the responsibility attached to it. The flashback memories of her delicate pasts contribute a historical air while also leaving the reader to put the pieces together. The road to this acceptance is rough and unpredictable, but well-developed and honest.

Protective, humble, and sardonic, Will is unfathomable and macabre at the beginning, mirroring characteristics of a stalker, giving the reader fresh insight to a new male counterpart. Underneath his battle-hardened front, and shadowed by his experience, lies a flawed, but loyal fighter willing to sacrifice his life for Ellie's. The inner battles conflicting him is distinct and his gritty, scarred past affects him in a way that only further strengthens his character. Will's character drives the plot, and contributes much to the suspense. His disputing feelings for Ellie develops as they re-acquaint themselves with one another while he fights to decide whether their relationship is right or wrong. His heart wants Ellie, but his mind is against it. They both struggle with the choices that face them and learn to compromise in their situation.

Acceptance and trust are key themes in Angelfire that fuel the plot. Ellie's journey of acceptance and learning to trust Will develops in the midst of action and suspense, contriving a balanced, yet perplexing read. Many factors pull together to create a detailed, complex plot and sound voice. Both main and secondary characters fuel the novel from Ellie to Will, to Ragnut and Ivar. Each character has a distinct voice that is key to the development of the Angelfire. The mythological aspect and the concept of good vs. evil, merge together to create a striking, character-driven novel with unpredictable twists.

Moulton's sharp, detailed novel of angels is captivating and wonderfully original. Angelfire defies all stereotypes of an urban fantasy novel and introduces a world of romance, angels...and gore. Moulton's debut is filled with angelic lore and gory, bloody battles, foreshadowing what's to come in the next installment. All of these aspects compound together to create a seductive, action novel that will engulf the reader in its unique flame. Angelfire is a fierce, heavenly fire that readers will voluntarily dive into!

The Bottom Line: Bloody fights + Angels + Reapers = A book lover's dream!

---Field Report---
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 is one of the TWELVE books that hold the title: The Holy Grail - Beholder of the Perfect 100!!!

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Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Title: Halo (Book 1)
Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Pages: 496

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Publication Date: August 31, 2010

Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.

The dark forces are causing many disasters; floods, fires, and generally spreading mishaps around the world. Three angels, Gabriel, Ivy, and Bethany go to Venus Cove to stop the catastrophes happening there. Out of the three, Bethany is the most inexperienced, and the most human. She is torn between her mission and her humanity. In Venus Cove, she experiences friendship, happiness, and falls in love. But the dark forces are gaining ground in Venus Cove, and somebody close to Bethany will betray her.

Halo is a vivid, powerful, and meaningful novel that elicits so much emotion as well as forces the reader to contemplate the religious references made in the novel. Halo's atmospheric difference is perceivable in the contrasting environments of Bethany's house and out of it. Inside Bethany's house, there's almost always an unsettling tension and it embodies a perplexing, complicated mood. Outside, there's a sense of freedom and an impression of limitless possibilities.

Bethany's growth throughout Halo is palpable from her transformation. At the beginning, her personality is naive and afraid; always careful and observant, never forgetting that this is her first mission. But as she befriends other people and gets closer to Xavier, she begins to change. Her yearning to be with Xavier is relatable as Bethany reveals her vulnerabilities and fears as an angel. She becomes more assertive, permissive, and independent, but her true values are genuine and never change.

Despite his guarded exterior, Xavier emanates a very genuine and honest personality from the very beginning. He isn't the cliché hero-type, instead, he's an honorable person with a past that still haunts him. Most of the time, people define others based on their pasts; in this case, the characters make assumptions and form opinions of Xavier with regards to his past. His relationship with Bethany is developed and extremely romantic. Their intense connection is tangible with the way they act towards each other; both depend on each other equally. Their relationship is symbolically sublime and profound.

Ivy and Gabriel (yup! THAT angel), the siblings of Bethany both holds an air of confidence and sophistication, whilst still holding their individual values and characteristics. Gabriel is serious, high-strung, and sometimes quite brooding, but he's caring and his carefully constructed façade of sureness and assurance hides his fears and inner-most vulnerabilities. This conveys his few imperfections. Ivy, although also serious, is more positive and reassuring. As the older sister, she withholds motherly characteristics and plays the role of the guiding, and understanding family member.

In Halo, the concept of differing between good and evil, and right and wrong is elaborately contemplated in different ways. Complete opposites such as heaven and hell, angels and demons, and light and dark, are re-introduced with religious connotations but without being preachy or assertive. The historical aspects in Halo are established in a non-pious, non-platonic way, making for a less religiously-biased read.

With new and old conceptualized ideas, fresh prose, and symbolic, vivid descriptions, Adornetto entices readers with contemporary and original characters and vivid imagery. Halo captures readers with the characters' magnetizing chemistry and the blend of both au courant and old-fashioned views of angels and love. A+ =)

The Bottom Line: Halo is a beautifully-woven tale that will definitely persuade readers to look forward to the next installment.

---Field Report---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 9/10
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: 95/100 (A+)

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The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Title: The Duff
Author: Kody Keplinger
Pages: 288

Publisher: Poppy

Publication Date: September 7, 2010

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

DUFF = Designated Ugly Fat Friend. DUFF = Bianca Piper...or at least that's what she thinks. When Wesley Rush, playboy extraordinaire, defines that she is a DUFF, it's just one more problem to think about. Her parents' divorce, her dad's leap back into alcohol, and her friendships crumbling are all problems in her life. And when she finds her escape in Wesley, creating a rivals-with-benefits relationship with him, she falls into a web of lies, confusion, and conflict. Has she had enough? Will her life finally crumble to pieces? Or will she realize that love is right there the whole time?

Full of sarcasm, wit, and humor, The Duff ferociously grabs readers with its sharp dialogue, deep insight, and original characters. The gritty reality that Keplinger embeds in The Duff is raw and vivid, completely penetrating the psyche of a teenager; full of angst, drama, and confusion. The concept of perceptions of beauty is unnervingly acknowledged in the novel, confronting problems and issues in current society. Accepting face-value is a another idea that is thoroughly explored in The Duff, amidst the skewed impressions of beauty.

Bianca remains consistent and true to her character through the development of the novel. Her personality is immediately grasped from the very beginning; cynical, sassy, and independent. But underneath her exterior, is a conflicted and confused teenager, using her quips and sharp remarks to hide behind. She is detached and disconnected towards her relationships but her insight give the reader a deep take on the immense scrutiny that teenagers have to deal with in reality. Biana's first-hand narration on her parents' divorce was extremely realistic and vivid, also recognizing alcoholism, and home violence in the process. Bianca's strong backbone is admirable and the snarky humor attached to her provides a balance of fun--in the midst of so much drama--for the reader.

Wesley's character stays strong as well, and his big ego is tangible through his flirty actions and words. The banter between him and Bianca is always clever and interesting. Though he may seem like the ultimate player; disrespectful, and detached--just like Bianca--Keplinger carefully unravels each layer, revealing the secrets and problems he keeps. As his fervent romantic relationship with Bianca turns into more, he starts to doubt what he really wants. His ulterior façade of popularity and perfection hides his familial problems and the inner-battles raging within him.

Loyal, and always reliable, Casey and Jessica are both endearing and hilarious. Casey is always fun-loving and supportive while Jessica is constantly optimistic and uplifting. Casey and Jessica are two completely different people, and yet, the relationship that Keplinger has built between them and Bianca is inspiring and strong. Both three-dimensional characters have their own problems, spotlighting attention on them as well.

With a fresh writing style and edgy characters, Keplinger's tenacious and impactful writing fearlessly explores controversial issues that are still hard-to-grasp today. Keplinger's bona fide prose delves deeper into themes of casual sex, alcohol abuse, violence, and teen-pregnancy without straying from a YA tone, as well as recognizing the consequences. These themes and concepts are introduced and probed tactfully with an authentic teenage mindset.

The Duff is a powerful, realistic, contemporary novel that isn't afraid to push the boundaries of teen life. Based upon the term 'Duff = Designated Ugly Fat Friend', Keplinger writes a book so completely and utterly true. The Duff completely envelopes the reader in an searingly honest take of a journey through heartbreak, love, and friendship.

The Bottom Line: So emotionally-demanding. So relatable. It's called real life.

---Field Report---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 96/100 (A+)

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