The Story Siren

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 3 stars

“Charlotte has worked for this all summer. The first day of school. This year is going to be different, this year she is going to be noticed, this year she is going to get the most popular boy in school. She gets really close too, well she had the whole lab partner thing going for her, until she choked to death on that soft red gummy bear.

She doesn’t show up at the pearly gates instead she’s still stuck in high school only this time it’s high school for the dead. Now her crush really doesn’t know she’s alive, but Charlotte doesn’t let that damper her determination. She just realizes she’ll need to be a little more creative to reach her goal.


Ghostgirl definitely wasn’t what I expected, but it was still really fun to read. Poor Charlotte, the girl can’t seem to catch a break! The plot was unpredictable although I thought the ending could have been a little stronger, no one lets go of a grudge of that proportions just like that. I would try to explain more, but I don’t want to give anything away. The characters were fun. You have your stereotypical popular rich bitch girl, the stupid jock, the goth girl and the dead girl. If there can be something considered a stereotypical dead girl! Hurley’s writing style is easy to fall into and I finished the book in no time! The cover for the books is exceptional! It is a die-cut cover and the color scheme is pink and black. very cool. I loved the quotes and illustrations introducing every chapter and the page borders were a nice touch as well. I know that has nothing to do with the story itself, but I like creative additions like that!
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The Story Siren wrote this review Friday, July 25 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Alle is known as the brain, the smart one of her family. Her sister Sabrina is the pretty one, and Alle refers to her as The Fluff.... all beauty no brains. But Alle’s smarts have paid off and she has an acceptance to Yale in the fall, unfortunately she has no way to pay for it.

When she escorts her sister to a modeling agency scouting, she gets discovered instead of Sabrina. Although modeling is the last thing in the world Alle wants to do, she knows that the money from modeling could make her dream of Yale come true. So she heads of to South Beach, in hopes of securing her future at Yale. But modeling is a lot more than Alle expected.

Here is the summary from the back of the book. I really like it, so that’s why I’m posting it too!

STOP

If you’re reading this, you probably think this is all about me and my glam career as a teen model, right?

Wrong.

Yes. I was the It Girl on South Beach for about a minute, but if your expecting a tale of some top model who wins the heart of a rock star, adopts a third-world baby, launches her own clothing line, gets her own reality show (or at least, her own E. True Hollywood Story), and winds up on the cover of Us Weekly’s Who’s Hot issue, than I better warn you...
That’s not exactly what happened to me.

This was an extraordinary novel! The only other modeling books I’ve read are the Violet Series by Melissa Walker and I wouldn’t even compare the two. Not that one is better than the other, because I immensely enjoyed both books, but they are nothing alike. Yes, they are both about girls who are discovered and become models but that is where the similarities stop. Braless in Wonderland is more a “finding out whom you really are story.”

While modeling does have it glamourous moments, it was refreshing to read about the other side of the industry. Fischer’s experience in the modeling world was apparent in the novel and it made it seem that much more real. Alle is such a dynamic character, she is relatable, funny, intelligent and at the same time so naive. I couldn’t help but root for her on her trip to Wonderland. I absolutely recommend this book!
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The Story Siren wrote this review Sunday, July 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Violet is back! She’s headed of to her freshman year at Vassar, and she is hoping to leave the modeling world behind once and for all. If only it was that easy. College life is great and she has unbelievably awesome new friends. But her phone is going off the hook constantly with calls from Angela her agent. Even though Violet may be done with modeling the modeling world isn’t done with her, she’s still under contract.

She still supports her healthy model lingo and she continues to get a bad wrap from her “extra pounds.” Violet writes an article for the school paper declaring her views and lands herself an internship at Teen Fashionista, working under Roger’s new girlfriend Chloe. Did I mention that Violet finally realized that she is in love with Roger. Makes things a tad bit uncomfortable to say the least.

Now that Violet is done modeling, she has to figure out who she is now. All while staying true to her self image, despite the constant ridicule, sorting through her boy angst and leaving the model drama behind for good!

Could it be possible for this series to get better as it goes along? I feel like I have a new best friend after I’ve spent all this time with dear Violet. I have to say that this was my favorite book....... so far. I really hope that the series doesn’t end here. I think Violet became the person I always thought she was in this novel. Everyone had their insecurities, but I think that Violet finally came to terms with hers. I continue to love Walker’s writing, it just floats of the page it’s such a beautiful story. Could it be possible that she impressed me more?! Violet’s character is so realistically portrayed, I couldn’t help but feel her emotions as she felt them through the story. And that isn’t something that happens to me every time I read a book. I absolutely recommend this series. And don’t let the fact that it is about modeling and fashion turn you away. The story is about so much more than that.
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The Story Siren wrote this review Sunday, July 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Violet thought she was going to leave the modeling world behind, but when she gets a chance to model in Brazil– how can she say no? Her one modeling gig lands her as the face for the new and upcoming designer Paulo, did I mention he is hot! But things in Brazil don’t exactly work out as Violet planned and she jets home spending her days eating ice cream and vegging on the couch.

That of course lands Violet in some trouble when she shows up in Spain five pounds heavier. Violet, however, has her own thoughts about models and their weight. And when those thoughts become public it just might ruin her modeling career. Can Violet survive the pressure to be thin and stay true to herself, and for once figure out exactly what it is that she wants before it’s too late?

I loved Melissa Walker’s debut novel Violet on the Runway and the sequel is just as good or even better. I loved the fact that Walker chooses to shed light on body image and what healthy should be. It’s nice to see that such a perfectly portrayed world, has it’s flaws. Violet continues to grow and to find herself. I loved seeing most of the characters returning for the second book and I can’t wait to read more about them in Violet In Private. They are all intriguing in their own way and very relatable. I was so engrossed in the story I read the book in one setting! Oh, Roger. I must know what happens next! ”

The Story Siren wrote this review Sunday, July 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Laura Bell, Michelle “Mac” Mackenzie and Ginger Fore have a lot to look forward to! These best friends will be starting their senior year and eagerly awaiting their invitations to Glass Slipper Club! Then they can officially start their debutante season as Rosebuds!

There is a prestigious selection process to become a Rosebud, and these girls need to behave like a debutante would. Unfortunately, Jo-Lynn Bidwill, the evil queen, is waiting on her invitation as well. Her mother happens to be the head of the selection committee, so you can almost guarantee Jo-Lynn’s name will be on the list. Jo-Lynn would love nothing more than to see Laura Bell out of contention for good, and she may just have her way.

What an enticing beginning to what I’m sure will be a fabulous series!! The Debs certainly left me craving more! I can’t wait to see what happens to these three girls! And I really hope Jo-Lynn gets what is coming to her. This was a fast read for me, but I think it definitely had to do with the fact that I was engulfed with the story! The chapters sort of alternate among the four girls, so you get a peek at each one’s life. That made the story so much more enjoyable for me. If you are looking for a fun read this summer, look no further than The Debs! I know I will be anxiously awaiting the release of the next book in the series Love, Lies and Texas Dips, coming June 2009! I seriously don’t think I can wait that long! ”

The Story Siren wrote this review Sunday, July 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“Hawthorne may be a sleepy seaside town, but historically it is known for the witch hunts that aspired there and the death of three women. Much like it’s neighboring town Salem. The town today, however, seems to be full of modern day bit****, I mean witches!

Maddie Crane has lived in Hawthorne her whole life and thanks to her mother she runs around with the girls that have everything, Kate, Darcy, Hannah and Bridget. They even have an exclusive “club” they all belong to, and they call themselves Sisters of Misery. Even though the girls are supposed to be Maddie’s best friends, she has never felt like she belonged. That is until her Aunt Rebecca and her cousin Cordelia come to live with her.

Rebecca and Cordelia are a breath of fresh air into Maddie’s life. She can’t help but be drawn to their free spirit and knowledge of runes and herbs. The Sisters of Misery, don’t exactly share the welcoming feeling toward the beautiful Cordelia the way that Maddie does. When Cordelia makes it clear that she doesn’t care what Sisters of Misery think of her, they are determined to make her pay.

After a ceremony conducted on the Island of Misery, Maddie finds herself at home in her bed, unable to remember the events the night before. Cordelia is nowhere to be found.

My initial reaction is.....Okay, WOW! Megan Kelley Hall where have you been my whole life. This was an incredible novel. I don’t even know where to start. Let’s start with characters. I’ve discovered the most evil person I’ve ever come across in literature and her name is Kate Endicott. I seriously hope that people aren’t that mean, but I’m sure somehow, somewhere there is a Kate clone. I hope I never met her. Maddie on the other hand, while initially I was a little annoyed with her character, my main reason being, why would you want to be friends with girls you didn’t even like! But I also understand that she was in a really tough situation and given her history with these girls, I wouldn’t have expected her to act any different. Who am I to pass judgement like that when, if I really think about it, I probably wouldn’t have had the guts to stand up to them either. By the end of the story my admiration for Maddie increased substantially. Now to the plot. Don’t even try to figure the ending out in this one folks, you will fail miserably! Every one of my theories was shot down one by one! It was that good. And the climax, totally stunned me! I’m still stunned hours later. One word UNFORGETTABLE! I’m more than thrilled to also discover a continuation of the story. The Lost Sister will be available August 2009!!

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The Story Siren wrote this review Friday, July 18 2008. ( reply | permalink )

2 of 2 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 3 stars

“Fern has always known she was a little different. She doesn’t look anything like her blonde haired twin Sam, they are often called the salt and pepper twins because of the difference in their hair color. Her eyes are very sensitive to the sun and she wears her "breakfast" sunglasses in the morning to protect them, a few minutes in the full sun and her skin swells with blisters and she has a strange habit of communicating with her dog.

Fern’s unusual qualities don’t make much sense until she finds out the truth behind her differences. She is a vampire, an Otherworldly to be exact.

Yet another take on the increasingly popular vampire lore. This was a very interesting and original idea. I really enjoyed Fern’s character and watching her come to terms with becoming an Otherworldly and finally learning to accept herself. I loved Kogler’s blending of vampire history and Greek mythology! Though initially the two topics seem to have nothing in common, the context in the story played nicely! The plot was fast paced and suspense filled. I was never quite quick enough to figure out what exactly was going on. I recommend this read to younger vampire fans”

The Story Siren wrote this review Tuesday, July 15 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Summary from ARC:

Samantha Hansen is ready to rock!

Ten year old Samantha Hansen is a mad scientist. Not the crazy kind– she doesn’t blow stuff up or mix up potions. She just loves science (especially rocks) and figuring out how the world around her works. But there are some things there just isn’t a scientific answer for, like why her bossy big sister can’t seem to keep her hands off Sam’s rock collection. Or why Sam can’t control her temper. And there are some bigger questions, too, like: Why did her father have to die, and why won’t her mom talk about him anymore?

When Sam’s mom announces an upcoming family trip to the Grand Canyon, it’s a dream come true. But it’s also a challenge: If Sam can’t learn to put a lid on her temper and ignore her irritating sister, she’s going to miss her chance to see one of the worlds biggest rocks, and maybe find out the answers to some of her questions.

I don’t usually read MG novels, but I might have to start incorporating more of them! I absolutely loved Samantha Hansen has Rocks in Her Head! It was such a cute and funny novel and it was also very moving. I couldn’t help but love Samantha’s character! I remember having my own rock collection and digging in the yard. I even had a rock tumbler that would make the rocks smooth and shiny! After finishing the book I was inspired to dig out my old rock collection! The plot itself is not only charming but it is multi layered. As well as Samantha’s constant hunger for learning about things around her, Viau also touches on a more serious note. Samantha finally is able to discuss the death of her father with her mother, and learns that having a big sister isn’t always a bad thing. I would absolutely recommend this as a great read to MG readers!
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The Story Siren wrote this review Sunday, July 6 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“The story picks up right were Vampire Academy left us. Rose and Lissa are still at St. Vladimir’s. Lissa and Christian are now together and Rose is still in love with her mentor/tutor, Dimitri. When a massive Strigoi attack halts everyone’s plans to travel home, St. Vladimir sends its students to a posh Idaho ski resort, so families can come together in a safe place.

But there seems to be a lot more drama happening on the slopes than Rose was expecting. Her good friend Mason has a huge crush on her, Rose’s mom pops unexpectedly back into her life, and Dimitri seems to have eyes for someone else. Not to mention the Strigoi continue to cause problems.

When Mason and two other fellow students go missing, Rose knows they went to find the Strigoi. Joining forces with Christian, they head off to find the trio and end up way over their heads......

Let me just start off by saying that I love Richelle! I started reading Frostbite and I completely devoured it in one sitting! Is it her writing, the characters, the plot? Maybe it is a combination of everything, but I get so captivated in the story that I don’t even see the pages getting thinner and the book coming to an end! In all seriousness, I really enjoy this series. It has everything that I like, vampires, humor, satire, action, romance, and suspense. I feel like I know the characters. I could defiantly see Rose growing throughout this novel and I can’t wait to see her grow even more. While the plot had many twists and turns, Meade kept it going at a fantastic pace! I may even like Frostbite better than Vampire Academy! This is a great vampire series and if you haven’t read it yet, I suggest that you do! I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next book Shadow Kiss, which will be available Nov. 13!


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The Story Siren wrote this review Sunday, July 6 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 3 stars

“There are three promises that the wolves of Wide Valley live by.
Never consort with humans.
Never kill a human unprovoked.
Never allow a mixed-blood wolf to live.

Kaala, a young wolf pup of mixed blood, must fight for her place in the Swift River Pack. Her mother was banished for having a mixed blood litter and Kaala is all but alone in a pack that doesn’t want her. Kaala is determined to be a part of the Swift River Pack, the last promise she made to her mother.

As Kaala grows she continues to be the cause of concern within the pack and is blamed numerous times when the pack falls on bad luck. Kaala also rescues a human from drowning breaking the wolf promise to never consort with humans. She continues to see her human that she calls Girl. Kaala and two of her other pack mates build a relationship with the humans and they hunt alongside them. It is then that Kaala learns the truth behind the three promises.

A war is brewing between humans and wolves and Kaala may be the only one who can stop it.

Promise of the Wolves is a beautifully written novel. I found myself becoming lost in the writing itself many times. The depictions of the wolf pack are both interesting and fascinating. It is obvious the level of research the author undertook to write such a realistic portrayal. The characterization and the dialogue were by far my favorite aspects. At times I found my attention waning. No one particular situation in the book really grabbed my attention. Although the plot was simple, it was still interesting. I will most likely continue to read the trilogy. I plan on giving this book three stars, but the writing itself would have a five star rating!
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The Story Siren wrote this review Thursday, July 3 2008. ( reply | permalink )