Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, #1)
by Rachel Caine

YA Paranormal
256 pages, softcover
Target Reader: 14+

Penguin Group
978-0451219947
Release Date: October 2006



From the publisher:

Welcome to Morganville, Texas.
Just don't stay out after dark.

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero.

When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

Read Sample Chapters HERE.

Do not read this book.

Seriously.

Unless you're prepared to buy the entire series and lock yourself away, neglect your house, your kids, your husband—and just read, read, read until you're done.

Because it was that good. And if you're thinking you can read just one book at a time, think again. This is the Lays potato chip of vampire stories—and each book ends with a killer cliff-hanger.

But to back up a bit. . . My sister has been bugging me to find her a "book like Twilight" for ages now. And there isn't one. Not really. But I've been reading vampire books off and on for months now and while some of them are good, most of them have way to much swearing, violence and sex for my tastes.

But this series is really good. Oh wait. I said that already, didn't I?

This is how good it was—I started reading Glass Houses (book 1) on Friday after work. Finished at about 11:00 p.m.

Do you want to know how Glass Houses ends? Yes, you do. It ends with one of the main characters two seconds away from having a knife plunged into his heart! Not fair at all. (Unless, of course, you have a Kindle and you can immediately order book two and start reading it in less than a minute!) (Message to DH: Thank you, thank you, thank you—I love my Kindle!)

Okay. So. Main character is Claire, who is sixteen, extra smart and ready to go off to college. Her parents won't let her go to MIT or Yale because they are too far away and she is too young. They send her to a small college nearby, thinking it will be better for her. What they don't know, but Claire soon discovers, is the town is ruled by vampires. And the college is ruled by a snotty girl named Monica, who pushes Claire down the stairs and threatens to kill her. Claire moves out of the dorm and into a house with two guys and another girl—and the vampire fun begins.

While Twilight is a romance with some suspense and adventure thrown in, the Morganville Vampires series is suspense and adventure with some romance thrown in. I actually like that better. There is some swearing. Some violence (it is a vampire story, after all) but it's not too explicit. There's no sex in this book, but there is very descriptive kissing (Just skip a paragraph or two).

I read the first five books between Friday and Monday. Book #6 comes out in June. Rachel Caine also writes the Weather Warden series but I'm not even going to go there until I have a full weekend with nothing to do.

Plot:

Characters:

Ending:


Cover: Really? That's the best they could do?



Content Ratings

Language: Some light swearing.

Violence: Some of the vampire stuff is a little grisly, but not too intense.

Drugs/Alcohol: Some drinking.

Immorality: Two of the characters have an intimate relationship but we don't have to watch it. There's some pretty steamy kissing scenes.

Values/Themes: Well, it's vampires.

Age Appropriate: I'd say 16 or older.

Writing Mechanics: Engrossing! Wonderful!


© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, bk 1)
by Richelle Mead

YA Paranormal
336 pages, softcover
Target Reader: 14-16 (see Content Rating below)

Razorbill/Penguin
978-1595141743
Release Date: August 16, 2007



From the publisher:

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires—the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's—but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

Read Chapter 1 HERE.

The Vampire Academy has some good twists in it. It keeps you guessing at who the "bad guy" is right up until it's revealed at the end. I liked the basic plot line and pacing. I really liked the Moroi/Strigoi/Dhampir spin on the vampire legend. I liked the idea of the St. Vladimir's Academy, where the Moroi and Dhampir go to learn to use their skills and magic. Although Lissa's character was inconsistent (sometimes strong, sometimes weak but no clear reasons for the difference), the characterization of Rose was strong and solid. I found her fascinating and likeable, even when she was being a bully and a brat. I liked the character of Dimitri, whom Rose has a crush on even though he's seven years older than she is. I also liked Christian, the guy who's ostracized because members of his family were turned Strogoi.

But as much as I liked those things about the book, overall it just had too much—too much violence, too much vulgar language, and too much sex. It was too edgy for me to fully relax and enjoy the story and there's no way I'd feel comfortable letting a teenager read it. Although it's marketed to teen girls, it's definitely a book for mature (as in fully adult) readers.

***Spoiler Alert***
Rose is sexually active and makes out with boys for the fun of it. Lissa has her first sexual experience at the age of 15, and thinks it's no big deal. Although under the influence of a "lust charm," Rose and Dimitri have a pretty steamy make-out session. Rose has strong feelings for him and its pretty clear he has feelings for her, even though when not under a spell he refrains from acting on those feelings most of the time. The entire attitude of this book is that sex is for casual recreation, not meaningful relationships.

As for violence, there's the usual vampire biting and fighting. However, in addition to that, there's some pretty detailed descriptions of bloody killings and gore. Lissa's uncle and cousin set her up, leaving dead and nearly dead animals in her room. Her uncle eventually sacrifices his own daughter, turning her into an evil Strigoi, so that he can use Lissa for her healing powers.

Because of the frequency of swearing, the detailed violence, and the casual attitude toward teens participating in adult behaviors, I can't really recommend this book.


Plot:

Characters:

Ending:


Cover:


Content Ratings

Language: Frequent and casual use of multiple swear words, some quite vulgar. Use of the name of deity.

Violence: Hand-to-hand combat, murder, gore, animal mutilation.

Drugs/Alcohol: Underage drinking.

Immorality: Several steamy make-out scenes, some casual. Lust charm.

Values/Themes: Rose is an atheist. Casual sex and drinking is treated as acceptable behaviors.

Age Appropriate: Publisher lists it as YA (16+), but due to language, violence, and mature themes, I believe that's too young.

Writing Mechanics: There are a few glitches in plot and characterization, but nothing major.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls, v. 1)
by Ally Carter

YA Mystery/Romance
288 pages, softcover
Target Reader: 12 to 16

Hyperion
978-1423100034
Release Date: May 1, 2006



From the publisher:

The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, chemistry always consists of the latest in chemical warfare, and everyone breaks CIA codes for extra credit in computer class. So in truth, while the Gallagher Academy might say it's a school for geniuses what they really mean is spies. But what happens when a Gallagher Girl falls for a boy who doesn't have a code name?

Cammie Morgan may be fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti), but the Gallagher Academy hasn't prepared her for what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without him ever being the wiser, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her? Cammie may be an elite spy in training, but in her sophomore year, she's doing something riskier than ever—she's falling in love.

Read Chapter 1 HERE.

Awards: 2007-2008 Texas Lone Star Reading Book List; 2007-2008 Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers; 2007 Amelia Bloomer List.

This was a fast, fun read. I wanted to be a spy when I was Cammie's age and I would have loved reading a book like this back then. There is enough adventure to be entertaining and keep you on the edge of your seat at times, but it never dips down into the gore. The romance is sweet and light, some hand-holding and kissing but nothing I'd be embarrassed to have my mother or my daughters read.

The characters are great. Cammie and her friends are likeable, smart, totally believable and yet not always predictable. They are also not cookie-cutter girls. They come with very different backgrounds. strengths, weaknesses and personalities. I like the "girl power" message and how the Gallagher girls take credit for inventing everything from velcro to duct tape.

I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

Plot:

Characters:

Ending:

Cover:



Content Ratings

Language: One use of d***; they also refer to the "b-word". (They don't actually use that word, but call it the "b-word".)

Violence: There's a scene where Cammie thinks her friends have been captured and tortured. It's moderate intensity.

Drugs/Alcohol:

Immorality: Hand-holding, very light kissing.

Values/Themes: Cammie sneaks out of school to see her boyfriend but she pays the consequences for it. She also learns that supporting her friends is more important than being popular.

Age Appropriate:

Writing Mechanics:


© 2010 It's a Book Affair

2009 Reading List

I know I hit 100 in 2009. In fact, I'm pretty sure it was 102 for the year. I've got to do a better job of tracking what I read. Links go to my reviews.

1. 1st to Die by James Patterson (3)
2. 13th Reality, The: The Hunt for Dark Infinity by James Dashner (4.5)
3. Abinadi by H.B. Moore (4)
4. Above and Beyond by Betsy Brannon Green (3)
5. Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston (4)
6. Alcatraz vs the Scrivener's Bones by Brandon Sanderson (4.5)
7. Altered State by Gregg Luke (4.5)
8. All the Stars in Heaven by Michelle Paige Holmes (4)
9. Am I Not a Man by Mark L. Shurtleff (3.75)
10. Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson # 2) by Patricia Briggs (4)
11. Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson #4) by Patricia Briggs (3.5)
12. Bone Warriors by Bron Bahlmann (4)
13. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak (4.25)
14. Bound on Earth by Angela Hallstrom (4)
15. Burn by Linda Howard (1)
16. City of Ember, The by Jeanne Duprau (3.75)
17. Dead Girls' Dance (Morganville Vampires # 2) by Rachel Caine (4)
18. Do No Harm by Gregg Luke (4)
19. Ender in Exile by Orson Scott Card (4)
20. English Trifle by Josi Kilpack (4)
21. Eyes Like Mine by Julie Wright (4)
22. Feast of Fools (Morganville Vampires #4) by Rachel Caine (4)
23. Fool Moon (Dresden Files #2) by Jim Butcher (3.5)
24. Freefall by Traci Hunter Abramson (4.5)
25. From the End of Heaven by Chris Stewart (4)
26. Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead (3.5)
27. Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires # 1) by Rachel Caine (4.5)
28. Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris (3.5)
29. The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum (4.5)
30. Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena (4)
31. Isabelle Webb: Legend of the Jewel by N.C. Allen (4)
32. I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells (5)
33. Ice by Linda Howard (1)
34. I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
35. Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3) by Patricia Briggs (3.5)
36. Just One Wish by Janette Rallison (4)
37. Lemon Tart by Josie Kilpack (5)
38. Life in the Pit by Kristen Landon (5)
39. Life is Tough by Stacy Gooch-Anderson (4)
40. Lightning by Dean Koontz (3)
41. Lockdown by Traci Hunter Abramson (3)
42. Lord of Misrule (Morganville Vampires # 5) (4)
43. Master by Toni Sorenson (4)
44. Methods of Madness by Stephanie Black (4.5)
45. Midnight Alley (Morganville Vampires #3) by Rachel Caine (4)
46. Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1) by Patricia Briggs (4)
47. Mormon Mishaps and Mischief by D.N. Giles & C.L. Beck (4)
48. Murder Takes the Cake (Daphne Martin #1) by Gayle Trent (4)
49. Odd Hours by Dean Koontz (4)
50. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George (4.5)
51. Reckoning, The by Tanya Parker Mills (4)
52. Royal Target by Traci Hunter Abramson (3.75)
53. Seeking Persephone by Sarah Eden (4)
54. Servant to a King by Sariah Wilson (3.75)
55. Spare Change by Aubrey Mace (3)
56. Taking Chances by Shannon Guymon (3.5)
57. This Just In by Kerry Blair (4.5)
58. Tower of Strength by Annette Lyon (4)
59. Trail of Storms by Marsha Ward (4)
64. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (3.5)
65. Wings by Aprilynne Pike (4)
66. 
    

© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Her Good Name by Josi S. Kilpack

Her Good Name
by Josi Kilpack

LDS Romantic Suspense
342 pages, softcover
Target Reader: LDS Adult

Deseret Book
978-1590389652
Release Date: August, 2008



From the publisher:

Chrissy is having an identity crisis. As a single woman and convert to the Church, she has always managed to find her place in life-- at least until someone else begins using her credit cards, her bank account, and, most important, her name. Now the real Chrissy must prove her innocence against a growing pile of collection notices and unpaid bills. But with no job, no money, a warrant for her arrest, and a closet full of high- heeled shoes, a girl can only get so far.

When Chrissy meets Micah Heet, the other half of a blind date gone bad, the two discover they are facing the same battle and join forces to find the perpetrators. Little do they know that the small semblance of life they have left will be put on the line in the process.

Read sample chapters here.

I got this book a couple of weeks ago but I had to wait to read it because other less important stuff like cooking and cleaning and working my day job kept getting in the way. I started it a few days ago and then stayed up until 2:00 a.m. this morning to finish it. That right there should tell ya sumthin'.

I really liked this book for so many reasons. First, I liked Chrissy. She's Latino and I think it's about time we got a little color in our LDS fiction. She's also pretty feisty. She doesn't let white-boy Micah control the relationship, even though she has a strong attraction to him. She also doesn't let her lecherous boss get away with anything. There's some romance, but not too much. It didn't make me want to poke my eyes out with a fork.

The suspense of the identity theft was amazing. Even though the chapters are very short, I just couldn't stop reading last night. This poor woman's credit and reputation was put through the wringer. Chrissy quits her job thinking she has $5000 in the bank to tide her over to the next job and she has an excellent credit rating. By the time the woman who has stolen her identity is done with her, Chrissy is over $90,000 in debt, her bank account has been wiped out, and she's been arrested and forced to spend the night in jail. But Chrissy doesn't give up or give in. She fights back and turns the tables, going after the woman who stole her identity and ruined her life! Not the wisest decision in real life, but it made for great reading.

As I read this, I kept thinking, "This could be me! Someone could do this to me!" It was frightening. Especially since we have our mortgage with Countrywide, whose employee sold our info to multiple sources. So far we're okay and Countrywide is paying for a two year monitoring service on my husband's credit. But not mine—even though both our names are on the mortgage. I'm thinking of using one of the services recommended at the back of Josi's book for me, even if I have to pay for it.

But back to the book—one caution. The bad guy, or rather, the bad woman, really is bad. Josi lets us see into her motivation and her thoughts enough that we understand why she does what she does, but this woman? She is just bad to the core. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say that she is not above killing innocent people in really horrendous ways to get what she wants.

There's a side story with Chrissy's sister that doesn't get fully resolved. She makes the right choice in the end but we don't know if there will be any fall out. Also, we're left hanging at the beginning of Chrissy and Micah's relationship. We're led to assume that everything will end up happily ever after, but there are some issues they'll need to work out. I'm okay with that because that's the mushy stuff I don't like to read about.

Plot:

Characters:

Ending:


Cover:



Content Ratings

Language:

Violence: PG level violence.

Drugs/Alcohol:

Immorality:

Values/Themes:

Age Appropriate:

Writing Mechanics:



© 2010 It's a Book Affair