Review: Party Games

Is there a genre between middle-grade and YA?

Back in the 1990s, R.L.Stine presented Fear Street, a teen horror series revolving around the terrifying Fear family and the doomed townspeople who got involved with them. 

Party Games revives this cult series twenty years later, with Rachel, a high school student, who gets invited to Brendan's Fear party on a remote island. Even Though, her ex-boyfriend Mac and best friend Amy (who only appears in one scene) warn her not to go, Rachel doesn't listen. But once she gets there, something doesn't feel quite right. Why is Brendan suddenly so interested in playing games instead of getting drunk? And why are all their friends dying one by one? 

Ten by Gretchen McNeil, and Diane Hoh's The Invitation will come to mind when reading this YA book. But although Stine did attempt to make the story gory with killing acts such as ''The Twister Game'' and '' The Jenga Game,'' Party Games didn't have the spark of its competitors. Rachel was too guy-crazed for a main character, constantly ranting about Mac wanting her back, even providing her best friend with a list of all the guys she's dated. If only Rachel didn't spend her time following Brendan from one end of the house to the other, searching for flashlights. If only she would take the lead and act as a main character.

In this modern day, teenagers are used to a lot more action and Mary Sue characters are far gone. Hopefully, the next book in the series will keep that in mind. 

Review: The Space in Between

A Wiccan ritual with an amateur practicant -- what could possibly go wrong?

Regardless of the consequences, Moira wants to help her sister, Tabby, fulfill her Pagan calling. Afterall, Tabby, always stands by Moira, even when she feels down about her ADHD meds, unlike her boyfriend, Patrick, who is constantly trying to control their relationship. But now a dream portal has been opened and Moira can't help but fall for the man on the other side. Is it because she is tired of Patrick, or because Haiko is the one? More importantly, is Haiko even real?

Jen Minkman is experienced with fantasy star-crossed lovers (Shadow of Time, The Boy from the Woods) but this is the first time that we encounter a love triangle. Moira and Patrick's relationship is borderline abusive. It can be uncomfortable at times, as Moira begins to acknowledge it and yet remains in his grasp. Of course, as the reader this makes us want her to travel to the other side more fervently, even as she risks her life to rescue Hayko.

The Space in Between will make you question which relationships are worth the risk.

Just published my first short story: Gears of Brass + Giveaway

Proud to reveal the cover of Gears of Brass an anthology containing my first short story.    

Welcome to the steampunk realm. A world like ours, but filled with gears of brass, where the beating heart is fueled by steam and the simplest creation is a complex clockwork device.


Within this tome, you’ll find steampunk fairy tale re-tellings, as well as original stories that will send your gears turning.





Gears of Brass will be published through Curiosity Quills on November 10 2014. Prepare for eleven authors guiding your path through worlds filled with airships, top hats, and corsets.

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You don't have to wait until October 29th to explore Gears of Brass. CQ is offering a free ebook. To enter, all you need to do is share the cover. This can be done on your blog, facebook, twitter. Each time you share it, log in to rafflecopter to record it. Contest ends October 27th. Good luck!!

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Review: Sisters

A book that will make you say Awww in five different pitches!

Telgemeier is back with the sequel to Smile (don't worry -- there are no dentistry problems in this one). This time, Raina, has to survive a road trip to Colorado with her younger sister Amara, whom she considers to be a pest.  Through the use of flashbacks, we learn of Raina's excitement when Amara was born and her futile efforts to build a friendship before she gave up altogether. Are they simply incompatible zodiac signs? Or can a ''car confinement'' bring this two to finally bond? 

The illustrations are vibrant and easy to follow, allowing us to concentrate on the emotional aspect of the story. Although, little Raina's insistence to play with unwilling Amara wins the reader's sympathy from the start, we soon learn that this isn't a rivalry story but something much deeper.

Other books in the series

Smile

Drama

Feature and Follow Friday: I'm Feeling Spicy

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

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Q: Book looks -- your favorite fashions from the books you've read

Steampunk!! I see it as a great autumn look, suitable for this time of year. Cora from The Friday Society nails it with the perfect goggles.

If I could, I would divide myself between steampunk for daytime, at night time a casual laid back ballerina attire like the one in Pirouette and on weekends the Effie look from the Capitol of The Hunger Games.

What's your fashion?