Review: Goosebumps Most Wanted #1 -- Planet of the Land Gnomes by R.L. Stine

Planet of the Lawn Gnomes by R.L. Stine
Goosebumps Most Wanted #1
Release Date: Oct 1st, 2012 by Scholastic
Details: 160 pages, paperback
Genre: Middle Grade > Paranormal > Scary
Source: NetGalley (Thank you NetGalley & Scholastic!)
Summary (Goodreads):

Catch the most wanted Goosebumps characters--undead or alive...

The infamous, Most Wanted Goosebumps characters are out on the loose and they're coming after you! There is no place to hide. Nothing is safe!

Jay Gardner is a mischievous kid who can't stay out of trouble. Unfortunately, Jay gets in so much trouble, his family is forced to move. The new neighborhood offers Jay a chance at a fresh start. But there's something odd about Jay's new town. Why does everyone have lawn gnomes in front of their homes? And why is everyone afraid to go outside at night? The lawn gnomes don't come to life at night-do they? Jay is about to learn that mischief can quickly turn to horror.

Amazon* || Goodreads || BookDepo*

Planet of the Lawn Gnomes is the first in a new (yes NEW) Goosebumps series. I know right? Kudos to R.L. Stine for keeping the Goosebumps series going though! 

For the record, lawn gnomes are creepy. Like seriously, they're creepy. Almost as creepy as those angel statues people have in their yards sometimes where it looks like they're looking into a pond? Yeah, creepy. What's up with those?! So I personally thought this book was going to up the creep factor based on the fact that it had lawn gnomes. 

So here's the deal, there's this kid named Jay. His family moved into this new neighborhood and he's freaking out because he doesn't get why everyone has lawn gnomes on their lawns. Like, EVERYONE. Also, apparently no one's allowed to go outside at night and there's this quicksand pit. Oh and these hawk's that sort of kill people flying around. I know, strange right?

Like with most short story children's books you don't get to really KNOW the characters, they're kinda just there but I will say that I did not like Jay. He was beyond mischievous  He simply just could not stay out of trouble no matter what he did. But it was like he didn't even try! He would just go and do jackass after jackass thing for no reason and all he got was a lecture. Really? 

It's hard to really say more without spoiling the entire plot but things do start to get weird and it does build up to something really creepy happening but then it falls into the usual Goosebumps ending... you know what I'm talking about if you've read enough of these lol. Not that's a bad thing! Or maybe it's just because I'm older now. But for the most part, it was pretty darn creepy! 

Now I'm curious to know what the next one in this new series is! You know what I'm really waiting for though? For R.L. Stine to start up the Fear Street series again! That would be really fun!

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Review: Ordinary Magic by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

Ordinary Magic by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway
Release Date: May 8th, 2012 by Bloomsbury
Details: 288 pages, hardcover
Genre: Middle Grade > Fantasy > Magic
Source: NetGalley (Thank you NetGalley & Bloomsbury!)
Summary (Goodreads):

In Abby’s world, magic isn’t anything special: it’s a part of everyday life. So when Abby learns that she has zero magical abilities, she’s branded an “Ord”—ordinary, bad luck, and quite possibly a danger to society.

The outlook for kids like Abby isn’t bright. Many are cast out by their families, while others are sold to treasure hunters (ordinary kids are impervious to spells and enchantments). Luckily for Abby, her family enrolls her in a school that teaches ordinary kids how to get around in a magical world. But with treasure-hunting kidnappers and carnivorous goblins lurking around every corner, Abby’s biggest problem may not be learning how to be ordinary—it’s whether or not she’s going to survive the school year!

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Ordinary Magic is about Abby. Her world is pretty much opposite of ours; people who can cast magic are normal, those who can't, aren't. Abby comes from a family where her siblings are very high on the magic scale (especially her sister who I believe is a 9) and they're a very nice loving group of people. So when Abby comes back and they realize she's an Ord, they give her nothing but full support. I suppose it helps that her high ranking sister also works for King. So she puts Abby in a school for Ord's where they teach them how to live without magic (sounds awful, right? lol).

It was interesting how the author spun the fact that living with magic was normal where doing normal things like hand washing dishes (instead of poof'ing them away -- where do they go anyway?), cleaning areas, learning self defense and studying were such a hassle! While Abby doesn't leave the school much, I thought the world building was fantastic. Every time they would travel from home back to the school (on a magic carpet!) I could clearly see what they saw. I loved how close Abby and her family were and how much they cared about Abby even though she was an Ord. I loved the tone of the book, how it felt like Abby was sitting with you, telling you this story (complete with her side comments). It helped me feel a connection with her.

I enjoyed the parts having to do with Barbarian Mike and his wench Trixie. They were so frustrating and they just did not know when to quit! Seriously! Even though they annoyed me to no end, I still enjoyed their appearances. Mostly because I was more interested in how Abby would react. But geez, talk about desperate! 

I also really liked Fran, and how her writing was always in a tiny font to emphasis she was was a tiny person. And Peter! Even though he was a jerk most of the time. When he wasn't he could be really sweet, especially to Abby. I also liked the teachers after getting to know them, they weren't so bad.

While I did enjoy this read (for the most part) and the adventure, there was something missing. It didn't completely pull me in. I can't really figure out why :(

"Gil slept through his," I said.
"Gil is a very special boy," Mom said. "And possibly narcoleptic."

Minotaurs are a strange race. They're magical beings - they can interact with, or manipulate, or use magic, what ever the right word is. But they choose not to lots of times, and that freaks out some folks. I guess they think it's simpler to just punch someone in the face, the old fashioned way.

"But Peter's not suffering, he's just being mean."
Olivia pinched my cheek. "you are so totally cute, I can't even deal."

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Review: Bliss by Kathryn Littlewood

Bliss by Kathryn Littlewood

Bliss Bakery #1

Release Date: Feb 12th, 2012 by Katherine Tegan Books

Details: 384 pages, hardcover

Genre: Middle Grade > Fantasy > Magic

Source: Bought

Summary (Goodreads):

Rosemary Bliss’s family has a secret. It’s the Bliss Cookery Booke—an ancient, leather-bound volume of enchanted recipes like Stone Sleep Snickerdoodles and Singing Gingersnaps. Rose and her siblings are supposed to keep the Cookery Booke under lock and whisk-shaped key while their parents are out of town, but then a mysterious stranger shows up. “Aunt” Lily rides a motorcycle, wears purple sequins, and whips up exotic (but delicious) dishes for dinner. Soon boring, nonmagical recipes feel like life before Aunt Lily—a lot less fun.

So Rose and her siblings experi-ment with just a couple of recipes from the forbidden Cookery Booke.

A few Love Muffins and a few dozen Cookies of Truth couldn’t cause too much trouble . . . could they?

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Bliss is a fun middle grade read about magic, baking and family.

Rose is pretty much an "errand girl" for her parents who own a small but successful magical bakery. Of course the town doesn't know that they bake up magic just that it seems like their pastries heal things (totally not suspicious, right?).

Ironically when Rose's parents have to leave town their mysterious Aunt Lily (whom they've never heard of) decides to pay the family a visit and take family matters into her own hands. Rose is forced between making the right decisions or making the  decisions  that would please her bratty siblings.

For the most part, I was always on Rose's side. For such a young girl, she's good at standing her ground and knowing the difference between right and wrong (unlike most middle grade girls who are pretty much just stubborn). She guards the family cook book like she should and she doesn't give in even when her brothers hound her for being no fun. But under it all she constantly wonders if she's appreciated. Just like Rose I had a funny feeling about this mysterious aunt who just so happens to stop by when her parents are gone and what is with her and secrets? Why are her brothers dropping everything to please Aunt Lily? I understand the point in which Rose eventually breaks, just a little (but not without feeling guilty! Good girl!) but at that point what else could she do?

I didn't like Ty, like, at all he annoyed me to no end. How could you be that rude, that self absorbed and that mean to your own siblings? You're the oldest, wake up and take care of your younger siblings! Not to mention the stunt he pulled that really got me to dislike him more than I already did! Sage was no better! Seriously, I feel bad for you Rose, you've got the worst brothers in the world!

While I didn't love Bliss like I thought I would (baking and magic, seriously what else would I need) I did really enjoy it. So much magic and so much baking! But it's also about family and how you stand with them even when times are hard. Even when you don't think they appreciate you because you couldn't imagine your life without them.

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Review: A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
A Tale Dark and Grimm #1
Release Date: November 11th, 2010 by Puffin
Details: 252 pages, hardcover
Genre: Middle Grade > Re-telling > Fairy Tales
Source: Bought
Summary (Goodreads):

In this mischievous and utterly original debut, Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales. As readers follow the siblings through a forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind (and beyond) the bread crumbs, edible houses, and outwitted witches. Fairy tales have never been more irreverent or subversive as Hansel and Gretel learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.

Amazon* || Goodreads || BookDepo*

A Tale Dark and Grimm is a middle grade book I've been looking forward to reading since its release but just never really got around to picking it up. It went on sale (or maybe I was just impatient, I don't remember) on Amazon awhile back and gave in and got it.

A Tale Dark and Grimm consists of Hansel and Gretel's journey and adventures through a series over very unfortunate events. It starts off with a curse and a really odd way to break the curse. This sort of puts Hansel and Gretel off and they decide to run away from home where they soon find out that maybe home wasn't such a bad place compared to the real world (oh how true that is Hansel and Gretel)! Besides Hansel and Gretel, the author takes time to narrate (or warn) you about the upcoming scenes or events. At first I was kinda digging in but by the time I finished the book, I was a bit annoyed with the whole thing. I get that this book is meant for younger kids, but I just found it to be a little excessive. Especially since for a good portion of the book it's pretty redundant. There are also the three crows (who started the whole curse mess) who pop in and out of chapters. Apparently they can tell the future, or something.

A Tale Dark and Grimm was much darker (and at times a little disgusting) than any other fairy tale-ish book I've ever read. There was a lot of blood. Not so much violence but blood. And chaos. This book would be perfect for a young boy! I'm sure the places Hansel and Gretel find themselves in all have to do with fairy tales I'm not very familiar with but now I'm curious to look up (I have not read the original Brother's Grimm).

All in all, while this has been a book I've been looking forward to for awhile, it wasn't one I can say I really enjoyed. It was interesting enough to keep going since I wanted to see if Hansel and Gretel would ever under-stand their parents and the situation. Also, I'm glad I stuck with it because figuring out who the dragon was with Gretel was pretty exciting.

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Wizard of Oz Weekend (1): The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

This is a feature that I've been wanting to do for awhile, I'm sure no one in my generation really cares about The Wizard of Oz, or at least, not as much as I do (but then I don't really care for Star Wars all too much... lol) but if you've been around my blog for awhile, you obviously know my utter complete love for anything Wizard of Oz. However, I had not read the original series and while it was something I always wanted to do, I just never had time for it. But now, I'm making time. It's partly for research reasons too ;)

I don't really know what to call this feature... I figured since I would be posting this feature on Saturday the current name would do, but eh, it's whatever.

It's basically where I review each book of the original 14 book Wizard of Oz series every weekend but I didn't want to clump it in with the rest of my reviews, I wanted it to be special (:

~*~

By L. Frank Baum

When I first started The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, it struck me curious to see just how different it is from the 1930's movie. Like, really different. I get that movies are adaptations of their source but I would have to say about 80% of the things in the book were missing from the movie and while the movie is fantastic, it's hard to imagine that so much was left out. But I can see why!

In the book Dorothy never tried to run away from home (and it's mentioned that she's adopted. Did you guys know she was adopted?! I think I figured since she said "aunt" and "uncle" they were related) but she was left behind and she was in her room when the tornado came and blew the house away. When she lands in Munchkinland she is approached by Glinda and the Munchkins and she did land on top of The Wicked Witch of the East. She does not meet The Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda gifts her with the silver slippers but does not tell her what they are or what they do. The journey from Munchkinland to the field where she finds the scarecrow is a little different. It for one, takes a few days for her to reach the scarecrow and she stops at a Munchkins house named Boq. If you're familiar with Wicked, you know that Boq plays a role there too. I was surprised to see that Boq was mentioned in the original book and he was also the wealthiest Munchkin in Munchkinland!

There are also a few other noted differences: at random, they make friends with field mice that help assist in carrying The Cowdly Lion out of the poppy field, in The Emerald City they are escorted to chambers where they wait to see The Great Oz and they don't meet The Wicked Witch of the West until they get to her castle. Unlike the movie, The Wicked Witch of the West (I keep wanting to say Elphaba but that's not really her name) doesn't own The Flying Monkeys. In fact when Dorothy and her friends attempt to break into her castle she sends her guards (who are the Winkies since she took over their country) to attack them, then a swarm of bee's (uh what?) and finally she sends The Flying Monkeys. The Flying Monkeys can only be called upon to whoever has possession of their golden cap by chanting a specific spell. There's a nice little back story to that later in the book. The Flying Monkeys do get the job done with separating the group of friends leaving The Scarecrow in the tree's and The Tin Man at the bottom of a cliff (those monkeys, they don't give a #$%&!). However Dorothy and The Cowdly Lion end up being captured and Dorothy is slaved to do the dishes for a few days. The Wicked Witch is still set on stealing her slippers but decides to just wait it out and slave her until she gives them up. Until one day they get into an argument, The Wicked Witch (who isn't very bright) decided to trip Dorothy in hopes the shoes would fall off her feet. Yeah. The Wicked Witch managed to get one of the shoes thus began a really childish arguement between Dorothy and The Wicked Witch (why does she feel like everything is hers? Seriously? Maybe that's why you're trapped in your dark and dank castle because you're awful! No offense Elphaba). Dorothy got so mad she threw water on The Wicked Witch causing her to melt, then apologized for doing so. Dorothy cracks me up sometimes. After The Wicked Witch fully melts away, Dorothy throws another bucked of water flushing the remains of the witch out of the door then proceeds to sweep her out the door! Wow lol.

Almost everything else after that matches the movie. Almost. The Winkies praise Dorothy for saving their land and they help bring The Tin Man and The Scarecrow back together. Dorothy finds the golden cap and keeps it, not knowing what it does either until they call on the field mice for assistance and are told about the powers for the golden cap. Also they reach a peculiar part of Oz called The Dainty China Country where white china glass figurines live happily.  And if they are to leave, their limbs get stuck in a posing position until they return. While I thought that was interesting I didn't see the purpose of this part since they were only there for like three seconds.

At the end of the book, The Scarecrow is left to rule over Oz since The Wizard has left. The Tin Man was asked by the Winkies to rule over them and The Lion becomes The King of the Jungle.

Overall I enjoyed this read, I loved the back stories to all the characters, especially The Tin Man. I also liked the glimpse of what life was like in Oz before the wizard and the story of the princess Gayelette. Also, this was one of my favorite parts of the book:

"I do not know where Kansas is, for I have never heard that country mentioned before. But tell me, is it a civilized country?"
"Oh, yes," replied Dorothy.
"Then that accounts for it. In the civilized countries I believe there are no witches left, nor wizards, nor sorceresses, nor magicians. But you see, the Land of Oz has never been civilized, for we are cut off from the rest of the world. Therefore we still have witches and wizards amongst us."
&&
"Perhaps you have heart disease," said the Tin Woodman.
"It may be," said the Lion.
"If you have," contined the Tin Woodman, "you ought to be glad, for it proves you have a heart. For my part, I have no heart; so I cannot have heart disease."
"Have you brains?" asked the Scarecrow.
"I suppose so. I've never looked to see," replied the Lion.

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Review: Winterling by Sarah Prineas

Winterling by Sarah Prineas
Release Date: Jan 3rd, 2012 by HarperChildrens
Details: 256 pages, hardcover
Genre: Middle Grade
Series: Book #1 in the Winterling series
Source: Amazon Vine (thank you Amazon Vine!)
Summary (Goodreads):

With her boundless curiosity and wild spirit, Fer has always felt that she doesn’t belong. Not when the forest is calling to her, when the rush of wind through branches feels more real than school or the quiet farms near her house. Then she saves an injured creature—he looks like a boy, but he’s really something else. He knows who Fer truly is, and invites her through the Way, a passage to a strange, dangerous land. 

Fer feels an instant attachment to this realm, where magic is real and oaths forge bonds stronger than iron. But a powerful huntress named the Mor rules here, and Fer can sense that the land is perilously out of balance. Fer must unlock the secrets about the parents she never knew and claim her true place before the worlds on both sides of the Way descend into endless winter. 

Amazon* || Goodreads || BookDepository*

Winterling is about a girl named Fer (short for Jennifer) who lives with her grandmother (who happens to be a healer), doesn't know anything about what happened to her parents and is convinced she doesn't belong here.

And like all her young girls her age who just want answers and want to know where she belongs, she's incredibly incredibly stubborn.

So stubborn that she happens to find a mysterious pond of water and out of curiosity touches it, resulting in her opening "The Way". And she was on to something, she doesn't belong here.

I can see why a lot of people consider Winterling to be a fantasy novel, but I didn't really think of it like that. I considered it more to be a paranormal one. The story starts in our world but ends in another. And in that other world is magic, secrets, creatures and power hunger fakers. I really liked Fer, I admired her dedication to staying true to who she was. Someone who didn't want to kill, someone who knew right from wrong and even if the Lady tried to corrupt her, she stopped it. I liked Rook, he seemed conflicted with himself. And I mean, he's a Puck, why wouldn't he be even if this girl he stumbled on saved his life, he still has good reason to guard himself. But I still enjoyed his company.

The only thing I didn't really like about the book was that the point of view switches from Fer to Rook without much of a warning and sometimes it's a little hard to know who's head you're in. But other than that, I enjoyed Winterling and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

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Review: A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler

A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler
Relase Date: October 11th, 2011 by Candlewick Press
Details: 304 pages, hardcover
Series: No
Source: Vine ARC (thanks Amazon Vine!)
Summary (Goodreads):

Jenni Green’s family vacation has finally arrived! Even though she has to deal with her annoying little brother, her slightly overbearing dad, and her very pregnant mom, she gets to spend a week with her bestest friend in the world, Autumn. But twelve-year-old Jenni’s world turns upside down when she takes an old elevator to visit Autumn and discovers that everything has changed: not only is her friend in a different condo, but tragedy has struck Autumn’s family, Jenni’s mother has had her baby, and everyone is a year older. When Jenni realizes that the elevator caused her to skip a whole year, she tries to go back, but soon finds that fixing things won’t be as easy as pressing a button. How can she alter the past and keep her family and Autumn’s from falling apart? With honesty and insight, Liz Kessler explores how the bonds of family and friendship can endure through time.

Amazon || Goodreads || BookDepository*

I saw this at B&N awhile back and kept passing by it. So I was pretty excited when it came up on Vine.

Jenni lives a pretty normal life. Well normal compared to her friend Autumn who's parents are artists and a tad bit out there. But Jenni has always been quiet and safe, while Autumn was the opposite. When Jenni takes an elevator that has never worked til today, her whole world is flipped upside down and she has no idea what's going on. It takes her awhile to figure it out, and once she does, you're in for a ride.

It was interesting to see where the author would take us with every floor that Jenni took. How much of her world would change and how one accident can make that much more of a difference. 

I found the concept of the mystery elevator to be kind of creepy (I'm not a fan of elevators). The idea of time travel and an alternate universe is always interesting to read about and this is no exception. 

Jenni learns what it is to be a friend and to stand up and speak out.

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Review: The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell

The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell
Release Date: Sept 6th, 2011 from HarperCollins
Details: 328 pages, hardcover
Series: No, but I'm hoping :)
Source: Amazon Vine (Thank you Amazon Vine!)
Rating: 5 out of 5!!
Summary (Goodreads):

Twelve princesses suffer from a puzzling (if silly) curse, and anyone who ends it will win a reward. Reveka, a sharp-witted and irreverent apprentice herbalist, wants that reward. But her investigations lead to deeper mysteries and a daunting choice—will she break the curse at the peril of her own soul?

Amazon || Goodreads || BookDepository*

o0.| My Thoughts |.0o

As with Breadcrumbs I was expecting a light fluffy read with The Princess Curse about mythology and retelling but again, that is not what I got. Reveka is a very young herbalist apprentice who dreams of having her own herbery. In order to do this, she sets off to break the curse to be rewarded. Even though Reveka is very young, she's had her own share of struggles which is what I think makes her so brave.

Reveka was a very refreshing character. For someone her age, she was very mature and sneaky! I loved that she had goals and she wouldn't let anyone stop her. She has a good and pure heart and even put in the situations she was put in, she still tried to see the best of everything. I really liked Lord Dragos and I wish we knew more about him. He didn't seem threatening or violent, just sad and lonely. Another character I wish we knew more about is Alethe. I absolutely was NOT a fan of Lacrimora. Every scene she was in was just... ugh!

It's hard to review this without giving too much away!

The Princess Curse is a wonderful weaved story of the Persephone/Hades myth and the Twelve Dancing Princesses. The descriptions of the Underworld were both beautiful and haunting as was the way the world works, how spirits are either locked in or wander around and how sometimes they vanish. I absolutely enjoyed this read and I enjoyed Reveka's journey and her determination to wake up the sleepers and save the Underworld. Even though this is suppose to be a middle grade/tween novel, it certainly didn't read like one. 

The only thing I didn't like was the creepy scene where the sleepers would wake up and scream "Don't go!" when the princesses' light went out. Seriously, it had me checking my windows at night lol.

o0.| Favorite Quote |.0o

The Princess had spies? I was impressed. I wanted spies.

"Ridiculous boy can't keep his mouth closed," my master muttered. "Is he setting up housekeeping for moths?"

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Review: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
Release Date: September 27th, 2011 by HarperCollins
Details: 313 pages, hardcover
Series: No
Source: Amazon Vine (Thank you Amazon Vine!)
Rating: 5 out of 5
Summary (goodreads):

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. They had been best friends since they were six, spending hot Minneapolis summers and cold Minneapolis winters together, dreaming of Hogwarts and Oz, superheroes and baseball. Now that they were eleven, it was weird for a boy and a girl to be best friends. But they couldn't help it - Hazel and Jack fit, in that way you only read about in books. And they didn't fit anywhere else. 

And then, one day, it was over. Jack just stopped talking to Hazel. And while her mom tried to tell her that this sometimes happens to boys and girls at this age, Hazel had read enough stories to know that it's never that simple. And it turns out, she was right. Jack's heart had been frozen, and he was taken into the woods by a woman dressed in white to live in a palace made of ice. Now, it's up to Hazel to venture into the woods after him. Hazel finds, however, that these woods are nothing like what she's read about, and the Jack that Hazel went in to save isn't the same Jack that will emerge. Or even the same Hazel. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," Breadcrumbs is a story of the struggle to hold on, and the things we leave behind.

Amazon || Goodreads || BookDepository

o0.| My Thoughts |.0o

I was expecting a pretty light and fluffy read since this was more a children's book than anything but, that is not what I got. Hazel frequently lets her imagination run wild and as a child, she shouldn't feel so out of place because of it. But she does. The only person who could ever understand is her best friend Jack, who's imagination also runs just as wild. I felt bad for the things Hazel had to go through and I felt frustrated when her mother wouldn't understand and I panicked right along with her when Jack disappeared.

The book has a bit of a slow start, but you do get the background stories for everyone involved. But once Hazel ventured out into the unknown in search of Jack, that's when things got really good. Stepping into a fairy tale forest should be enchanting, shouldn't it? For Hazel, it wasn't. It was horrible and confusing and scary. And nothing seemed to make sense! I admired her determination to find Jack and how hard she pushed herself even after knowing Jack might not want to come back.

I loved the references to many other fairy tales in this book and I loved the scary parts that made you think of the button eyed mom in Caroline.

And this might be a bit spoilery, but I also loved how the queen asked Jack if he'd like a Turkish Delight before whisking him away lol.

I've never read The Snow Queen and the only thing close to it I can imagine is Narnia but either way, I absolutely enjoyed this read and I enjoyed joining Hazel on her epic adventure!

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Review: Radiance by Alyson Noel

Radiance by Alyson Noel
Release Date: August 31st 2010 by Square Fish
Details: 192 pages, paperback
Series: Book #1 in the Riley Bloom series
Source: Bought on Amazon
Rating: 2 out of 5
Summary (goodreads):

Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

Amazon || Goodreads

o0.| My Thoughts |.0o

I recently read Evermore for the first time and I loved Riley. She was interesting and you could really tell that she cared about Ever but that she was totally capable of being the annoying younger sister. So when I found out that Riley was coming out with her own series, of course I had to pick it up!

I don't want to mislead you with my rating. I didn't rate it a 2 out of 5 because it sucked. It didn't suck. I just don't feel that it was something that really fit my interests and I don't think I'll be re-reading it any time soon. With that said, I am curious to know what Riley's next adventure is but I won't be rushing to find out what it is like I did with this one.

In Radiance, Riley is still interesting. She still has an attitude and she still has that spunk she had in Evermore, but I think the reason why I liked her so much in Evermore was because of her relationship with Ever. Being the nosey, annoying, caring younger sister. If you take out Ever... you just have Riley, who's scared and confused and is just trying to understand her place in the afterlife. 

I found Riley's task to be a little... unbelievable. She pretty much breezed through it. I was really intrigued by Bodhi's task more than I was with Riley's. It also baffled me how close both of their tasks were to each other and had no idea. I guess that's one of the upsides to not knowing what happens in the afterlife, all the different things people come up with! I kinda liked Bodhi, he seemed like an interesting person. Kinda wish I knew more about him. I thought it was cute that Riley got to keep Buttercup, I think he's helping her cope with her afterlife... life. Wow, that sounded weird lol.

I probably should also add that while this is under young adult, it felt more like a middle grade read than a young adult one! If you were a fan of Riley in Evermore, do I do suggest reading this, if you have any interest in what Riley is up to after she had to leave Ever behind.


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Review: Goosebumps Little Shop of Hamsters by R.L. Stine

Goosebumps Horrorland: Little Shop of Hamsters by R.L. Stine
Release Date: March 1st 2010
Source: Bought
Details: 160 pages, paperback
Series: #14 in the Horrorland series
Rating: 3 out of 5
Summary (goodreads):

Sam Waters is desperate to have a pet. But his parents say that first, Sam must prove he's responsible. So he takes an after-school job in a pet store called Little Shop of Hamsters. To his horror, Sam soon finds that cute, little hamsters can become very UNCUTE monsters. Suddenly, Sam isn't fighting for a pet--he's fighting to survive! Could the souvenir he got in HorrorLand have anything to do with this?

o0.| My Thoughts |.0o

I know it might be silly to include Goosebumps in my challenge but it's been awhile since I've read them! It just hit me today that I should had added a Fear Street title too, oh well, there's always next year!  Can I just say how crazy that cover looks? I have a confession, I'm a complete and total hamster lover. I've raised hamsters my whole life. And it was weird, as I was reading this book, I would often catch my hamster staring at me while I read (I read at night so he would be awake bathing or eating) and I would ask him "you're not gonna go crazy on me like these guys, right?!" haha.

I never understood why anyone in their right mind would visit a place called Horrorland. I have to say, the "shrimp" that burrowed into Sam's skin was gross! I would had left at that point! If you ask me, staying at that place and buying thing from there is just asking for trouble!

Sam was a decent character, he was always put in really bad situations and I felt bad for him. His parents never believed him and blamed him for everything, even things that were clearly not his doing and his younger brother (who got away with everything) annoyed the crap out of me. His friend Lexi also annoyed the crap out of me. Every time she "helped" she just ended up making the situation a million times worse! And where does she keep coming from?! I mean, seriously! 

And like all Goosebump books (from what I remember) they had a weird twist in the end!

o0.| Favorite Line |.0o

I've never seen a magpie, so I don't really know what they are talking about. I keep meaning to Google magpies. maybe they make good pets. - PG 4

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