Sometimes I want to comment on a book, but don’t really have enough to say to warrant a full review. I’ve read a few of these types of books lately, so I thought I’d blurb! Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus, #1)
by Rick Riordan

The Lost Hero is the first in a spin-off series of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, and it’s a fantastic start! It’s very similar in style to the Percy Jackson books and even features many of the characters we met in the original series, so if you enjoyed the PJ books, I think you’ll like The Lost Hero. i actually enjoyed The Lost Hero even more than the Percy Jackson books!  And I cannot wait for book 2, The Son of Neptune to come out in October.

If you’re still not sure, you can check out the first two chapters here.

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Smokin’ Seventeen (Stephanie Plum # 17)
by Janet Evanovich

Many fans of the Stephanie Plum series are complaining that the later books have lost their edge and it feels like we’re just getting the same stuff book after book. And while I don’t disagree with those comments, I do think book 17 marked a bit of an improvement in the Plum series. It may have something to do with the fact that Smokin’ Seventeen made me laugh out loud during a time of great sadness, but whatever the reason, I found Steph’s adventures in book 17 to be more enjoyable than the last few books. Now if only Janet would make some actual CHANGES in the Plum world, I think this series could find its second life.

Read more about what we’d like to see happen in the Plum world in our Sizzling Sixteen Book Chat.

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Marked (House of Night #1)
by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

To be fair, Marked and the House of Night books aren’t really much different from any of the other teen paranormal-love-triangle series that have flooded the YA market ever since Twilight came sparkling into existence. But something about this one had me hooked pretty quickly.

I picked up Marked specifically because I wanted some fluffy YA vamp fantasy to take to the cottage with me, even though I’ve had some failed attempts with these types of books lately and I was a little worried I might not like it. But I just couldn’t put it down. I think the fact that I really, really liked Zoey (the main character) is what made Marked stand out from the vampire crowd for me. I found it extremely refreshing to have a heroine who isn’t (excuse the language) a slutty bitch (Yes, I’m talking to you Vampire Diaries books). And while I only gave the book 3 stars, I still picked up and read book 2, Betrayed in just 2 days. And I didn’t even like Betrayed as much as Marked. Aside from being a big fan of Zoey’s, I also like that the authors have created a fresh new take on the standard vampire lore. So, if you’re in the mood for some light, fluffy vamp stories you just might have fun with the House of Night books. I know I’ll be tearing through Chosen (book #3) soon enough.

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And now we’d love some feedback from the all-important and very wise YOU!

1. How do you feel about Blurbs instead of complete Reviews? Is there enough information in the above to help you decide if you’d want to read the book or not?
2. Have you read any of these books? Please share your thoughts!

Calling for Angels
by Alex Smith

Summary

Em is a little overwhelmed with her life right now. She’s worried about her family, and is having a hard time connecting with her best friend. She feels scared and alone until two very different boys show up and things begin to change in ways she never expected.

Review

Not your typical teen romance, Calling for Angels skilfully avoids the incredibly overdone angst-ridden teen love triangle. Alex Smith has done a wonderful job of capturing the voice and concerns of today’s teens without being overtly sexual or overly dramatic. Which comes as no surprise considering she’s a teen herself! Em is a strong character who doesn’t succumb to peer pressure in order to be popular or impress boys. And even though the book has fantasy elements, the issues that Em struggles with are realistic problems that actual teens could face. The other characters in the story felt underdeveloped in contrast to Em. Almost as if the author knew Em really well, but only had an idea about who the other characters were.

Plot is the one area where Calling for Angels was somewhat lacking. At first, I assumed it would be a story about Angels, but towards the middle of the book I felt like the story had wandered off course and wasn’t sure where things were going. The end did bring everything back together and close up the story nicely, but there was a point where I wasn’t sure what the book was about.

Verdict

Overall, Calling for Angels is quaint, well-written and age-appropriate story for teens with a bit of magic thrown in.

*I received this book for review from the Publisher.

Sisterhood Everlasting (Traveling Pants #5)
by Ann Brashares

The Pants are long gone, and the sisterhood has drifted apart. But even though they’ve grown up and gone on with their lives, none of the girls really feels whole. Brashares takes us on one last journey with the girls as they find their way through yet another of life’s major milestones and rediscover their bond.

I can’t give Sisterhood Everlasting a proper review without giving away far too much… If you’re a fan of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series (and why would you read this book if you weren’t?), you already know Bridget, Carmen, Lena and Tibby so there’s no need to talk about the wonderful characters that I love so much. And as with all the Traveling Pants stories, it’s not a fast-paced, action-packed tale, but a slow, emotional progression through a short period of time in the girls’ lives. But it felt so wonderful to curl up with the girls again, and to check in on where they’re at in their lives now, that I had to post something to let all the fans of the Sisterhood know they should check this book out!

It’s like visiting with an old friend, and you didn’t even realize how much you missed them until they were there with you again.

Pants = Love. Love your sisters, love yourself.

Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2)
by Andrea Cremer

(Warning: This review contains minor spoilers for Nightshade)

Summary
Only a week has passed since the shocking events that occurred the night that was supposed to be Calla and Ren’s union. After waking up alone and confused, Calla discovers that she’s in the lair of the enemy. But does she even know who the enemy is anymore? Everything she thought to be true has been revealed as lies, and after running from her pack and her destiny, what’s left for her now? When the Searchers share their plan – and knowledge – with her, Calla embarks on a dangerous mission to save her pack. Will she be able to rescue her fellow wolves and reunite her pack? Or is all hope lost for the young Haldis Guardians?

Review
Wolfsbane picks up almost immediately after Calla and Shay have run from the union and the horrifying truths they uncovered about the Keepers. I thought I might need to review the end of Nightshade as a refresher, but Wolfsbane does a great job of filling readers in on the events of the first book without going into excessive exposition. The Searchers make an excellent addition to the to the Nightshade world. The new characters are well developed with interesting back-stories and believable personalities. Wolfsbane is filled with plenty of high-stakes action, and some of the fight scenes had me on the edge of my seat. Unlike some YA series, there are consequences when a character makes a mistake, and real losses are suffered. There were times when Shay and Calla’s romantic scenes felt a bit repetitive, but that’s really my only complaint with Wolfsbane.

Verdict
You know when you love a book so much, you’re sad when it ends? That’s how I felt about Wolfsbane. I cannot wait until Bloodrose comes out in February!

*I received this book for review from the publisher.