Thursday, July 23, 2015

Book Review: Scarred

 
 
 
Synopsis
 
For those of us who come into the world different, we see it for what it really is.
Harsh.

Avery Chamberlin is special, unique. Beautiful words to gloss over the fact that
she is different. She has never felt like she fit in. Why should she?
She was reminded on a daily basis that she was not like her peers.
Flawed. Damaged. A freak.

Avery will have to come out of her shell to prove that even the bullies
have their own insecurities.

LIFE ISN’T ABOUT LABELS
 
My Review
 
 
This was one of the later bullying books that I received. I think the cover really caught my eye. It is 69 pages long and the author is Elizabeth Montgomery.
 
Avery was born with an "Orofacial Clefts"(Cleft Lip or/and Palate). Ever since she was in pre-school people have known she was different. After getting to middle school she finally realized that she just had Dylan as a friend, but in gym Dylan was seriously hurt and had to go to the hospital. She had to trust Blake. At some point she realized she was falling for him and decided to finally let someone other than Dylan in. After being asked to go to prom, she has a girls-day-out with her mom to get ready and meets another big surprise. What surprise awaits Avery? What will happen when she goes to prom?
 
I thought this was a great example of how cruel the world is and should make people think about their relationships with each other. It reminded me of my bullying situation toward the beginning. It was short, but explained a lot in those few chapters. For Example: Why bullying is bad, Why not to drink and drive, and many others. It only said the F word once, too.
 
If you want to learn more about Cleft Lip and Palate, go to CDC's official site.

Book Review: The Rise - The Originals Series

 
 
 
Synopsis
 

Family is power. The Original vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together always and forever. But even when you're immortal, promises are hard to keep.

Arriving in New Orleans in 1722, Original vampire siblings Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah Mikaelson believe they've escaped their dangerous past. But the city is lawless, a haven for witches and werewolves unwilling to share territory. The siblings are at their mercy…especially after Klaus meets the beautiful and mysterious Vivianne. Her impending marriage is key to ending the war between the supernatural factions—and Klaus's attraction to her could destroy the uneasy alliance. As Elijah works toward securing a piece of the city for his family, and Rebekah fights her unexpected feelings for a French captain, will Klaus's volatile desires bring their world crashing down—and tear them apart for good?
 
My Review
 
Mom got me this book at Easter. I had been asking for it for a while and was so psyched to actually have it! I can't wait to review the book. It is written by Julie Plec and it is 352 pages long.
 
The Originals have been in New Orleans for nine years and still none will accept them, after the "misunderstanding" that took place when they first got there. While at a truce party between the witches and werewolves, Klaus lays eyes upon the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Her name is Vivianne; and what he doesn't know is that she is both a werewolf and a witch. The party was the engagement that brought the truce together. So, while Elijah looks for a safe place for him and his family to stay, Rebecca goes in search of the army needed to protect them from the werewolf/witch alliance. What neither of them realize, is that Klaus has no intention of keeping the peace. The peace was broken when Vivianne chose to see Klaus as more than an Original. Vivianne was then forced to make a big decision that would impact not just her, but Klaus as well. What will Vivianne choose? How will the Originals survive the alliance?
 
I loved this book. It was still really different from the show, though. The descriptions were very detailed, as well. I cant wait to sink my teeth into the second book, LOL!
 
Here are some examples of the differences:
 
1. Hailey is in the show, but Vivianne replaces her in the book.
 
2. In the book, Rebecca falls in love and leaves her brothers behind, which doesn't happen in the show.
 
3. There are a lot of unfamiliar names in the book.  


Monday, July 20, 2015

Book Review: Ghost Hand - The PSS Chronicles


 
 
Synopsis
 
Seventeen-year-old Olivia Black has a rare birth defect known as Psyche Sans Soma, or PSS. Instead of a right hand made of flesh and blood, she was born with a hand made of ethereal energy.

How does Olivia handle being the girl with the ghost hand? Well, she's a little bit morbid and a whole lot snarky.

Her mother thinks her obsession with death, black clothing, and the local cemetery is a bid for attention. But when Marcus, the new guy in Olivia's calculus class, stares at her like she's a freak, Olivia doesn't like it. And when her hand goes rogue, doing things she never imagined possible, Olivia finds herself running for her life with Marcus from a group of men bent on taking the power of her hand for their own nefarious purposes.

*GHOST HAND was a semifinalist for The Kindle Book Review 2013 Best Indie Book Awards in the Young Adult category and a 2013 Cybil Award nominee.
 
My Review
 

My mom got this book emailed to her from the author, Ripley Patton, for me to review on my blog. I'm sorry it took so long for me to review. I was going to review it last week, but I was running out of time. As most of you know, by looking at the cover, the author is Ripley Patton and the book it 386 pages long.

Olivia was born with a rare case called PSS, Psyche Sans Soma, on her hand. She has heard of other people that have it, but had never seen any until now when she learned she had the ability to pull helpful items out of people. She needs to learn how to control it, and fast, because the CamFers(People that extract and kill people with PSS) are onto her. She meets this guy named Marcus, who says he can help her be safe from the CamFers. After she goes with Marcus, she meets other people with PSS that are all trying to get to more PSS patients before the CamFers do. While they are trying to get something to give them an advantage, Emma, Olivia's best friend, looks for her and finds her. What Olivia doesn't know is that her being friends with Emma puts her in danger and Emma gets captured! What will they find out about the CamFers?

I loved the concept of this book and at some parts I couldn't put the book down. I think some of the secrets that get revealed are so unexpected that it just blows your mind. It is a bit confusing at times during the book, but it clears up once you get closer to the end. Now for the worst of my review. I thought that my blog was kind of self - explanatory; I review books for teens, tweens, and clean YA. The F-BOMB was in this book at least 20 times and there was a naked scene (though it wasn't overly detailed). If my blog handled adult books I would have gave it a better rating. Other than that, though, it was a great book and I would love to read the second book, "Ghost Hold" but I worry that it contains a lot more of the cussing.

 


Sunday, July 19, 2015

Book Review: Tales from a Not - So - Talented Pop Star - The Dork Diaries Series

 
 
 
Synopsis
 
Rachel Renee Russell serves up more laughs and adorable illustrations in the next installment of the bestselling DORK DIARIES series.

Nikki Maxwell has been doing everything she can to keep everyone at school from learning the truth--that she's there on scholarship in exchange for her Dad working as the school's exterminator. The last thing Nikki needs is having her friends and--worst case scenario--her crush, Brandon, associating her with the humongous roach on top of her Dad's van! Now it looks like her secret could be about to come out, and Nikki's willing to go to any zany and wacky length to prevent that from happening. The timing seems perfect when a major talent competition is announced with a school scholarship offered as the top prize. Nikki loves to sing and dance and now she gets to have tons of fun with her friends while competing for a chance to free her Dad from his obligation! (And free herself from all that potential damage to her reputation . . .) Once again, hijinks and misunderstandings aplenty ensue, as well as more hilarious and heartwarming moments with Nikki and her friends.
 
My Review
 

I have read the first two books from my local library, so I thought it was time to read and review this one.  It has 311 pages. The author, Rachel Renee Russel, to me, has a cool name. Her initials would be RRR ( Triple R.)!!

Zoey, Chloe, and Nikki are BFF's and have been for a long time. The dance really made a difference to the dorky teens, especially Nikki. Do you ever feel better after singing the Queasy Cheesy theme song? It just makes matters worse for Nikki. All was going well until everyone found out about the bug infestation; and to make matters worse Nikki got a tuition bill in the mail and is afraid to tell anyone. At school, they are holding the 10th Annual WCD Talent Show, but Nikki is being blackmailed by the CCP's(Cute, Cool, Popular) so if she goes through with the talent show the whole student body will know about Queasy Cheesy. Still everyone finds out, so she tries to go through with it. Bad stuff happens like: Nikki's friends go join the CCP's, she finds out that someone has been writing "CANCELED" on her sign - up sheets for the talent show, and when she finally gets a band together, they still can't come up with a name!! What else could go wrong?

This book reminded me of how cruel and devious the world is. What happened to treat others as you want to be treated? For future reference to anyone who has been bullied, if someone calls you a geek, nerd, or a dork, it shouldn't bother you...It's better to be unique than average. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the misspelled words. I know it was meant to be like that, because it is a diary, but if we wanted to teach people to spell like that we should definitely make sure they have a copy of "Spelling for Dummies" at hand. LOL! :)



Saturday, July 18, 2015

Book reviews for teens, by teens!

This is a post by Belle's momma. 

As a mom, it is my job to oversee my daughter's blog and make sure that the books she's reading are appropriate, as well as the emails she is getting for reviews are safe.  So I am constantly skimming books, checking her email box as well as checking the comments left on her Facebook page and here on her blog.

Belle has recently encountered several individuals asking her for reviews.  Apparently they did not even look at her blog or facebook page because everywhere it states "Books for Teens and Clean YA".

It makes me sad that I have to publically come out and say "Come on people, use your eyes and use some common sense."

Yes, as author's you want reviews. I get that. I am an author after all.  However, you need to choose genre appropriate blogs to seek reviews.  If you book has excessive cussing, especially the F-Bomb, then it is NOT a teen or clean YA book (no matter how much you want it to be).  If your book has sex scenes, even if they fade to black when the actual act happens, it still does not qualify for teen and clean YA (it may be YA but it's certainly not clean when it describes hands groping certain body parts then it fades to black before they have sex).  It's sad to me that we live in a society that people believe sex scenes and sever cussing belong in teen books.

I don't say these things to be mean. There is certainly a place for your books somewhere, but they don't belong here. 

The reason my daughter wanted to start this blog was because there are no teen-ran blogs that recommend books specifically for teens.  She wanted to give other teens a place to go where they could find safe and clean books.  So that is what she is doing.

So here comes the very hard to hear part.

If she receives anymore books that include the F-Bomb or sex scenes, the review will be a very low star review due to the inability of the author or PR firm in question to see that this is for teens.

Thank you for understanding.

Book Review: Ghoulfriends Forever - The Monster High Series

 
 
 
Synopsis
 
Ghoulfriends Forever is a brand-new Monster High series, introducing three new monster characters. As new students, the trio must navigate the bewildering array of cute monster boys, established cliques, and monster-rific subjects like Mad Science, G-ogre-phy, and Physical Deaducation. As if that weren't hard enough, something strange and sinister seems to be happening at the school. Popular girls like Frankie Stein and Cleo de Nile are acting weird-and all signs point to everyone's new favorite teacher, Miss Sylphia Flapper. Can the new GFFs expose the fave as a fraud, or will they succumb to peer pressure?
 
My Review
 
 
I got this book and the second book, "Ghoulfriends just want to have fun", for my birthday. And since I have two full shelves of monster high dolls, I loved the idea of having the book collection, too! I have read them a lot since then and I was dying to share my opinion on it. It is 272 pages long.
 
There are new monsters at Monster High, three being students, and another a new teacher. She is very beautiful and elegant, but she also mysterious, you know, being a rare dragon whisperer and all. When she left her old school she was welcomed with open arms, but no one knew the real story. After Miss Flapper showed up the monsters and teachers at school started acting strange. Rochelle Gargoyle, Venus Mcflytrap, and Rebecca Steam are some of the few that aren't acting strange. What is happening to the school? How will they fix the monster body at school?
 
I liked this book, especially the some of the elaborate pictures. I haven't read books with pictures in a long time, so it was kind of weird about to read the next page and coming across a two- page picture. I also like how it's not slow at all, because there is always another piece of the puzzle that doesn't fit or a problem they have to solve!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Book Review: The Familiars - The Familiar Series


 
 
 
Synopsis
 


Is the kingdom's fate in the hands of an orphan cat?
 
Running fast to save his life, Aldwyn ducks into an unusual pet store. Moments later Jack, a young wizard in training, comes in to choose a magical animal to be his familiar. Aldwyn's always been clever. But magical? Jack thinks so—and Aldwyn is happy to play along.
 
He just has to convince the other familiars—the know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbert—that he's the powerful cat he claims to be.
Then the unthinkable happens. Jack and two other young wizards are captured by the evil queen of Vastia.
 
On a thrilling quest to save their loyals, the familiars face dangerous foes, unearth a shocking centuries-old secret, and discover a destiny that will change Vastia forever. Their magical adventure—an irresistible blend of real heart, edge-of-your-seat action, and laugh-out-loud humor—is an unforgettable celebration of fantasy and friendship.

My Review
 

 
I have read "The Familiars" two times in the last three months, I LOVE it! This is the perfect book for teens to write an essay on, because they can't just guess the ending. It's so unexpected. It is 372 pages long. The authors are Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson.
 
An alley cat has never known anything about his parents or how he got the chunk of ear missing, all he knows is that he has to survive by pillaging food when he can. What he doesn't know is the most feared bounty hunter is in town searching for him. When he comes across a shop, while running from the bounty hunter, he sneaks inside and hides in an empty cage. Soon after he gets adopted by an older man and his pupil as a familiar. Strange things happen while he is with his new best friend, Jack, things like trees that strangle you, eyeballs swimming in the water, and magic dust that brings the dead back to life. While there, they come across Queen Loranella in a state of mind that made her evil. The familiars' loyal's lives are in danger when they are captured. The familiars have to travel to many lands for help. Who will they meet? What will it take to save their loyals?
 
It was a bit slow in the beginning, but got more interesting as you got through the book. I love when authors use personification in their books. That technique never gets old. Who ever thought that a blue jay could create illusions, or a frog that can tell the past, present, or future. And the coolest one to me is a cat that can telekinetically move stuff with it's mind.

I decided to check out the official website; and it was kind of cool. You can take a test to determine what familiar you will get. I got a raven, with one touch of the wings a wound would be healed!!!

Monday, July 13, 2015

Book Review: Embrace - The Gryphon Series

 
 
 
Synopsis
 

Whether she likes it or not, eighteen year old Celeste Garrett has come to terms with being the Chosen One. She knew having a “normal life” would be tricky, between intense training sessions and epic demonic battles, but she didn’t know at what cost it would come. That is, until a dear friend is harmed by the malicious forces hunting her.

Now, she’d like nothing more than to retreat into a hermit lifestyle to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. But startling revelations, amazing new abilities, and mortifying moments in front of insanely hot guys won’t allow time for that. Soon, Celeste finds herself surrounded by darkness and wondering who she can trust—if anyone.

 
My Review
 
 
After I interviewed Stacey Rourke's first book, "The Conduit", she sent me this book and the 3rd book. I was so excited and I can't wait to read the 3rd book! It is 252 pages long and as most of you know it is written by Stacey Rourke.
 
Celeste started going to college and working at a coffee shop to try and feel normal again, but wherever she goes, demons follow. She can't put anyone at risk, so she quits. There are a lot of secrets going on in the group that is supposed to save humanity. One of them involves Alec; and his changes. She meets this guy named Kaleb and falls for him instantly. She finally decides she is ready to help Alec, but soon discovers he doesn't want to be helped at all. The group doesn't just have to worry about the dark army anymore.....because Alec and his army are challenging the dark army.
 
I thought it was very cool how someone of light could fall in love with someone of dark. I also like how Stacey Rourke put made most of the demons deceitful, because there are books and movies that make them out to be nice. Let me tell you something, demons are just wolves in sheeps' clothes. But, some of the demons did not choose their fate.... It was forced on them!

 

Friday, July 10, 2015

Book Review: Wicked Lovely - The Wicked Lovely Series




 
 
 
Synopsis
 
Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires. Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.

My Review
 
 
When I first got this book, I was so excited that I asked my mom to get me the other books to the "Wicked Lovely Series". It is written by Melissa Marr and is 352 pages long, not even counting the extra content.
 
Aislinn has seen the fae her whole life and she hasn't had anyone to talk to, except her grandma, until now. Seth, Aislinn's friend, figured out Aislinn's secret and he wants to do anything he can to help. Especially, after the summer king, Keenan, paid Aislinn a visit. Keenan wants Aislinn to become the summer queen to gain the power he needs to defeat his mother, the snow queen. Her fate is sealed as the summer queen, if she survives!
 
I like how everything was described so beautifully. I also like how Melissa Marr made most of the fae scary and ugly, while in most books and movies, they are beautiful and kind-hearted. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a verse from a 1930-1940 book, which I find cool. It was very slow in the beginning, though, which is sometimes hard for me to get into a book. But I stuck through it and found I was pleased by the end.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Book Review: The Reapers - The Hunted Series


 
 
 
Synopsis

The balance of life and death must be kept at all costs.



Having been a reaper as long as she can remember, Nivian knows that what she does is essential in maintaining balance. After being assigned to a rushed mark she finds that there is more to this human than any other she has encountered.



Kain had been living an ordinary life without a second thought until he meets Nivian who turns his world upside down. He is thrust into a world of hunters and reapers. The keepers of life and death have been feuding for centuries over a reason no one can even remember.



With Kain having been marked for reaping, and Nivian being hunted, they forge a friendship and together must find the truth in order to keep balance in check. Wrong choices could destroy everything. As they journey they discover hidden histories, powers, and lies and truths that have been spun since the beginning of time. The consequence of failure, unimaginable.


My Review
 

 
I have finally finished the first book of "The Hunted Series - The Reapers". The author is Ali Winters and it is 263 pages long. I was just skimming down my kindle books list for something good to read and it was the first book I came upon.
 
Nivian is chasing her mark when the weirdest thing happens.... A human sees her! A human can't see a reaper unless a reaper wants to be seen; and she for one did not like being seen during reaps. Silas, the head reaper, figures out that it is not a human at all, but a watcher; or what they now call hunters. Silas is so scared of the imbalance that hunters cause, he gave Nivian a new mark. The hunter Kain Evers. She then tries to confront him about being a hunter, but he doesn't know anything about his double life. After that, she starts spending time with him and falls for him. Will the war between the reapers and the hunters tear them apart?

It is a great book! I like the plot and how there are reapers (guardians of death) and watchers/hunters (guardians of life). I think it's funny how the main character, Nivian, said she had never tried a hamburger before, so when she tries it she can't help but stuff her face.


Monday, July 6, 2015

Book Review: The Vampire Diaries - Awakening



 
 
 
 
Synopsis

A deadly love triangle

Elena: beautiful and popular, the girl who can have any guy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, desperately trying to resist his desire for Elena . . . for her own good.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him.

Elena finds herself drawn to both brothers . . . who will she choose?

My Review


I've had this book for awhile and I never thought of reading it until now. I have watches The Vampire Diaries on T.V, so I thought, why not. I am going to give examples of how the T.V. show and book are alike and different.

Stefan, the new guy, gets in the good graces with Elena. The only problem is that Elena looks identical to Stefan's love, Katherine, so it is hard to look at Elena without seeing Katherine. Stefan realizes Stefan is hiding something and won't stop until she finds out what it is. Elena would do anything for Stefan, but this secret is pulling them apart. What will Elena discover and how will it affect Stefan and Elena's relationship?

 I loved the book, especially how dark and mysterious it was. It was kind of weird how in the book Katherine sounds so ill and fragile. The only thing I disliked was how different the book and the T.V. show are.

Here are a few examples of how the show and book differ:

  • In the book, Elena is blonde and snotty. On the show Elena is a Brunette and is kind-hearted.
  • In the book, Meredith is one of Elena's best friends. On the show Elena doesn't even have a friend named Meredith.
  •  The book is darker and spookier than the show.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Book Review: A Cygnet's Tale




 
Synopsis
 
Sixteen year old Helen Schwann was abandoned on the steps of a church as an infant. The only reminder of who she was is a necklace that was wrapped in the blanket with her, which she kept through the years, hoping it would reveal her parent’s fate and her true identity.

Just when she finally accepts her life’s mystery she meets two people that tell her things about herself that she never knew, teach her to accept who she is, why she is here, and show her that the way to one’s true self is through the heart of another.

‘A Cygnet’s Tail’ is an intriguing adaption of the children’s tail of the Ugly Duckling that Susan Burdorf has updated for today’s young adults.
 
My Review
 
 
I just finished reading "A Cygnet's Tale" by Susan Burdorf. It is 199 pages long. When I first started this blog some authors started to give me their books, so I could write a review on them. This is one of the first books that showed up on my kindle, so I started to read it day and night.
 
 Helen is a foster kid that moves in with the Greens. She has been bullied since kindergarten for being overweight and having white hair. She doesn't know anything about her parents, since they left her at a churches doorstep a few days after her being born. Since her history teacher just had surgery, a substitute is filling in; and when she gives the class a heritage project, she isn't aware of Helen's problem. Helen decides to look for clues involving her past, with Travis (her crush) right by her side.
 
I have been bullied my whole life, so I understand what it's like. I wasn't surprised when I saw how many kids didn't go to school, because of bullies. This book shows us that even if you don't know it, their is someone right in your school that is being bullied, too! Bullying is not right and in this book one of the bullies, Rachel, finds that out the hard way.
 
Author Interview
 
After I talked to Susan Burdorf about her being part of the act, #AuthorsAgainstBullying, she gave me the okay to interview her.
 
1. What made you want to be an author?
 
I Started writing when I was very young. I was in third grade writing that essay we used to have to do every year called "What I Did Over the Summer" and it took me an hour to write about all the fascinating things I had done that summer. One of my teacher's had remarked to the other that Ishould be a writer and that is when I knew writing was what I wanted to do with my life. If my life had turned out differently I would have been a journalist but instead I went to college, married, raised a family, and didn't give writing a thought until I got the itch again a few years ago. I wrote a zombie story for an anthology, got some great comments back about it, and I haven't stopped writing since.
 
2. Do you write other genres or is YA your focus?
 
I have several books in the works that range from Paranormal to Steampunk to Sci-Fi and they are in YA, NA, and Middle Grade...so I guess you could say that while I love writing YA, I am not afraid to try my hand at any genre in which I feel I have a story to tell.
 
3. Why did you write your book about bullying?
 
Bullying is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. I am a Girl Scout Leader and in our troop we had a little girl who was asked to leave our troop because she was bullying the other girls. Her reaction shocked me and stayed with me all these years. It was as if being a bully was no big deal - when of course, we know it IS a big deal. It is a morally wrong way to put ourselves above another. As bullying escalates, due to our inaction or inability to control the damage of bullying, I see young people devstated by the aftershocks of sanctioned abuse at the hands of their peers. I see inaction as the fuel that encourages bullies, and it makes me so angry. Schools are breeding grounds for bullies, and even when a zero tolerance in regards to bullying is put in place it is rarely enforced. And that saddens me. I wanted to reach out to those who are bullied and let them know they are not alone. That someone cares. I hoped, by writing Helen's story, that others might reach out to me or to those around them, and rebel against the bullies and those who allow this to happen. Helen's story, in A Cygnet's Tale is about finding herself, and in spite of all that she has endured she does that. I want others to read about her and find their strength in her strength.
 
4. Who does Helen most remind you of?
 
Helen is most like me. I am shy, and try to stay in the background. I was bullied as a child, but unlike Helen, I never found the strength to get through it with grace and courage. I just survived until I was out of high school and away from those that bullied me in high school. I wrote into Helen all the things I wished I had had the ability to do at that time, but I found out, while writing her story, that I DID have that kind of courage, I just never used it. I hope others will find their courage sooner than I did. Bullies will always be around, it is just who we are as people, but I hope people will realize that if we stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, that we will start the change that needs to happen. No child should be afraid to go to school. Or afraid to go to the movies. Or be afraid to go to the park without being picked on. The attitude of "kids will be kids" needs to become obsolete. We need to look at each person as a valuable part of humanity as a whole no matter what they wear, or how they talk, or the color of their skin.
 
5. Do you have any friends or family that have been bullied?
 
Yes, I do. And I remember how each of them felt when telling their stories. There seemed to be a common thread running through all of the stories - bullies are permitted to exist because people look the other way. This needs to stop. Now. With us.
 
6. How did you come up with the idea for Helen to be a foster kid?
 
I needed Helen to be in a vulnerable place, to feel she had no one to turn to except for herself. And then to gradually realize that she was stronger when she let her guard down and let others into her life. She found out that risking it all meant she would get it all, but that it would require her to sacrifice some things, too. Anything we want so bad, has to somehow change us. I also felt that as a member of the foster care system she has a perspective on her peers that is uniquely her own.
 
7. I really liked this book, so I was wondering... Do you plan on writing a second book for "A Cygnet's Tale"?
 
I am so very excited to hear that you liked my book. I love to hear from fans, both good and bad, about my writing (of course, good is better!). As for a second book, "A Cygnet's Tale" was always intended to be a standalone book, not part of a series, but as I was writing this I found that Max, Helen's foster brother, kept trying to insert his story into the book (more about his alcoholism and cheating on the exam were cut out of this book) and I am toying with the idea of exploring his character too...so it is not too improbable that Max, Helen, Travis, Trent, Rachel, and Grace might have more stories to tell.
 
8. Thank you so much for letting me read your book and taking time to talk with me!
 
Thank you so much for letting me chat with you for a little while. If you, or anyone else has more to ask or comments please feel free to contact me on my facebook page (my website is currently under construction) at www.facebook.com/susanburdorfauthor.
 
I am available to talk to student groups, girl scout or boy scout troops, schools, libraries or anyplace someone wants to talk books and writing. Contact me on my facebook page for scheduling and in the meantime know that I am an author against bullying #AuthorsAgainstBullying

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Book Review: Six Moon Summer- Seasons of the Moon

 



 
 
Synopsis
 

Rylie's been bitten.
She's changing.
And now she has three months to find a cure before becoming a werewolf...forever.

Rylie Gresham has been attacked by a wild animal at summer camp. She survived with something far worse than normal injuries. Animals fear her, she's craving raw flesh, and her anger is uncontrollable.

Mysterious Seth Wilder knows a lot about werewolves. He thinks he might be able to fix Rylie. His secrets might be far more dangerous than the change Rylie's facing, but she has no choice but to trust him. After all, if she doesn't figure out a way to stop the transformation, then at the end of summer, she'll be a monster.
 
My Review
 
 
I just finished "Six Moon Summer" by SM Reine. It has 191 pages. This is the first book out of the Seasons of the Moon Series, but the next series, The Cain Chronicles, is the next series of Seasons of the Moon.
  
Riley's parents are having a divorce, so they send Riley to summer camp. What she doesn't know is their is a werewolf roaming around the camp, searching for teens to turn. She sees this boy Seth, who saw her get bitten and helps her through the transformations from human to wolf. On the sixth, and final moon, the werewolf goes around camp attacking innocents, including Seth. Riley has a choice... Be a werewolf forever or let Seth and all the innocents die. Which will she choice?
 
I have read this book five times in this whole year. My favorite thing about this story was that before the main character was a werewolf, she was a vegetarian! All of the werewolf books I've read, the person, before becoming a werewolf, was a vegetarian. That's hilarious to me.