DPL Teens

Title: Grave Mercy

Author: Robin LaFevers

Other books in series or Standalone: First in a series.  The second book, Dark Triumph, was just released last week!

First Impressions:  ”Escaping a brutal arranged marriage into the sanctuary of a convent of assassin nuns who serve ancient gods, 17-year-old Ismae learns that the god of Death has blessed her with dangerous gifts and a violent destiny that requires her to destroy the lives of others at the high court of Brittany.”  Did you stop reading at assassin nuns and run out to pick up a copy?  Because I sure did.

Last Impressions:  LOVED IT!  This was one of those books that was so compelling that I had to abandon the audio version I was listening to in my car and pick up a print copy that I could tear through faster.  It’s fun and exciting but also smart and complex; Ismae is sent to protect Brittany’s duchess and find out what sort of treachery is going on in the high court, so there’s lots of court politics and intrigue.  But the best thing about the book is Ismae.  She starts off stuck in a bad situation and has to be rescued, but by the end she’s a strong, capable woman who you can really root for.

Thoughts on the cover:  Have there been way too many book covers with girls in pretty dresses lately?  Yes.  BUT not only is Ismae set apart by the  crossbow in her hands, she also has a determined and capable look on her face instead of seeming forlorn or overly lovesick.

People who should read this:  Anyone who is longing for another kick-butt heroine a la Katniss Everdeen.  Plus, there’s also lots of great action and drama, and a bit of romance, so just about anyone could find something they like in it!

People who should not read this:  If political intrigue bores you, this might be one to skip (but if you like political intrigue in your novels, definitely pick this one up).

If you like this book, you may also like:  Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas,Changeling by Philippa Gregory, The Poison Throne by Celine Kiernan, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Title: Every Day

Author:  David Levithan

Other books in series or Standalone:  Standalone

First Impressions:  Very unique concept.  “A” wakes up in a new body every morning and has to live that person’s life without making any changes or being noticed.  Everything is turned upside down when A, after waking up in the body of a teen named Justin, meets Justin’s girlfriend Rhiannon and is immediately drawn to her.

Last Impressions: I tore through this book in one sitting, and while I had a lot of questions at the end about the mechanics of it all, I did overall enjoy reading it.  It’s very original and thought-provoking; A is always a 16 year old but can wake up on any given morning looking like a completely different person, and so the book sends some strong messages about love, empathy, and acceptance.

Favorite Moment (SPOILER ALERT):  The first time A tries to explain the situation to Rhiannon.  As you can imagine, it’s tricky.

Dream Cast:  Since A is so many different people, the options are endless!  I would love to see someone like Emma Stone circa Easy A play Rhiannon; she could really bring the combo of feistyness and vulnerability.

People who should read this:  The bonus of A inhabiting a lot of different bodies is that it makes this book appealing to lots of people, since the main character is going through so many unique experiences based on the body he/she is in.  If you’re looking for something totally different from any other YA book you’ve read, and if you’re looking for a quick read, this is for you.

If you like this book, you may also like: some more of David Levithan’s books (like Boy Meets Boy and Will Grayson, Will Grayson), Ask the Passengers by A.S. King, Getting the Girl by Markus Zusak

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Other books in series or Standalone: Standalone

First Impressions: A friend of mine took the dive and read The Fault in Our Stars before I did. So, I knew going in that this book was going to be great, but extremely sad.  I mean, it’s about a sixteen-year-old with terminal cancer, there’s pretty much no way that’s not going to be sad.   However, once I actually got into the book, I was thoroughly surprised with the attitude of the main character, Hazel. It was nothing like I expected, and I very much wanted to get to know her better.

Last Impressions: Wow, what an amazing book. The Fault in Our Stars is easily my favorite by John Green. The relationship between Hazel and Augustus was at once uplifting and tragic, and I’m a sucker for beautiful contrast. Their story sticks with you long after you put the book down. I’m not going to say I cried, but—if only that truck full of onions hadn’t driven by as I was reading.

Thoughts on the bookcover: The cover is very elegant and simple. While this may not seem so amazing, think back on the cover of any classic you’ve seen. They’ve almost all been elegant and simple! That’s just the publishing company putting their faith in John Green, preemptively believing this novel will be a classic.

Favorite Moment (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT): It has to be, and this scene plays out with the utmost respect, making out in the Anne Frank House. Yeah, I just typed that. But really, that whole scene was perfect.

Least Favorite Moment (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT): I actually don’t have a least favorite moment, per se. But when Hazel says she doesn’t want to be close to anyone in order to avoid “collateral damage” when she dies, her situation really hit me hard. 

People who should read this: All NerdFighters, of course. Anyone looking for a book that’s tragic, yet beautiful. Those not afraid to cry in order to feel fulfilled.

If you like this book, you may also like: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, There is No Dog by Meg Rosoff, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

***Also, there’s a Tumblr for The Fault in Our Stars for those that have finished the book, featuring a direct Q&A between you and John Green. However, it’s password protected (the last word in the Acknowledgements, case sensitive), so make sure you jot it down when you check out the book!

BOOK READ RECENTLY:

Title: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Other books in series or Standalone:  First in a trilogy.  Look for the second book, tentatively titled Insurgent, in spring/summer 2012.

First Impressions: I had almost grown tired of dystopian novels since every author out there is trying to replicate the wild success of The Hunger Games, but the premise of this novel (not to mention the stellar reviews) piqued my interest.  It’s set in a futuristic Chicago where all citizens are split into different factions based on what they value: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite, and Amity.  When kids turn 16, they can choose to stay with the faction they were born into, or they can switch.  Beatrice was born into Abnegation, who value selflessness.  But when her test marks her as a Divergent who doesn’t truly belong to any one faction, she chooses to switch to Dauntless, where courage is valued above all else.  There she must learn to function in a group that is totally different than what she is used to and discover what it truly means to be fearless.

Last Impressions:  Of all the dystopian YA books that have come out in the wake of The Hunger Games, my favorite is definitely Divergent.  This is probably due to the fact that Beatrice (who goes by Tris once she becomes Dauntless) is a really cool, tough girl who is more like Katniss than any of the lovestruck girls in the other dystopian tales I’ve read lately.  In choosing Dauntless as her faction, and going through with all the trials involved in becoming Dauntless, Tris proves that she’s worthy of being called brave and self-sufficient.  There’s also a love story, but like The Hunger Games, it’s not the main focus.  It’s much more action-based, and figuring out who you are is the core of the story.  Divergent was an exciting and interesting read, and I’d definitely recommend it!

Favorite Moment (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT):  Tris gliding along a wire off of a 100-story building on a Dauntless adventure.  I’m scared of everything and could therefore never be Dauntless, but this sounded so cool!

Thoughts on the bookcover:  I know you’re “not supposed to judge a book by the cover”, but the cover is one of the reasons I picked up the book.  The big fiery symbol is a great depiction of what Dauntless is all about, and it’s always nice to see the Chicago skyline.

People who should read this:  If you liked The Hunger Games, I’m pretty confident that you’ll like this!  It’s really got a little something for everyone.  There’s lots of action, a new world to imagine, a love story, and more.

If you like this book, you may also like:  Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Matched by Ally Condie

Series: The Leviathan Trilogy

Titles: Leviathan – Behemoth – Goliath

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Illustrator: Keith Thompson

Genre: Steampunk, Alternate History

First Impressions: What an awesome concept!  The story takes place in an alternate World War I.  The main difference?  Steam engines evolved early and in a big way, and are used by the Central Powers (mostly the German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire), called Clankers in this series.  Whereas the Entente Powers (mostly Britain, France and the Russian Empire), here called the Darwinists, developed genetic engineering, and used it to create animals for war—an example being the Leviathan, which is basically a whale hydrogen airship with a delicate ecosystem.

Last Impressions: Leviathan moved a bit slower than I would have thought, given that it’s a war novel, but then you have to remember that it’s the first book—the world and characters need to be set up!  The two main characters, Deryn/”Dylan” (a Scottish girl posing as a boy to get into the British air force) and Alek (the son of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his commoner wife, Sophie—you may know them from their assassination that is thought to be the straw that broke the camel’s back and started WWI) don’t even meet until well into the first book.  Behemoth is where the story really takes off.  The final book in the trilogy, Goliath, is coming out September 30th of this year, and I cannot wait!  On a final note, you certainly don’t have to be a World War I aficionado to enjoy this series. In fact, Scott Westerfeld definitely takes some historical liberties—such as the fact that Alek is not a real person.

Thoughts on the book covers: LOVE the artwork of the first cover!!  It’s easily the reason I even looked at these books in the first place.  And then, randomly, they decided they were going to redo the covers with people on the front.  Now, I do like the cover for Goliath, but still not as much as the initial artwork.  I mean, don’t they ask a sample group or something about these things?!  Arg, oh well.  Anyway, can I just say I’m totally in love with Keith Thompson’s Darwinist vs. Clankers map (pictured at top)?  Go on, click on it; it’s awesome!  In fact, saunter on over to his website and click around (be aware there is some creepy slight nudity).  It reminds me a bit of something Guillermo del Toro (director of Pan’s Labyrinth) might put into a movie.

Favorite Moment (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT): Probably when Deryn gets a kiss, and it’s most likely not who you think it’s from!

Least Favorite Moment (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT): Not really a huge spoiler, but it was a little disappointing that Alek still doesn’t know Deryn is a girl by the end of Behemoth.

Dream Cast: Carey Mulligan as Deryn; Alexander Ludwig as Alek.

People who should read this: Anyone looking for a YA novel that’s a little different.  Boys, this means you, too!

If you like this book, you may also like: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, Boneshaker by Cherie Priest, Airborn by Kenneth Oppel.

Please enjoy the following book trailer:

BOOK READ RECENTLY:

Title: Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares

Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Other books in series or Standalone: Standalone

First Impressions: I really enjoyed the other major novel that Cohn and Levithan co-wrote, called Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, so I was really looking forward to this one.  And the story sounded so fun!  Christmas fantatic Lily is bored while on vacation from school, so she leaves a red notebook on a bookstore shelf.  The notebook contains the beginning of a set of challenges for whoever finds it, kind of like a city-wide scavenger hunt.  When snarky Dash find the notebook, he is immediately sucked into the dares, and the two spend their Christmas Break trading the notebook back and forth by leaving it at the site of the last dare.

Last Impressions: This was, in fact, a really fun book.  I love the idea of the notebook and the dares, and if it was at all realistic I would totally do it!  Dash starts off sort of unlikeable and Lily borders on annoying sometimes, but through their interactions they grow and become more likeable characters, which I think is one mark of a good story.  And Cohn and Levithan do a great job at bringing New York to life, it really made me want to see it in the winter!

Favorite Moment (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT):  I really enjoyed Dash’s initial finding of the notebook in The Strand….it’s pretty funny.  The ending is also very nice, but I won’t spoil it!

Least Favorite Moment:  Dash and Lily’s first attempt at meeting in person.  Major failure.

Thoughts on the bookcover: The cover is so pretty!  I love the falling snow (especially right now, in the dead of summer!) and all the hearts.  It’s a very nice “New York in winter” image.

An ideal place to read this book: On a cozy couch with a mug of hot cocoa. 

People who should read this:  Guys and girls can both enjoy this, since you’re getting the perspectives of both Dash and Lily.  If you’re looking for a unique love story, this is definitely for you.  And fans of Christmas and books about Christmas will find a lot to enjoy here.

If you like this book, you may also like:  Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle.

BOOK READ RECENTLY:

Title: The Time-traveling Fashionista

Author: Bianca Turetsky

CLICK HERE TO READ AN EXCERPT!

Other books in series or Standalone: right now it is a standalone, but the author’s bio in the back leads us to believe it will be a series!

First Impressions: Time travel plus fashion plus THE TITANIC? YES PLEASE! I have always loved the idea of clothing being a sciencefictionish technological instrument either as an invisibility cloak, or a magical pair of flattering jeans, or dresses that transport the wearer to another time. Bravo should totally do a Sci-Fi version of Project Runway…

Last Impressions: I liked the book, but I thought it was a bit predictable. However, the main character, Louise, was very sweet and passionate about pursuing her hobby of collecting vintage clothing. I totally want to be friends with her so we can put on flapper dresses and have dance parties (however, I would prefer NOT to put on Edwardian dresses and hang out on doomed, sinking ships with her…)

Favorite Part (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT): I loved when Louise and Ann (a maid on the Titanic) visited the ship’s gymnasium–I know! Who knew the Titanic had a gym? Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio never hung out in there. The thought of working out in mountains of underclothes, a corset, a long dress, gloves and jewelry kinda makes me wanna fall over…My other favorite part was the fashion illustrations by Sandra Suy! SO GLAMOROUS! And tragic. I found that learning about the clothing worn by the Titanic’s victims and survivors made the tragedy feel that much more human.

Least Favorite Part: It took sooooo long for Louise to realize that she was on the Titanic which made me very very anxious (and slightly annoyed).

Thoughts on the bookcover: Beautiful! I am always a sucker for covers with beautiful dresses and I am LOVING the current trend of using a hand-lettered look for the title. The cover looks fun and shiny and romantic–just like the story!

An ideal place to read this book: while you are waiting in line for the AMAZING Titanic Exhibit at the Putnam Museum!

Dream Cast: Louise would be played by Sierra McCormick of Disney’s new show, ANT Farm, or Joey King who played Ramona in Ramona & Beezus.

People who should read this: Although enjoyed by all ages, I would say this book would most interest younger teens. Especially those into fashion or history (or both!)

If you like this book, you may also like: Vintage Veronica by Erica S. Perl, Cinderella Cleaners by Maya Gold or anything by Ann Rinaldi