Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Title: Unbreakable
Author: Kami Garcia
Pages: 305
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316210171
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.9, Interest Level - 9th-12th, Points - 9.0
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12371862-unbreakable

In a nutshell: Kennedy Waters returns home from a night out with friends to find her mother dead from supposed heart failure, but weeks later, that theory is put to the test when two strange and gorgeous twin boys break into her home and save Kennedy from a malevolent spirit on her last night before her aunt ships her off to boarding school. Can she trust Jared and Lukas Lockhart? Besides saving her life, they seem to know more about her and her mother than even Kennedy does herself, and soon she's caught up in a world of secret societies and supernatural entities in a search to find her mother's killer and discover who she really is.

I'd recommend it to grades: 8 and up

I'd recommend it to: fans of Supernatural, Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series, and paranormal romance

What I liked most about this book: Just when I thought I was totally over paranormal romance, this came along. Kennedy is an excellent blend of strength and self doubt, and the romance in this one is electric but still tame enough for younger readers. Jared and Lukas are swoon-worthy, not-quite-carbon copies of my favorite flannel-clad demon hunter brothers; there's just the right amount of Sam and Dean Winchester in them...right down to their salt bullets and army jackets. In fact, there are quite a few tips of the hat to Supernatural but not so many that it feels tired. Plus, the Legion crew is rounded out by a kick-butt voodoo expert girl and a kid genius inventor boy who reminds me of Leo from the Heroes of Olympus series; they're a healthy and complex batch of characters. This is a fresh addition to the genre, and I cannot wait to read books 2 and 3. Side note: I actually listened to the audiobook, and it rocked. Props to narrator Candice Accola for the excellent interpretation.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): At one point, Kennedy and the Legion gang encounter a haunted well, and it's terrifyingly Ring-like. I had chillbumps for sure.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars!!!

The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Title: The Vanishing Season
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Pages: 256
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062003270
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18634726-the-vanishing-season

In a nutshell: Maggie and her parents move to the small town of Gill Creek just as autumn is fading into winter, and as it disappears, so are local girls. Amid a backdrop of snow, fear, and paranoia, friendship and love blossom on Water Street when Maggie meets her neighbors, Pauline and Liam, but the trio will discover just how harsh winter and relationships can be.

I'd recommend it to grades: 10 and up

I'd recommend it to: anyone who likes their romance with a dash of eeriness and fans of We Were Liars

What I liked most about this book: Besides the fact that I am always, always, always enamored with Jodi Lynn Anderson's haunting writing style (If you haven't read Tiger Lily, DO IT NOW!), this one drew me in with its rich characters and keep-you-guessing twists. It's a beautifully disturbing mash-up of The Great Gatsby and The Lovely Bones. There's a coldness to it that lures you from page one. I feel like I read it in the wrong season though. It's the perfect read for a long winter's night or a snow day.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There's way too much to accidentally give away here, so I'll just say that part of what grabbed me from the beginning was the description of Maggie's house on Water Street, which was built in the 1800s and, much like the characters in the novel, is both broken and beautiful.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Ruin and Rising
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Pages: 417
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
ISBN: 9780805094619 
Publication Date: June 17, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14061957-ruin-and-rising

In a nutshell: Deep in the bowels of the White Cathedral, Alina and her band of ragtag Grisha stand as the only hope to defeating The Darkling and saving Ravka, but doing so involves a dangerous quest to find the remaining amplifier, the elusive firebird, and Alina may have to sacrifice nearly everything to save her world.

I'd recommend it to grades: 10 and up (violence and romantic content)

I'd recommend it to: high fantasy fans and anyone who loves a good old-fashioned romantic adventure with a kick-butt heroine

What I liked most about this book: Leigh Bardugo has a way of weaving pain, humor, adventure, and beauty throughout every element of a story: the language, the setting, the characters, the plot; it's all just spectacular. It's been a while since I've been satisfied with the ending of a series I've grown to love, and this one did not disappoint. It's sheer perfection, and now I want to go back and reread them all from the beginning. I'm just going to say it; it's my favorite YA series since Harry Potter. I know no greater compliment. :)

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There's so much I can't say because I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just leave this gorgeous passage here: "Maybe love was superstition, a prayer we said to keep the truth of loneliness at bay. I tilted my head back. The stars looked like they were close together, when really they were millions of miles apart. In the end, maybe love just meant longing for something impossibly bright and forever out of reach" (234).

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): ALL THE STARS!!!

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Rebel Belle
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Pages: 345
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
ISBN: 9780399256936
Publication Date: April 8, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8475505-rebel-belle

In a nutshell: Harper Price is a hardworking, overachieving junior who's already Student Government President and poised to become Homecoming Queen and possibly valedictorian in a small Alabama town, but on the night of the homecoming dance, a seemingly harmless beauty faux pas will put her on a path toward her true destiny - a destiny she's not completely willing to accept...especially since it involves pain-in-her-side, school newspaper reporter David Stark. Cotillion is the least of her worries now...or is it?

I'd recommend it to grades: 9 and up

I'd recommend it to: fans of Beautiful Creatures and Buffy the Vampire Slayer

What I liked most about this book: This book is like red velvet cake - dramatic, blood-red, sweet, sassy, deliciously Southern, and a complete guilty pleasure. While the supporting characters are a bit flat, the main characters (especially Harper) are completely loveable (I'm probably more like Harper than I care to admit, and I always have a soft spot for the nerd boys/Davids of this world.), and the small Southern town setting is dead-on. There's romance, danger, humor, a healthy but light-handed dose of the paranormal, so there's something everyone is sure to like. Bring on book 2!

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This book is filled with Southernisms, and the one that made me laugh out loud the longest was how Harper's aunts, affectionately called "The Aunts," use peroxide as a cure-all for every ailment no matter how severe. As a Mississippian, I will tell you that this was ingrained in me from birth, and I still keep a giant bottle under the sink. You never know when you might need it! ;)

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars

Jackaby by William Ritter

Title: Jackaby
Author: William Ritter
Pages: 304
Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
ISBN: 9781616203535
Publication Date: September 16th, 2014 (I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.)
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20312462-jackaby

In a nutshell: When adventurer Abigail Rook answers a job posting in the seemingly sleepy town of New Fiddleham in New England, she's introduced to Mr. R.F. Jackaby, a man who uses his special gift and his incredible intellect to solve crimes with a touch of the paranormal. Can Abigail and Jackaby solve a string of vicious murders before their own lives are put in danger?

I'd recommend it to grades: 7 and up (for the gory crime scenes)

I'd recommend it to: fans of Doctor Who and Sherlock and historical fiction and horror readers

What I liked most about this book: The characters in this one are exquisite. The entire time I was reading this, I kept picturing Johnny Depp as Jackaby, and it was cracking me up. He's the perfect blend of quirky and genius. There are times where his smarts blow your mind, and in the next instant, he's making you smirk with his sarcasm or awkwardness. Abigail holds her own as the narrator too. She's whip smart herself, and her personality compliments Jackaby well. There's not really much of a romantic chemistry between them, and I'm okay with that...for now anyway. ;) I hope this will be a series because they have plenty of room to grow their friendship and solve more paranormal cases. 

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Jackaby makes breakfast in a mad scientist kind of way, confusing gunpowder for paprika and exploding some eggs in the process. Hilarious.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars

The Unbound by Victoria Schwab

Title: The Unbound
Author: Victoria Schwab
Pages: 368
Publisher: Hyperion
ISBN: 9781423178200
Publication Date: January 28, 2014
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.2, Interest Level - 9th-12, Points: 15.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13638131-the-unbound

In a nutshell: In this sequel to The Archived, Mackenzie Bishop is still coping with the aftereffects of what happened on the roof of the Coronado and struggling to find normalcy as she begins her junior year at Hyde School, a fancy private school where she just wants to keep a low profile and move on with her life and her job as a Keeper. But when people around her start disappearing and she continues to have all-too-realistic nightmares about Owen, the History who almost ended her life and Wesley's, Mackenzie must solve the mystery before everything around her begins to go to pieces, and she'll have to question everything she trusts about the Archive in order to do so.

I'd recommend it to grades: 9 and up (for violence and mild language)

I'd recommend it to: fans of the Beautiful Creatures series and anyone who loves a good mystery

What I like most about this book: I fell in love with the world of this book series when I read The Archived, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. It DID NOT disappoint. Wow. I'm still amazed by the sheer creativity and uniqueness of the concept of this series, and this second book delves deeper into the characters' emotions and motivations while still maintaining page-turning suspense in every chapter. Plus, there's a healthy dose of will-they-won't-they between Wesley and Mackenzie. Their chemistry is undeniable and age-appropriate. The author has said she plans to write a third novel, but there's no official publication date or any other information, and with the bomb she dropped at the end of this one, I sure hope we'll hear something more definite soon because I am so not ready to leave this series behind.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): All the parts with Wesley Ayers. All. Of. Them. ;) Add him to my very long list of book boyfriends.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars 

Will O' the Wisp by Tom Hammock, Illustrated by Megan Hutchison

Title: Will O' the Wisp
Author: Tom Hammock (with illustrations by Megan Hutchison)
Pages: 216
Publisher: Archaia Entertainment
Publication Date: January 28, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18125353-will-o-the-wisp

In a nutshell: When Aurora's parents die from accidentally ingesting poisonous mushrooms, she moves to the swamps of Louisiana to live with her strange grandfather in his dilapidated mansion on a mysterious, foggy island, which holds more than a few secrets. Can Aurora use her newly-acquired hoodoo talents to save the island from a deadly threat?

I'd recommend it for grades: 8th and up

I'd recommend it to: fans of the Beautiful Creatures series or Coraline

What I liked most about this book: The illustrations are just gorgeous; they're equally enchanting and eerie, and the entire cast of characters is a loveable group. Aurora's a strong female lead; she's both curious and clever, and she's extremely brave. I'm a big fan of hers...even if she doesn't like grits. (WHAT?!!! *shaking my head*) Missy the pet raccoon has to be my favorite supporting character too. Who doesn't want a pet raccoon?

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I told you I loved Missy the raccoon, and it's hilarious how it takes her a while to warm up to Aurora. The moment when she finally does, you see her curled up on Aurora's bed, and it's adorable. :) I hope Aurora, Missy, and the gang will be back for more!

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars

*I received a copy of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Title: The Fifth Wave
Author: Rick Yancey
Pages: 457
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
ISBN: 9780399162411
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101128-the-5th-wave

In a nutshell: After surviving four waves of a deadly alien invasion that has wiped out the majority of the world's population through lack of power, tidal waves, and a plague, Cassie is determined to stay alive and rescue her kid brother Sammy, but waiting for the fifth wave is like waiting for the other shoe to drop, and Cassie can trust no one...can she?

I'd recommend this for grades: 10 and up (strong language and lots of death and violence obviously)

I'd recommend it to: science fiction fans (especially Doctor Who and X-Files fans), Hunger Games and I Am Number Four fans, and conspiracy theorists ;)

What I liked most about this book: This book has everything you could want in a great young adult novel: aliens, love, sarcastic humor, cute boys, a strong female lead, thrilling mystery, plot twists, government secrets, angst, interesting/loveable/hateable characters, and most of all excellent writing! This one exceeded my already high expectations based on all the hype it's getting! Read it!

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): When Cassie's describing what she's got packed in her survival kit, she pokes fun at herself about including a toothbrush and toothpaste. She's determined that if she's going to be murdered by aliens, she's at least going to go out with clean teeth. Haha! Cassie's snarky comments are part of my favorite thing about her character and this book. She's like Katniss but sassier.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars!!! I can hardly wait for the next one! 

Luminescence by Who Mee

This is an interesting review to write.  The author is 16 and requested that we review her book.  I'll be honest:  I didn't have high expectations for the book.  My mistake!  This one had me hooked by Page 10 and the character development was amazing.  The main character's relationship with her band-of-misfits friends reminded me of Wendy and The Lost Boys in Peter Pan (my favorite book).  The author has done a great job at weaving together life in the Caribbean, drug smuggling, zombies, voodoo, and teen angst.


Title:  Luminescence
Author:  Who Mee
Pages: Available only as an eBook (the PDF form is 213 pages)
Publisher:  Smashwords
ISBN:  9781301861187
Publication Date:  June 7, 2013
AR Levels: N/A
Goodreads link:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18078102-luminescence

In a nutshell:  Nyx is a teenage girl who moves with her family to the Caribbean.  There, she meets a group of boys who are pretty much raising themselves.  Tourists on the island are disappearing and the boys know the secret and have been secretly fighting the forces behind it.  Additionally, Nyx learns about the history her family has with this island and how what happened in the past is affecting her future.  Can she help the boys stop what's happening? Or will she even survive the evil that jeopardizes her, her family, and her friends?

I'd recommend it for grades:  7th and up.  Mild language and violence

I'd recommend it to:  Anyone who loves a good adventure.  If you're a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Indiana Jones, Peter Pan, or any others like these, this book is for you!!

What I like most about this book:  The character development was wonderful!  I actually cared about these characters and knew their stories.

Single favorite moment (Without getting spoiler-y):  At one point, the boys are in a prank war and one character references Peter Pan, referring to not growing up.  I'm a sucker for a well-placed reference to my favorite book.

Star rating (Where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious):  4 stars; If I could give 4 1/2 stars, I would!  

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Title: The Archived
Author: Victoria Schwab
Pages: 328
Publisher: Hyperion
ISBN: 9781423157311
Publication Date: January 22, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.7, Interest Level - 9th-12th, Points - 13.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10929432-the-archived

In a nutshell: Mackenzie Bishop, the youngest girl to ever be named a Keeper, began her job when she was just 12 years old, and that important job is to keep the dead where they belong. Mackenzie serves The Archive, an otherworldly place where Histories, or records of the dead, are kept sleeping on shelves and guarded by Librarians. Once in a while, a History awakens, and then it's Mackenzie's job to return it so it doesn't reach the outside world. Mackenzie inherited this calling from her grandfather, Da, who himself has passed on recently along with her little brother, Ben, who died in an accident. In an effort to start afresh after those tragedies struck their family, Mackenzie and her parents move to an old hotel that's been converted to an apartment building, The Coronado. Mackenzie knows that old buildings hold more memories, more secrets, and more roaming Histories, but she has no idea just how dark its secrets are and how much she'll be tested in her duties as Keeper.

I'd recommend it for grades: 9 and up (for mild language and heavy subject matter...but even adults will enjoy this one!)

I'd recommend it to: Neil Gaiman fans, Whovians, fans of The Giver

What I liked most about this book: It's the perfect blend of terror, romance, mystery, and suspense. Schwab completely sucked me into this world (It helps that there's a giant library.), and I am dying to read the sequel now. The writing style is gorgeous, and there's a small cliffhanger at the end of nearly every chapter, so you don't want to put it down, and I mean that in a good way! Also, Mackenzie rocks. She's such a strong yet vulnerable heroine. If I had to sum it all up in two words, I'd say haunting and beautiful.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Mackenzie meets a boy named Wes who has an aunt and cousin who live in The Coronado, and at one point they start discussing her required summer reading list, which includes Dante's Inferno, one of Wes' favorite books. He says, "It's a shame they do that....requirement ruins even the best of books." So true and timely considering our summer reading program starts this week at the library! Word of advice - read what you want AND what you have to this summer. :)

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars 

The Diviners by Libba Bray

Title: The Diviners
Author: Libba Bray
Pages: 592
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316126113
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 9th-12th grades; Book Level: 4.8; Points: 23.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7728889-the-diviners

In a nutshell: When her parents insist she leave her dull hometown and live with her Uncle Will in New York City until the drama dies down from her latest embarrassing act, flapper Evie O'Neill is beyond thrilled. Nevermind the fact that her uncle is the curator for a creepy museum of all things occult and paranormal; she's living the high life - befriending a Ziegfield girl, getting caught in speakeasies, and showing off her unique gift for divination. But something evil is brewing in Manhattan, and it goes by the name of Naughty John. Before she knows it, Evie is swept up in a string of occult murder investigations, and she might be the only one who can stop them.

I'd recommend it for grades: 10 and up (The murders are grisly, and there's some strong language too.) *Adults will love this book too!

I'd recommend it to: anyone who likes books set in the 20s or enjoys a dose of the paranormal with their murder mysteries

What I liked most about this book: The characters in this book are incredible. Evie is clever and hilarious and yet definitely flawed too. Plus, she wears AMAZING clothes. Some of my favorite parts in the book are the descriptions of the clothes. ;) Don't let that fool you though! This is not a girly book! The guys in the book are wonderful too. There's a handsome and flirty pickpocket, a brooding and intelligent museum assistant, and a jazz-loving, older-brother-type bookie. Their various stories weave in and out seamlessly, and by the end you just love them all! Even the minor characters make a huge impact whether they're spread throughout the book or only in one chapter. You connect with each character right away.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): The scene where Evie and her friends visit a speakeasy that gets raided has such a chaotic Keystone Cops feel. The language and description are so vivid that you feel you should be running for cover too! I was so transported that I could see that bar in my head. Fabulous writing!

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars!

The Book of Lost Souls by Michelle Muto

I was introduced to author Michelle Muto and her books on Twitter.  I will eventually review her other book, but Ms. Muto herself advised me to start with The Book of Lost Souls after I told her I needed something funny to read.  If you are/were a fan of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" or "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," then this is definitely the book for you.  Teen witch Ivy MacTavish and her paranormal pals get involved in some magical mayhem and then find themselves in a struggle to save the world--no big deal. The Book of Lost Souls is as funny as it is suspenseful and won't disappoint.


Title: The Book of Lost Souls
Author: Michelle Muto
Pages: 288
Publisher: Independent
ISBN: 9781466463219
Publication Date: March 6, 2011
AR Levels:  N/A
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13291148-the-book-of-lost-souls

In a nutshell:  Teen witch Ivy MacTavish makes an interesting date choice for a Halloween dance when she decides to turn a friend's lizard into her very own college guy--Spike; however, her plan comes unraveled when Spike acts less than humanly at the dance and everyone finds out what she's done, even the guy of her dreams--Dean--and the bad boy she can't stand--Nick.  Her band of friends, which includes a brother/sister pair of werewolves and a brother/sister pair of vampires, help her try to pick up the pieces and also make amends for her actions.  While cleaning up a cemetery with her friends, Ivy finds a pair of magic-related books that she believes were hidden by her father, a notorious outlaw known for dark magic who left Ivy and her mom years earlier.  When a murder spree breaks out in her town, Ivy knows that she not only has a connection to what's going on but also that she must do what she can to stop it.  Along the way, she wants to win Dean, but demon Nick  becomes infatuated with her.  Can she stop the dark magic that's plaguing her town, or will she or one of her loved ones become the next victim? And what will she have to risk along the way?  Read to find out!

I'd recommend it for grades: 8-12+

I'd recommend it to:  anyone who loves books about witches, werewolves, and vampires, as well as anyone who enjoys a good paranormal laugh.  

What I liked most about this book:  This book includes character types that we've seen in other fantasy books, but those other books don't include the hipness and suspense that this book brings to the table.  This book isn't Harry Potter or Twilight, and I found that very refreshing!!

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y):  One of my favorite moments occurs early in the book when Ivy's werewolf friends' senile uncle crashes the dance gnawing on a human bone he dug up from the cemetery.  It was definitely a laugh-out-loud moment for me!

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): I'm going to say 4 stars.  The Book of Lost Souls is a very quick read that will keep you guessing until the end!  I'm looking forward to much more from Michelle Muto!

Eighth Grade Bites (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod Book 1) by Heather Brewer

Greetings, all.  I pondered over which book I would review first and finally narrowed it down to two that I read recently.  My first choice (which I’ll save for later) also dealt with the topic of bullying, so instead I’ll introduce you to a series that revolves around another popular topic—vampires!  Don’t get me wrong—I was very hesitant to jump on the vampire bandwagon, but a teacher friend of mine recommended Heather Brewer’s The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod to me.  Vladimir Tod is not exactly your everyday teen—the son of a vampire dad and a human mom, Vlad just wants to fit in at his school in Bathory.  The series includes 5 books with one for each grade from 8^th to 12^th (similar to the Harry Potter series).  Obviously, you’ll want to start with the first book, Eighth Grade Bites.

Title: Eighth Grade Bites
Author: Heather Brewer 
Pages: 172
Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
ISBN: 9780525478119 
Publication Date: August 16, 2007 
AR Levels:  Interest Level--6th+; Book Level--5.4; Points--7.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/530848.Eighth_Grade_Bites

In a nutshell: Vlad seems like the typical 8th grade boy. He has a pair of bullies on his tail, a principal who watches him like a hawk, and a best friend who has the hots for the girl of Vlad’s dreams; what most people don’t know, though, is that Vlad’s a vampire and that he’s living with his aunt after his parents’ mysterious death. On top of the Junior High mayhem and his own secrets, Vlad’s favorite teacher goes missing and the creepy sub informs him that he knows Vlad’s true identity, although Vlad himself doesn’t actually know much about being a vampire. All he wants to do is blend in, but now he must protect his secret and solve the mystery surrounding his teacher, all while trying to pass and survive 8th grade. . . which is no easy task! Now, don’t think this is just another knockoff of Twilight—Eighth Grade Bites has moments that are downright hilarious and others that will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a quick read that will leave you wondering what can possibly happen next!

I’d Recommend It for Grades: 6th + (The first book is the tamest of the series, but the content matures with Vlad.)

I’d Recommend It To: Anyone who’s felt different or who’s carried a big secret and fans of other fantasy series like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. Also, I would recommend it to anyone who likes books about vampires, but especially to those not on the Twilight train (In the 5th book, Vlad notes that “Vampires, after all, don’t sparkle.”)

What I Liked Most About This Book: Vlad may be a vampire, but the author presents him as a typical teenager; he and the other characters in the book seem like people who you might actually encounter walking down the halls of a school. The book isn’t overly dramatic but, instead, includes just the right amount of teen angst, drama, humor, and suspense.

Single Favorite Moment (without getting spoiler-y): I’m a sucker for a good pun, so I thought one conversation between Vlad and his substitute teacher Mr. Otis was downright funny. Mr. Otis keeps asking personal questions to Vlad and tells him that the answers are his business, to which Vlad responds, “Well, pardon the pun, Mr. Otis, but you can bite me.”

Star Rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): I’m giving this one a 4.

***Side Note: If you like this series, Brewer is working on a spin-off series based on one of the characters you'll meet in Book 2. (Review pending!)***