Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley–a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry’s room is a tiny closet a the foot of the stairs, and he hasn’t had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry–and anyone who reads about him–will find unforgettable. For it’s there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that’s been waiting for him … if Harry can survive the encounter.

There are no spoilers in this review.

I’ve now had the chance to read both the UK and US editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. (I’ll refer to it as Sorcerer’s Stone from here on out because that’s what I’m use to.) While I love the cover art of the US edition more, reading the UK version was like reading an entirely new story. I loved every minute of it!

Some of you are probably wondering if the editions are really that different. The answer is no, and yes. No because it’s still the same story. I still knew what was going to happen. But, yes, because I got to read JK Rowling’s original words; the words she wrote, not the words “translated” for US readers. And, that was priceless!

When I first read Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001, I was transported to a wondrous, magical world. I was awed by Rowling’s ability to capture my attention and evoke a desire stronger than anything I had ever experienced to be a part of a world other than my own. Now, a little more than a decade later, I still feel that same magic, captivation, and desire as I reread this novel.

Rowling’s ability to foreshadow the events to come is amazing! Even with this read, I found foretelling of things that I hadn’t noticed before. Even if I didn’t know what happened in the other six books, her foreshadowing within the same novel is amazing. But, I think it’s a true testament of her ability to see the overarching foreshadowing she does throughout the entire series. Every time I encounter foreshadowing, I just smile and think, “Rowling, you genius!”

I love the little bit of humor Rowling brings into the story. The story is very intense. Many of the topics are not easy to discuss or even think about. But, the humor interwoven throughout the story helps lighten the way, making it easier to deal with the darker topics.

The characters are complex and endearing, even the ones you hate or can’t make up your mind about. I loved getting to know the main characters in Sorcerer’s Stone. Even though, as a reader, you’ve barely touched the surface of who they are, you learn to love them. Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s friendship is one to be jealous of, one to wish you were a part of. Not only do you wish you could share in their adventures, but you also wish to have a friendship as strong as theirs that can withstand anything that comes its way.

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that.” Albus Dumbledore

Out of all the characters, Dumbledore is, by far, my favorite. In fact, he’s my favorite literary character of all time. We don’t often get to see him. He waits along the sidelines, allowing Harry and his friends to figure things out on their own. But, when he is around, you can be sure that Harry (and the reader) leave as better people. His wisdom, or I should say Rowling’s, is astounding. I’m always amazed at how profound these stories are because of Dumbledore.

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she’s returned–to her old life, her family, her friends–before being banished back to the underworld … this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back–this time as his queen.

As Nikki’s time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she’s forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole’s …

When I first finished reading Everneath, I told Brodi that I wished I could’ve posted my full review then because I’d sing her high praises because I loved the book so much. But, I wanted to wait closer to release day.

I loved Everneath so much that it has earned a spot on my Favorites shelf. It was interesting, intriguing, sad, happy, moving, every emotion imaginable. Interspersed with the story of Persephone and Hades and Brodi’s own ideas and take on those events, I felt as if I was there, living what the characters lived.

I was anxious the entire time I read the book. It wasn’t a bad anxious. It’s just that I was hooked from the very beginning, so I wanted to know what was going to happen to Nikki. There was no way I could possibly understand what Nikki was going through, but I could feel her pain. I was invested in her character and I wanted her to feel happy again.

I really liked Nikki. Even though she came back to the Surface drained of all her emotions, I thought she still came across as strong. Although she was sad and wished she hadn’t gone to the Everneath, she owned her part in it. She didn’t blame her family or friends, even though other teenagers in her stead probably would’ve. That made her a very likeable protagonist.

“I let you go once and you disappeared on me. Without a word. I’m not asking it to be the same as it was, but I just want to know you again. Please. Can I know you again?” Jack

I absolutely loved Jack, Nikki’s boyfriend before she went to the Everneath. I don’t know exactly what to say about him other than that he’s a strong, selfless, and unconditionally loving character. I loved how loyal he was to Nikki and that he’d go to any lengths imaginable to help her. Any girl would be lucky to have him as a boyfriend, if only he were real.

As I’ve said in the past, I normally hate love triangles so much that I despise the third wheel. And, when I say despise, I mean I literally want that character wiped from the story. But, even with these feelings about love triangles, I wanted to hate Cole, but I couldn’t. I also wanted to love him, but I couldn’t. I had a very strong love/hate relationship with him. I think there’s much more to him than meets the eye, even knowing from the beginning that he’s an Everliving–the immortals that feed on the emotions of humans. I’m excited to see how his character progresses and falls into the rest of the series. And, I’m super excited to see how my feelings for him will change or maybe even remain the same–confused and intrigued by him.

I love how the book ended and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one because there’s so much potential to this story.

Personal Note

I was surprised to find out that I was mentioned in the Acknowledgements. I was also very moved.

Hugs all around for friends who have helped me through the madness of trying to get a book published, either by reading early drafts or providing emotional support and chocolate: … Jenni Elyse.

Thanks, Brodi! Any time I can help lift up your spirits, you can count on me.

Title:

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion … she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit–more sparkly, more fun, more wild–the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket–a gifted inventor–steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

There are a few very slight spoilers in this review. However, I don’t think it will ruin the book for you if you haven’t read it.

I was so excited to read Lola and the Boy Next Door because I loved Anna and the French Kiss so much. And, even though I love Anna more, Lola didn’t disappoint me. It was such a fun story!

I loved Lola’s parents (all three of them). You could tell that they really loved her and wanted what was best for her. I also loved that they weren’t absent like most parents are in YA stories. It made for some interesting dynamics.

“I was crazy about you, but I didn’t know what to do. It was paralyzing. There were so many times when I wanted to take your hand, but … I couldn’t. That one small move felt impossible.” Cricket

I loved Cricket from the get go. He was such a great guy. He was so nice and so devoted to Lola that I almost thought he was too good for her. But, in the end, I changed my mind and realized that they were perfect for each other.

I had a hard time with Lola a little bit. Most YA characters act older than they are, but I felt like Lola acted her age–seventeen. And, because of that, she seemed a little immature, whiny, and selfish at times. But, she grew on me and I realized she was just confused and didn’t know what she wanted like most teenagers her age. By the end of the book, I really liked her.

I loved reading about all of her awesome outfits. I kept thinking how would it be to dress like her? It would be so fun, but I don’t think I could deal with the insults like she did. I’m too self-conscious. I’m glad she was able to find herself because she struggled with who she was amidst all her crazy outfits.

I especially loved seeing Anna and Étienne from Anna and the French Kiss. It was so much fun to see them from a different perspective and to see that they were still together. Seeing them also reminded me of how much I loved Anna and the French Kiss. I may have to reread it soon.

I’m looking forward to reading more books by Stephanie Perkins and I can’t wait for Isla and the Happily Ever After, the third companion novel. It’ll be fun to see if they all end up in Paris for the reason I think they all would end up there and to see if all three couples come together as friends.

Content Warning

There are a couple of instances of the F-word. Also, this story is a bit edgier than Anna and the French Kiss, but I still loved it.

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

There are a few very slight spoilers in this review. However, I don’t think it will ruin the book for you if you haven’t read it.

I absolutely adored Clockwork Prince. It has earned a spot on my Favorites shelf and is probably my favorite of all the books Cassandra Clare has written. That’s saying something since it’s the middle book in a trilogy!

This story had it all–suspense, intrigue, humor, love, happiness, and anguish. There were times when I was giddy while reading this story and other times when I wanted to sob because of the heartache I was feeling. And, I have been left on the edge of my seat wondering what’s going to happen next, wondering if things will be resolved the way I want them to be, wondering if I even know how I want things to be resolved.

“Will has always been the brighter burning star, the one to catch attention–but Jem is a steady flame, unwavering and honest.” Sophie

It’s funny. I must be getting over my extreme dislike for love triangles because I couldn’t bring myself to hate Will or Jem. I like them both and either one could be good for Tessa. Honestly, I just don’t want either of them to be heartbroken or for this situation to ruin what they have as friends and parabatai. In fact, I was so worried about this that I asked Cassandra Clare about it on Tumblr. And, while she answered my question which I’m so happy about, her answer left me more worried and anxious because of the scenarios she described that could happen. I have a feeling they probably will. I can only hope that things will be okay in the end. (Click here if you’d like to read my question and her answer.)

Clockwork Prince was worth the wait. It definitely met and exceeded my expectations. I loved the story and character development. There’s so many places everything could go that I have a feeling Clockwork Princess is going to be the most intense of the trilogy. I’m excited to see how it all resolves itself. I only hope my heart can take it.

Title:

Holling Hoodhood is really in for it. He’s just started seventh grade with Mrs. Baker, a teacher he knows is out to get him. Why else would she make him read Shakespeare … outside class?

The year is 1967, and everyone has bigger things to worry about, especially Vietnam. Then there’s the family business. As far as Holling’s father is concerned, the Hoodhoods need to be on their best behavior: the success of Hoodhood and Associates depends on it. But how can Holling stay out of trouble when he has so much to contend with? Rats, for one thing; cream puffs, for another. And Ariel’s costume: tights. That’s just for starters. In a series of mishaps and adventures over the course of the school year, fate sneaks up on Holling again and again.

Gary D. Schmidt has written a novel that is at turns comic and compelling, down-to-earth and over-the-top. In The Wednesday Wars, he offers an unforgettable antihero in Holling Hoodhood, a kid from the suburbs who embraces his destiny in spite of himself.

Oh my gosh. What a sweet, comedic story. During this read, there were many times that I laughed out loud, wanted to chuck something at Holling’s father, and felt a warmth so great that I felt like Hallmark couldn’t have produced a better feeling with one of their happy-go-lucky cards.

“When gods die, they die hard. It’s not like they fade away, or grow old, or fall asleep. They die in fire and pain, and when they come out of you, they leave your guts burned. It hurts more than anything you can talk about. And maybe worst of all is, you’re not sure if there will ever be another god to fill their place. Or if you’d ever want another god to fill their place. You don’t want the fire to go out inside you twice.” Holling

As I said, I wanted to chuck something at Holling’s father on more than one occasion. He made me so angry! First off, who in their right mind names their son Holling? Especially with a last name like Hoodhood. Second, he was just a selfish, arrogant jerk. And, I really enjoyed seeing Holling come out from under his grasp and learn that he could be whatever he wanted to be not what his father wanted.

I’ve never been a fan of Shakespeare. I don’t really understand it. The only play I’ve ever read through was Othello. After reading The Wednesday Wars, I really want to read more, especially the plays that Mrs. Baker had Holling read. Holling learned a lot of valuable lessons from those plays, lessons I think I need some help with. Who knew Shakespeare could do that? (I know a lot of people. It’s rhetorical for pity sake.)

The humor in this story was awesome. Normally, I have a hard time laughing out loud when I read. Not because a story isn’t funny, but because it’s usually not blatant enough for me to follow it. I don’t catch subtle humor very well. But, this humor is subtle and blatant. You can’t help but laugh because I was also once a seventh grader. And although I wasn’t a boy in the seventh grade, I still understood what it was like to be a seventh grader. The Wednesday Wars brought back so many memories of how I thought things like a costume made up of “yellow tights with feather on the butt” was the end of the world. Or, how I thought my teachers hated me because of the type of stuff they made me do in class. Or, how if you made one wrong move, because all the other seventh graders thought it was the end of the world too, you were cast aside like a pile of brick. Or, how even being cast aside like that, you could still come out on top.

I’m quite surprised at how much I enjoyed The Wednesday Wars. This is not usually my typical read and I thought that although I may like it, I wouldn’t like it enough to read again. But, I could honestly read this one again and enjoy it just as much the second time around as I did this first time.

Title:

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father’s mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead–keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn’t expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he’s never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas’s life.

I’ve never read a ghost story before. And, now having read one, I have no idea why. This was a fun adventure, one I’m looking forward to repeating.

This story was so unique. I didn’t expect anything that happened to happen. Although, since this was my first experience with this type of story, I’m not really sure what I was expecting. All I know is that I loved all the unexpected twists and turns.

I loved Blake’s writing. It was so descriptive. I also loved the characters’ personalities. They all had distinct ones and I loved the humor they brought into such a serious story. I particularly liked that the story was written from Cas’s point-of-view. I don’t read many male points-of-view and it was a refreshing change.

“Yes. Smashing. You’ll be just like those four chaps in the movie. You know the one, with the oversized marshmallow.” Gideon

I absolutely loved all the pop culture references Blake had in Anna Dressed in Blood. It brought back my own memories of experiencing them throughout my life. It helped me relate to the characters better. I just hope this doesn’t date the novel in the future because I think this is one that many generations could enjoy.

I look forward to reading more books by Blake. And, I especially look forward to Anna Dressed in Blood‘s sequel to find out what happens next.

Content Warning

There’s a lot of swearing in this book and a lot of it is the use of the F-word. I didn’t particularly care for it, but I loved the story so much that I was able to look past it and still enjoy it.

The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill A Mockingbird became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film, also a classic.

Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, To Kill A Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior–to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos. Now with over 18 million copies in print and translated into forty languages, this regional story by a young Alabama woman claims universal appeal. Harper Lee always considered her book to be a simple love story. Today it is regarded as a masterpiece of American literature.

Wow. How do you say something about a book that has already had everything said about it? What do I have to add? Nothing … at least it feels like nothing. I just feel so inadequate to give this book a proper review, a review it deserves.

“Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough.” Scout

I guess first things first. I’m not sure why I waited so long to read this book. I really feel like I missed out not having read this in high school like I was supposed to. I feel like I missed out on a lot of discussion and analysis. I know I understood the more obvious points and I also know that I missed a lot in the symbolism because I didn’t have a teacher to guide me through the journey presented in this story.

I’m glad I finally read this book. It was extremely well-written and I enjoyed it immensely. It definitely made me think because its message is so profound. If you don’t understand what the book is about, all you have to read is Scout’s summary of the story her father read to her as Jem lay in his bed recovering from the traumatic events with Bob Ewell:

“Yeah, an’ they all thought it was Stoner’s Boy messin’ up their clubhouse an’ throwin’ ink all over it an’…. An’ they chased him ‘n’ never could catch him ’cause they didn’t know what he looked like, an’ Atticus, when they finally saw him, why he hadn’t done any of those things … Atticus, he was real nice….”

Scout’s summary is a definite understatement of the real intent of this story, but it helps you see that people aren’t who they seem to be or who people make them out to be, just like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.

The characters in this book are extremely memorable. I loved Scout’s tenacity and sharp wit. I loved Jem’s stubbornness, especially when it came to protecting his family. I loved Atticus’s kind and nurturing nature. I also loved how solid he was. (I totally get why so many people are naming their children after him now.) I also loved Calpurnia and what she brought to the story. She helped prepare the children to see the injustice presented in this book. And, I even loved the small time we had with Boo.

My emotions were on a roller coaster as I read Scout’s story. I really love that Lee ended the book looking at the positive, even though most of the events that take place in it are enough to make you as mad as a hornet. Lee did a great job of portraying the hypocrisy and double standard there is with racism (e.g. it’s not okay for Hitler to torment the Jews, but it’s okay to put those of African descent in their place). She also did a fantastic job of portraying the honorable people during that time who tried to stamp out racism as best as they could (e.g. Atticus and Miss Maudie).

I really loved being in Scout’s head. I loved the innocence and youth factor she gave. I don’t think the story would’ve been the same or as profound a journey as it was had we been in any of the other characters’ heads. Even though I realized the injustice this story presented from the get go, my eyes were still opened as Scout’s eyes opened to the injustice around her.

If I were to give To Kill a Mockingbird a letter rating, I’d give it an A+. However, with the way I give star ratings, I’m only giving it four stars because although it’s my favorite classic, it’s not a favorite book. I feel a little ashamed for saying that, but it’s the truth. I’m glad I read it though, and I’ll definitely read it again.

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky–taken by the Society to his certain death–only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander–who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart–change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

There are a few slight spoilers in this review. However, I don’t think it will ruin the book for you if you haven’t read it.

I started reading Crossed in September. I borrowed an ARC from my friend Emily of Emily’s Reading Room until I bought my own copy when it was released. You’re probably thinking that I must have been bored out of my mind if it took me until yesterday to finish it. That’s not the case at all. This semester has been tough on me emotionally and physically, so I didn’t have as much time to read as I wanted and when I did, I didn’t feel like reading. It was nowhere near Crossed‘s fault.

Just like with Matched, I really enjoyed reading Crossed. The book didn’t feel like a middle book to me, which is a plus. I thought there was enough progression in the story and in the characters themselves to show that the story is heading in a good direction, even if to some it seemed the characters are right back where they started. I just hope everything is resolved the way I want it to be, but what reader doesn’t want that?

“Because in the end you can’t always choose what to keep. You can only choose how you let it go.” Ky

I love Ally’s writing style. It’s so poetic, beautiful, descriptive, and concise. The descriptions of the setting were so vivid. I could actually imagine being in Southern Utah, Ally’s inspiration for the setting. And, even though her writing doesn’t lend to a fast-paced or action-packed story like other dystopian novels, I think her story is much more thought-provoking, which lends to more intriguing discussions and thoughts about oppressive governments.

While Matched was told only from Cassia’s point-of-view, Crossed is told from both hers and Ky’s. (It has me wondering whether we’ll get Xander’s point-of-view in the next one.) I loved getting inside of Ky’s head, getting to know him better. He’s so much deeper than I had already gathered from only Cassia’s view of him. It was also nice to learn what he really thought of Cassia. And, at the same time, knowing his thoughts of Cassia is more heartbreaking since she’s still uncertain about Xander.

When I finished reading the book last night, my first thought was that I don’t want to wait for the third book. I want to know now who Cassia chooses and what happens to the Society and everyone involved. Needless to say, I’ll be anxiously awaiting the third book’s release next year.

Title:

Ella Minnow Pea is a girl living happily on the fictional island of Nollop off the coast of South Carolina. Nollop was named after Nevin Nollop, author of the immortal phrase containing all the letters of the alphabet, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

Now Ella finds herself acting to save her friends, family, and fellow citizens from the encroaching totalitarianism of the island’s Council, which has banned the use of certain letters of the alphabet as they fall from a memorial statue of Nevin Nollop. As the letters progressively drop from the statue they also disappear from the novel. The result is both a hilarious and moving story of one girl’s fight for freedom of expression and a linguistic tour de force sure to delight word lovers everywhere.

I read Ella Minnow Pea for this month’s book club read. Knowing it wasn’t my typical read, I wasn’t sure how I’d like it, but for the most part, I was pleasantly surprised.

I thought the story was a clever idea. It was a lot fun to see how the language evolved as a new tile fell off the statue. Not only was it fun to see this change, but it was also frustrating to see the council members become more and more controlling. I really wanted someone to assassinate them.

I haph startet painting my torso in pretty, motley hews. I sit in phront oph the mirror in the sleepy-room. I atmire my hantyworg. I am a hooman apstrat painting! Georgeanne

Near the end when almost all of the letters had fallen off the statue, I felt like I was playing a game of Mad Gab, trying to figure out what the characters were writing. It was quite funny and fun.

Ella Minnow Pea is written in an epistolary style, meaning the characters write each another about the changes happening on the island. I thought this style was very conducive to telling the story well. However, the style got old after a while. Why? It’s simple. When most people write, they write more formally than they speak, especially those concerned with language like the citizens of Nollop are. (I have a sneaking suspicion, however, that the Nollopians actually speak the way they write. If that’s really the case, I’m glad I’m not one of them. While I love beautifully written language, overly formal, extravagant spoken language in today’s society sounds too pretentious and out of place.) Anyway, because they all write so formally, I felt like I was reading one voice throughout the entire novel. I had a hard time picking out who was writing the letter until I read the close (unless, of course, they gave visual cues like “My dearest cousin Tassie,” which told me Ella was writing).

Because of the lack of character development, the use of overly flowery language, and the Mad Gab-esque feeling at the end, I didn’t enjoy Ella Minnow Pea as much as I would’ve liked. But, I do think it’s worth a read just for the sheer fun of seeing how the language evolves in the extreme circumstances the citizens find themselves in.

Freak. That’s what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna’s own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

I really wanted to like this book because the premise was so intriguing. In fact, the story had a lot of potential, but, in my opinion, it just fell flat.

First, I don’t feel like the few entries from Donna’s journal really added anything to the story. Sure, they were written in first person rather than third person like the rest of the story. But, the third-person point-of-view in this story is limited not omniscient so we’re not in anyone else’s head during the rest of the story either. If the story had been written in third-person omniscient, then it would’ve been different. Also, there weren’t enough of them to really be a part of the story. Instead, the few that there were seemed more like a hindrance than a help.

Second, I don’t feel like I was given enough information. For example, the Wood Queen tells Donna that she wants to “live our lives independent of the tithe.” Before this the tithe had been mentioned once when Donna’s friend Navin asked what it was. Donna, sort of, explained it to him: “The tithe is like a payment. A penalty of sorts. If [the wood elves] don’t pay it … well, I don’t really know what happens.” That’s as detailed as it gets. You never find out what the tithe is exactly or what type of penalty incurs if it’s not paid. Maybe, I need to read more books with fae or maybe it will be explained in one of the sequels, but I still would’ve liked to know what was going on while I was reading this book. (This is just one of many instances of not enough information.)

“You left out the part where the guy gets to kiss the beautiful girl.” Xan

Third and most importantly, I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. I liked Xan, but I wish I would’ve got to know him better. I had hardly any connection with Donna and absolutely none with Navin. I didn’t care whether Donna saved him. He could’ve rotted in the Ironwood for all I cared. His kidnapping was just a propellent for the story to move forward, and one I didn’t care about.

At this point, I’m not sure I want to read The Wood Queen when it comes out in February. I probably will, though, just because I want to see if the story gets any better, if I can finally connect to the characters, and if any of my questions get answered. But, I definitely won’t be waiting on pins and needles to read it.