ARC Review: What Comes After by Steve Watkins

Title: What Comes After
Author: Steve Watkins | Author Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Contemporary












Description via Goodreads:


After her veterinarian dad dies, sixteen-year-old Iris Wight must leave her beloved Maine to live on a North Carolina farm with her hardbitten aunt and a cousin she barely knows. Iris, a vegetarian and animal lover, immediately clashes with Aunt Sue, who mistreats the livestock, spends Iris’s small inheritance, and thinks nothing of striking Iris for the smallest offense. Things come to a head when Iris sets two young goats free to save them from slaughter, and an enraged Aunt Sue orders her brutish son, Book, to beat Iris senseless - a horrific act that lands Book and his mother in jail. Sent to live with an offbeat foster family and their "dooking" ferrets, Iris must find a way to take care of the animals back at the farm, even if it means confronting Aunt Sue. Powerful and deeply moving, this compelling novel affirms the redemptive power of animals and the resilience of the human spirit.


My thoughts:


Iris’s mother split years ago and now that her father has passed away she finds herself stuck living with an aunt she doesn’t even know. She has to move from her home state of Maine to small town North Carolina. From the moment she meets Aunt Sue at the airport Iris seems to realize life is not going to be the same. To say Aunt Sue is tough would be an understatement. She is cruel and seems to turn to violent forms of discipline with ease. 


Iris quickly develops an attachment to the goats Aunt Sue raises. When the two male goats are sentenced for slaughter Iris reacts quickly to save their lives. She seriously ticks off her aunt in the process and finds herself beaten senseless by her aunt and cousin. This lands them in jail, Iris in foster care, and the goats left to fend for themselves. Iris quickly realizes desperate times call for desperate measures.


What Comes After contains two elements that I typically shy away from when it comes to choosing books to read. Child abuse and animal abuse. I was hesitant, but with all the glowing reviews I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. While it was without a doubt a heartbreaking story of loss, it is also an empowering tale of survival. 


Iris is a wonderful protagonist who was very easy to connect with. I absolutely adored watching her growing bond with the animals on her aunt’s farm. The progression of her relationship with her aunt and cousin was much harder to experience. I’m still amazed I read it so quickly with the amount of heavy topics it contains. Iris’s voice flowed so smoothly while she told her story. I found I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading. 


The moments when she remembered the times she helped her veterinarian father care for animals were some of my favorites. Being a huge animal lover it definitely helped me to connect with Iris almost immediately. The animals in this book were also utterly endearing. If I had to pick a favorite animal, goats would be high on the list. They are packed full of so much personality and love to play. We had the chance to visit a goat farm a few years ago and my entire family had a blast. I found playing with the goats didn’t differ much from playing with a dog. I loved how easily the author captured their playful nature on the pages of What Comes After.


Some of the events that occurred over the course of What Comes After were gruesome. I admit to skimming a certain scene because emotionally I just couldn’t handle it. If you read this there will be tears. It is one of those books that just wreaks havoc on your heart and emotions. I’m so glad I didn’t pass this one by. I highly recommend it to fans of YA contemporaries.

My Rating:

Source:

Review: Alien Invasion & Other Inconveniences by Brian Yansky (Blog Tour)

Title: Alien Invasion & Other Inconveniences
Author: Brian Yansky
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult




4.5 out of 5 Stars










Description from Goodreads:


A polite race of telepathic killer aliens, a ten-second world conquest, and one teenage boy collide in this wry, gutsy adventure.

Jesse is in history class when a formidable, efficient race of aliens quietly takes over the earth in less time than it takes him to brush his teeth. Most humans simply fall asleep and never wake up. In moments, everyone Jesse knows and loves is gone, and he finds that he is now a slave to an inept alien leader. On the bright side, Jesse discovers he’s developing telepathic powers, and he’s not the only one. Soon he’s forging new friendships and feeling unexpectedly hopeful. When a mysterious girl appears in his dreams, talking about escaping, Jesse begins to think the aliens may not be invincible after all. But if Jesse and his friends succeed, is there anywhere left to go? Brian Yansky offers a funny, grim novel packed with everything boys and sci-fi fans love: aliens, humor, action, and a healthy dose of triumph.


My thoughts:


Jesse finds himself among the small group of survivors left after Earth is invaded by aliens. His classification as superior product lands him an assignment living at the alien leaders’s home. While there he meets other survivors (also superior product), and friendships are formed. They hope for escape and survival, but know breaking through the alien security measures would be impossible. When Jesse begins to visit a girl in his dreams, who just happens to have inside info about the aliens, his dream of escape starts to feel possible.


Alien Invasion & Other Inconveniences is a fast paced, and engaging read. At just 240 pages I was relieved it didn’t have the issues with plot pacing, and lack of character development that I’ve run into with other books of similar length. It wasn’t rushed, and the characters felt like friends by the time I reached the end. The ending left me to hope we might see more of Jesse and his friends in future books.


Jesse is a great main character. I enjoyed reading from his point of view, and found his alternate swear words hilarious. Some of the situations were a little darker than I’d anticipated, but there was enough fun to balance it out nicely. Reading the correspondence between head alien, and the important people back on the home planet, Sanginia, was a great addition. It was nice to know what was going on with both sides of the battle. 


Even if you don’t think aliens are your thing, I’d recommend giving this one a try. It’s a fantastic story of survival, and has a great message when it comes to how we treat our planet. Maybe the fear of alien takeover is just the motivation we need to be more environmentally conscious.

Brian Yansky on the web:

Website

Other stops on the Alien Invasion & Other Inconveniences blog tour can be found here. Author Brian Yansky will be here tomorrow to offer advice on how to prepare for an alien invasion. You don’t want to miss it!

Source:  The Teen Book Scene

ARC Review: Girl Parts by John M. Cusick

Title: Girl Parts
Author: John M. Cusick
Available: Now
Publisher: Candlewick
Number of Pages:
Reading Level: Young Adult


4 out of 5 Stars










Description from Goodreads:


"Hello, David. My name is Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We are now entering minute two of our friendship. According to my Intimacy Clock, a handshake is now appropriate…"

David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot to encourage healthy bonds and treat "dissociative disorder," he can’t get enough of luscious red-headed Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Severed from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal "companion" is about to become her own best friend. 


My thoughts:


Girl Parts opens with a girl committing suicide to a live internet audience. David inadvertently witnesses the streaming video, and his parents become concerned. After a meeting with his guidance counselor they decide a robotic “companion” might be just what he needs. Companion Rose arrives in a box, and David is immediately awed by how lifelike (and hot) she is. Elsewhere is loner Charlie. He isn’t one of the cool kids. He’d prefer to spend his time studying plant life as opposed to partying with the popular crowd. When David breaks Rose’s heart, Charlie must help pick up the pieces.


The entire premise of this book was seriously clever. Dark at moments, yet able to make you laugh during others. This is really something special. It has the necessities to appeal to both male and female readers. Two interesting male protags, and a little bit of mushy romance for readers that dig that sort of thing. I was under the impression this would be a quick, light read. While it was fun, and I read it in just a few hours, it packs a punch and makes you think. 


Does contain emotionally heavy content (suicide), sexual situations, drinking, and language. I’d be ok with recommending this to my children if they were 14 or older. 

John M. Cusick on the web:

Girl Parts Website | Blog | Twitter

*Received from Around the World Tours

Review: The Body at the Tower by Y. S Lee (The Agency #2)

Title: The Body at the Tower
Author: Y. S Lee
Series: The Agency Book #2
Available: Now
Publisher: Candlewick
Number of Pages:
Reading Level: Young Adult


5+ out of 5 Stars


*Spoilers for the first book below*




Description from Y. S Lee’s website:


July 1859. A bricklayer falls to his death from the Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament – the most recent horror in a string of scandals that plagues the building site. With the British people eagerly watching the installation of Big Ben, Mary Quinn disguises herself as a 12-year-old boy laborer to uncover the grim truth. Her fellow workers are suspicious. Mary’s secret past distracts her. And then James Easton returns…


My thoughts:


In The Body at the Tower, we meet up with the lovely Mary Quinn again. About a year has passed since we last saw her in A Spy in the House. She is offered an assignment at a local building site where a suspicious death has occurred. Mary will have to play the part of a young boy. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mary accepts even though she knows this assignment will most likely stir up memories from her life before Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls saved her from execution. While working incognito, James Easton comes back into her life. Worried about blowing her cover, Mary continues to behave as a young boy named Mark Quinn, while wondering if James suspects who she might really be.


I was so excited to spend time with Mary again. She continues to struggle with the mixed heritage she is afraid to claim, but also ashamed to deny. We catch a glimpse of a more emotional side of Mary in this novel, as she reflects on the course her life has taken. I love the growth her character experiences during this installment.  I was ecstatic to see James return. I think a fist pump might have occurred along with a "Yippee it’s James!”. I was convinced his leaving for India was the end for him and Mary. Things continue to be on the complicated side for these two, but I absolutely love the chemistry they create. The ending was a little disheartening, and is bound to make the wait for the next book feel like forever. 


I don’t hide my love for The Agency novels, and recommend them to others every chance I get. I gave The Spy in the House 5 Stars. I loved the newest addition even more, and felt it deserved my first 5+ rating. I can’t say enough about these books. Intriguing mysteries, fascinating characters, an interesting setting, and enough romance to satisfy without overshadowing the plot. Even those who aren’t fans of historical books should check these out. Mary Quinn might just change your mind. I’m so sad this is just a trilogy, and not a series I can enjoy for years to come.

Y. S Lee on the web:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Books in this series:

A Spy in the House - My Review

A Body at the Tower

*Received from publisher for review.

ARC Review: Stork by Wendy Delsol

Title: Stork 
Author: Wendy Delsol
Release Date: 10/12/2010
Publisher: Candlewick
Reading Level: Young Adult




4.5 out of 5 Stars








Description from Goodreads:


Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she’s a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born. Add to that Wade, the arrogant football star whom Katla regrettably fooled around with, and Jack, a gorgeous farm boy who initially seems to hate her. Soon Katla is having freaky dreams about a crying infant and learns that, as children, she and Jack shared a near-fatal, possibly mystical experience. Can Katla survive this major life makeover and find a dress for the homecoming dance?


My thoughts:


Katla has been forced to relocate from sunny California to frigid Minnesota after her parent’s divorce. The adjustment to the rural setting and freezing temperatures is proving to be difficult. Blown off by Wade, the guy she made out with after a serious lapse in judgement, Katla finds herself on the bad side of both him and his catty on again off again girlfriend. She has also managed to become the focus of farm boy Jack’s irritation after a heated conversation involving what Katla thinks must be a case of mistaken identity. Even though she claims to dislike him, he is occupying her thoughts almost constantly. On top of all that she is also the newest member, much to her dismay, of a secret society of women who help choose mom’s for the spirits of unborn babies. She is now responsible for this enormous task while trying to fit in with the locals. All this stress and not a Starbucks in sight! 


I was thrilled to pick up another 2010 debut novel, and be blown away yet again. I absolutely loved this book. I was desperately in need of something unique, and Stork fit the bill perfectly. Katla was a fabulous protagonist. I loved her sarcasm whether it be via her inner voice, or dialogue between her and other characters. I adored the quirky residents, and small town setting. The legends and folklore weaved into the plot were fascinating. The country boy meets city girl romance was delightful. Jack is too sweet, and I loved how he helped Katla find balance between her California persona, and her new Midwest life. The eccentric group of old ladies that made up the Icelandic Stork Society, Local 414 in their wild and crazy hats were so much fun. Stork is an amazingly good combination of fantasy and romance. Sequel pretty please!

Wendy Delsol on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

Review: A Spy in the House by Y.S Lee

Title:  A Spy in the House (The Agency #1)
Author:  Y.S Lee
Available:  Now
Publisher: Candlewick
Number of pages:  335
Reading Level: Young Adult

5 out of 5 Stars!

I borrowed this book from my local public library.






Description from Goodreads:


Introducing an exciting new series! Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue, this diverting mystery trails a feisty heroine as she takes on a precarious secret assignment.

Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust — or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets — including those of her own past.


My thoughts:


What a delightfully unique book!  I was engrossed from the moment I met Mary Quinn.  The idea is so very different from anything else I’ve read.  It was like a historical Nancy Drew novel.  In the prologue we meet 12 year old Mary. She is found guilty of theft, and sentenced to hang for her crime. I was so relieved to see her given a second chance in the form of Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. Chapter one jumps ahead several years and we meet older Mary. While most girls raised in this time period want to be mothers and wives, Mary is all about the Victorian Girl Power!  She’s an empowering character, and an excellent role model.  Just a young woman striving to make a mark in the world while keeping secrets from her past buried. What secrets? You’ll have to read and see.  


A Spy in the House is a book I had trouble putting down.  It is beautifully written,  contains inventive characters, and hosts an intricate plot.  A first-rate start to a new young adult trilogy.  I can’t wait to read the next installment, A Body at the Tower.

Y.S Lee on the web:

Website | Twitter | Facebook