Review: Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

Title: Kat, Incorrigible
Series: The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephens #1
Author: Stephanie Burgis | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Source: Galley Grab










Description via Goodreads:


Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she's inherited her mother's magical talents, and despite Stepmama's stern objections, she's determined to learn how to use them. But with her eldest sister Elissa's intended fiancé, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat's reckless heroism will be tested to the upmost. If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true love?


My thoughts:


Kat is the youngest of the widowed vicar’s three daughters, and the constant bane of her stepmother’s existence. When Kat discovers she has inherited her mother’s gift for magic she hopes she can find a way to solve her family’s financial woes that doesn’t involve her older sister marrying the frightening Sir Neville. The only catch is the magic is off limits so she can’t let anyone know about her new found talent. Kat manages to stir up all kinds of trouble along the way.

I have a list of things that seems to draw me to certain books. This list just happens to include magic, a strong-minded heroine, a historical time period, or an England setting. Kat, Incorrigible had ALL of these. This book was like my dream read come true. Oh how much do I adore this book! It was truly a breath of fresh air.

Don’t let the cartoon cover fool you. This is a book that can easily appeal to fantasy and magic fans of all ages. The precocious Kat is one of the most delightful heroines I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her hijinks never failed to entertain. The secondary characters contained the perfect amount of quirkiness. I have a soft spot for eccentric characters, and this little book was packed full of them. I loved the unique qualities each of the three sisters possessed and when you put them all together the sibling banter was so much fun. There is also a brother who I hope we’ll get to meet as this series continues.

The plot was a perfect mix of action and entertaining dialogue. I didn’t want to see it end! I can’t rave enough about this amazing book. I’m so glad it is a series debut and not a standalone novel. I can’t wait to tag along on more of Kat’s wild adventures. If I could give it a rating higher than 5 stars I would. Kat, Incorrigible is my newest favorite book! 

Review: The Secret of the Scarlet Stone by T.L Clarke

Title: The Secret of the Scarlet Stone
Series: Gabby Girls Adventures #1
Author: T. L Clarke | Author’s Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: MG/YA
Genre: Fantasy












Description from Goodreads:


Can You Help the Gabby Girls Solve the Clues? The Gabby Girls Adventure begins at the Vineswell Academy a very formal and strict elite all-girls school located just outside of upstate New York. The Gabby Girls, Gabrielle who is street-smart and very opinionated, Zora who is super-smart, Jessica who is painfully shy and a bit clumsy; and Rosalinda who is a diva and daddy's little-girl. They are drawn together by the only thing that they have in common, which is the mysterious scarlet pendant they each possess. But things seem even stranger when they find a clue that tempts them with the answer to the question they have longed to know. This unlikely bunch struggle to navigate through solving clue-after-clue. Each clue brings them closer to the key to unlocking their future and the answer to the mysterious deaths of their mothers. After all, Gabby Girls always stick together and everyday is an.........Gabby Girls Adventure! 


My thoughts:


The Secret of the Scarlet Stone introduces us to four brand new students at the prestigious girls school, Vineswell Academy. The four girls who happen to be roomed together quickly learn they have some very interesting things in common. When they discover a mysterious clue they begin an adventure that will change them all forever.


This is a book the tween and younger teen set will just devour. I love that the characters include four girls from greatly differing backgrounds and cultures. Two cheers for racial diversity! This leaves room for all readers to easily relate and bond with their favorites. The book begins by being told from Gabrielle’s POV. Her in your face attitude might be a little much for some readers, while others will admire her sass. Zora is the brains of the group, and seemed to provide a certain healthy balance the Gabby Girls needed. Rosalinda is beautiful and spoiled, but out of all the girls her character seemed to change the most over the course of the book. Last but not least is Jessica. She is timid and shy, but I have hope as the series progresses she will come out of her shell.


The author provided any clues waiting to be discovered at the beginning of the chapter. This gives it a very interactive feeling by allowing readers to figure out the mystery alongside the Gabby Girls. This is really a great little book especially for the middle grade crowd. Younger fans of fantasy and mysteries will have so much fun with this book. I’ll definitely recommend this series to my girls when they are older, and my friends with daughters in the 4th grade and up age group.

My rating:

Books in this series:

Source: Received from the author in exchange for my honest review

Review: Tell Us We’re Home by Marina Budhos

Title: Tell Us We’re Home
Author: Marina Budhos
Available: Now
Reading Level: YA


4 out of 5 Stars














Description from Goodreads:


Jaya, Maria, and Lola are just like the other eighth-grade girls in the wealthy suburb of Meadowbrook, New Jersey. They want to go to the spring dance, they love spending time with their best friends after school, sharing frappÉs and complaining about the other kids. But there’s one big difference: all three are daughters of maids and nannies. And they go to school with the very same kids whose families their mothers work for.

That difference grows even bigger—and more painful—when Jaya’s mother is accused of theft and Jaya’s small, fragile world collapses.

When tensions about immigrants start to erupt, fracturing this perfect, serene suburb, all three girls are tested, as outsiders—and as friends. Each of them must learn to find a place for themselves in a town that barely notices they exist.

Marina Budhos gives us a heartbreaking and eye-opening story of friendship, belonging, and finding the way home.

My thoughts:

Tell Us We’re Home is the story of three teenage girls who are the daughters of immigrants. Over the course of the novel the story alternates point of view, and each girl has the chance to tell her story. 

Jaya, Lola, and Maria all felt awkward and alone attending school with the children their parents work for. When they meet and discover they all have this in common an amazing friendship is formed. They make plans to attend the spring dance. When Jaya’s mother is accused of stealing the girls are no longer able to fly under the radar as racial tension grows.

This is a touching story that focuses on the struggles immigrants face. Each girl had their own set of obstacles to overcome, as well as the shared burden of feeling like they will never fit in. The author did an amazing job of giving each of the characters, with their differing cultural background and personalities, a unique voice. The plot moved at a steady pace. This is more of a character driven read. Jaya, Lola, and Maria are all very likable characters who make you want to keep reading with the hope life will begin to look up for them.

Tell Us We’re Home is a great book for tweens, teens, and adults alike. It is a very clean read, but the subject of discrimination is a heavy topic. I like that the author tackles this subject without making it overly scary because we all know it could be. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to even the older elementary school crowd, but I’d suggest being ready and willing to discuss the events that occur in Tell Us We’re Home with younger tweens and teens who may not fully grasp what can happen in our world. 


You can also read my interview with Jaya from Tell Us We’re Home here.

Marina Budhos on the web:

Website

Source:

ARC Review: The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier

Title: The Floating Islands
Author: Rachel Neumeier
Available: 2/8/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy


4 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


When Trei loses his family in a tragic disaster, he must search out distant relatives in a new land. The Floating Islands are unlike anything Trei has ever seen: stunning, majestic, and graced with kajurai, men who soar the skies with wings.

Trei is instantly sky-mad, and desperate to be a kajurai himself.  The only one who fully understands his passion is Araene, his newfound cousin.  Prickly, sarcastic, and gifted, Araene has a secret of her own . . . a dream a girl cannot attain.

Trei and Araene quickly become conspirators as they pursue their individual paths.  But neither suspects that their lives will be deeply entwined, and that the fate of the Floating Islands will lie in their hands. . . .


My thoughts:


Trei travels to The Floating Islands to find his mother’s family after his parents and sister are killed. He is immediately captivated by the kajurai who soar in the skies above The Floating Islands. Trei vows to become one. Grief-stricken and submerged in a world so different from where he was raised, he finds an unlikely friend and supporter in his cousin Araene. Araene has her own set of secret aspirations, and seems to feel a sense of relief that her cousin can be trusted. When tragedy strikes, they will have to rely on each other to save the place they call home from disaster.


I was immediately taken with the cover of The Floating Islands and couldn’t wait to read it. The chapters alternate between the point of view of two cousins, Trei and Araene. Both characters are well developed and likable. I did enjoy Araene’s POV much more than Trei’s. She was a perfect combo of sweet and sassy, and I felt her dialogue flowed better. Trei is a good character though, and I commend him for being able to move on after his devastating loss. It initially seemed the two cousins wouldn’t get along, and I was thrilled when the plot revealed that wasn’t the case. 


The world building was also well done. I was thoroughly impressed with the author’s vivid writing style. Everything was described with so much detail. Magic, dragons, and islands that float all add up to one fascinating premise. With a strong female and male lead, this book has the ability to appeal to fantasy fans of both genders. 


The Floating Islands contains some violence, but for the most part is a very clean read. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to my tween. The ending seemed to almost scream sequel, and if that is truly the case I look forward to reading it.

Rachel Neumeier on the web:

Website 

Source: Star Book Tours

Character Interview: Jaya from Tell Us We’re Home by Marina Budhos

Today I’m pleased to welcome Jaya, one of the characters from Tell Us We’re Home by Marina Budhos, to the blog!

Hi Jaya and welcome!

TFE: How did you feel when you learned you were leaving Trinidad to move to America?

Jaya: I felt strange.  So much had changed in my life, it was as if I wasn’t myself at all.  My father was no more, and my mother had grown stern and removed.  It’s as if I had no say over what was happening to us.  I know she thought it was going to be a fresh start, but I didn’t feel that way at all.  I was too sad and confused to understand our leaving.

 

 

TFE: If your father hadn’t passed away do you think you would have ever moved to America?

Jaya: I don’t think so, not right away.  A lot of people emigrate to the U.S. all the time, but my parents were happy where they were.  My father loved Port of Spain, he had his painting and his work, and my mother planned to be a nurse.  Sure, there are opportunities in America, but we felt cozy and right where we were.

 

TFE: Being the daughter of a maid wasn’t easy for you, but do you feel it gave you some advantages that the rich crowd at your school didn’t have?

 

Jaya: I didn’t feel those advantages until I became friends with Lola and Maria, and we started sharing stories. Then I felt a little as if I ‘had’ something on the other kids—I could see through them a little more and their games and popularity stuff seemed silly.  My mother tried to tell me I was better than those other kids—better behaved, more mature—but I didn’t exactly feel that way. Mostly I was sad because I had lost so much and I couldn’t figure out how to be in America. The only other way I felt as if I had an advantage is I think I’m comfortable being myself, not having to be with a crowd.  I can spend a whole afternoon drawing, or I don’t mind being with the grown-ups, or my mother’s friends in the park.  Some of those other girls seemed a little desperate to fit in or be on the top, and I feel lucky not to be driven by that so much.

 

TFE: When your mother was accused of stealing Mrs. Harmon’s jewelry what stopped you from asking her if she did it? Looking back now do you wish you would have asked her?

 

Jaya: Yes, I did, but I was so scared.  Some part of me believed she had stolen it, especially when I saw her sitting at the table trying on the earrings.  There was so much pleasure in her eyes, so much longing, I was sure that she couldn’t help herself.  I was terrified that my mother had changed so much that she would actually steal something valuable.

 

At the same time, I knew how she felt! All around me the kids had so many great things that their parents bought for them.  I also sometimes wanted to just steal what they had—that cool purple parka one girl wore or that pair of boots—it seemed to make them so alive, so part of things.  So maybe I was scared that my mother did it because I could imagine doing it too.

 

And there’s another thing: in Trinidad, we children don’t question our elders, right out like that.  It would be disrespectful.  And especially since my mother had grown very strict with me since we immigrated and she had so much responsibility, I didn’t think I could.

TFE: Your friendship with Lola and Maria seems to be one of a kind. Describe each of your two best friends with just one word.

 

Jaya: Maria: Giving

Lola: Crazy-smart (Okay, I know that’s cheating!)

TFE: What song comes to mind when you think of your friendship with Lola and Maria?

 

Jaya: Oh, that’s a hard one!

TFE: Can you offer any advice for teens who feel alone and like they don’t fit in with the popular crowd at school?

 

Jaya: Try to find the thing that’s yours, that you feel good about, even if it’s different. Try not to always pine after what other kids have.

 

 It was really hard for me because my mother was always on me about doing well in science and math because she wants me to be a nurse.  And probably I’ll do what my mother says.  But that doesn’t make me happy, doesn’t make me feel solid inside myself.  So if you’re in a crowd and they make you feel weird about yourself or you find yourself doing things that you don’t like, try to pull away.  It just isn’t worth it.  

 

TFE: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Do you think you’ll still be friends with Lola and Maria?

 

Jaya: Absolutely!  They’re my best friends and I can’t imagine going ahead without them.

Thanks so much for stopping by and giving readers the chance to get to know you better!

Check out the trailer for Tell Us We’re Home:

Review: The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson

Title: The Familiars
Series: The Familars #1
Authors: Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson
Available: Now
Reading Level: Middle Grade (Adults & teens will love it too!)


5 out of 5 Stars








Description from Goodreads:


After three young wizard apprentices are kidnapped by the evil queen of a distant land, it is up to their familiars, their magical animal companions -- a street smart alley cat, a precocious blue jay, and a bumbling tree frog -- to save them.


My thoughts:


Aldwyn the alley cat, finds himself hiding in a shop of wizard’s familiars while trying to escape the bounty hunter chasing him. Much to his surprise he is chosen by young wizard Jack to be his familiar. He is taken to Jack’s home, where he meets two other young wizards along with their familiars. A blue jay named Skylar, and a tree frog named Gilbert. When their loyals are captured, it is up to the three animals to rescue them. 


This book was so much fun! A fabulous cast of characters. I think Gilbert might be my favorite. We have a tree frog who visits us in our back yard who I’m now calling Gilbert. Unfortunately, I don’t think he has the ability to receive puddle visions. Yes, puddle visions. That is just a taste of the magical goodness this book contains. Aldwyn was so noble, and I couldnt help but to think of my own kitty who had the misfortune of losing a corner of his ear when he decided to sneak out a few months ago. Aldwyn relied heavily on the street smarts he had gained growing up as an orphan. Much to his surprise life as an alley cat turned out to be an advantage with obstacles they faced on their journey. Know it all, Skylar the blue jay, rounds out the trio nicely. Her knowledge and common sense helps to keep them out of trouble. The places the characters visit, and the dangers they encountered were so imaginative. The bad guys were beyond creative, and like nothing I’ve seen in other novels. This is fantasy done right!


Fans of magic and fantasy will fall in love with this book. I know I did. Even my husband who isn’t a reader couldn’t help but show an interest in this one. The cover, in all it’s adorableness, definitely attracts attention. An inventive and captivating read. I’d highly recommend The Familiars to fantasy lovers of all ages! 

Adam & Andrew on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

Source: Publisher