For All You-Twilight Crazed Fans Out There :D

Hey, guys, the official cover of Breaking Dawn has been revealed!

And, there's an excerpt of it up on Entertainment Weekly!

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury

There's always something that moulds you into who you are. For best friends, Chris and Win, that something was a bike trip across the country. Together they set off on their trek, learn priceless lessons and gain memories.

The trip is going along perfectly.

Until.

Win decided to abandon Chris just as they're reaching the homestretch, leaving an upset and furious Chris to complete the journey by himself.

And then come the other consequences of Win's behavior.

Chris is left to deal with the aftermath as he starts his freshman year at college. First, Chris's parents want to know what happened to Win and on top of that Win's overbearing father sends an FBI agent to question Chris on Win's location. Despite Chris's lack of knowledge, Win's father holds the security of Chris' father's job over his head.

That's when Chris realizes one thing. He has to find Win before anyone else does.

But the real question is...what's best for Win?

Personally I generally don't pursue books with male leads as I can't relate to them nearly as well. All I can say is, I'm overjoyed that I took the plunge and read this book.

Firstly, I adored the set up of the novel, with it's alternating chapters between the past and present. I didn't find it confusing in the slightest and neither part overshadowed the other.

I felt like the secondary characters such as Chris's and Win's parents were rather flat but Chris was developed perfectly and was a character most would be able to relate too easily. (I mean my scrawny, and obviously unathletic sister could *cough RR2*)

Finally (as I really do have to go back to my homework), I'd like to comment on Jennifer Bradbury's writing style. I can't say there's anything in particular that stood out for me. Except the way she wrote the book was perfect. Really. The book is riveting, from the start to the finish, once I started I was unable to stop until I'd consumed the entire book.

So basically, anyone (boy, girl, alien...) should pick Jennifer Bradbury's debut (Class of 2k8 baby!) up. And if you don't love it...please come see me so I can set you straight.

9/10

Happy Reading,

Reader Rabbit

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Unwinding- the “abortion” of a child between the ages of 13 and 18.

The Bill of Life declares that a person’s life cannot be terminated, starting from conception and ending at age thirteen. After that, well, your life’s out for the taking. If your parents decide that they no longer want you they can “abort” you.

Justifiable?

Maybe, because unwinding doesn’t “technically” kill you. Being an unwind is sort of like being an organ donor, all your parts are sent to different people. So, really, you’re alive. After all, your body parts are still living and working- they’re just no longer living and working together.

But some teens are unwilling to go down without a fight.

Conor is the kind of guy, with, say, an anger management problem. A problem that led his parents to sign the unwind order. And, it’s that very problem that may help him save his life.

Declared a tithe from birth, Lev was born to be an unwind. And he’s ready to be terminated. Or so he thinks.

Risa is a piano-playing orphan. Unfortunately, the government’s decided that her piano playing isn’t up to their high standards and frankly, she’s a liability. And the best thing to do with liabilities? Uh, get rid of them. *

What will happen when theses three meet?

Forced together by fate, the three unwinds vow to escape the government. No matter what the cost.

Unwind is good in a creepy keep-you-up-at-night sort of way. Thought-provoking and engaging, Neal Shusterman will have you questioning your beliefs on religion, abortion and life itself. In a way, it reminded me of Margaret Peterson Haddix’s Shadow Children series.

In typical Neal Shusterman style, this book is startlingly readable, action-packed and filled with thrills that will keep the readers turning the pages. The characters are fully realistic and make fully believable changes throughout the book.

I particularly liked the way Lev changed throughout the book, changing from a tithe who was happy to be unwound to something much different. With Lev, (much like the entire book) things are not as they always seem.

And that’s just how I like it.


8/10

Happy Reading,
Reader Rabbit the Second

*That's what I did to Reader Rabbit. I mean, where do you think she's been for the last couple of weeks?! HA, just kidding....

Sucks to Be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire (maybe) by Kimberly Pauley

Mina’s the stereotypical teenage girl. Well, she fits the criteria...kind of. Boy troubles? Check. Crazy uncle (that her family would like to keep in the attic)? Uh, check. Oh, and did I mention that her parents are vampires? Well, they are and they’ve just confronted her with a question that could change her life forever. To be a vampire or not to be: a question that relentlessly plagues Mina in the four weeks that she has to make this crucial decision. Of course, according to the Council, her decision mustn’t be influenced by her parents. Which is why they’ve declared her the aforementioned crazy uncle to be her sponsor while simultaneously putting her in vampire classes. And as the four weeks draws to a close Mina is forced to weigh both sides and make the Final Decision.

Throughout the four weeks, the reader is introduced to an assortment of fully-developed characters. There’s the ever-so-unique and incredibly embarrassing Uncle Mortie,

If someone asked if you were related to Uncle Mortie you would immediately say, “Uh, no….What makes you think so? Is it because we have the same nose? I mean, what a coincidence! We look so alike. Strange really…we’re not related at all.” *distracts bystander with a shiny object*

Okay, maybe you wouldn’t do that. But I totally would.

In any case, Uncle Mortie is a fascinating character and it is he who manages to reveal some of the complications of the vampire species in a rather interesting story…

Another great thing is that Kimberly Pauley doesn’t isolate the novel to things only directly related to vampires or her decision but branches it out, incorporating real aspects of teenage life which makes it easier for the average teen to relate to.

Throughout the book, Kimberly Pauley is able to capture Mina’s voice. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the author interacts with teens on a daily basis. But whatever it was, I LOVED it.

But probably the best thing about this book was the originality factor . There were so many places that the author could have gone down the clichéd road but she didn’t-keeping the book not only original but also absolutely hilarious.

Also, I know we shouldn’t judge the book by its cover but I think the cover was incredibly well-designed and reflected the book very well. The cover shows how Pauley’s debut novel is the sort of book that reluctant and non-reluctant readers will enjoy. Basically, if you’re looking for humour or really just a good read you’ll find it here.
And, despite the fact that I’m not a fan of most vampire novels (that’s my older sister), I’m a fan of this one and I’m VERY much hoping for a sequel.

Happy Reading,
Reader Rabbit the Second…..and Reader Rabbit

*Sucks to be Me will be released August 26, 2008! Remember to pick up your copy then.

Legacy- Cayla Kluver

Years ago, forty-nine boys vanished from the Kingdom of Hytanica, abducted by the Cokyrians. All of their bodies were returned.

Except for one.

Flash foward, 16 years later.

It's been peaceful these past years and now it's time for Hytanica's 17 year old Princess Alera to pick a suitor, someone to take over the throne.

And that's when Alera meets Narian, a teenage Cokyrian boy. Slowly, they develop a relationship and Narian shows Alera that there is more to life than fufilling her duties as princess.

However, when secrets are unearthed and war beckons again, Alera and Narian's paths are set, Alera must fufill her duty while Narian must battle his destiny.

Opinion: Because this book was written by a fifteen year old girl, I don't think that I can fairly compare it with other books I've read, so I'm just going to go with what I thought of it as something written by a teenage girl.

In that aspect, Legacy is probably one of the better stories I've read. Kluver's writing was descriptive, though at times a bit overelaborated, but otherwise the story was described realistically and you could see and hear the characters.

The plot, while predictable, was true to the fantasy genre and shows the promise of Kluver as a future writer.

I found the characters to be slightly flat but it was enjoyable to read about them.

If you're a huge fantasy lover or love reading YA fiction (especially that written by a young adult herself), buy Cayla Kluver's Legacy at Amazon!!

Happy Reading
Reader Rabbit


ALSO DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT

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Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

Lisa Kleypas's venture from historical romance, Sugar Daddy, is terrific. The book starts when a young teen, Liberty, and her mother move into a trailer in Welcome, Texas where Liberty meets Hardy Cates.

Liberty's life is sparse of luxury, her single mother works hard to take care of Liberty and when Liberty's mother becomes pregnant, Liberty steps in to take care of her younger sister, essentially becoming Carrington's mother.

An adolescent when she first meets Hardy, Liberty falls for him and Hardy reciprocates the gesture. He's the support that Liberty needs in her life, and gives her someone to rely upon.

However, he refuses to become involved with Liberty as his deepest wish is to leave Welcome and start afresh. Sadly, his attempt at keeping themselves emotionally detached from each other fails. When Hardy leaves Welcome, he takes away a piece of Liberty's heart.

After tragedy strikes Liberty's family, she is left to be the mother of her two year old sister. Determined to make a life for her family, Liberty finds a job, friends and eventually meets someone,who may just help her enjoy her life again

But when it all ends up in a love triangle between the guy Liberty's loved forever and the man who helped Liberty loved her life again...what will she choose?

RabbitThinks:

I know this isn't at all part of the genres I usually review, but this time I just couldn't resist. Lisa Kleypas wrote a fantabulous book, really. The story is 3-D, the sole focus on the book isn't the romance. The way mother-daughter love, the love between sisters and lovelove are portrayed in this book, are heart-wrenching and wonderful. Kleypas's characterization is realistic and thorough, it was so easy to relate to Liberty though we have practically nothing in common.

I'm pretty sure you can guess where this is leading up too.

This honestly is one of my favorite books of all time and I think everyone (Older Teen+) should read this book for sure

Rating 11/10 (Carrots don't even describe it. I'm talking chocolate. Better than chocolate ..[and how is that ever possible])


HAPPY READING,
READER RABBIT UNO

Chasing Windmills by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Sebastian is seventeen and living what you could call, well, an abnormal life. He’s never watched a movie, rarely leaves the house and has no friends except for his neighbour, Delilah. But one subway ride is about to change his life and open doors that were closed on him by his overbearing father.

Maria Arquette has been married since she was fifteen. She has two children and one husband, more specifically-one abusive husband. She’s lost her job but she’s afraid to tell her husband for fear of the consequences. Instead, she boards the subway every night when it’s time for work and rides it back and forth.

And one day, the two of them lock eyes across the subway and feel an undeniable connection. Both of their lives are about to change and hopefully they change for the better…because it can’t get any worse, right?

It’s hard to describe exactly why this book is so good. I’d say it has the most to do with the author’s writing. Catherine Ryan Hyde’s writing will pull you in-her writing is simply intoxicating. In fact, as soon as I started this book I had to finish it.
The author’s writing brings the characters to life. Their issues, their reactions-all seem so real. I’d say that even her secondary characters are well fleshed out. Catherine Ryan Hyde’s strengths lie in making the reader care about the characters. The entire book is laced with emotion and the author never skates around any issues. And I’m just going to mention that I loved, loved, the ending!

One more thing-the title is perfect for the book!


Happy Reading,
Reader Rabbit the Second

P.S. Em is holding an awesome contest for How to Be Bad, Footfree and Fancyloose and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. All you have to do is tell her what your dream team would be!

123 Meme

I was memed by
Jordyn from Page Numbered
Ambeen from Ravenous Reader Reviews
Dominique from The Book Vault
Reviewer X
And Abby O

The rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people and post a comment to the person who tagged you once you've posted your three sentences.

Logically speaking, I knew he was right. Still, I felt positive about the outcome. Somehow I would get time alone with my Lane.

I tag
Medeia of The Maelstorms
Amor Y Libros
Stephanie from Someone`s Read it Already
Enna Isilee from Squeaky Books
Anidori Isilee from Kinsmen of the Shelf



Oh, and anyone want to take a guess at which book that was? Here are your choices:

1.Tyrell by Coe Booth
2. Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins
3.Skin by Adrienne Vrettos
4. Breaking Up is Hard to Do by Lynda Sandoval, Terri Clark, Ellen Hopkins and Niki Burham

Post your guesses in the comments!


ETA: And the answer is NUMBER TWO....strange, right?

THE HOST: STEPHENIE MEYER

Soooo. Guess what? I’m back (well more like I’m procrastinating about math but who cares about technicalities)

Anyways.

Remember Twilight and all that craze surrounding it?

You should. Especially because Stephenie Meyer’s back...only this time with her latest adult novel, The Host.

Now, let’s be honest here. I’m sure many people have had doubts about whether or not
Stephenie Meyer can write something without having the gorgeous Edward support her task, not to mention some people (including a friend) have begun to think that Stephenie Meyer is overrated.

Well, guys, I hate to say this but (actually I'm happy to say this)...The Host was terrific. In fact it pretty much beat all the sci-fi I’ve ever read, and I’ve read my fair share.

So let’s get down to the...

Summary (sorry about the disjointedness of this review if there is some. Permutations are cruel)

The world has been taken over by “souls” (small aliens who are implanted at the back of a human’s neck.) These souls are innocent, trustful and peace loving and they believe their coming is bringing peace to the formerly violence torn Earth. Only there are still some humans left and they don’t want to lose their bodies to the aliens.

This story really begins when Wanderer is injected to her host body, Melanie Stryder. However, Melanie’s body is no ordinary body. Melanie, part of the human resistance, refuses to fade away and give Wanderer full control of her body. Melanie’s stubbornness force Wanderer and Melanie to share Melanie’s body and Melanie’s memories cause Wanderer to fall in love with Jared, Melanie’s true love and also force Wanderer to care about Melanie’s younger brother, Jamie.
Melanie is eventually able to convince Wanderer to find Jamie and Jared in the Arizona desert and Wanderer and Melanie begin a life in the desert with the rest of the remaining humans as the humans slowly begin to trust and care about Wanderer.

So..?

Do you ever get that feeling, when you’re opening a brand new book, that you might, JUST MIGHT, get let down?

I had that feeling when cracking open The Host.

I’ve been an avid Twilight fan since the books first came out. Think along the lines of those scary obsessed young teens.

I reread Twilight every single week for ages.

Actually, until New Moon came out. My obsession died a bit after that. But I was still a huge fan.

In anycase, I was worried that The Host would, for a lack of a better term, suck.
Luckily, all my fears were unfounded. Stephenie Meyer’s book was beautiful. If you’re the crying type (which I’m not) , you might find yourself bawling your eyes out while reading parts of this book. (Good tears guys!)
Make a long story short

Buy. The. Host. Now.

ASAP.

RATING: 9/10 (it's even better than carrots!!)

HAPPY READING,
Reader Rabbit