Mini Reviews: the First in the Summer Catch Up Addition

In order to do a review catch up, I've decided to share some mini thoughts about the books I've read in the last few months. Here's the first batch.

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Magic Under Stone by Jaclyn Dolamore

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

The heart-pounding sequel to the acclaimed romantic fantasy

For star-crossed lovers Nimira and Erris, there can be no happily ever after until Erris is freed from the clockwork form in which his soul is trapped. And so they go in search of the sorcerer Ordoria Valdana, hoping he will know how to grant Erris real life again. When they learn that Valdana has mysteriously vanished, it's not long before Nimira decides to take matters into her own hands-and begins to study the sorcerer's spell books in secret. Yet even as she begins to understand the power and limitations of sorcery, it becomes clear that freeing Erris will bring danger-if not out-and-out war-as factions within the faerie world are prepared to stop at nothing to prevent him from regaining the throne.

Review:

It seems like with every one of Jaclyn Dolamore's books her talent as an author grows tremendously, and that was just the cause with Magic Under Stone, Dolamore's third book and the sequel to Magic Under Glass. From the first page, I was thrown back into the mysterious, deadly, and thrilling world of Nimiara and Erris, who are still on the search to find a way to free Erris from the clockwork. However, the trail is filled with twists, turns, and surprises that no one could have expected. I loved nearly every single moment of this one. Nimiara and Erris grew as characters, and I felt like they're bond as a couple was stronger and more magical than ever. Plus I enjoyed the vast set of secondary characters introduced in this one. The ending provided was extremely satisfactory, and even though everything seems to be warped up for good this time, I'm still hoping for a third book. In all, if you loved or even just liked Magic Under Glass, be sure to give Magic Under Stone a chance! Trust me...it's even better.

Magic Under Stone (Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Netgalley

Loss (Riders of the Apocalypse #3) by Jackie Morse Kessler  

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Fifteen-year-old Billy Ballard is the kid that everyone picks on. But things change drastically when Death tells Billy he must stand in as Pestilence, the White Rider of the Apocalypse. Now armed with a Bow that allows him to strike with disease from a distance, Billy lashes out at his tormentors...and accidentally causes an outbreak of meningitis. Horrified by his actions, Billy begs Death to take back the Bow. For that to happen, says Death, Billy must track down the real White Rider, and stop him from unleashing something awful on humanity—something that could make the Black Plague look like a summer cold. Does one bullied teenager have the strength to stand his ground—and the courage to save the world?

Review:

After completing both Hunger and Rage, the first two books in the Riders of the Apocalypse series, I've come to eagerly anticipate a new Kessler book every spring. I admire the way in which Jackie picks a tough issue or two and tackles them in every one of her books, because not only does she provide a realistic and believable story, but one that offers a leg of support and help to teens going through the same thing. This book in particular discussed the topics of Alzheimer’s in a family as well as bullying through Billy Ballard's life. At the start of the book, Billy is a sad and lonely teenager going through his grandfather's failing health as well as his own problems at school. Billy lacks the courage and strength to stand up for what he wants, but with the help of Death as well as the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Billy begins to grow as a character tremendously as well as help solve a life or death situation. Furthermore, I really enjoyed Jackie's writing in this one. In all, Loss is yet anther intriguing addition to the series. I can't wait to see what's next!

Loss (Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Netgalley

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

Review:

Despite hearing excellent thing after thing about Graffiti Moon as well as its author, it took me a while to give both a try, but now that I have, all I can say is "WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?!" To say the very least, this book was spectacular! I adored the whole premise from the very start as well as the idea of the whole story taking place over one single night. It made everything move in a super fast pace, but one that never left me felt like I was missing anything. Quite the opposite, actually, because I felt this one was beautifully developed and executed. I really enjoyed the characters of Lucy and Ed, two teens who seem to fit the stereotypes they've been given, but don't...not at all actually. I also enjoyed the wide variety of other characters introduced. Each added perfect little sparks to the book to make it nothing short of perfect. Lastly, the conclusion? LOVED IT! In all, Graffiti Moon is certainly a book you can't miss this year!

Graffiti Moon (Goodreads) is now out!

Source: Netgalley

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Check back for some more mini-reviews tomorrow, as I continue to play catch up! :)

Loss Blog Tour (Guest Post & Giveaway!)

Jackie Morse Kessler, author of the Riders of the Apocalypse series, recently embarked on the tour for Loss, the latest addition in the series. Today, she's here on Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf to talk about how Alzheimer's was involved in the book as well as to offer up a giveaway. Read on to find out more...

Alzheimer’s and LOSS 

By Jackie Morse Kessler'

The books in the Riders of the Apocalypse series have themes—Hunger focused on eating disorders, and Rage looked at self-injury. LOSS predominantly tackles bullying, and the anxiety that being perpetually bullied can cause. But there’s a secondary focus in LOSS, one that’s near and dear to my heart: Alzheimer’s. Specifically, coping with a loved one’s struggle with Alzheimer’s.

This is a fear of mine, even more so than drowning (almost happened when I was a kid) or realizing you’ve come to class naked and forgot to study for that math test (never happened, I swear). Alzheimer’s runs in my family. It’s terrifying to watch—and I never had to be a caregiver to someone suffering with the disease. I just saw it on the periphery, when I’d visit my grandmother, who slowly faded away. She’d been this shining star, this loving if beleaguered presence, and I watched her hollow out until she was just a shell of herself. I remember visiting her older sister a few months before I got married, remember listening in fascinated horror as, in the space of one sentence, she’d go from present to past to extremely past and back to present. It was all flow of thought and impossible to follow. And she meant every damn word.

Alzheimer’s is scary. And that’s coming from someone who wrote an adult series about demons.

So when I originally set out to write LOSS, I was going to have the issue be Alzheimer’s. Because it was aimed at the YA market, it was going to be focused on the teen caregiver of a grandparent. It was going to be personal, and touch on a fear that makes me sweat every time I forget what I was about to do. (I read somewhere that forgetting where you put your keys is fine; not so fine is when you forget what a key is. Good to know. Hope I don’t forget it!) 

But when I started writing LOSS, the protagonist, Billy, slowly transformed from being a teen who is treated horribly by his grandfather, who is in the throes of the disease, to being a teen who is horribly bullied—at school as well as at home by his grandfather. The bullying by his grandfather is unintentional; Alzheimer’s and dementia sucks, plain and simple, and sometimes the most gentle person can become horrifically violent. The bullying at school, however, was very intentional. And as I kept writing, the story turned into a young man’s struggle with crippling anxiety from not knowing when the next blow is going to strike.

I’m glad the book turned out that way; there was so much more to the protagonist than only being his grandfather’s caregiver. But conquering Alzheimer’s remains an important cause. And that’s why I’m donating a portion of LOSS proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association.

So if you decide to buy a copy of LOSS, thank you for helping to make a difference. :)

LOSS by Jackie Morse Kessler comes out March 20, 2012! Here's some more info about the book:

Fifteen-year-old Billy Ballard is the kid that everyone picks on. But things change drastically when Death tells Billy he must stand in as Pestilence, the White Rider of the Apocalypse. Now armed with a Bow that allows him to strike with disease from a distance, Billy lashes out at his tormentors...and accidentally causes an outbreak of meningitis. Horrified by his actions, Billy begs Death to take back the Bow. For that to happen, says Death, Billy must track down the real White Rider, and stop him from unleashing something awful on humanity—something that could make the Black Plague look like a summer cold. Does one bullied teenager have the strength to stand his ground—and the courage to save the world?

You can pre-order LOSS at Amazon, your indie bookstore, Book Depository, and Barnes and Noble. Also lookout for my review, which will be posted later this week! 

GIVEAWAY: One lucky commenter below (please include email address with comment!!) will win a small cover poster of LOSS—and will be entered in the grand prize drawing! The grand prize winner will receive signed copies of HUNGER, RAGE, and LOSS—and will get to name a character in BREATH, the fourth book in the Riders of the Apocalypse series. The grand prize winner will be picked on Sunday, April 1, 2012. No foolin’.

The winner of the small cover poster will be picked on March 17, 2012! Good luck! :)

Want to know where future (and past) tour stops are? Head on over here to see the full list! 

Blog Tour: Jackie Morse Kessler's Rage (Review and Interview!)

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

Missy didn’t mean to cut so deep. But after the party where she was humiliated in front of practically everyone in school, who could blame her for wanting some comfort? Sure, most people don’t find comfort in the touch of a razor blade, but Missy always was . . . different.

That’s why she was chosen to become one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: War. Now Missy wields a new kind of blade—a big, brutal sword that can cut down anyone and anything in her path. But it’s with this weapon in her hand that Missy learns something that could help her triumph over her own pain: control.

A unique approach to the topic of self-mutilation, Rage is the story of a young woman who discovers her own power and refuses to be defeated by the world.

Review:

After last year’s unique and startling Hunger, the start to the Horsemen of the Apocalypse series, I have been eager to read the sequel Rage. I wondered if it would better than the first one, or lackluster in comparison. Luckily, Rage managed to win me over in one big swoop with not only Jackie’s way of writing, but also its honest look at a serious issue- one that affects many lives across the world.

It all started a while ago…Missy found comfort in a blade, a sliver one with a sharp edge. It gave her comfort and control that she did not receive in real life. However, one night she went too far. It was a bad night, because not only was she caught in a compromising and embarrassing position in front of her malicious classmates thanks to her jerk of an ex-boyfriend, but also there were pictures taken and words said- words that keep circling around in her head. Therefore, she got it out in the way she knew best- cutting- and it left her on Death’s doorstep. Only for her to find out she had been expected as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and given a role she is unable to believe- War. With this new role come a sword and a power no 16-year-old girl has faced before. Missy will face not only her inner demons but also the chance at redemption and love- two things she never thought she would receive. Will everything turn out okay in the end? Will Missy squash her problems to the ground, or will she let them get the best of her? Only time and more pages can tell in this captivating read.

Missy is a girl who in most ways is nearly broken to the point of no repair. She has faced more loss, ridicule, and embarrassment than anyone her age should. Sometimes all I wanted to do was shake her gently on the shoulders and talk some sense into her, to tell her there was a live out there worth living for, and that cutting was never the answer. However, since I obviously could not do that, I supported her the best way I could- I rooted for her. Her path from the start of the novel to the end is not an easy one. It is filled with drama and problems; it will make nearly any reader go through a wide variety of emotions- from sadness to shock to hate to happiness.

This leads me to the plot.

The aspect I always love the most about these novels is the fact that Jackie takes such tough and hard subjects (in this case self-mutilation), and presents them in such unique, memorable, and most importantly un-preachy ways. With this novel, particularly, her writing and world building talents improved immensely. The characters and their tales jumped off the pages; the story came to life; and the world of the Horsemen felt like it was right there in front of me the whole time.

Finally yet importantly, I have to add that I loved the ending. It was anywhere near the “perfect” ending most stories have these days. Instead, it gave me as well as other readers an honest ending. It was hopeful; do not get me wrong, but it also was realistic in the best way possible.

Startling and unflinchingly honest, Rage packs quite the punch, and let me tell you, if you enjoyed Hunger, you will love this one. I can only the next one will be as good.

Grade: A+

Rage is now out!

Source: Publisher

I also had the chance to ask Jackie a few questions about Rage and some other things so without a further ado...

LCB: In your opinion, what are the top three reasons why readers should consider picking up Rage, your latest release, the next time they see it in stores or online?

JK: 1. It takes a hard-hitting look at self-injury; 2. It has the Horsemen of the Apocalypse; and 3. Death plays the guitar. :)

LCB: Death playing the guitar is enough of reason to read it, in my opinion! Anyhow, Rage tells the story of Missy, a teen who faces problems surrounding self-mutilation, which leaves me to wonder why you gave her this particular trait? In addition, do you have any advice for others who may be going through similar problems to Missy’s?

JK: When I finished writing HUNGER, the first book in the Riders of the Apocalypse (in which an anorexic teenage girl becomes Famine), my agent said to me, “Which Horseman are you writing about next?” Based on events in HUNGER, it made sense for the Horseman to be War. In my series, War carries a humongous sword, which is her symbol of office. When I thought about the sword, making the connection to another sort of blade — in Missy’s case, a razor — came quickly. That’s when I began to research self-injury.

I’m donating a portion of proceeds of RAGE to a terrific organization called To Write Love On Her Arms . This non-profit group is there for people who are coping with depression, self-injury, addiction and suicidal thoughts—it is there to offer support and to help people find treatment options near them. TWLOHA is there, ready to listen to anyone who needs to talk. As the organization says, your story matters. :)

LCB: Very cool! To Write Love On Her Arms is such a great group! Rage is the second addition to the Horseman of the Apocalypse series, which leaves me to wonder the follow: what is your favorite aspect of writing this series, and what inspired you to switch up who the main characters are with each book?

JK: I’d had the idea for HUNGER for 10 years, so when I finally sat down to write it, it all came pouring out. I had no idea that Death was going to look (and sound, and sing) like Kurt Cobain. It just happened. That was very fun—and now I know exactly why he looks like Kurt, and what his story is. And I can’t wait to tell it! **rubs hands gleefully** So as a series, I’d say writing Death’s character throughout is my favorite part.

I knew when HUNGER was done that Lisa’s story was complete, and that I wouldn’t be revisiting her and James. Therefore, I needed a new protagonist for RAGE. It took me a while before I discovered Missy, and longer before she opened up to me.

When it was time for me to start writing LOSS, which is about a bullied teenage boy who is tricked into becoming the new Pestilence, it made sense for the protagonist to be male because the White Rider, whom we’ve seen in both HUNGER and RAGE, is male. Consistency rocks!

LCB: Consistency does rock, and I love seeing all the crossover characters! Since becoming an official teen author with last year’s Hunger, have you experienced any noteworthy ‘rock star’ type moments? If so, do you have any you would like to share?

JK: LOL — well, just the other week, Richelle Mead, Rachel Caine and I, and a boatload of other people, got kicked out of a dinner party in a hotel room for, apparently, being too noisy. At 9:30 pm on a Saturday night. In Los Angeles. (!!!) We didn’t even break any of the furniture! But at least we ate before Security told us to leave. (Priorities!!!)

LCB: haha, that's hilarious and defiently rock star-worthy! Anyhow, Rage’s release date was April 4. How did you spend the day?

JK: Working at my full-time day job, and then going to my favorite local indie bookstore, Flights of Fantasy in Colonie, NY, and doing a reading/signing/Q&A about Rage. :)

LCB: What is up next for you, book-wise?

JK: I’m currently working to finish writing LOSS, the third book in the Riders of the Apocalypse (goal finish date: THIS THURSDAY!!!), and then before I start writing the fourth and final Riders book (BREATH, which is Death’s book, yay!), I have an idea for a middle-grade (tween) book that I want to write for my boys. :)

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YAY, I can't wait to read Loss and Breath, especially Breath, as I'm eager to see things from Death's point of view! Anyhow, thanks so much for stopping by Jackie!

Also, as part of the tour Jackie's hosting an awesome contest. Here's all the details you need to know.

Riders of the Apocalypse giveaway! Three lucky winners will receive one copy each of HUNGER and RAGE along with postcards and a mini-poster! To enter, send an e-mail to RageGiveaway@gmail.com. In the body of the e-mail, include your name and e-mail address (if you're under 13, submit a parent's name and e-mail address). One entry per person and prizes will only be shipped to US or Canadian addresses. Entries must be received by midnight (PDT) on 4/30/11. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on 5/1/11 and notified via email.

Jackie's next stop is In Bed with Books. Be sure to check it out! To find out more about Jackie and her books, head on over to her website.

Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler + Giveaway!

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

"Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world."

Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home—her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power—and the courage to fight her own inner demons?

A wildly original approach to the issue of eating disorders, Hunger is about the struggle to find balance in a world of extremes, and uses fantastic tropes to explore a difficult topic that touches the lives of many teens.

Review:

I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since I've first heard about it. I love the fact that it's a take on the Horsemen of the Apocalypse and how through that Jackie intertwines different issues facing teens today. So, when Hunger finally ended up in my hands, I have to admit I was quite excited to read it. Thankfully, Hunger provided to a well-written, intriguing, and fast-paced read about how one eating disorder can cause one girl's whole life to go spinning out of control.

Hunger is the tale of Lisabeth Lewis. Lisabeth has a problem...she's anorexic and her family, friends,and boyfriend are starting to catch on to this scary secret, and she just can't let that happen. It would ruin everything and she would loose the control she has over her body if she had to give her anorexic ways up. Just as she's worrying about this, a horseman shows up to her front door giving her the a black steed, a steed that will lead her on the journey of her life, one that will show her how hunger affects the world in unimaginable ways . But will this make Lisabeth change her own ways? Only time will tell in this extremely imaginative tale of one girl's fight to take control of her life.

Lisabeth was a character whose story I was invested in throughout, even though there were times when I wanted to shake her on her shoulder for her silly ways, ways that were hurting the ones who loved her the most and most importantly herself. Her struggle with anorexia was very believable, in my opinion, and I can only hope that teens who have face similar problems to Lisa's or have friends that do will have the courage to speak out after reading this. I also liked the character of Death. He was quite the interesting of characters and I'm really looking forward to reading more about him in future additions of the Horseman of the Apocalypse series.
Furthermore, I found the premise and plot to be great! As mentioned above, I love how Ms. Kessler takes series issues and puts a paranormal spin to them because not only is it a unique spin but the execution is fantastic!

The only problem I really had with this book was how I felt that some of the characters and relationships weren't as fleshed out as they could have been, but besides that nothing else really bothered me.

In all, Hunger is fantastic paranormal addition to teen-lit. I can't wait to see what Jackie has in store for us next!

Grade: B+

Hunger is now out!

Source: Unsolicited review copy provided by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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I also have an extra ARC of Hunger to give away to one lucky reader. Here are the rules:

~ Must be 13 or older.
~ This contest is open internationally.
~ Fill out the following form to be entered.
~ This contest will end December 17th!