The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder (Second Review!)

The Lipstick Laws
By Amy Holder
Publisher: Graphia, 2011
237 pages, paperback
Date Finished: 11/6/2011
Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Chick Lit

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her. For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity. But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "Sitting near Darci Madison on the schoolbus is enough to put anyone with woman-sprout issues over the edge."
~Last Line: "And with that, I go to bed a proud Lipstick Lawbreaker and an ex-bra-stuffer."

Review: Talk about an awesome book! I really didn't expect it to be that good! It sort of showed me what high school could be like this upcoming year (I doubt it'll be anything like this book, but anything's possible, right? :D).

The main character, April Bowers, is a sophmore in high scool -- with no friends. Her best bud has moved away to Kansas, and somehow, on the first day, April manages to be accepted by the most popular girl in school. Things are amazing for her so far, even though her best friend warns her to stay away.

The plot was really awesome. You could tell that Amy seriously (maybe not too seriously) thought about the best way to write the characters and what happened throughout the 237 pages of the novel. Everything was just so teenish, and the reader can relate to April and her friends so weel. It all just sort of seems real!

The Lipstick Laws was most definitely an ahmazing book. I wish that it was a series, though. I've heard that they are thinking about making a tv series off of it. Hope that follows throught! :)

and a half :)

Quotes from the book:

"No girl wants to hear that she needs a makeover. I know I'm not a supermodel, but c'mon, I'm not a wilting weed in desperate need of Miracle-Gro, either."

" 'Ah, to be a teenager again . . . when noon is morning and midnight is going to bed early.' "

"I get the tortellini alfredo. It's to die for. Technically, I guess it really could be to die for . . . hence my father's nickname for it: heart attack on a plate. Regardless of its artery-clogging qualities, it's delicious."

"Mr. Stuart jumps in horror when he sees me. 'Holy smokes, April! What happened?'
'Tennis balls are hazardous weapons,' I respond cooly.
The class laughs. I'm happy that others find humor in my suffering."

________________________________________________________

And now I have an awesome interview with Amy herself! :D Enjoy!

1. What made you want to be an author?
I've always loved to write, and I dreamed of being an author when I was little. However, it wasn’t until after college that I really started thinking about pursuing it professionally. I studied psychology in college and once I was out in the real world working in the field, I realized I wouldn’t feel completely fulfilled unless I was able to do something I truly adore. Writing is that something … and I feel very lucky to have accomplished my childhood dream.

2. What gave you the idea for The Lipstick Laws?
The idea for the book was very character driven. April, the main character, was the first aspect of the story that came to me. I always knew I wanted to write a fun story about the ups and downs of high school, but the whole plot evolved by free-writing in April's voice and putting her character into what-if scenarios.

3. Would you say that you’re a Lipstick Lawlord, or a Lipstick Lawbreaker?
I'm a Lipstick Lawbreaker through and through! I could never follow the Lipstick Laws... especially Lipstick Laws two, three and four!

4. What can we expect from you in the next couple of years?
In the next couple of years, I'm hoping to have another book or two out. Also, The Lipstick Laws was recently optioned for TV, so there's a chance that it may go to production at some point -- fingers crossed. There are still many steps that would have to happen before it gets to that point...but the possibility is exciting regardless.

5. Who are your favorite authors of all-time?
The authors who sparked my love of reading and writing at a young age will always have a soft spot in my heart. Those authors are: Shel Silverstein, Roald Dahl, Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary and Madeleine L'Engle. I also adore Sophie Kinsella, J.K. Rowling, and Charles Dickens. And I may be biased, but I think my fellow 2011 debut authors are pretty amazing as well!

6. Do you enjoy eating asparagus?
Haha! This may be one of the most random questions I've ever gotten in an interview.... but, yes, I do enjoy eating asparagus. Thanks for asking. :)

7. What are some of your hobbies when you’re not writing?
I love art, photography, anything that makes me laugh, baking, shopping, going to plays, spending time with family/friends...and I'm a huge animal lover, so I like spending time with my pets and/or getting involved with animal rescue groups.

8. What’s your favorite holiday of the year?
Christmas is by far my favorite holiday! In fact, I'd love to be a holiday elf - even just for a day. Preferably the day would be Christmas Eve....because dressing like a holiday elf in the middle of July would probably be a little creepy.

9. How can my followers and I stay in top of what’s happening with you and your books?
You can find me at the following links (please don't hesitate to say hi!):

Twitter: www.twitter.com/amyholderbooks
Website: www.amyholder.com
Blog: amyholderbooks.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amyholderbooks
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/amyholder

Also, if you'd like to meet me in person, check out my news and reviews page for information about upcoming events: amyholdernews.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for the interview, Zakiya!

Thank YOU, Amy, for participating!!! I really appreciate it :p

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Falling Under (Falling Under, #1)
By Gwen Hayes
Publisher: New American Library, 2011
324 pages, paperback
Date Finished: 9/6/2011
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Romance, Some Adventure

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "Everything changed the night I saw the burning man fall from the sky."
~Last Line: "And together we fell under."

Review: When I started reading Falling Under, I was automatically  pulled in (like I was with all the other books being featured this week; LOL). Again, this was a completely new concept for me, but I really loved it.

As I met Theia and learned more about her past and her family and friends, I was pulled in even more! The way Theia was raised after her mother died, not being able to go anywhere or barely do anything -- I think it's all sort of ridiculous. But I guess when I reached the end of the book, it made sense as to why he was so protective.

The supernatural beings in this one were demons. Nope, no angels. That's what I loved about this one (among about a thousand other things) -- even though there were demons, there weren't angels trying to fight them back or anything. It was very nice anything :).

On to the male of the book: Haden. Half-demon, half-human. I love it! All he's ever wanted was to be completely human; it was pretty cool that he and Theia met every night in the demon world of Under. It was crazy cool, but so mysterious! Although I believe when she actually traveled to Under is was even better. For, you know, traveling purposes, of course :D.

Simple: Get. This. Book. No questions should be forming in your head. The book is amazing. Get it!

Quotes from the book:

"So he was a sweet-talking, cross-dressing, fortune-telling . . . surfer?"

"My makeup was an altogether different experience. Shellacked and powdered, I protested her heavy hand, but my objections were dismissed. As were my protests about the red halter shirt she put me in, claiming it was a dress. If my future included a street corner and a pimp named Ice Money, I'd be ready."

" 'Donny, it would be like opening a barn door during a stampede and expecting only the brown cow with the blue collar to enter. You can't control a stampede.' "

Adult Book Review ---> Tempest's Legacy by Nicole Peeler

Adult Review!!

Tempest's Legacy 

         Jane True #3

By:  Nicole Peeler

Published By:  Orbit

Published Date:  January 1st 2011

Pages:  Softcover 352
Tags:  Adult, Fantasy Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Vampires, Selkies, Mystery

Why the Mad Scientist read this book:  Mad Scientist just had to find out what happened with Jane & Ryu & Anyan!

First Lines:  I love it when people pre-laugh at their own jokes.

Concoction of a Review:

Nicole Peeler's Jane True Series has me on edge.  I read one book one earlier this year.  Jen the Bibliophile sent me book 2 & 3 because she knows my infinity for starting a series but never continuing with it.  After completing Tracking the Tempest a book full of snark and supernatural hunks I quickly decided that this series would not be left unread.

**Note to self:  Go buy book 4, Eye of the Tempest, soon!!!**

Tempest's Legacy jumps in shortly after Tracking the Tempest ended.  Jane continues to train her offensive and defensive magical technique.  Her relationship is still a ball of tension from the end of the last book.  Which leads us to seeing more of Anyan.  Jane's eyes start to wonder toward the Barghest.  *waggles eyebrow*

Nonetheless, there is a surprising bout of news that ruffles Jane's feathers.  Someone found out that supernatural females were being taken.  Not kindly I might add.  This horrid news includes information about someone who she most would love to meet and know more about.  Dying to know who??  *grin*

The mystery takes Jane out of little ol' Rockabill, her hometown in Maine, as she tags along to figure out what exactly is going on and how to stop it.  We have a mix of characters from the first book, from Ryu's Boston team & even a few brand new characters!   Interactions are hilarious at best!!  We are even pulled into a new area... The Borderlands!!  (Many exclamation points but it truly is exciting!)

Here is how I picture Anyan:  As Eric Bana... 

*As previously stated!*

This book has little to no nookie in it so I was a bit disappointed in that but I'm looking forward to Anyan.  *blushes*

It truly is a great series!!!  Peeler's snark is completely sprinkled throughout this novel like the others, however, the demeanor is a lot darker.  The events that unfold are a bit harsh and force Jane to grow even more, powerfully and emotionally.  Jane True is Truly Bad A$$ in this book!

*I received this book free of charge from my sassy friend Jen!  My Mad review is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book and the very yummy men inside. *

For Jane True this is a story of standing up and accepting herself.  Oh, there is also an incredible mystery to he had!

4.5 Kisses


Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

{ARC} Book Review ---> Legend by Marie Lu

Legend: 
     (Legend #1)  

By:  Marie Lu

Published By:   Putnam Juvenile

Published Date:  November 29th 2011

Pages:   Hardcover 336

Read:  August 2011

Book Cover Rating:  4

Tags:  Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy Fiction, Apocalypitc, Adventure 
Why the Mad Scientist read this book:  Signed ARC from BEA 2011.  It sounded like a wonderful fun adventure. 

First Lines:   My mother thinks I'm dead.

Concoction of a Review:

Legend is an action packed book set in future Los Angeles.  The United States is no longer United... or better known as the Republic.  The commander is cruel, lethal, and I would like to see where she fits into the story more with book two.  I believe that if a country and it's government thinks they are amazing and doing right by all of their people I would have to say, "what is the catch?"  I mean who doesn't love blackmail and corruption?!?  *Shakes head*


When the Republic is not busy being corrupt they are off at war with the Colonies.


The inky goodness here alternates between June & Day.  I admit the Mad Scientist loved the gold lettering.

June

A 15 year old prodigy who had a perfect score on her trial.  (Futuristic SAT basically.)  She is also a serious kick-butt chick.  June is excellent at military activities such as expertly handling guns & scaling buildings in record time, nonetheless, she has a feminine wardrobe that made me envious of our little hero.

She was rich thing but very humble about it.  How could you not enjoy her?

Her life is tossed upside down when Metias, her brother was murdered.  She was pulled out of university to fulfill her military duties...  Including the capture of the Republics worse criminal  ---> Day.  She was happy to take this job knowing that she could not let Metias's killer walk around.

Day


Day had the Mad Scientist from the very beginning.  Poor, caring, blue eyes, and well, just too interesting to not enjoy reading about him.  Darn my little heart swooned for him & felt sad when the worst was going on.  Why Day?  *tear*


He was from the poor area of the Republic where things just were not kind.  Illegal fights, starvation and plague was to be had on the streets.  Yet, our handsome 15 year old endeared without carrying one of those ugly chips on his shoulders.


He was very found of his family even if they thought he was dead.  He tried to protect them in every way possible... one day it meant doing the most incredible thing!


Tess was a poor girl that he ended up befriending.  She was medical wonder as well.  Strong yet vulnerable at the same time made her a wonderful side character.  I adored her greatly.  Day protected her and she looked after him just the same.

Here is how I picture Day:  As Emile Hirsch...

**Side Note:  Mad Scientist is specifically thinking of the longish blonde hair from the movie, Lords of Dogtown.  His long hair flowing as he skateboarded down the ramp is perfect for this book!**

The Clash


June was wondering about in the poor sector doing undercover work, looking for the murderer.  Just so happens everyone thinks it is Day.  She ended up getting into an unfortunate predicament when protective Day swooped in and saved her even though she was a stranger.  He fell for her and she... You will just have to read to find out *wink wink*


From then on their lives are woven together.  From opposite sides of society and trying to make it in the world.

---

Overall, *pops parasol* let me be honest here.  Legend nhas scandal, murder & adventure.  However, I did set this book down half way through for a day or two.  I did not feel the desperate need to get back to it.  Although, Day did bring me back.  Curiosity will kill the Mad Scientist one day.


I also admit that I loved the second half of the book!!  I'm so glad I did not forget to finish this one.

*Free ARC from BEA 2011 which did not impede on my Mad Review.  It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book and the very persistent young man inside. *

A dystopian book that the Mad Scientist actually enjoyed.  I'm hooked on Day and await book Two!  
4 Kisses

Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity (Clarity, #1)

By Kim Harrington

Publisher: Point, 2011

242 pages, hardcover

Date Finished: 7/6/2011

Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Romance, Fantasy

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: " 'You don't want to kill me,' I said."
~Last Line: "Hopefully I'd never have to know my own limits."

Review: Harrington instantly pulled me in. A family full of crazies seems pretty interesting to me. I can definitely say that I wasn't disappointed. Clarity was great!

Clarity "Clare" Fern has the gift of [insert big R word] (retrospective?) pyschometry. LOL. I can never remember what the word is! But anyway, when she touches things, she can sometimes feel traces of people, and thus see memories of things that happened to those people earlier. The powers, like any other, are extraordinary. I loved reading the pages where Clare used her gift.

Clarity's oceanside tourist town has just witnessed a murder. Her brother, Peter, is one of the people police are looking at. To help her brother, and the rest of the town, and just because she's a good citizen, Clarity agrees to work on the case with Justin (her ex) and Gabriel (the new guy in town). It might be great, but Gabriel doesn't feel very joyful working with a psychic. His attitude towards Clare isn't exactly a hopeful one that she'll find anything. Actually, he doesn't think she'll help at all.

Gabriel's character was so romantic at some points, but then either (1) Justin popped up, or (2) something about the case occurred that needed to be handled. *shakes head* oh well. That's why they make sequels :). He could also be pretty mysterious at some moments in the book. He and his father don't exactly have a wonderful past, but they deal with it the best they can. Respectable, in my opinion.

Clarity was just absolutely amazing. I can't wait for Perception to be released next year!

Quotes from the book:

"Yummy's specialty was fresh seafood, which doesn't appeal to me. Yes, I live on the Cape and don't eat seafood. It's a crime, I know."

They exchanged a look and grinned at me.
'Sorry,' the blond one said. 'We didn't expect you to look so . . . '
'Frankly,' the dark-haired guy picked up, 'we thought you'd be an old hag.'
'Oh, that's my mother.'
They eyes widened as Mom came in on the heels of that line and then we all had a good laugh."

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton & Interview w/Tessa!

Blood Magic (Blood Journals, #1)

By Tessa Gratton

Publisher: Random House Children's Books, 2011

405 pages, hardcover

Date Finished: 19/6/2011

Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Romance, Action

Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ...


Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it feels right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood.

The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power.

Tessa Gratton's intoxicating first novel will keep pulses racing, minds reeling, and pages turning right up to the very last drop of blood.
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "I am Josephine Darly, and I intend to live forever."
~Last Line: "Silla stared at the eyes of the first one and reached out her hand."

Review: Blood Magic was not what I thuoght it would be. It was even better!!

I was so instantaneously pulled in to the story as Silla received the book full of spells that was simply signed "The Deacon." He obviously knew her father if he was sending this to her, but her dad would never have believed in magic, right? Wll, it's wrong.

The characters in this novel were really awesome. They were thought out for sure. I would like to applaud Tessa (and every other author whose book I'm reviewing this week) for their amazing details! You could be probably be the character/s if they got any more descriptive. That's definitely a good thing, though!

The plot line of Blood Magic is  unquestionably original if you ask me. I've never read a book like this at all. Entirely intriguing and a completely new concept. I really loved it and can't wait until The Blood Keeper is released!! :)

 (10 out of 5)

Quotes from the book:

"And just like that she was crying. I felt a little like That Guy who holds a baby at arm's length because he's afraid it's going to pee on him.."

" 'Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires.'
Automatically, I replied, 'I'd like to see your deep--' but thank God I stopped before I said something unforgiveable in front of her grandma.
And her brother."

" 'It was Lilith, wasn't it? What did that b---h say now?'
'Nicholas Pardee, you will not, I repeat, not refer to MAry by that awful name.'
'Which one?' "

______________________________________________________________

And now, for the interview with Tessa Gratton herself!!!!!!!

1. Have you always wanted to be an author?
Since I was about 8! I wanted to be other things, too. A ballerina, a paleontologist, an actor, and a wizard. (I still want to be a wizard.)

2. What gave you the idea for Blood Magic?
I was walking my dog around the park, and I just thought of it! Originally, it was about a brother and sister dealing with magical powers, with an evil body-snatcher after them!

3. If you could go anywhere in the world for a week, where would you go?
Oh, everywhere! Someplace I know I love: either Sydney, Australia, or Budapest, Hungary. If it’s a place I haven’t been but want to go… Sweden.

4. Who are some of your favorite authors?
Robin McKinley, Patricia McKillip, Kristin Cashore, Anne Rice, Melina Marchetta, Tim O’Brien.

5. What can we expect from you within the next few years?
I have a companion novel to Blood Magic out in the next year, and after that, I can’t say! Hopefully a new series!

6. What do you l ike to do when you’re not writing?
I’m addicted to Netflix – especially crime dramas and comedy. I also love walking outside under the big Kansas sky and spending time grilling with friends.

7. Do you have a favorite movie?
Oooo. Um. “Spirited Away” probably, if I HAVE to pick one. It’s AMAZING.

8. Is there a specific day that you love to write on?
Any of them! All of them!

9. How can my followers and I keep up with you?
I’ve got a website: http://www.tessagratton.com/, with links to my blog, Twitter, FB page, GoodReads page, and YouTube page. I’m all over the place!


Awesome interview, Tessa!