Review: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Tags: YA, paranormal romance, werewolves, religion

Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary

Pastor’s daughter Grace Divine knows that something is not right with the reappearance of Daniel Kalbi, her older brother Jude’s old best friend and almost-brother, who disappeared one night several years ago—the same night Jude came home covered in his own blood. But she doesn’t expect how embroiled in the affairs she ends up being when she falls in love with Daniel, who possesses a powerful and dark secret.

As Grace struggles to live up to her name and help Daniel love himself, she also deals with Jude’s increasingly disturbing behavior towards her and Daniel, and she must decide where she stands after learning Daniel’s devastating secret. Grace may hold the power to save or destroy Daniel’s soul in her hands—now she must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice for him.

Review

THE DARK DIVINE is an interesting but ultimately underwhelming read that will still be eagerly embraced by paranormal romance fans of Twilight, Shiver, and other similar books.

The best thing about THE DARK DIVINE was the way it rewrote the typical werewolf story and infused it with history, magic, religion, and the balance of good and evil. It gave depth to Daniel’s werewolf character. I’m not a big werewolf girl, nor am I religious, but I enjoyed the way the two unexpectedly intertwined and enhanced one another in this book.

Unfortunately, the characters were for me rather difficult to connect with, as most of them felt like types I’ve read many times before. Grace was an extremely passive protagonist who elicited little sympathy from me. The tension between Grace’s parents often felt forced and unexplained. Daniel started out as stereotypical, but as the plot finally built and his background was finally revealed, he turned into a much more believable character.

As for the romance, it felt like one that I’ve read many times before: good girls feels undeniable attraction with bad boy, who acts like a jerk initially but actually reciprocates the feelings, and True Love Ends Happily Ever After. The familiarity of the course of the romance was unimpressive and rather disappointing to me.

The plot was rather infuriatingly slow, which may put off more impatient readers, but it does eventually build into an exciting paranormal world with an action-packed, heart-stopping ending. It does take an inventive writer to pull off what Bree Despain has as the ending, and I found it believable, heart-stopping, and satisfying. Overall, THE DARK DIVINE was perhaps not the book for me, but fans of Twilight-esque true love paranormal romances will find it a great addition to the genre.

Similar Authors
Stephenie Meyer
Maggie Stiefvater (Shiver)

Writing: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5


Cover discussion: 3.5 out of 5 - Not sure what this has to do with the story at all (are those Grace's super-pale-and-skinny legs or something?) but it's still really pretty and attractive.

EgmontUSA / Dec. 22, 2009 / Hardcover / $17.99

Sent for review from EgmontUSA/Random House.

2009 Book Lists, Pt. 7

Smart Reads
Hey, NPR, smart teens can read YA too. Here are some books that will exercise your brain/wit, make you think, keep you reading, and show naysayers the power and talent that exists in YA today.

Sprout by Dale Peck
A smart(ass) gay teen attempts to figure out his acceptance of himself in his extremely conservative community. (also on: Humor, GLBTQ/Gender)

The Sky Always Hears Me, and the Hills Don’t Mind by Kirstin Cronn-Mills
The irreverent protagonist, Morgan, deals with issues regarding family secrets, homosexuality, and love as she snarks her way through the novel. Very funny, yet touching! (also on: Best Books By a Debut YA Author, Great Protagonists, Most Overlooked)

Genesis by Bernard Beckett
This dystopian novel is written in transcription format and deals with questions of artificial intelligence and more, with an incredible ending you'll never see coming. (also on: Thought-Provoking Reads, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys, Use in Classrooms, For Older Teens, Something Different)

Fire by Kristin Cashore
Gorgeous writing expertly weaves questions of feminism and beauty into an already engaging high fantasy tale. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Best Sequels of 2009, Use in Classrooms)

The Ivy League novels by Diana Peterfreund
I love me some witty banter, laugh-out-loud thought processes, smoking romances, and cloak-and-dagger workings. This series has them all! (also on: For Older Teens)

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
Dia basically unapologetically dumps readers right into Hanna's jarring world and her thought process. If you're still hanging on after the first couple of chapters, you'll enjoy this immensely. (also on: If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Great Protagonists, Something Different)

Fat Cat by Robin Brande
Cat is no dumb, math-and-science-hating teenager. She's good at science, and strikes the perfect balance between being confident enough to be her own person and self-conscious enough to do something to change what she doesn't like about herself. (also on: Best Books Published in 2009, Feel-Good Contemporary Realism, If You Like Sarah Dessen, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, Most Overlooked)

Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
When you want a Harry Potter-like form of literary entertainment, look to this series. Well-developed characters; a variety of winding, interesting, yet all interconnected subplots; a bigger story of good vs. evil. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Paranormal Lovers, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Great Protagonists, Use in Classrooms, Tearjerkers)

Poison Study by Maria Snyder
I love when protagonists think of things I wouldn't have been able to had I been in their situation. Yelena is one such character. She's like a role model, the girl I'd want to be if I were in such a world. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Romance, Night-In Reads, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Best Bids for Canonicity, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, Give this To Your Parents Too)

Cycler by Lauren McLaughlin
Bends what we know of gender boundaries, wrapped up in a crazy story with hilarious dialogue. (also on: GLBTQ/Gender, Most Overlooked, Something Different)

And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman
Delia's mom disappears on her trip to Antarctica, but Delia suspects there's something shadier going on. The political conspiracy element of this story will blow you right out of the water. (also on: If You Like Sarah Dessen, Something Different)

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp
Every once in a while you really want a novel that breaks all conventions and expectations. The Spectacular Now is such a novel. Everything from its protagonist to its ending is unexpected, original, and welcomed. (also on: Humor, For Boys, Great Protagonists, Most Overlooked, Something Different)

Ice by Sarah Beth Durst
Magical yet modern. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Retellings, Romance, Night-In Reads, Beautiful Writing, Great Protagonists, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
This is guaranteed to make your jaw drop as you frantically read it through the last time, then reread it and savor the uniqueness--all with a great big grin on your face at the whole sci-fi mystery of it all! :) (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, Best Bids for Canonicity, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, Give This To Your Parents Too, So You Want to Start Reading YA)


Tearjerkers
Granted, I cry pretty easily, but these are the ones I read this year that I distinctly remember myself crying while reading. Sometimes you just want to experience the power of words to bring you to torrents of tears, you know?

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
This should require very little explanation. Mia's entire family is killed in a car accident, and only she remains in a coma. The story is told from "ghost Mia's" point of view as she struggles to decide whether she should just give up and join her family, or whether she should live with the pain and experience life. Keep a box of tissues handy nearby while you're reading this. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, Best Covers)

The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
The emotions I experience when reading this book stand up to multiple rereads. I know what's coming, and yet I still can't help but bawl incessantly for the last third of the book. Really, I almost feel entirely ridiculous for crying nonstop, but I can't help it! That's the power of this book for me. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Humor, Night-In Reads, Branching Out: Adult Fiction & Classics)

Vampire Academy, Book 3: Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
Oh, the heartbreak. Enough said. I knew what was coming and still screamed and wept in horror. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Paranormal Lovers, Romance, Use in Classrooms, Smart Reads)

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
I will admit it freely that I cried at the end of this book when things looked bad. You can get effortlessly involved in the welfares of Jackson's characters, thus provoking that sort of response at the end. (also on: Best Books Published in 2009, Best Books By a Debut YA Author, Feel-Good Contemporary Realism, Romance, Night-In Reads)

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Maggie's writing, combined with that utterly heartbreaking moment near the end, lends itself to tears. There's something about the starkness of the writing at that moment that can break hearts. It really shows the power of writing and brevity. (also on: Beautiful Books, For Twilight Lovers)


Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests
Because sometimes, that makes a great difference. And yes, I'm aware that this list is sadly heteronormative, but you can also check out my "Great Protagonists" list because I would crush on a lot of those characters if I were queer! :)

Nate from Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson
Nate is SO swoon-worthy. I really can't tell you anymore without spoiling it, so I won't. But suffice it to say that he's a sweetie--even if he doesn't act like it initially. (also on: Best Books By a Debut YA Author, Feel-Good Contemporary Realism, Romance, For Older Teens, Most Overlooked)

Valek from Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
How many times can I extol the virtues of Valek? If you know me on Twitter and Goodreads, the answer is "nonstop." Dude: he he's a master spy, has ninja-like abilities, and can climb walls with his bare hands *cue sounds of awe* (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Romance, Night-In Reads, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Best Bids for Canonicity, Great Protagonists, Smart Reads, Give This To Your Parents Too)

Matt from Fat Cat by Robin Brande
There is just something utterly appealing about Matt McKinney, even if Cat doesn't like him. (also on: Best Books Published in 2009, If You Like Sarah Dessen, Smart Reads, Most Overlooked)

Brian from Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
I've always been a fan of Brian Nelson, even when he was being an immature jerk. I really like the extent to which he grows in this book, though. (also on: Best Sequels of 2009, Night-In Reads, Great Protagonists)

Bear from Ice by Sarah Beth Durst
You know it's a good story when you fall in love with the animal love interest. But Bear really is the most steadfast, loyal, subtly romantic, and kind love interest. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Retellings, Romance, Night-In Reads, Beautiful Writing, Great Protagonists, Smart Reads, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

Casey from Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande
For those who like their crushes outspoken and unashamedly geeky, there's Casey Connor, science genius extraordinaire. Also, I'm spotting a trend with my like of Robin's male characters... (also on: Thought-Provoking Reads, Something Different)

Eli from Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Eli is a classic Dessen boy, and, while it makes him a little unoriginal, he's still utterly sweet, and might even make it into my Top 3 Dessen boys. (also on: Summery Friendship Reads, If You Like Sarah Dessen, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

Po from Graceling by Kristin Cashore
I LOVE the romance between Katsa and Po. I love how Katsa goes from being incapable of love to being able to love. Po is just the right guy for that task: always patient, yet determined, and yet also vulnerable. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers)

Marcus from When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
This is really subtle and probably unintentional on the author's part, but I really liked Marcus. First of all, it's the name. (Marcus Flutie as the epitome of enigmatic love interests, anyone?) But he's also an interesting, slightly geeky character in and of himself. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, Best Bids for Canonicity, Smart Reads, Give This To Your Parents Too,So You Want to Start Reading YA)


For Older Teens
The news this year is that a new genre, "New Adult," is forming, which deals with college-age characters and related issues. These are a few that I think would fit into that category, or that would appeal to "older" teens or college-age students who still love YA and would never want to give it up.

The Ivy League novels by Diana Peterfreund
Secret societies in college, with all the romantic entanglements, intrigue, and useless wit of college life. (also on: Smart Reads)

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
Brutal, uncomfortable, and haunting. (also on: Thought-Provoking Reads, Best Covers)

Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson
A girl's first semester in college. It has less to do with college life and psychology than it has to do with a simple "girl realizes her love mistakes and finds true romance" story, but it is enjoyable nonetheless, and well written. (also on: Best Books By a Debut YA Author, Feel-Good Contemporary Realism, Romance, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, Most Overlooked)

Sunshine by Robin McKinley
This unusual vampire tale boasts sometimes excessive descriptions, but a great voice and wonderful main characters. (also on: For Paranormal Lovers, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy)

Genesis by Bernard Beckett
A curious and unique dystopian novel that will leave you with many questions but delight the well-read dystopian reader. (also on: Thought-Provoking Reads, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys, Use in Classrooms, Smart Reads, Something Different)


Give This to Your Parents Too
If you want to give them a sample of what you're reading, these are sure to make them happy!

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
(also on: Best Books By a Debut YA Author, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
(also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, Best Bids for Canonicity, Smart Reads, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
(also on: Beautiful Books, Best Bids for Canonicity, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

When the Whistle Blows by Fran Cannon Slayton
(also on: Historical Fiction, Most Overlooked)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Well, DON'T give it to them if they're easily sensitive to, you know, violence and dying and stuff. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Bids for Canonicity, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys, Use in Classrooms, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

Undercover by Beth Kephart
(also on: Beautiful Writing)

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
(also on: Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

Poison Study by Maria Snyder
(also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Romance, Night-In Reads, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Best Bids for Canonicity, Great Protagonists, Smart Reads, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests)

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2009 Book Lists, Pt. 1 // Pt. 2 // Pt. 3 // Pt. 4 // Pt. 5 // Pt. 6 // Pt. 8

Back to the Master List of 2009 Book Lists!

Review: Secrets of a Christmas Box by Steven Hornby

Tags: juvenile fiction, middle grade, Christmas, adventure, magic, read-aloud

Rating: 1.5 out of 5


Summary

Deep in the recesses of one family’s Christmas tree, many ornaments are waking up from their year-long nap. When Larry the Snowman discovers that his brother is missing from the tree, he sets off with his friends—his girlfriend, Debbie the Reindeer Woman, the devoted Tinsel, and newcomer Splint—on a never-before-done adventure: they are going to leave the tree to find out what happened to Larry’s brother. What they discover is much more sinister than they could ever imagine, and it’s up to the brave ornaments to save the day for them all…or die trying.

Review

SECRETS OF A CHRISTMAS BOX is another of those books that is difficult to market. At around 200 pages full of mostly text, it’s too advanced for a toddler or early elementary school kid which is probably the ideal audience for this story. The occasional small illustration will not satisfy the young audience’s desire for literary participation. And the infantilizing tone of the book will turn away older readers.

Perhaps the best thing one can do with this book is to have it as a holiday read-aloud, or a bedtime story for really young children. The author is a pretty successful writer for the silver screen, but his tendencies to “write young” show in the clichéd dialogue: the human parents of the house in which the tree is located, for example, only address one another as “love” and talk of mundane subjects that come straight out of a fifties TV sitcom like Leave It to Beaver. Indeed, Hornby’s original idea had been to write this story as a screenplay for an animated film, and I believe it would’ve worked a lot better that way. Little kids would be much more entertained if the cheesy story and writing were accompanied by cool animated effects.

It was a cute idea, but it’s extremely difficult to get past the writing to grasp the themes of this book. Parents and guardians of young children can consider this as a cute little story to read by the fireplace (you can really ham up the voices with this dialogue), but those who don’t have small children may want to pass on this one.

Writing: 1/5
Characters: 1/5
Plot: 2/5

Overall Rating: 1.5 out of 5


Ecky Thump Books / Sept. 2009 / Hardcover / $18.95

Received for review from Ecky Thump Books, Inc.

2009 Book Lists, Pt. 6

I'm taking a break from doing these lists tomorrow, Christmas (seriously, each of these lists take, like, several hours to put together. I had no idea they'd take so much work--or be so fun to share!), so enjoy and for those of my blogger friends who celebrate, have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! (If you don't celebrate, have a good Friday anyway!) I think my Christmas should be quite good this year; will let you all know tomorrow... :)


For Boys
An unfortunately low percentage of all YA books published appeal to most male readers. These here are some of the finest, so that the boys get to experience the awesome that is YA as well. Most of these I've run by my brothers, so they've got actual male backup.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The dystopian, kids-killing-kids-for-a-game element appears to both genders. Even the cover is simple enough that boys won't be embarrassed to carry it around with them. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Bids for Canonicity, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, Great Protagonists, Use in Classrooms, Give This To Your Parents Too, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Another dystopian novel, this one features a male protagonist and plenty of action, mystery, and danger to keep readers riveted. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, Horror/Creepy)

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
If you're mature enough and can't wait for the third Hunger Games novel to hit next summer, check this one out in the meantime. It's got a similar concept, but is much more intense, and yet it is just as hard to look away from all the gore and horror. (also on: Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, Horror/Creepy)

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
You can never go wrong with a Scott Westerfeld book. Never. There is one male and one female protagonist, but their friendship and possible sortofmaybecouldbe romantic attraction is unintrusive and does not overshadow the wonderful fight and survival scenes. (Beautiful Books, Best Bids for Canonicity, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, Give This To Your Parents Too, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

Swim the Fly by Don Calame
For the practical jokester who likes contemporary novels. This story of three friends spans a summer of hilarious mishaps and plans gone awry, with unexpectedly happy results. (also on: Middle Grade, Humor, Most Overlooked)

Hunger: a Gone Novel by Michael Grant
If you're not tired of dystopian novels, the Gone series is a great one to pick up. What happens when a bunch of kids are left to their own devices in a zone where strange supernatural things happen? Find out. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Sequels of 2009, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk)

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can’t Have by Allen Zadoff
Andrew's voice is great, and this book will surely provide more than a few chuckles as readers empathize with Andrew's struggle to find a place for his heavy self. (also on: Feel-Good Contemporary Realism, Humor)

Genesis by Bernard Beckett
A thought-provoking, mind-exploding read about a civilization eerily similar to our own. It's a short book, so you can read it in a few hours, and then spend the next couple of days trying to talk it all out. (also on: Thought-Provoking Reads, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, Use in Classrooms, Smart Reads, For Older Teens, Something Different)

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp
Sutter is a little like a modern-day Holden Caulfield, except, you know, less whiny and more likable. For those who like their characters irreverent, deeply flawed, but still irresistible, check him out! (also on: Humor, Great Protagonists, Smart Reads, Most Overlooked, Something Different)

Project Sweet Life by Brent Hartinger
Another story about three friends, only they're trying to raise enough money so that they don't actually have to have a real summer job. You won't believe the lengths to which they will go, but middle school boys will get a kick out of them. (also on: Middle Grade)


Horror/Creepy
Not a genre that I read very much, but these will make you squirming, cringing, looking over your shoulder, and starting at little sounds.

The Devouring series by Simon Holt
Legend goes that there is a "race" of evil spirits that attempt to possess you when you are most frightened. A little bit like Goosebumps for the older set. It's not a bad read if you want to be frightened.

Bad Girls Don’t Die by Katie Alender
Alexis begins to think that her younger sister is being possessed. There are some things about their old house that just don't feel right...and what is up with the creepy dolls? Wonderfully unique and addicting.

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
See above! This one is definitely not for the weak-stomached. *grins* (also on: Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys)

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Dude, the Grievers are pretty darn scary. Also... see above! (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys)

The Waking: Dreams of the Dead by Thomas Randall
A twist on what we know of vampires, set in Japan and infused with its rich culture.


Great Protagonists
These books contain some of the best protagonists I've read this year. You'll either want to be them, or you'll want to fall in love with them.

Yelena from Poison Study by Maria Snyder
Yelena is, simply put, awesome. Thrust in a terrible situation, she nevertheless uses her smarts, skills, and bravery to carve an identity for herself out of the oppression. You'll gasp and thrill at everything she gets into, and part of you will want to be her. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Romance, Night-In Reads, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Best Bids for Canonicity, Smart Reads, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, Give This To Your Parents Too)

Rose from the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
Rose is far from a damsel in distress, needing to be rescued by the Big and Beautiful Male Protector. She is unafraid to kick butt, and that is in fact perhaps one of the greatest strengths of this series, and why her romance with Dimitri is so much more appealing and balanced. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Paranormal Lovers, Romance, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Smart Reads, Tearjerkers)

Nick from The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
Okay, Nick is far from the nice guy. In fact, you'd rather forget all about him if that were possible, since you can tell he's nothing but trouble. But you simply cannot stay away from him. He's got an attitude and demons haunting him, but his loyalty to his brother is unfailing, and it's amazing how we all like him despite his often soulless tendencies. (also on: Best Books Published in 2009, Best Books By a Debut YA Author, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy)

Sutter from The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp
One of the strongest voice-driven YA books out there. We are immersed completely in Sutter's thinking, even if we may disagree with a lot of his values. But because of our closeness to him via his voice, we are able to better understand why he acts that way, and even like him as a result. (also on: Humor, For Boys, Smart Reads, Most Overlooked, Something Different)

Savannah from Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman
Another book with a great voice. There is a distinctly but not cloying Southern feel to the whole story, and even though she may get hung up over Jackson way too often, you still can't help but feel as if her feelings for him are justified. (also on: Best Books By a Debut YA Author)

Katniss from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Oh man. How do I begin to list the ways in which Katniss is a great protagonist? She's feisty and socially awkward, but she's also powerfully determined, resourceful, and determined to survive. You've got to admire someone with her spirit in such a situation as she is in. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Bids for Canonicity, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys, Use in Classrooms, Give This To Your Parents Too, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

Morgan from The Sky Always Hears Me, and the Hills Don’t Mind by Kirstin Cronn-Mills
Morgan's another irreverent yet utterly appealing character. She has her quirky solitary tendencies but she's also interesting around people, so that we never tire of spending time with her--not when she's making up so many great and odd fortunes! (also on: Best Books By a Debut YA Author, Smart Reads, Most Overlooked)

Cassie from Ice by Sarah Beth Durst
Cassie is a modern heroine: she's smart, capable, and stubborn. She's also a timeless heroine: reluctantly but deeply romantic, loyal, and brave in the face of seemingly impossible adversaries. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Retellings, Romance, Night-In Reads, Beautiful Writing, Smart Reads, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

Gianna from The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner
Seventh-grader Gianna will make everyone fall at her feet, with her relatable voice, worries over her family, and perpetual inability to stay on top of her science project. (also on: Middle Grade, Best Covers)

D.J. from Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Okay, so maybe at this point you're sick and tired of D.J.'s low self-confidence, her self-deprecation, and her inability to speak up for herself in social situations. But it's also her absolutely true tomboyishness that keeps us attached to her and coming back to see her grow and mature. (also on: Best Sequels of 2009, Night-In Reads, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests)

Hanna from Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
Hanna is special, and not just because she's got bipolar disorder. She's wonderfully removed from typical high school social angst, which allows us to concentrate on her and her interactions with those who matter around her. (also on: If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Smart Reads, Something Different)


Use in Classrooms
Who says YA wouldn't be great books to read as a class? Here are just a few that may provide hours' worth of discussion (though I haven't yet figured out how they might be able to tie in with great classics; but maybe they can be used in, like, History classes, or Ethics classes?)

Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
I really wish this could be a must-read for all teen girls, especially those living in high-risk environments. It would help so much if they knew they weren't the only ones going through what they're going through, like Kara, and I think more adults could stand to have their eyes opened to the all-too-real dark side of suburbia. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, Thought-Provoking Reads)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Well, you might just want to ask Adele how she used this in her class, lol. Interesting discussions about government control, the horrifying future possibilities of reality TV, and the role of violence in control. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Bids for Canonicity, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys, Great Protagonists, Give This To Your Parents Too, So You Want to Start Reading YA)

Fire by Kristin Cashore
This one has a much more distinctly feminist angle than Graceling, and it's a great one. Why is there a difference in the way male vs. female beauty is accepted, viewed, and used? What is the role of beautiful women in society, and how is beauty so hated? (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, Best Sequels of 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Smart Reads)

Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
Yes, it's an entertaining and terrifically written vampire society story, but it also has thought-provoking class issues. Why must the dhampir be willing to give their lives to protect the Moroi, and why do the Moroi not use their considerable magic powers? All interesting questioned that will hopefully be further explored in future books in the series. It must. I mean, how can it not be? It's so prevalent in the books! If there's not a complete usurpation of the vampire caste system by the time the series ends, I will be shocked and greatly disappointed. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Paranormal Lovers, Romance, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Smart Reads, Tearjerkers)

Genesis by Bernard Beckett
Questions about what might happen if artificial intelligence eventually overpowers humans have always been around. Genesis brings these issues up, along with shocking actions. You will not be able to stop debating this. (also on: Thought-Provoking Reads, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys, Smart Reads, For Older Teens, Something Different)


Best Covers
Yes, these are only of the books that I read in 2009, and they're my taste, which, admittedly, I have not seen in very many other places. However, aren't all of these covers undeniably beautiful? Would they compel YOU to take an interest in the book?

  

  

  

  

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
Ash by Malinda Lo
Hold Still by Nina LaCour
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
Willow by Julia Hoban
The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner
Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott

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Go back to 2009 Book Lists, Pt. 1 // Pt. 2 // Pt. 3 // Pt. 4 // Pt. 5 // Pt. 7 // Pt. 8

Back to the Master List of 2009 book lists!