9th Grade Slays by: Heather Brewer

Publication Date: January 2009

Overview:
If middle school stunk for Vladimir Tod, high school is a real drain. Besides being a punching bag for bullies, he’s still stalled with dream girl Meredith, and he’s being tailed by a photographer from the school newspaper. Needless to say, practicing his vampire skills hasn’t exactly been a priority for Vlad — until now. A monumental trip to Siberia with Uncle Otis is Vlad’s crash course in Vampire 101. Training alongside the most gifted vampires is exactly what Vlad needs to sharpen those mind-control skills he’s been avoiding. And he’d better get it right, because the battle brewing back home with the slayer who’s been stalking him could be Vlad’s last.

My thoughts: My cousin and I both argue about this book. I think it was better than the first but she likes the first one.....we'll see which is better...LOL
I really like Henry, he isn't afraid of anything and in fact seems to enjoy helping. Even if it means that Vlad needs to bite him.
I'm glad to see Vlad is awkward with girls, it makes me feel good knowing it isn't always girls that are shy or embarrassed easily when it comes to new relationships and things.
I think that Otis, Vlad's uncle is chicken poo. He seems really afraid of everything, unlike Vlad who is ready to defend his uncle and himself.
Their family friend seems like a really great guy. He is so helpful to Vlad and isn't afraid to hit dark areas, which can be bed, but I also think it is the best way to let Vlad know what he's up against.
Joss, Henry's cousin, is an idiot. Really he's a a bad guy. But I can't believe that he hide his secret for so long. And he is working for the wrong people. And sooner or later he will figure it out. Maybe when they are feeding off him or trying to kill him.

My rating: 4 stars

Ghost Huntress: The Guidance by: Marley Gibson

Publication Date: November 2010

Overview: 

Kendall and her ghost hunting team is the talk of Radisson, Georgia, but one person isn’t so pleased. Courtney Langdon doesn’t appreciate Kendall’s new popularity or her relationship with Jason, Courtney’s ex.

So Courtney begins dabbling in the paranormal world. At first it’s all a game to draw attention away from Kendall. But Courtney doesn’t know what she’s getting into—or what wants in her. This is one game that’s about to turn deadly serious.

And for more about Kendall and the ghost huntresses, check out www.ghosthuntress.com!


My thoughts: I love this series...when I read the first book I got really excited knowing that the author had consulted real ghost hunters. And those ghost hunters had their own shows and and I watched them.
This book is more about Courtney the evil cow from school. She think she is losing her popularity to Kendall and her gang and tries everything to get revenge when that doesn't work she calls up an evil soldier and he oppresses her. she begins to act strange, and every one at school notices....even the teachers. Kendall and the group get together and get the soldier out of court. It's a fight but it works and Kendall plus the priest and Loreen save the day.

My Rating: 4 stars

Prophecy of the Sisters by: Michelle Zink

Publication Date: July 2010

Overview: An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-
One good...
One evil...
Who will prevail?
Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.
Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.
They just know they can't trust each other.


My thoughts: I read this book because my cousin had it on the coffee table and the cover kind of drew me in that and the title. I wondered what could cause the sisters to be against each other. and truthfully I was angered that they could let their brother die and other things. Blood is thicker than water and yet they both let their brother become endangered and die.
I really hope that the next installment is better than this first one.
I also hope that Lia gets to the keys first and saves the day, even though everyone says that only time will tell if she is evil. You have to know that she isn't the evil one. I know that Alice is evil, sometimes she reminds me of people that I know who just need to be slapped in their face...LOL! Sorry but it had to be said.
I also hope that things work out with Lia and James I think they deserve each other and things should work out unless Alice steps in while Lia's gone and tricks James into being with her.


My Rating: 3 stars

Cover Revealed: Destined

Looking Glass Wars by:Frank Beddor

Publication Date: August 2007

Overview: Alyss Heart can't stand that "master of fantasy" bunk; she knows that Lewis Carroll was nothing more than an incompetent reporter. After she generously shared her Wonderland experiences with this fledgling author, he totally botched the retelling, even mangling her name. Alyss, however, refuses to merely grouse; she and royal bodyguard Hatter Madigan decide to make another emergency excursion down the rabbit hole, opening our eyes to parallel realms that prim Rev. Dodgson never imagined. A refreshing take on a Victorian classic.

My thoughts: Okay so honestly...I couldn't get into this book. I read the first part but I just stopped. It wasn't that I wasn't interested because I was. I just felt like this has been done before. Everyone wants to put their pin on things and that's fine, but I didn't care for this one.
First you deal with Alyss who is a spoiled brat and deserves a good spanking and then Dodge who is in love with her, but really they are too young to even go their. And i can't even begin to discuss Hatter and Rabbit.
So I'm giving this book to my cousin to read and maybe she will come up with something better. Sorry to the fans of this series and this book.

My Rating: 2 stars

Unnatural by: Michael Griffo

Publication Date: March 2011

Overview: In this opener to the Archangel Academy series, playwright Griffo borrows many hallmarks of the vampire genre, but with a notable difference. Gay American teenager Michael escapes a life of bullying and abuse when his emotionally disintegrating mother commits suicide and his estranged father enrolls him at Archangel Academy, an all-boys English boarding school. There, he meets the enigmatic, sexy Ronan, and the two boys discover an immediate, mutual attraction. But their new found relationship is threatened by Michael's disapproving father; Ronan's malevolent ex-boyfriend, Nakamo; and the inscrutable machinations of the vampires who use Archangel Academy for their own ends. As Michael becomes a pawn between two different vampire clans, as represented by Ronan and Nakamo, he has to choose his destiny, if it's not chosen for him first. Unfortunately, this brooding romantic epic is strained by jarring shifts in point-of-view, implausible melodrama, and heavy-handed messages. What could have been a much-needed shot of diversity in the field comes off instead as overwrought and derivative.

My thoughts:I've never read a book on water vampires...so this one was quite interesting. I still don't know the extent of there abilities, they do seem to control fog. Which would be great for Halloween....LOL!
There are so many attacks on people in this book it hard to tell who and been attacked and by whom. I found myself getting lost and confused by this going on in this book.
At times it left me wanting more of explanation about things especially more about the different kinds of vampires. I love that Michael gets to finally be free of his secret and it seems even his dad will be okay with him being gay. And I have to say that I'm very pleased to have read this book if only to realize what the gay community faces everyday. and I have to say sorry to a few friends from school because I never really realized what you faced, not only at home but out in society.

My rating: 2 stars

Graceling by: Kristin Cashore

Publication: September 2009

Overview:
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.
     When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.
     With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.
 
My thoughts: I've had this book on my TBR pile for a while. My cousin actually read this book last year in school and told me she really liked it and I should give it a try. Now after reading it I agree with her, if it's on your list just read it......It's wonderful.
I won't lie there are some down times, but for the most part it flows great.
Katsa thought her grace was killing. And grace is like a specialty. But through the help of Po and others she realized it was something much more. And with it she has survived and made it through true trails. She even saved several lives as well!
She and Po push through differences and find find love and fix problems. Po has an accident in the end and comes to find himself in a situation that most people would hate. And truthfully he doesn't like it anymore than anyone else would. But he strives to live and makes the most of the problem and comes to find not all things are curses.
If you love a strong female lead and action adventure you should check this book out.....

My rating: 4 stars