Review: Wild Born

Put aside the vampires! The supernatural genre just got more interesting as beasts and humans connect in a special spiritual quest to save the world. 

Rollan, Meilin, Abeke and Conor, all drank a cup of nectar at their eleventh birthday. It is tradition; a rite of passage that will determine which children in Erdas are chosen to carry on a bond with a spirit animal. Not all of them are happy with the results. Rollan, for instance, is hesitant of drinking the nectar and joining the chosen ones. While, Meilin -- a young girl with secrets up her sleeve -- is disappointed to be paired with a panda. Can't blame her, really, compared to the others she got the most docile of animals. 

As they begin to understand the importance of their mission, the story takes a darker tone. Bradon Mull used cleverly written fight scenes, misleading characters, and a visual scenery reminiscent of Africa and Asia. 

A great story that will delight fans of The Golden Compass. 

Feature and Follow Friday: May the recess prolongue with you

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

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Q: Photograph your fave read in a funny place

Proof that even the busiest people can find time to read. Stormtrooper is seen reading Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris. When asked if he liked it he happily grunted then told me to keep my distance. True story.

Review: Smile

One bad day can sometimes turn into bad years. 

Poor Raina fell and broke her two front teeth. If that weren't unlucky enough, due to a dentist's mistake, she's forced to undergo several procedures to remedy her smile. As we follow orthodontia ups and down, we also get to meet a young girl going through puberty changes, crushes, and friendship issues. 

Telgemeir illustrated the story beautifully, with vivid images and sentimental frames. Even bullying was included in the book, as I turned the pages swiftly to see if and how Raina would learn to stand up for herself. A great coming-of-age story that teaches no matter how bad life is-- it will get better. So keep on smiling. 

Others books in the series
Drama
Sisters

Review: Marie Antoinette Serial Killer

Despite the fact of Marie Antoinette's grandeur, Katie Alender doesn't let her steal the show. 

At first glance, Colette Iselin, is just a typical mean girl's pawn. Pretending to be wealthy in order to fit in, she has to scarf down her paid class trip meals in silence, then tell her friends she isn't hungry as they order succulent à la carte platters. But a visit to Versailles changes her path, as Colette learns she is linked with Marie Antoinette's traitor, and the failed Queen's ghost wants revenge. 

Marie Antoinette Serial Killer describes Paris with such visual detail, you can't help but feel like you are there. The characters imperfections help maintain that reality and pushes the story forward. Knowing she can't count on her friends for help, Colette reaches out to an ostracized nerdy girl and a sweet French tour guide Jules, to unravel the mystery and get rid of Marie Antoinette's ghost before she causes more damage. 

Love in Paris, murder, and mean girls at war -- it's hard to say no to this book. 

Feature and Follow Friday: Entrepreneurial Gal

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

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Q: What are some of your favorite magazines?

Cosmopolitain!! I used to sneak into my mom's room to read them all the time. So parents, please, unless you want your teens learning about 10 Ways to Keep a Man Happy in Bed, lock up those magazines.

On the plus side, I used to write down tips and trade them at school for Ho Hos. Too bad school cafeterias don't seem to carry them anymore.