Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann
Release Date – Feburary 8 2011
Publisher – Simon Pulse
Pages - 233
My Rating- 6.5/10

Here is the synopsis from GoodReads

The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on... until Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad. Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the towns people will go to keep their secrets buried

I went into reading this book not really knowing what to expect. I had not read any of the author’s previous books so I was not aware of her writing style. I am not sure if her other books are the same style, but I am not sure if it’s for me.

This book was one that I neither liked nor disliked. Everything was just sort of middle ground for me. I liked the mystery aspect and was looking for more from it.

I did enjoy Kendall. The character provided a unique perspective due to her OCD. It’s not a perspective I had experienced in a novel before. I don’t have firsthand experience with OCD so I am not sure how accurate the portrayal was though.

I also enjoyed the romance between Kendall and Jacian. It was what saved this book for me. It was a sweet, innocent romance. I feel that romance was stronger than the mystery aspect of the novel.

The first half of the book felt slower than the second half. The second half is full of creepy, horrific things and sadly they are dealt with rather quickly at the end. I would have liked to go into more detail. It just felt like the novel was hitting the good part and then it was over.

I would recommend it if you are a fan of the author’s previous books. I am curious to see if her other books have the same writing style so I may eventually read another one of her books.

Follow Friday/Book Blogger Hop

I want to thank Christy at Reader Bee. I found out about this weekly post by following her! So thank you Christy.
Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends. This weeks question is:

Q. Just like Ashley said (love it) "Ashley the girl..." who are You the Boy/Girl, instead of You the Blogger?
I am Kathy. I am 30 years old (well in April I will be). When I am not reading/blogging/etc I am working as a travel agent. I love to travel and have been lucky to have seen quite a few places. I have 1 pet - a cat named Aria.



Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com. It's a great way to meet new people and friends around the blogworld!

Today's question is

"If I gave you £50 (or $80) and sent you into a bookshop right now, what would be in your basket when you finally staggered to the till?"
I would do a lot of preorders
I would preorder Wither, City of Fallen Angels, The Goddess Test and Starcrossed. I am sure that would take up the $80 (if not more).
If you do comment or follow me please leave a link to your blog post so I can take at a look at yours in return.
Happy Friday everyone.

Mortal Instruments City of Fallen Angels Trailer #1

The first trailer for City of Fallen Angels was released yesterday. It is one of the most anticipated releases in YA this year.

I am a huge fan of this series, and really enjoy Cassandra Clare's writing style.

This trailer fills you in on some of the happenings from the first 3 books. (so maybe some spoilers if you haven't read the first 3).

There will be 4 more trailers leading up to the release date of April 5!

Enjoy!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My selection this Wednesday is Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini.

Here is the GoodReads synopsis

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

This is a Greek mythology based novel. It’s based on the Helen of Troy tale. The cover is simply beautiful. Very striking. The premise is what hooked me though. I love great tragic romances and the Helen of Troy/Paris romance fits that. I am looking forward to seeing what the author has done with the tale.

Expected release date is May 31st 2011 by HarperTeen.

The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen - Trailer

I have decided that every Tuesday I will post a trailer. It could be a book trailer, or a movie trailer that is based on a book.

The first trailer I am posting is for The Vampire Stalker. I was intrigued by this novel from the synopsis. You can find out more on GoodReads.

The trailer just makes me more excited for it to come out!

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Release Date – February 1, 2011
Publisher – HarperTeen
Pages - 441
My Rating- 9/10
The synopsis from GoodReads:

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.

I want to start with a minor issue I had before I begin to gush. If there was one thing I would have liked to have read in the book it would be an explanation on how the society got to the point where people were willing to get the procedure. How did this even come into being? I hope we get some of those details in the two books. I just can’t wrap my head around how people would have accepted it. It didn’t distract from my enjoyment of the novel, just something I kept thinking about. I am anxiously awaiting the next book, especially after that AMAZING ending.

Ok, now on to the gushing. I thought this premise was intriguing and I was excited to read it. I wasn’t prepared for the impact this novel would have on me however.

During the process of Lena discovering love I was reminded of what it felt like to be in those early stages of infatuation. The beginning of a relationship where everything reminds you of the other person, you’re always thinking of them, and you’re giddy all the time. We’re all lucky it eventually balances out and we can begin to think straight but new love is intoxicating. It’s the rush of hormones and chemicals that makes it a pretty unique high. I couldn’t help but be reminded of how awesome this feeling is.

It’s not just the romantic type of love that is addressed in the novel. Lena and her best friend Hana made me want to talk to my own best friend right away. The bond between them is sweet and real. I really enjoyed Lena’s interactions with Grace as well (without giving anything away, Grace is kind of my hero).

Once I had finished the novel I was overcome with the feeling of being grateful. Grateful that I am able to feel and experience love; whether it’s the romantic love, the love for my family and friends, or simply the love of a relaxing rainy day with a good book and a glass of wine. The fact that we can experience any of these emotions is what it means to be truly alive. The alternative of being numb and just going through the motions is a scary thought. It’s this that makes the book so haunting. Even the opposite emotions (like sadness) are important to feel. I think that the highs would not be as great without the lows.

To quote the author who put is so eloquently in her dedication -

“For all the people who have infected me with amor deliria nervosa in the past – you know who you are. For the people who will infect me in the future – I can’t wait to see who you’ll be. And in both cases: Thank you”

I could not agree more.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
My selection this Wednesday is The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter.


Here is the GoodReads synopsis

Every girl who has taken the test has died.

Now it's Kate's turn.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

If she fails...

The cover is so pretty. It's being published by Harlequin Teen and they did a fantastic job. Also, Henry...he already sounds like he might just be my next book boyfriend. haha.

The premise is unique and I do love Greek mythology. I am VERY excited to get my hands on this one.

Expected release date is April 26th.