Review: The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

I’ve wanted to read The Name of the Star for a while but it never was on the top on my reading list. When I saw at the Library, I immediately grabbed. What drew me to In the Name of the Star was that it had my two favorite things- London and mystery. But I have to say, I am slightly disappointed by it.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Released September 29, 2011
Source of my copy:  The Library 

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago. 

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities. (Synopsis from goodreads.com)

 ------

It took me awhile to read The Name of the Star. Not because it was long but because the beginning was so slow. The first half of the book was all about how Rory is now in England and explaining British culture. While I did like learning new things about the British culture, I quickly grew bored of it. I remember thinking, “Yes, I understand. We are in London! Not America! Can we please move on?”

I did like how Maureen explained Jack the Ripper. You can tell that she really took her time researching the case. I especially like that she didn’t just dump all the information onto you in a single paragraph. She paces it out, revealing information only when Rory finds out for herself.

I liked Rory. I thought she was pleasant and witty. But she fell flat at times. At the end, I felt like she didn’t really do anything, that she was just there. The ‘just there’ feeling was something I got out of a lot of characters.

There is a little bit of ‘romance’ (if you even want to call it that). I felt it to be… frivolous. Like the only reason there was a love interest was for the sake of having a love interest. I felt zero chemistry between Rory and the love interest. I think the book could’ve done without it.

While The Name of the Star falls short of expectations, I do think this series has potential. It was slow start but the end has enough hook that it leaves you curious what the second book will entail. I have a feeling this will be a series you borrow, not own.

The Name of The Star gets <*><*><*>

Happy Reading,

Tor

Mag's Stacking the Shelves - 7/14/13

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly feature hosted over at Tynga's Reviews, where booklovers can share whatever awesome new reads they got in the week, whether purchased, borrowed, or gifted!

This week, I was able to go both to the library AND the bookstore, so I got lots of awesome new books that I'm really excited about!

FROM THE LIBRARY

-A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray: I've gotten this from the library before, but I've never actually started reading it. It looks good!

-Trickster's Girl by Hilari Bell: Another one that looks really cool!

-The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: I've seen this one absolutely EVERYWHERE, and I'm really excited to start it!

FROM THE BOOKSTORE: 

-The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour: Travel, bands, friendship love...looks perfect!

-The Lost Code by Kevin Emerson: I'm really really excited about this one. It looks awesome!!

-Dalek boomark!!! I love it.

What new books/bookish stuff did you get this week? Leave me a link in the comments!!

(:D)

~Mag

An Introduction

Hi everyone! My name is Tor and I will be a reviewer on Geek Chic Books! I am so excited to start posting my reviews and working with the ever so awesome Mag!

A Little About Myself-
My love of reading started at very young age. I've always preferred reading over everything else. My parents had to keep checking on me every night to make sure I was sleeping and not reading. I try to read every day no matter how hectic or busy my schedule is. I also enjoy editing pictures and playing clarinet.

Come check me out on Twitter, Goodreads, or send me an email at justabookishgirl@gmail.com

I am so happy to be joining Geek Chic Books!

Keep Reading,
Tor

We're Back (and better than ever!)

Hi everyone! It's been awhile since I've showed my face around here, I know, which is why I'm so very excited to announce...

I'm BACK!!!

That's right, starting now, Geek Chic Books will be up and running again regularly. As returning friends will see, the layout and design has changed--and it's so pretty I can't stop looking at it--to give us a fresh new start with a fresh new run of the blog. As you also may be able to see from looking around the blog, there's another piece of newness here, too--this one even more exciting!

A huge welcome to my new blogging partner, Tor!!

I'm so glad to have her here with me! With both of us around, there will be much more fun stuff than I can handle by myself. And besides that, Tor is simply fantastic! Be sure to drop her a comment to say hello, and keep an eye out for her posts, coming soon! You can also say hi to her on her Goodreads and Twitter accounts, and via email at justabookishgirl@gmail.com. (Oh, and while we're on the topic of Twitter, I have a new account, so be sure to follow me there!) We're both very excited to talk about books with you guys!

On that note, I'd like to announce the tentative new schedule for Geek Chic Books:

Monday: Review from Tor

Tuesday: Teaser Tuesday

Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday

Thursday: Review from Mag

Friday: Break day/any bonus posts

Saturday: Tor's Book Haul

Sunday: Mag's Book Haul

Finally, I'm ready to officially announce the re-opening of review requests. If you would like Tor or me to review your book, please send us an email at either mag.geekchic@yahoo.com or justabookishgirl@gmail.com. Please read the review request policy before emailing. 

And with that, I'd just like to say...

I'm so happy to be back, and happy reading!

(:D)

~Mag

Hiatus

Hey guys! So, more than likely you've figured this out (it's probably been pretty clear from the ridiculous lack of posting in...months) but I've decided to take a hiatus from Geek Chic Books.

While I loved--love--writing reviews, and talking about books, and participating in this awesome community, it began to feel like a major source of stress to be committed to posting however many times a week, and to feel guilty whenever I wanted to read a personal book over a review request, and I decided (as you may recall) to take a step back.

The step back went further than I intended. I've gotten really out of the habit of all the things I did for this blog and picked up new interests and activities (goodbye homeschooling, hello, public school--aka homework!) and this blog fell to the side of my life.

I fully intend to pick up book blogging again, hopefully soon. (Perhaps this summer?) I really hope that you guys are still hanging around when I get back :)

Thank you so much for your understanding, and happy reading!

Gossamer: Bookmark Blitz Tour

I'm so so so excited to take part in the Bookmark Blitz Tour for Gossamer by Renita Pizzitola!! Why? Well, as far as first impressions go, take a look at that title and cover. COULD EITHER OF THEM BE MORE FANTASTIC OR GORGEOUS?

And beyond that, Gossamer sounds like an AMAZING book. Not willing to take my word for it? Check it out!!

Blurb: 

Shouldn't all faerytales end with happily-ever-after? 

Kyla Ashbury is nearing her eighteenth birthday when a mysterious boy appears at school. Her instant attraction to him inexplicably awakens something inside her and she discovers her true identity.

Now, armed with the knowledge of her past, she is forced to leave behind the life she has always known for a new one filled with temptation, faery charm and magic, and a future she wasn't prepared for.

Kyla is left with a difficult decision…but no matter which path she chooses, someone will get hurt.

A Lyrical Press Young Adult Paranormal Romance

------ 

 Still not convinced by that fantastic synopsis? Check out an excerpt!!

“It’s kind of ironic our rendezvous point is at the corner of Magnolia and Pansy.” I chuckled. Grant looked at me and arched an eyebrow. He was so cute when he did that. “You know Pansy.” I got nothing. “It’s a joke. You know we are making our great, big, daring escape from Pansy Lane.” He still looked confused. I shook my head. “Never mind.” He didn’t press for an explanation. I shot him a sidelong glance. “Are all grants as serious as you?”

The corner of his mouth tugged up. “I can’t say all, but most grants are guards. Serious comes with the job.” 

“So, you’re a guard?” He nodded. “Hmm.” 

“Hmm, what?” A smile still played at the corners of his mouth. 

“I’m not surprised. You’re observant and cautious. Protective. But, I guess that comes with the job, too.” 

“Protective?” His tone doubtful as he repeated my word choice. “I don’t know about that. My job is to sense danger and act upon it if necessary. Safety--I provide safety. I think protectiveness is fueled by emotions, typically, and that goes beyond my job description.” 

I was taken aback by Grant’s comment. It seemed almost cold. “But, you told my parents you’d protect me?” 

We finally arrived at our destination and I could see Conor already waiting. Grant stopped and looked at me. 

“And I will,” he said and walked away. 

I was locked into place. My brain incapable of processing his comment and walking at the same time. Was that his way of saying he cared about me? Which really didn’t mean much. I cared about my friends, too. Oh, but I really wanted him to mean something more. Don’t read too much into it. I forced my mind to clear and approached the guys. 

Grant filled Conor in on Lexie’s plans to pick us up. He seemed to like the idea of not having to walk the entire way and I could have sworn he liked the idea of seeing Lexie one last time. 
The three of us stood silently waiting for her. The humid night air left my skin clammy. A few minutes later a black car pulled up alongside the curb. The tinted passenger window glided down and Lexie peered out at us.

“Need a ride?” She asked with a wicked grin. I grinned back. I was going to miss her. I opened the door and decided to let the boys fight over who got the front seat. Grant stopped me and told me to sit in the front. Although I’m sure he was being a gentleman, I had a strong feeling they didn’t want to deal with the onslaught of questions she was sure to have. 

They squished into the back and I climbed in. I pulled my seat up as far as possible, feeling sorry for Grant as he tried to contort into such a small space. I felt bad for Conor too, of course. 
As soon as we were buckled, Lexie’s car coasted onto the quiet street.

“Okay, first where to?” She looked at me expectantly. I glanced back at the boys. Grant spoke up giving her directions. She nodded, not even caring that we were asking her to drive us practically out of town. 

She laughed. “It’s pretty funny you’re making your big getaway from Pansy Lane.” 

“Thank you!” I over exaggerated my words and rolled my eyes at Grant. “See. Joke. Funny.” He grinned and shook his head. I faced front again as my heart fluttered from the adorable way he looked at me. 

Isn't that fantastic? I can't wait to read the whole thing!!

Renita Pizzitola writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. An avid reader herself, she has always enjoyed stories with witty humor, romance, and fascinating characters. Renita lives in Texas with her husband and two children. When not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and playing referee to her two typically adorable children.

Find Renita online:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Lyrical Press

Book Trailer

Buy Gossamer:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iTunes

(:D)

~Mag

Destiny: Bookmark Blitz Tour

Today's post is all about Destiny by Laura DeLuca! I have the cover, synopsis, and an excerpt right here...so check them out!!

Blurb: 

Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabriella and Darron at odds. 

There is more to the story than Gabriella and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabriella and Darron both come to terms with who they really are, and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.

------ 

Witches? Check. Repressed memories? Check. Evil warlock? Check. Hot guy with magical powers? CHECK. Need more convincing? Here's an excerpt!!

Her eyes scanned the room, from the pale blue sofa to the bloody dent in the wall. But she didn't need her eyes to know Darron was there. Her heart sensed his presence before her eyes saw him lying in a heap on the ground. His body shuddered with occasional spasms, and even though he wasn't fully conscious, his lips were twisted in a grimace of pain.

Uttering a gasp of surprise, Gabriella flew to his side. She knelt beside him, and choked back a sob as she took his hand in her own. She saw his chest rise and fall and was glad to know was alive, but she felt helpless as she watched his face contort in pain. She noticed something wet and sticky on her fingertips. She gently titled his head and saw a large gash that looked like it needed medical attention. The skin around the gash was so deeply bruised it looked almost black. 

"Darron, what happened to you?" 

He didn't move or reply. Gabriella moved her hand from the cut on his forehead, and her fingers dripped with blood. She bit her lower lip with fear. She knew enough about head injuries to know that the wound could be serious. She grabbed a few tissues from a box on the coffee table, and tried to apply pressure to the wound, but it was useless. The tissues were soaked through in seconds. 

"Darron?" She squeezed his hand, and fought back tears of fear and frustration. "Darron, please open your eyes. Please be all right!" 

He squirmed and groaned a little in response. Looking at his contorted features, Gabriella felt incompetent and useless. She didn't know what to do to help him. The cut must need stitches. The blood was gushing through her fingertips, and she was sure his life was slipping away just as quickly. 

More than anything, Gabriella wanted to help Darron, to end his suffering. Her thoughts, her desperation, caused something deep inside of her to stir. Something that had long been napping was awoken. The power she had fought so hard to deny was forcing its way to the surface. This time she didn't struggle against that power. Her instinct to hide from it was finally overcome by the thought of losing someone else she cared about. 

Gabriella was pulling strength and warmth from the earth, as though her legs were tree roots taking nourishment from the element. A tingling sensation began in the tips of her toes and spread slowly though her body as she breathed in the essence of the element of air. Her blood flowed and grew warm, the element of water, bringing the power to the surface. She was overcome by a vigorous strength as she envisioned her spirit encircled by the element of fire. She felt so powerful that she thought she could stop the world from churning if that was what she wished. Gabriella focused the power, remembering for a moment her mother's lessons. She looked down at her battered friend. She willed him to open his eyes and look at her. She demanded it of him. 

Gabriella would have thought it was impossible, but she felt herself grow warmer. Her face dripped with perspiration. The power within her reached a climax. Then finally, when she thought she might burst, she felt the energy release. It seeped through her fingers, and shined with an illumination that only she could see. She heard herself chanting unfamiliar words, and scarcely recognized her own voice. 

"By the power of earth, water, fire and air, 
Heal this man who's in my care.
Goddess, hear your daughter's plea. 
As I will it, so mote it be!" 

Gabriella repeated the words three times. Three was the number of power. Then she watched as the wound on Darron's forehead healed before her eyes, becoming smaller and smaller, until finally it was gone. The blood was still warm and sticky, but beneath the blood, the skin was smooth and unmarred. Even the horrible bruise had vanished. Gabriella stared in open astonishment, marveling at the work she had done.

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband 

and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it 

keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the 

sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an 

active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca 

for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny 

Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.

Find Laura Online! 

      Website 

     Facebook

      Twitter

    Goodreads

      Book Trailer

          
         Buy Destiny!
           Amazon
         Barnes & Noble

           Smashwords

(:D)

~Mag